2024 Subaru Impreza Gains Fresh Styling, Sporty RS Version

Following Subaru tradition, its redesigned Impreza doesn’t stretch much beyond the current car. The benefit to that strategy tends to be strong reliability. In this case, the outgoing Impreza has just average reliability of late. The other benefit, of course, is reduced development and manufacturing costs, which can help this smaller automaker compete with higher-volume competitors. 

The car itself is just what you would expect, with freshened styling, a larger screen, and a few more features. The welcome return of the RS promises to bring a bit of fun back to the main Impreza line. And as the BRZ and WRX prove, Subaru does know about fun. The real twist is that the sedan body style has been retired. With the market so focused on SUVs of all shapes and sizes, this isn’t a complete surprise. 

The exterior features bolder front and rear fender flares and thinner headlights, evocative of the recently redesigned WRX sedan. Otherwise, the styling closely resembles the outgoing car. Looking at the wheel arches, it is easy to envision them dressed with black plastic for the upcoming Crosstrek variant. 

The Sport brings fog lamps and a rear spoiler. We expected the RS to be further distinguished, especially as the old RS was quite extroverted, complete with a hood scoop. 

The cabin holds close to the current interior of the Impreza and other Subarus. Generally this means a straightforward approach with many physical buttons and controls, traditional analog gauges, and a familiar lever-style gear selector.  A dual-zone climate system is standard across the line.

The Sport adds an 11.6-inch center infotainment screen, bringing a bit of flash to the dash. This system has been one of the few usability low points in other Subaru models that we have tested. It comes with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The RS upgrades the infotainment system to include a Harman Kardon premium stereo. Plus it brings two-tone seat upholstery, aluminum pedals, a 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, and power moonroof.

Most trims are fitted with a carryover 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine with 152 horsepower, matched to a continuously variable transmission. 

The outgoing car with a CVT returned 30 mpg overall in CR’s tests—good for an all-wheel-drive car. 

The RS trim brings a 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine that promises more verve. With the added displacement comes a notable increase in torque, rising from a meager 145 lb.-ft. to 178 lb.-ft. This engine is optional in the Crosstrek, where we found it to be responsive. We appreciated the extra oomph.

Both the Sport and RS have a manual mode with the transmission that moves the gearing through essentially eight speeds, controlled via steering-wheel paddle shifters. Sadly, there is no true manual transmission. 

All versions benefit from a stiffer body and a version of the WRX electronic power steering system. The suspension on the Sport and RS is tuned for sportier handling.

All Imprezas come with the latest version of EyeSight, Subaru’s suite of active safety systems. The automaker claims this version works faster and under a wider range of conditions than before, aided by a wider field of view and new software. It can now detect pedestrians and cyclists sooner. 

There is a standard rear-seat reminder that alerts the driver to check the back seat for a child or pet when exiting. 

The RS adds blind spot warning, lane keeping assistance, rear cross traffic alert, and automatic emergency steering, which aids in avoiding collisions under 50 mph.