Functional and Athletic: A Simple Take on Style

The 2024 model year marks the sixth generation of the Subaru Impreza, featuring numerous updates. One thing that remains unchanged is its appeal as a fun, sporty hatchback, now with standard all-wheel drive. However, this year sees the discontinuation of the sedan model and the manual transmission, a loss that saddens many enthusiasts. The decline in manual transmission sales made this decision somewhat inevitable, though.

On the positive side, the introduction of a new RS trim somewhat compensates for the absence of the manual transmission and sedan. This variant sports eye-catching design elements and a more potent engine. Additionally, it boasts an updated interior, including a larger infotainment touchscreen, standard across most models except the base version. After spending a week with the Impreza, we gathered some insights to share.

Exterior: The Sporty Hatchback Gets Even Sportier

The 2024 Impreza maintains a familiar silhouette but with notable enhancements. It features a more aggressive front design with an expanded grille and sharper lines that align perfectly with hot hatch aesthetics. This design hints at fun while remaining practical. The side and rear profiles reflect less dramatic alterations, maintaining a connection to the previous model.

Significant updates can be found in the new RS trim, which introduces unique design features, such as bold RS badges on the front doors and hatch, dark gray 18-inch alloy wheels, upgraded LED headlights, and a black grille complemented by matching side mirrors and spoilers. This adds a sporty flair, making the RS variant stand out.

Interior: A Series Of Modest Upgrades

Subaru’s focus on creating vehicles suitable for outdoor enthusiasts is evident in the Impreza’s interior design. It’s built for users who frequently deal with messy situations, like muddy boots or pet hair, and the materials used can withstand the rigors of an active lifestyle.

This emphasis on durability in the Impreza is a double-edged sword. It’s reassuring to know that the interior won’t suffer from wear due to the elements or spills, especially compared to vehicles featuring delicate trims. While these simple features may lack glamor, they are practical for everyday users.

While the Impreza’s interior is practical, it may lack visual appeal. Even in the top-tier RS model, enhancements such as gunmetal and imitation carbon fiber trims, black sport seats with red bolsters, and RS logos offer a stylish touch but might not rival the visual sophistication of competitors like the Honda Civic or Mazda 3. However, given the more durable materials, many may consider this a fair trade-off.

Seating: Room For Five, But Just Barely

Officially designed to seat five, the Impreza is more comfortable with four occupants, considering its compact size. For families seeking a larger vehicle, other options in the market may be more suitable. Nevertheless, four adults can fit reasonably well for everyday travels. The front sports seats provide comfort and support, allowing for extended periods of driving without discomfort.

During our test drive with four adults, including a taller passenger, the front seat was adjusted to provide ample legroom, ensuring that those in the back could sit comfortably without feeling cramped. While the rear seats might not be ideal for long road trips, they suit day-to-day use quite well.

* with optional moonroof; +1.1 inches without

Cargo: Big Room From A Little Car

Hatchbacks are often favored for their cargo-carrying capabilities, as opposed to sedans that may struggle with larger items. The Impreza provides 20.4 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats, expanding to 56 cubic feet when the seats are folded down.

While this storage capacity is generous, it doesn’t surpass the cargo space found in the Honda Civic hatchback, which offers more with 24.5 cubic feet. The Toyota Corolla hatchback is slightly less at 17.8 cubic feet, unless the spare tire is removed, which gives it an edge over the Impreza. Although the Subaru may not lead its class in cargo capacity, it’s still a practical choice for those needing to transport items regularly.

Infotainment: A Larger Screen For The Top Trims Only

The Impreza features an upgrade in infotainment, introducing Subaru’s Starlink multimedia system with an 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, although this upgrade is not available on the base model, which has a dual seven-inch setup with wired smartphone connectivity.

Regardless, the larger screen is advantageous for several reasons, including wireless smartphone connectivity, contributing to a cleaner cabin layout by eliminating cord clutter. Moreover, the bigger screen enhances ease of use for navigating through apps and directions, while also adding visual appeal, as single-screen setups are becoming more common.

Powertrain: A Choice Of Two Gas Engines

The Impreza offers a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque for the Base and Sport trims. The RS includes a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder boasting 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. All models are equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), but the Sport and RS trims feature an eight-speed manual mode and paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience. Notably, no manual transmission is available, and standard all-wheel drive is included on all variants.

• 

  Impreza Base Model

  Engine

  2.0L Flat 4 Gas

  Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Transmission

  Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)

  Horsepower

  152 hp

  Torque

  145 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm

• 

  Impreza RS

  Engine

  2.5L Flat 4 Gas

  Drivetrain

  All-Wheel Drive

  Transmission

  Continuously Variable Automatic (CVT)

  Horsepower

  182 hp

  Torque

  178 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm

Although both engines perform adequately, the RS’s powertrain certainly adds to the fun factor. The extra power, paired with paddle shifters, elevates the driving experience, transforming the Impreza into more of a hot hatch. Despite its higher price point, the RS trim appeals to those with a performance preference. Fortunately, both engines offer competitive fuel economy, with the base engine achieving an EPA estimate of 27/34/30 MPG (city/highway/combined), while the more powerful engine sees only a slight decrease of one MPG across the board.

Driving Impressions: Sporty – But Not A True Hot Hatch

During our time with the RS trim, we experienced what is currently the most performance-oriented variant of the Impreza. It certainly looks the part with its distinct RS badging and sporty interior. On the road, however, while the 2.5-liter engine is responsive, allowing for smooth merges in heavy traffic, the driving experience falls short of being truly exhilarating.

The Impreza utilizes a dual-pinion electronic power steering system akin to that found in the performance-centric WRX, further enhancing its handling dynamics. Subaru has also boosted the torsional rigidity in the Impreza by 10%, resulting in improved suspension performance. This upgrade translates to a more comfortable ride, particularly over bumps and irregularities on the road, along with contributing to a quieter cabin experience compared to the previous generation.

Conclusion: Pricing and Verdict

The 2024 Subaru Impreza brings forth numerous small updates, enhancing its reputation as a practical hatchback. Although the elimination of the sedan has disappointed some, the hatchback remains surprisingly spacious. Before dismissing it as too compact, potential buyers should take it for a test drive and check rear seat comfort — it indeed offers more space than it seems.

The absence of a manual transmission is more difficult to overlook, as part of the enjoyment in driving a sporty hatchback involves the experience of shifting gears manually. This tactile engagement is something paddle shifters can’t fully replicate. However, the RS trim remains enjoyable and spirited.

With a starting price of $22,995 (excluding $1,120 in destination fees), the Base trim is attractively priced. The Sport model retails for $24,995, while the RS is priced at $27,885. This keeps the entire lineup under $30,000, making the Impreza an appealing option for first-time buyers and those on a budget. It’s advisable to consider the Sport trim for enhanced infotainment features and a better overall cabin experience, or go for the RS for performance enthusiasts. Although it may not position itself as the most powerful hatchback available, the Subaru Impreza balances performance, comfort, and affordability, making it a versatile choice for various needs.