We drive the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS and find out if it's a JUNIOR WRX?

The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS has a nameplate that we haven’t seen since the 2.5 RS in 1998, the good news is it's back with new styling, a bigger engine, and some nifty features. For 2024 Subaru has intentionally simplified its Impreza line-up, the sedan is gone and there are three trims, and two engines, both with CVTs. The most inexpensive is the Base model, then the Sport, and finally this new RS version.

With this new design, Subaru hasn’t changed the dimensions of their smallest all-wheel-drive car, it retains the same wheelbase, length, and ground clearance as the previous generation, but it's a little taller and heavier. Subaru has stiffened the body structure by 10  percent and added more sound deadening, which makes the Impreza a little easier on the ears.

It also has a newer dual-pinion electric power steering rack, similar to the one used in the WRX, which has lightened the steering effort somewhat. Subaru has also switched to an electronic brake booster, which has resulted in a lighter pedal effort.

Finally, brake-based torque vectoring, previously only offered on more expensive Imprezas, is now standard across the updated three-trim lineup. That lineup consists of the base Impreza, the Sport, and this one the RS RS.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:30 What's New
1:21 Exterior
2:01 Cargo Space
2:22 Under The Hood
3:05 Price
3:36 Interior
6:34 Driving
16:11 Verdict

The 2.5-liter engine puts out 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque which kicks in at 3,700 rpm some  700 rpm lower than before. This is similar to the unit that can be found in the Crosstrek's upgraded Sport trim and Wilderness models,

All 4 wheels are driven, and it uses a CVT transmission with an eight-speed manual mode, sadly though, Subaru has killed the manual option. It's still not quick, 0-60 takes 7.8 seconds which is 1.2 seconds faster than the outgoing model, and for those with a lighter right foot can expect 33 mpg on the highway.

2024 Subaru Impreza RS Numbers

BASE PRICE: $27,885
PRICE AS TESTED: $31,045
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
ENGINE: 2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve flat-4
POWER: 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm
TORQUE: 176 lb-ft @ 3,700 rpm
TRANSMISSION: Continuously variable automatic
CURB WEIGHT: 3,275 lb
0-60 MPH: 7.8 seconds
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON: 26/33/29 mpg
OUR OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY 24.6 mpg
CARGO SPACE: 20.4 cubic feet, 56 cubic feet with seats folded.
PROS: 2.5-liter engine makes for zippy progress, tidy handling
CONS: No manual, needs more power