The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS is a weirdly nostalgic car. For those of us old enough to remember the late 90s, the "RS" badge carries a specific kind of weight. It reminds you of gold wheels, rally-bred suspension, and a time when Subaru was the scrappy underdog punching way above its weight class in the World Rally Championship.
When Subaru announced they were bringing back the RS for the sixth-generation Impreza, everyone got excited. People expected a "WRX Lite." They wanted a turbocharged engine or at least a manual transmission.
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Honestly? You won't find either here.
But that doesn’t mean the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS is a letdown. It’s just misunderstood. Instead of being a budget rally car, it’s basically the ultimate practical hatchback for people who live in places where the weather actually happens. It’s the car you buy when you want to feel a little bit of that old-school Subaru spirit while still having a warranty and a screen that actually works with your iPhone.
The 2.5-Liter Reality Check
The biggest story with the RS is what’s under the hood. While the Base and Sport trims stick with the 152-horsepower 2.0-liter engine, the RS gets a 2.5-liter Boxer unit. It pumps out 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque.
Is it fast? No. Not really.
If you’re coming from a Volkswagen GTI or a Honda Civic Si, the 0-60 mph time of roughly 7.6 to 7.8 seconds will feel adequate, but never thrilling. However, the difference between this and the base 2.0-liter engine is massive. On the highway, you actually have enough grunt to pass that slow-moving semi without having to plan your life three miles in advance.
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Subaru also threw in a dual-pinion electronic power steering rack. This is a big deal because it’s the same basic hardware found in the WRX. It makes the front end feel significantly more "alive" than the old Impreza. You turn the wheel, and the car actually goes where you point it, minus the rubbery, disconnected feeling that plagues most economy cars.
Real World Fuel Economy vs. The Specs
One thing people always worry about with all-wheel drive is the gas bill. Subaru claims the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS gets about 29 mpg combined—26 in the city and 33 on the highway.
In my experience, those city numbers are a bit optimistic if you have a heavy foot.
- Highway cruising: You can actually hit 34-35 mpg if you're steady.
- Heavy City Traffic: Expect closer to 21-22 mpg.
- The "AWD Tax": You're basically trading 2-3 mpg compared to a front-wheel-drive Corolla for the peace of mind that you won't get stuck in a driveway after six inches of snow.
A Cabin Built for People, Not Instagram
The interior of the RS is... very Subaru.
It's functional. It's durable. It has red stitching and some "carbon fiber-ish" trim to let you know it’s the sporty one. But the focal point is the 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen.
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Some people hate that the climate controls are buried in the screen. I get it. It’s annoying to look away from the road just to turn down the AC. Subaru did keep physical buttons for temperature and volume knobs, though, which is a saving grace. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard here, and they fill up that massive screen beautifully.
The seats in the RS are worth a mention. They’re "Sport" seats with red bolsters, but more importantly, they are way more supportive for long drives than the old ones. Subaru worked with medical researchers to design seats that reduce head sway. It sounds like marketing fluff until you take a three-hour road trip and realize your lower back doesn't feel like it’s been through a blender.
The Hatchback Utility
Subaru killed the Impreza sedan for 2024. It’s hatchback only now.
This was a smart move. You get 20.4 cubic feet of space with the seats up, but it expands to 56 cubic feet when you fold them down. That’s enough to fit a mountain bike (with the front wheel off) or a very ambitious Costco run.
What Nobody Tells You About the CVT
We have to talk about the transmission. It’s a Lineartronic CVT.
Car enthusiasts love to complain about CVTs because they can feel "rubbery" or make the engine drone like a lawnmower. Subaru has been doing this longer than almost anyone else, and this version is actually quite good. It has "steps" programmed into it to mimic an 8-speed automatic.
In the RS, you get paddle shifters. Using them actually makes a difference when you’re going down a steep hill and want some engine braking, or if you just want to feel involved on a twisty backroad. It’s not a dual-clutch gearbox, but it’s far from the worst transmission on the market.
Is the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS Worth the Extra Cash?
The RS starts at a higher price point than the Sport, but you aren't just paying for the badge. You’re getting:
- The Engine: The 2.5L is the engine this car should have always had.
- The Safety Tech: Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert are standard on the RS, whereas they are options on lower trims.
- The Vibes: Dark gray 18-inch wheels, RS badging, and those red interior accents.
If you just need a commuter car, the Base model is fine. But if you actually enjoy driving—or if you live in a mountainous area where the 2.0L engine would struggle—the RS is the only trim that makes sense.
Actionable Tips for Potential Buyers
Before you head to the dealership, keep these three things in mind:
- Check the Harman Kardon Upgrade: The standard speakers are "meh." The RS has an optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon system. If you value audio quality, it’s worth the package price, which usually includes the moonroof.
- Drive it on a Rough Road: The 2024 model has a 10% stiffer chassis and more structural adhesive. You won't feel this on a smooth highway, but take it over some potholes. The car feels much more solid and premium than the previous generation.
- Don't Expect WRX Speeds: I can't stress this enough. If you want a rocket ship, go buy a WRX. If you want a reliable, safe, and slightly punchy daily driver that laughs at snowstorms, the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS is your car.