First Drive: 2024 Subaru Impreza RS Boasts Fresh Styling, More Power

It splits the difference between the base trims and performance-focused WRX

Jeff S. Bartlett, Consumer Reports Managing Editor, Autos.

By Jeff S. Bartlett
Managing Editor, Autos

Updated January 8, 2024

Update: Since this first drive was originally published in May, 2023, we finished testing the Subaru Impreza. Read the complete Subaru Impreza road test.

The redesigned sixth-generation Subaru Impreza remains true to the established formula. So much so that some study is needed to spot the exterior changes. The upside is that a gentle evolution makes for a predictable car. If you liked the last Impreza, you will like this a wee bit more.

The most notable change is that the new Impreza is offered strictly as a hatchback; there is no longer a sedan version, or an available manual transmission.

And the trim range is simplified to Base, Sport, and RS. Premium and Limited have been omitted from the 2024 roster.

The RS trim returns after a long hiatus. It serves as a step up from the Sport—with the notable addition of a larger, more powerful engine—once again bridging the gap between the mainstream Imprezas and the performance-oriented, turbocharged WRX.

And, of course, every Impreza comes with all-wheel drive, as does every Subaru other than the rear-wheel-drive BRZ sports coupe.

Following industry customs, the new Impreza boasts a larger, available infotainment screen and enhanced safety features, expanding its EyeSight suite of driver assistance and active safety systems and making it standard.

A redesigned Crosstrek, essentially a lifted Impreza, reached dealerships first with the base and Premium trims this spring, followed by the Sport and Limited in summer 2023, when the Impreza begins to roll out.

We rented an Impreza RS from Subaru to gain early experience with this freshened model. (Also see our 2024 Subaru Crosstrek first drive.)

If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Subaru Impreza is available to you below. We since purchased our own mode, completed 2,000 break-in miles, and put the Subaru Impreza through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members have access to the full road-test results.

If you haven’t signed up to be a member yet, click below and become a member to access this full article and all our exclusive ratings and reviews for each vehicle we buy and test. Joining also gives you full access to exclusive ratings for the other products our experts evaluate in several categories, including electronics and home appliances.

Sign up for CR’s Cars email newsletter to be notified when we post our latest road-test results.

What we rented: 2024 Subaru Impreza RS
Powertrain: 182-hp, 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine; continuously variable transmission; all-wheel drive
MSRP: $27,885
Destination fee: $1,090
Total cost: $28,975

Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

Jeff S. Bartlett

Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett