2024 Subaru Impreza

The Subaru Impreza, now only available as a five-door hatchback with all-wheel drive, undergoes a redesign for 2024, with updated and more angular styling, numerous upgrades and the reintroduction of the sporty RS model for its sixth generation. Calling it all-new might be a stretch though, as it shares its chassis and several similarities to the last-generation model it replaces. In its defense, that chassis has been strengthened quite a bit and the commonalities do not detract from the Impreza’s overall excellence.

The biggest change aside from aesthetic differences (a more prominent hexagonal grille and narrower headlights, which gives it a sportier appearance than its predecessor. In the back there are flared fenders the RS trim has side skirts), is the streamlined lineup. Now it’s only available as a hatchback in Base ($22,995, not including fees), Sport ($24,995) and that new-for-2024 RS ($27,885) trim levels.

Admittedly, there are few hatchbacks to pit against the new Impreza, but the Honda Civic and Mazda3 are imposing in their own right, though they do cost more and the Civic is not offered with AWD. The Mazda does, but only on the costlier trim levels. Other alternatives such as the Volkswagen Golf GTI and Golf R are even more expensive. Compared to all of these, the Impreza represents a relative bargain before you even consider that AWD is standard throughout the lineup.

Historically, the Impreza and indeed most Subarus have held an advantage over the competition by including AWD. Not surprisingly, that makes them very popular in weather-prone regions and they’re the de facto official vehicle for the northwest and northeast. The improved traction on slippery roads is a big advantage over its front-drive hatchback rivals, but it’s also a huge perk for drivers that enjoy handling performance. Under the hood, the base and Sport trims continue with the same 152-horsepower engine as last year. The revived RS model steps up to a 182-hp 2.5-liter engine.

 Thankfully, that performance doesn’t come at the expense of comfort as the Impreza remains agreeable on rougher roads. The reintroduced top RS trim is our pick in the lineup whether or not you prioritize performance. For a reasonable price premium over the supporting trims, you’ll get several desirable features and a negligible decrease in fuel economy.

While the 2024 Subaru Impreza isn’t radically different from its predecessor, it is noticeably better. As a result, it competes on an equal footing against its more expensive competition. You owe it to yourself to check it out, even if you don’t think you fit in with the active outdoorsy core audience. The Impreza is a legitimately good economy hatchback that delivers more than you’d expect.

Performance: 12/15

The 2024 Subaru Impreza is available with one of two engine choices. The Base and Sport trims are powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. The RS trim upgrades to a 2.5-liter engine that makes 182 hp and 178 pound-feet of torque. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) sends power to all four wheels.

We drove the new RS model and were surprised by the CVT’s quick response. Typically, those transmissions have slow reactions and tend to make cars feel lethargic, but that’s not the case here. This feels more like a traditional automatic and the CVT keeps from emitting the typical engine drone by adding simulated gear shifts. The Sport and RS also come with paddle shifters for even more control.

The Impreza corners with more athleticism than the average economy car, thanks in large part to standard all-wheel drive that greatly improves traction. Even if sporty handling isn’t your thing, the Impreza’s surefootedness on slick roads is a standout in the class.

Fuel Economy: 10/15 

The Base and Sport Impreza with the 2.0-liter engine is rated by the EPA to return 27 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 30 mpg in combined driving. The RS’ 2.5-liter engine is estimated just 1 mpg lower in each metric. These figures miss the mark set by the Honda Civic by as much as 5 mpg, but it’s important to note that the Civic isn’t offered with AWD. The Mazda3 is one of the few in the class that does, and fuel economy is comparable to the Impreza.

While the Impreza’s fuel economy estimates aren’t all that impressive, its range is. With a 16.6-gallon tank, it’s possible to extract almost 500 miles on the highway. That’s an advantage for adventure-bound owners since they won’t have to worry so much about planning for fuel stops. Even better, the Impreza doesn’t require premium unleaded.

Safety & Driver Assistance Tech: 12/15

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have published crash test results for the new Impreza, but the five-door was an IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) Top Safety Pick and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave it five out of five stars. Considering it uses a strengthened version of its predecessor’s chassis, we expect the 2024 model to at least match the last generation’s strong scores.

Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety features comes with all Impreza models and includes frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist. The Sport model adds the Starlink communications features that includes automatic collision notification and emergency or non-emergency roadside assistance. The top RS model tops off the features list with a blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert and automatic emergency steering that will steer the vehicle out of the way of trouble if there is space to maneuver.

Comfort & Room: 13/15

There’s plenty of space up front for larger and taller passengers and the seats are well-contoured for comfort over long distances. Subaru doesn’t offer leather seat upholstery, but the cloth coverings get nicer as you climb up through the trim levels. The top RS trim adds some racy red accents, too. Heated front seats are available as an option on the Sport and standard with the RS. Ventilated or cooled seats are not available. 

The rear seats have an abundance of head- and legroom (38 inches and 36.5 inches, respectively) and should accommodate taller occupants with ease. By comparison, the Impreza delivers more rear headroom than the Honda Civic or Mazda3 hatchbacks (37.1 and 37.3 inches), but legroom and lateral space is about average (the Civic has a bigger 37.4 inches, while the Mazda is only 35.1 inches in the back).

Infotainment: 11/15

The base Impreza comes with two 7-inch infotainment displays, but the Sport and RS graduate to an impactful 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included and come wireless in the top trims. Subaru doesn’t offer a native navigation system, but knowing that most drivers are now using their phones for that, we don’t see that as a drawback. Subaru’s Starlink system is also included with the Sport and RS trims, bringing a Wi-Fi hotspot as well as remote vehicle monitoring and control via a smartphone app. The RS trim adds a wireless charging pad and is eligible for an optional 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system ((which is part of a $2,070 option package).

The infotainment system has a slight delay in responding to inputs but we’re pleased with the layout and design of the on-screen controls. The buttons are large and easy to use with a quick glance and the secondary climate controls are always situated at the bottom of the screen for consistency’s sake. We’re especially happy that Subaru included physical buttons and knobs for the commonly used volume, tuning and temperature adjustments. A grippier phone tray would be a welcome addition, though.

Cargo Space & Storage: 15/15

The Impreza’s cargo area can accommodate up to 20.4 cubic-feet of luggage, which trails the Honda Civic hatchback by about 4 cubic-feet but is comparable to the Mazda3’s capacity (20.1 cubes in the hatchback). Folding the rear seats increases the volume to 56 cubes, but those seatbacks don’t fold flat to the cargo floor and will require some additional lifting for longer objects. There’s easily more room than the Mazda’s 47.1 cubes.

For smaller personal items, there are plenty of well-sized bins, pockets and cup holders. Subaru is quick to point out that numerous larger drink bottles and flasks can fit throughout the interior, which should be a hit with active outdoorsy owners.

Those owners are also well served by sturdy rooftop anchor points for any number of aftermarket racks and carriers. That’s good since it seems like most Subarus have either bicycles, kayaks or cargo boxes on top at all times. Large flat footholds are positioned in the door jambs give you a handy step-up to access the entire roof, too.

Style & Design: 7/10

The 2024 Impreza features a more prominent hexagonal grille and narrower headlights, giving it a slightly sportier and more aggressive appearance than its predecessor. Around the back, flared fenders accentuate its sporty stance and the RS trim takes it even further with side skirts that suggest a more hunkered-down ride height. Among rivals, it looks a bit more rugged than the Honda Civic and Mazda3 hatchbacks.

The interior isn’t drastically different from the last generation in terms of layout and styling, but the larger 11.6-inch touchscreen in higher trims adds a distinct high-tech impression. Materials quality is on par with the latest economy sedans and hatchbacks, with well padded areas where you’re likely to regularly come in contact. At least in our low-mileage test vehicle, there were not detectable cracks (or any creaking) and the overall construction feels sturdy. The rear passenger space uses much more hard plastic for durability and is typical for the class.

Is the 2024 Subaru Impreza Worth it? Which Impreza is the Best Value? 

With a starting price range that starts at $24,085 (including $1,090 destination fees) and tops out at $28,975 for the RS model, the 2024 Subaru Impreza represents a relative bargain in the class. That advantage grows when you consider that all-wheel drive is standard while the Honda Civic doesn’t offer it and it’s an option with the Mazda3. In the Impreza lineup, we suggest checking out the more powerful RS trim since it’s not significantly more expensive and the slightly lower fuel economy is negligible.

AWD really is the biggest advantage the Impreza enjoys. It’s a valuable asset in weather-prone regions and also a game changer in regard to the hatchbacks’ sporty driving dynamics. This is one of those cases where you get everything you’d expect, plus a few bonuses to drive the point home.

The 2024 will be produced in Japan and arrive at dealerships this summer.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure the 2024 Subaru Impreza?

The Subaru Impreza should cost a little less to insure than most of its peers. According to our data, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record can expect an average annual premium starting at $1,877 and hitting over $2,015 for top trims, though this averages all 50 states. By comparison, the Honda Civic averages $2,100, the Mazda3 $2,138 and the Volkswagen GTI $2,141. For a more accurate picture of your potential insurance expenses, visit our car insurance calculator.