2024 Subaru Impreza | MotorWeek Road Test

[@Yormsane]

When are manufacturers going to realise no one wants their climate controls buried in touchscreens? Big chunky aluminum knobs, please. Much simpler and safer to use.

[@growingup4487]

focus groups of gen z's say otherwise

[@robertknight4672]

That's one of the many reasons I bought a 2023 Subaru Forester. has the touch screen climate control hadn't quite trickled-down to that model yet. I have a feeling next year the forest will be a new generation and have this awful screen.

[@ZeGermanHam]

I agree, and that's one of the reasons why I bought a new '23 Crosstrek in January before the '24 Crosstrek hit dealer lots five months later. The '23 still has physical knobs and buttons for all HVAC functions. In the '24, you have to wait for the infotainment to boot up before you can change fan speed, vent selection, etc. It's a bad way to do things.

[@BaldKiwi117]

​@@robertknight4672same! Just recently got my forester wilderness

[@DavyHoward]

​@@ZeGermanHam😅

[@johnnyappleseed9568]

Wrx didn’t need its own body style, this looks way better & they would have saved money on development

[@growingup4487]

same chassis platform, just different styling

[@raymondhachmishvili2483]

the WRX looks miles better

[@tortuga7160]

​​@@raymondhachmishvili2483 Do you smell burning toast?

[@27Zangle]

I remember 8.1 seconds to 60 being rather quick back in the '80s and '90s. Even the cars looked more dramatic doing so back in the day. Now though, 8.1 looks so painfully slow.

[@KeithSchwerin]

Even in the late 90's that was slow unless you had a crappy 4spd slush box. A manual Escort in the late 90's was pushing 130HP and still did 7.4-7.6.

[@DroneStrike1776]

My 2000 (1999-2000 only) Civic Si did 7.1 and it was all theater with the 8000 rpm redline. My 1988 Mazda RX7 GXL did it in 7.7 seconds. Cars now are pretty boring unless you pay big money. Everything is so muted because of these non car enthusiast focus groups. My Mazda3 awd hatchback does it in 7.5 according to MW, and 7.2 Car and Driver, pretty slow, but fast enough. It is so quiet that I had to put in a K&N for some induction noise. They made a good chassis, but paired it with eco tires that can't grip, and one of heaviest 18x7 wheels fitted to a modern car at 31lbs each, killing it's performance. They could've gave it lighter wheels and a tad more power with the 13:1 CR engine, but the focus groups are allergic to fun. Car companies need to bring back the slow fun cars.

[@msmarshall854]

IMPORTANT NOTE: The IMPREZA is the last sedan/hatchback to have good all around visibility. All other cars have garbage-visibility nowadays.

[@zergilli9719]

People don't realize how important this is. Subaru designs for visibility..

[@MikeYurbasovich]

You are incorrect.

[@ftr911drvr]

It's so odd the Impreza is hatchback only and the WRX is sedan only

[@lfsracer79]

4:30 The reason for the long braking distance is the tires, not the brakes.

[@growingup4487]

You think the average consumer knows that?

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@growingup4487 Pure laziness, and the desire to have manufacturers/Governments tell us the little details? Is what's killing the FUN out of our vehicles.

[@tedunguent156]

@@growingup4487 YOU are the average consumer. So, yes.

[@parmesanforpresident4156]

It makes sense because the tires that come on the car are probably going to be replaced with an identical set later on. It makes no sense for them to tell us "The braking takes 127 feet, except all the times it stops shorter and all the times it stops longer due to the tire choice." It makes the most sense to test on the factory tires.

[@ZeGermanHam]

Interesting that the previous gen Crosstrek with the same 182hp 2.5L engine is quicker to 60mph, has a quicker 1/4mi ET, and stops from 60-0mph roughly 20ft shorter than this Impreza RS.

[@BaldKiwi117]

If I had to guess it was due to tires and lower drive ratio.

[@ZeGermanHam]

@@BaldKiwi117 That's a good observation, but I wouldn't think that the Falken ZIEX ZE001 A/S tires that came on the 2023 Crosstrek Limited would stop better than what comes on the '24 Impreza RS. The '23 Crosstrek Limited that MotorWeek tested stopped from 60mph in 110ft, and did 0-60mph in the mid-7s. Same engine in both cars. They do have different transmission "gearing", so maybe that explains the acceleration differences, but not braking differences.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

Probably weighs more due to government safety standards and other unnecessary technology that isn't needed or wanted by most true car people

[@moejr1974]

The fact that my 2021 Crosstrek sport clocked faster than this car really shocks me.

[@FrozenDonut13]

What the weight of this compared to the previous gen Crosstrek? Was the 0-60 time you're comparing it too was on the Manual or CVT transmission?

[@Sklounst_Actual]

3:12 OMG that base infotainment system hahaha

[@rhythm_is_life]

Amazing how low-res it looks even without zooming in on the screens

[@TimJoseph08031990]

Unfortunately, the manual transmission was eliminated, because it would return poor fuel economy. Yes, CVT improves fuel economy, but not everyone wants a CVT. Basically if you want a Subaru with a manual transmission, the BRZ or the WRX are your only options.

[@LLG47]

I thought it was because they wanted to put eyesight in everything, and did not want to design it for manual. Same reason there is no more manual crosstrek even though it sold at like 15% with a manual.

[@Wrang15]

And it's only the bottom trim of the WRX.

[@SeanRosairo]

@@LLG47 now they have eyesight for the manual wrx and brz.

[@SkaBob]

182HP isn't much of a gain, a 1999 2.5RS Impreza did 0-60 in 7.1 seconds, this one is slower with 8.1. This car really needs a turbo and the RS badge doesn't mean anything. They should dump the CVT and goto a standard 6-8 speed automatic, they last much longer and give a better driving experience. They do offer a 6 speed auto in the BRZ, everything else has the CVT.

[@SINE382]

Honestly what I’d rather want from this rs is a detuned version of the 2.4l in the brz even a naturally aspirated 4cyl with 200hp and the 6sp auto from the brz would be a fun alternative that doesn’t take away from the wrx but rather compliments it by being a totally different power delivery

[@mitchellkalina8191]

I think it's hilarious that the new CVT's have paddle shifters, completely undoing the whole purpose of the CVT.

[@ZeGermanHam]

Most people don't use them, including myself. However, they can be useful when you want to put it into manual mode and hold a "gear" when either going up or down a steep grade, or when using X-Mode to get through deep mud or snow. So they only get used rarely, but are nice to have and they don't get in the way the rest of the time.

[@Jeff_S...]

I think it's hilarious they want $25-30K for a basic import compact hatchback. Every auto manufacturer is going to go out of business and electric isn't going to save them. Progress!

[@cgreenfield6655]

Dear Subaru, please stop with the CVT across your lineup and make this car have a manual option

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Especially since the RS of yesteryear had the manual option(Not to mention the rear LSD).

[@JibWangson]

Dear US consumers, you gave up driving manual cars, so we killed it.

[@BaldKiwi117]

So they can sell half a dozen? I love manual cars but they just don't sell enough to keep production

[@cgreenfield6655]

@@BaldKiwi117 they'll sell quite a few actually....like 120. 😂😂😂

[@RetroKingOG]

Unfortunately the majority no longer wants manual transmissions. As much as you may want one, Subaru only manages to sell 20% of their normal yearly sales compared to 75 to 80% automatics. They are actually losing money on manuals, because everyone wants a more fuel efficient focused Subaru.

[@KeithSchwerin]

If that 2.5 had like 200-220HP and a manual 6spd I'd very likely have looked at one for a great daily. Instead, it's just a 2013 Altima with a hatch and AWD.

[@fikes73]

A true RS would have the BRZ motor and manual transmission. Dropped the ball. This version should be the sport

[@JoshiJosho-mf8oi]

Too bad it's cvt only, it'd be a lot more spunky with a 6 speed.

[@josephpanozzo4815]

I looked at one a couple of weeks ago. No spare tire in the ‘24 model while the leftover’23 model had a spare tire.

[@qmto]

I wrote this car off my list the moment he said: no more manual, and a CVT with simulated gears. No. Thank. You.

[@The_R-n-I_Guy]

I hate touchscreens, sensors, cameras and the thousand computer modules that control every aspect of modern vehicles. Instead of buying new cars, I'm going back to the 60's to 80's cars. Better looking, easier to work on, cheaper to maintain and just all around more fun

[@1997nick]

So why are you watching a video review of s Subaru then?

[@colejoseph5454]

Sadly not even close to worthy of that RS badge. Put the BRZ 2.4 in it and Manual then you're talking. Its too bad because its so much better looking than the WRX

[@speedfiend925]

Only Subaru could make it's less sporty version of their car look more restrained and hence visually appealing that it's sportier WRX model. 😅

[@ericbritton9346]

He lost me on the CVT, disappointing.

[@user-iz3gv5vo6b]

I don't see much improvement in Subaru's cars. It seems that they are only further developing their SUVs and letting their cars die out like Ford has done. Perhaps just like Ford, they'll just keep one model of car (probably the WRX).

[@FrozenDonut13]

What ever happened to Ford bringing back the Fusion as a station wagon?

[@faheemabbas3965]

@@FrozenDonut13probably for non-North-American markets… But other than that I don’t know…

[@tomjanowski8584]

Is it really continuously variable if if has programmed shift points? And if it has programmed shift points, why not use a regular AT that everyone likes better? Way back in 1989/`1990, I test drove the Subaru Justy with what I think was the first CVT in the US. I liked it. It was no where near as slow to respond as some regular ATs in really small cars.

[@PS-ro7oy]

the programmed shift points are for when you use the flappy paddles, otherwise in drive, it behaves like normal.

[@sportsMike87]

Bland styling. I know they aren’t trying to sleek looking but seems like they put zero effort into their exterior designs

[@roberthoyt7921]

Subaru could merge both the Impreza hatch and WRX sedan into a single performance-oriented sport compact model (likely to take the Impreza or WRX names) with the VW Golf GTI/R, Toyota Corolla GR, Honda Civic Si/Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, Audi RS3, and Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S as the new Subaru model's potential targets.

[@MikeYurbasovich]

Subaru is made with love. It is not going to try and compete with an RS3, it's built to satisfy the rainbow crowd and granola crunching marijuana smokers.

[@roberthoyt7921]

@@MikeYurbasovich We'll see

[@Detah_]

Really a let down especially with the 2.5 RS being botched

[@jaydibernardo4320]

Yet another vehicle ruined by a CVT. Thanks to Mazda for sticking with 'real' automatic transmissions!

[@agamemnon8163]

Cvt only 🤦

[@vampyrelycan99]

Well it looks like the camera used for this filming had some lens dirt or even sensor dirt which cannot be corrected during post production......

[@stegomon]

Sorry. But you lost me at CVT only

[@gigi9467]

Hard to buy this over a civic to be honest

[@Kiss__Kiss]

If you live where inclement weather happens, or tend to go off the beaten path? I'd trade the sportiness/speed for practicality. But as is, the lack of power, and CVT kill it for most of us.

[@BaldKiwi117]

Really just depends on if you want awd or not.

[@mjkarger89]

@@Kiss__Kiss If you're concerned with inclement weather or going off the beaten path, you'd be better served with the Crosstrek. Otherwise, the Civic is the best option.

[@austinfrazier7325]

No dealer markups on Subbie

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@mjkarger89 Not necessarily, as the crosstrek is only offered with a CVT(As per my previous reply). I myself am not concerned with going off the beaten path(I have my Lexus SUV for that). That was for other drivers considering this "New" RS. As well as people mentioning buying the civic over this.

[@LearnAboutFlow]

Sorry, but for that money I'd rather get the most more luxurious Mazda 3 Grand Touring hatch WITH a manual. Yes, you lose out on AWD, but living with a CVT is not in my game plan.

[@robgindc1]

With every measure of care taken & maintenance performed, Subie will still be running long after your boushie 3 dies. Sorry, truth hurts. 🤕🤣

[@BucksMom218]

We don’t buy subies for luxury 🐾🐾🥾🥾😎

[@kgthegreatone943]

You can still get a Mazda 3 with a manual?

[@carwrtr1]

My money’s on the Subaru in this case. Impreza may not be as luxurious, but has the promise of reliability..

[@philberto78]

I drive a 2007 Impreza and honestly I'd probably buy a Mazda over this new car too.

[@austinfrazier7325]

If it only had a manual

[@ShafinRehman]

Getting rid of the CVT transmission would actually be the biggest step to being "more fun", or as according to Subaru.

[@faheemabbas3965]

I have a suspicion that the reason they keep using CVTs is because they may have a supplier contract or something. We may never know though. An actual transmission probably costs more to make than a rubber band transmission. I hate the future of cars. Nothing fun anymore. Now it’s completely all a chore. We need to start advocating for good public transport and walkability…

[@unclenoidentity186]

How hard would it be to manual swap one of these?

[@tedunguent156]

What's the point? Your money would be better spent elsewhere.

[@arlowelee]

Pretty hard

[@mollari2261]

All show, no go. A Subaru without a turbo is like non-alcoholic beer.

[@A1B3R7I]

I waited to get the 2.5 in the Crosstrek before I bought one I'm very happy with the acceleration compared to my old Impreza so glad I waited to get the 2.5 model and I did also drive a 2.0 Crosstrek before I decided what to buy. I agree the RS badge was a bad mistake but every car manufacturer is doing the same thing look at the Mustang

[@AR-wh2vp]

I am buying a 2024 Forester with buttons and a CD player . I enjoy a simple safe car.

[@backnu]

They completely neutered this car !

[@Dennisg26]

They really did

[@jeretso]

The 3 tone seats are beautiful :)

[@RedNekLvr22]

Sorry, but if I'm going to deal with a CVT, I'll just stick with my 2023 Nissan Versa SR at $21K. Packed with great features for the money and cheap enough to be able to get a 3-year loan.

[@growingup4487]

The reliability is what you're paying for, my rouge sport kicked the bucket at 120k

[@RedNekLvr22]

@@growingup4487 Given a drive around 2,500-3,500 miles a year, that'll give me 10 years or so, 7 of those with no car payment.

[@JibWangson]

Nissan LOL. They are the reason why CVT have a poor reputation.

[@robertarmstrong905]

Ok

[@BaldKiwi117]

Lmao not all cvts are the same. Nissan probably has the worst cvt of all

[@gergnotsloh]

Wish reviewers would look at the base models more than these souped up trim versions.

[@hereigoagain5050]

RS for Really Slow :) My son loves his 2018 Impreza. Saved about $2K compared to equivalent Crosstrek.

[@Blissfulkitty-Seattle]

I honestly didn't know they redesigned this car. It looks like a refresh.

[@FrozenDonut13]

Seems kinda slow (After all, it's a performance trim) but seems really well organized and practical throughout the cabin. But would rather have the physical buttons for climate control under the touchscreen so its less distracting when driving.

[@BobSeevers]

Wow John, how many years bro?

[@incheon]

You lost me at cvt sorry.

[@tedunguent156]

I was on the edge of my seat until I heard "CVT only". No manual for the RS? Sorry. That's a HARD PASS.

[@thetechlibrarian]

I think it’s interesting the fuel economy is basically the same as a NA Mazda cx5

[@arca9e295]

Subaru would it kill you to just make an 8 speed automatic?

[@MeliorIlle]

I miss the wagon Impreza/Legacy. Not having a limited trim is silly too.

[@johnmiller4973]

When Motorweek started 8.1 seconds to 60 was quick. In 2024 its considered lethargic. My how times have changed over 40 years

[@msmarshall854]

0-60 in 8.1 seconds... what other cars are in that range ?? Is the 2007 Corolla also 0-60 in 8 ? ? ?

[@falcon64z8]

Why couldnt the new WRX look like that....

[@502Chevy]

Agree. The WRX is a mess.

[@williamb.1582]

Looks like the track test filming took place during the Canadian wildfires

[@MrSponge1985]

To bad it doesn’t have the manual

[@bruschmidt9943]

MPH 33 Highway, 29 Combined? I get that in my new Caddy CT5-V with Twin Turbo V6, 360hp!

[@Joe_Montfort]

No, you don't.

[@westhavenor9513]

Premium fuel

[@grriceman782]

This one is going to be a home run for Subaru

[@KenanTurkiye]

All I see is an offspring from a matrimony between Kia Ceed station wagon and Ford Focus.

[@BaldKiwi117]

​@@KenanTurkiyewhich one of those offers subaru awd?

[@KenanTurkiye]

Good thing this Subaru has an awd for it's self, to fend of been bland and generic.@@BaldKiwi117

[@Shishizurui]

I see alot of comments about ppl being like boo hoo the manual is gone. 3 years ago I bought a corolla IM 2017 6 speed. believe me its manual for the sake of being manual.... I'd love to just set my corolla on fire get out of my car payment for this.---- assuming it drives better than my 2008 impreza 2.5i if not i'd just restore that car.

[@jonb7597]

You only get this for good smooth drive and fuel efficiency

[@stevenweiss2148]

CVT IS THE DEALBREAKER FOR ME

[@ronnieb1635]

I like the car but man those 0-60 and 1/4 mile numbers are straight out of Motorweek retro reviews.

[@luckyyou774]

Hatchback WRX is coming😮

[@joestuff8]

How does Subaru manage to design a new car that looks 10 years dated..

[@2H2521]

@joestuff8 They seem to excel at doing that. 😂

[@robertarmstrong905]

Basic? This is the RS.

[@henryovalles1163]

I’m sorry but those power numbers belong in the mid 90s not 2024 😢

[@ryanlak1234]

Dear Subaru- bring back the sedan version.

[@frecklefingers]

0-60 in 8.1 seconds is fine.

[@chrisa.8175]

Cvt i will never buy!! Love subrau but stop using Cvt

[@ekop1778]

I RENTED THIS 2 MONTHS AGO FROM MY SUBIE DEALER THAT DAM TOUCHSCREEN IS IN MY FACE I CANT SEE THE ROAD

[@streamingvideo6654]

This car is huge! compared to the GC Impreza.

[@GetTheFOutOfMyWay]

I really did sleep on Manuals too long (have two 20+ yr old Manual cars)... Does ANYONE make a non-infuriating modern car where you don't have to murder your soul and/or commit finacial suicide in the process... ?

[@Stigz34]

Slow af

[@moejr1974]

It's slower than my 2021 Crosstrek Sport.

[@mrb401]

WRX fans - this is 1 step closer to another another rex hatch. Time will tell.

[@faheemabbas3965]

STi didn’t sadly…

[@marshalmagooo3899]

Having flashback nightmares of the 2.5 EJ headgasket fiasco

[@hopefloats7573]

Should have renamed it the "UnImprezza"! They made an "All New" car that does nothing better!

[@rallyengr]

So they either offer the nice looking Impreza hatchback (and only the hatchback) but only with a CVT, or the WRX but you get stuck with that chunky looking sedan. Nice play Subaru 😑 Clearly combining practicality and good looks with performance just doesn't make sense

[@babajinde]

The few times I've seen it I think it looks like a Honda Civic...

[@digitaldoc100]

Another screwed up product from Subaru that falls short. Why make it sporty but such a lackluster powertrain?

[@stevetager69]

CVT 💩

[@JoseFigueroa-h5z]

" Just put the 228 hp engine of the BRZ "

[@randallcunninghamjr.9270]

With a CVT transmission you're just asking for trouble

[@westhavenor9513]

Depends on the manufacturer. Subaru's CVT's are fine. I've had several with no problem at all.

[@kasio22B]

I forseen a WRX wagon in this form soon. That's how usually Subura does it's biz...

[@davidbaron6647]

nice

[@Kishan2213]

dump the CVT and it would sell like hotcakes

[@Aki_Lesbrinco]

Funny thing is that if they dump the CVT they probably stop selling like hotcakes. Non-car people (AKA 95% of the consumers) don't know the difference between a CVT and a traditional auto. All they see is auto transmission and MPGs. The CVT is auto and for the most part helps get 1 or so MPGs more. So, CVTs help manufacturers sell more cars. We as enthusiasts might not like it but most of the car buying public does.

[@juschill7]

Slow and disappointing..

[@Sonic_1000]

Man that looks awful. Whew.

[@eddieg6436]

I’m sure Judy, and her girlfriend Hillary will love it.

[@disan9135]

😂😂😂

[@kgthegreatone943]

I hope someone tums one into a WRX STI

[@mediocreman2]

Generic looking, CVT, questionable reliability based on previous Subarus. But the base price is reasonable and it has separate buttons for climate control. So it's not all bad

[@Dennisg26]

They made it junk now

[@chrisa.8175]

Stop cvt!!!!!

[@icantdecideahandle]

nah good cvt exists lmao

[@TJC450]

🥱

[@WHO9119]

2 min into this video and I've damn near fell a sleep because this car is so boring next

[@theodoregibbons4615]

How dare they slap on an RS badge on this vehicle. This car is a dog.

[@mujjuman]

not a fan anymore

[@St23-sd9qr]

@mujjuman Why not anymore?

[@sleeksilver]

Subaru is completely incapable of designing an attractive vehicle. As far as the interior goes, aside from the touch screen this thing looks like it is about a decade old. Unless you absolutely have to have all wheel drive there is no reason to buy this over a Mazda 3, Civic, or Corolla.

[@moolcaliyow]

MAKE this vehicle HYBRID.

[@allentoyokawa9068]

Will sell like hotcakes