2024 Subaru Impreza RS - Is It Fun To Drive?

[@maryjanespencer9220]

I just purchased the 2024 Impreza sport. I just love it. It handles so well on the road. I’m real pleased with all the safety features

[@703Speed]

Right on! Congrats

[@philcarter21]

That is an incredibly detailed review! I have been watching reviews of the Crossatrek, and this review came up. Since the crosstrek is based on the impreza, I decided to watch your review. You are the only person who explained the steering wheel controls snd screen controls. Nice Job!

[@e.risner1904]

Fun car! Picked up a silver one today!

[@703Speed]

Congratulations!

[@ColdFlame53]

I got the base model and its fun to drive

[@andrewSUN17]

Sweet well developed package and I am sure the 2.5 is decent, considering the Forester has the same engine and gets around decent enough! Good looking too!

[@RicardoPCGamer]

I work at a Subaru dealer. We've already got the new 2024 Crosstreks. The Impreza's have not shown up yet. I like this new Impreza body style. I just wish they would offer a 2.5 with a 6 speed that would be great. The CVT kills the power on these cars. They should give the Impreza and Crosstrek the gearing that the Forester has. The Forester is geared way better and they feel much sportier.

[@703Speed]

I agree. Even a manual for the RS only would've been nice. I think that was a bad move by Subaru to rid the Crosstreks and Imprezas of the manual.

[@tpolerex7282]

Yeah, we rented a ‘23 Forester Wilderness for a week this winter (it is what convinced me to buy this RS because of the powertrain and ACC/headlights) and it felt really responsive, maybe even more so than the RS because of its final gearing but I haven’t tromped down hard on my RS yet until I hit 1k miles. Even though I loved the ride and overall handling, the top heavy feeling and limited handling on sharp turns convinced me I did not want a raised vehicle/crossover as I never go off-road.

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

I have an 2021 Impreza sport hatchback in manual and I love driving it. The power seems quiet sufficient for an daily driver in the city.

[@RicardoPCGamer]

@@theamazinggoldfish8713 I like how smooth the clutches are in them. But the 2.0 just doesn't have the power that i want. I've driven both manual and CVT. I wasn't satisfied with the power delivery. And with the CVT it is mad slow. Honestly the older 2.5 EJ Impreza's have more low end grunt than these 2.0 FB Impreza's

[@XTC42863]

I got the 2024 rs in the Oasis Blue and it just looks so damn good, in sport mode if you want to speed a bit it goes through gas like it’s nothing but it’s super fun to drive.

[@e.risner1904]

Lucky! I got the silver one today!

[@tpolerex7282]

I got 34 mpg overall on a 1200 mile road trip, including LA stop and go traffic, desolate freeways going 80 mph and twisty mountain roads, but yeah, if you’re sportin’ around the suburbs and city you are getting 24-26.

[@7728abbott]

That is a GREAT looking vehicle. They got the little details down perfectly! And white IS the color!

[@pondwithducks3092]

RS is the perfect balance imo, enough power to get going but not enough to kill the fuel efficiency. This is an economy car after all

[@DavidSusiloUnscripted]

0-60 for nearly 9 sec is sooooo 20 years ago 😅

[@pondwithducks3092]

@DavidSusiloUnscripted I think Subaru makes it difficult for themselves by sticking to the full time AWD. In order to hit desired mpg with AWD active they limit themselves to how much power they can add to their cars. That said I personally don't have any problem with an 8 second 0-60, at least not on this type of car. Only thing is "RS" is probably an inappropriate name for what it is.

[@bobbyviti7794]

Once again awesome review! I had no idea this car was coming out... Finally a little more power!!

[@703Speed]

Thank you! Yes, more power is ALWAYS appreciated

[@stevenmqcueen7576]

One of the most thorough reviews of the RS that I have seen. Good job.

[@nighthawkvc25a]

33:05 - Nice to see the orange Crosstrek following you. Great review!

[@703Speed]

Haha.. You noticed.. Thank you

[@stevez6157]

Bought the RS back in Feb and love it. Test drove the WRX first. Handling wise they feel virtually identical. It's definitely quieter than my 2108 Impreza. Paddle shifting during full throttle feels faster and definitely more fun. If they made a WRX in a hatch I'd buy it in a heartbeat.

[@MM-yy9ib]

Someone down the street has a blue one. Looks good.

[@mikesabella8281]

dude covered all the imprezas, we needed u but don’t deserve you

[@adamwehrlin3982]

It’s not the first time the 2.5 has been in an impreza. That used to be the only engine option. My 06 2.5i had that engine. It also came with a stick shift. I loved it and would actually buy this one, but it’s missing a manual transmissions

[@gohan2355]

Got this car on order. Same color and sunroof. Love this combo to death, I already have a name for it and I been calling it the stormtrooper

[@703Speed]

Hell ya. I hope you get it soon

[@BlackBruceLeeTheGreatDekuTree]

How long are they saying the estimated wait time for delivery on a RS?

[@gohan2355]

​@BlackBruceLeeTheGreatDekuTree from what I seen for any impreza and this might be flat-out standard. 72 days or just how far you are on the east coast. The car has to arrive to Port in California and I been hearing from multiple people who also has there car order that it arrives in California, hits a train if your east coast then a truck then hits dealership. Probably way faster if your west coast

[@gohan2355]

@BlackBruceLeeTheGreatDekuTree going to be honest the delivery of the car was way faster then what I was expecting

[@GoofBonJovi]

Subbed. You’re very informative and more detailed/in-depth than other reviewers! Thank you.

[@703Speed]

Thanks for the sub!

[@Jazeerakiko]

The way how you’ve explained all what this car has it’s very interesting impressive. It brings this cars motivation knowing what you should buy. Thanks for sharing 😍 ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

Now my car to buy!

[@tpolerex7282]

Great review! I just walked in from a canyon carving run in my loaded Oasis Blue Pearl RS which arrived a week ago. Solid car, super stiff chassis, quiet and comfortable, great ride, handling and responsive powertrain. Still only at 250 miles so keeping it below 4k RPM per the break-in but I’m very impressed with this car. I still have a bug-eyes WRX wagon for a more “analog” ride but I’m glad to have a more modern, safe and still fun daily driver.

[@703Speed]

Thank you! It's always nice to have a new car with all the new stuff, but also an old car that has a totally different driving experience.. I'm on the hunt for a late 80's-early 2000's Wrangler for that feeling

[@subterraneanguitartech]

I've been trying to find commentary from actual owners, but it is too early to hear much. On paper this thing is only slightly more powerful than the 2007 Impreza I've been driving for 13 years. I'm not sure if I can justify an upgrade for the sake of fun, but for comfort and convenience the proposition is strong.

[@tpolerex7282]

@@subterraneanguitartech since the platform/chassis has been updated four times since your model year, with massive improvements in 2017 going to the much stiffer global chassis platform, I imagine this model would be world’s different than yours. The solidity of this chassis can’t be overstated, it feels like a much more premium car in that regard - rattles and squeaks drive me absolutely bonkers and this car has none. The ride, though firm, is supremely comfortable and composed over any surface and the handling and steering are so easy to guide and hold the line through turns, even though these aren’t the best or even sports tires the car grips way better than my WRX. As I stated above, the engine, transmission, paddle shifters, driving modes are all responsive and work as you expect them to. The big screen infotainment works well - easy to anchor a couple of fingers on the bottom trim and tap the fan or other settings and you can fat finger the more comprehensive HVAC screen buttons and temperature when that pops up. Honestly, I’ve had automatic climate for decades and never used it because of the abrupt fan speed changes but this one works great. I think the dynamic ventilation - the car senses which seats are occupied and only targets those areas - makes a difference. Otherwise the screen isn’t lightning fast but responsive enough, I’ve moved the auto vehicle hold button (great feature!) to the Home Screen right above the auto start/stop button to tap those quickly and actually I’m getting used to the Auto start/stop so mostly leave it on. Stereo is great and even the voice commands to the car work really well. The EyeSight/ACC BSM RCTA and auto/adaptive headlights are amazing - super safe car. It’s not perfect, the brakes are a little touchy but really strong once you start getting used to it. Interior quality is really good but a couple of surfaces could be upgraded like a Mazda, everything you commonly touch or rest on feels great though. I would have loved another 30+ ft-lbs of torque but I’m not expecting a sports car and sometimes you just have to take what you can get. It’s also missing a couple of features I would like; power passenger seat; rear seat vents/heating; locking glove box and a couple more power ports. I’m fortunate to easily have afforded a car three times this price and researched the heck for a few years until I landed on this car. I wanted a compact/mid-sized sports wagon and those literally don’t exist so a sports hatchback is the closest as I could get. Mazda 3 - great vehicle, love the interior and general quality but too small and claustrophobic (I also don’t like the looks of the hatch even though the sedan is gorgeous) Honda Civic - great powertrain, handling and looks but too noisy, cheap interior and rough riding. Also, more than a few bad owner reviews as well as among the worst stealerships out there. I was able to get VIP (invoice) pricing and use a $500 loyalty coupon and got one loaded to the gills out the door for just over $31k before TTL. The dealership experience was great and two years free maintenance. I keep cars for at least a decade so I’m very picky when I buy and am looking forward to many years and great road trips with this vehicle. Hope this helps

[@subterraneanguitartech]

@@tpolerex7282 Thank you for this informative reply! I just bought my wife a new Ascent so I'll need to wait a few years to get one, but I think I will. My brothers will mock me for not getting a fast car like them (STI drivers) but, as you concluded, this thing fits the bill most closely even if it isn't as fast as we would like. I'll miss the manual transmission, but it looks like the trade-off will be worth it.

[@Cville2347]

Excellent review. You covered everything and didn’t include fluff like some other reviewers. I just wish this had a manual option.

[@703Speed]

Yes, this trim at least needs the option to have a manual. Kinda ridiculous that it doesn't

[@daveg6530]

Great review. I really wish they had made the WRX on this body. Love the styling.

[@steve8803]

@daveg6530 Give it some fenders flares, hood scoop, lip kit, sti brakes and transmission with the new FA24 engine and it'd be an instant classic!

[@daveg6530]

@@steve8803 exactly. Look at at how well the Corolla GR and Golf R are selling above MSRP. I think Subaru really missed a good opportunity here.

[@logoxlifts]

Just ordered black on black! Excited

[@703Speed]

Hell ya man congrats

[@gbaby7172]

Lucky 😩

[@SmokeMartini]

its look better than the new WRX from a motor sport fan point of view. But would be nice to have a STI version of it.

[@703Speed]

That would be sweet

[@msmarshall854]

Good review, mang. You were very thorough, it's appreciated! I love this car's visibility, but hate the all-black interior. Can't we have creamy ivory or beige again? :-(

[@703Speed]

One can wish.. Lol

[@kmb957]

The WRX was always a trim level of the Impreza chasis. Subaru needs to go back to that.

[@stevenmqcueen7576]

Just did a test drive of the RS today. Very comfortable interior but the giant rear headrests kill visibility out the back. Handling is good and the suspension makes for a very stable and comfortable ride. But acceleration is lackluster. A manual would be nice but I doubt it would improve perforamance a lot given the 181 HP engine. A rate is 7/10 for value but only 5/10 for fun-to-drive. Also drove the naturally aspirated (191 HP) AWD Mazda Mazda3 hatchback today. Interior is much more luxurious but feels cramped and it doesn't have nearly as much trunk space as the RS. The Masda3 drives like a bigger car -- sort of floats -- but the ride gets harsh on bumpy roads. Acceleration is a bit better than the RS but the 6-speed automatic trnsmission is kind of jerky. Given that the Mazda3 costs a few thousand more and it's AWD system is not as versatile,, I'd take the RS. Plan on driving the turbocharged Mazda3 to see if that changes the equation enough to change my mind.

[@zergilli9719]

Complains about visibility in a Subaru but doesnt mention it in the Mazda 3 hatch. Hilarious.

[@stevenmqcueen7576]

@@zergilli9719 Visibility out the rear window of the Mazda 3 was better than on the RS. The Subbie rear headrests are huge. I mentioned this to the salesman and he advised removing them when no one was sitting in the back.

[@zergilli9719]

@@stevenmqcueen7576 out the back who cares when the C pillar on the Mazda 3 has zero visibility. The Impreza at least has visibility out the C pillar which is way more important for lane changing. Youre complaining about something that is way less important to basically anyone with a brain.

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

I like my 2021 Impreza sport 'in manual transmission. I pulled the rear headrest off first thing, so much better.

[@benmorris7276]

I would just put the rear seats down when you don't have any passengers sitting in the back. Subarus have the best visibility in their segment

[@johnmccormick7852]

I just got the Sapphire blue with black. Gotta get the RS! Totally worth it. A very fun drive.

[@Mas1Need0]

Love the content! I drive a 2014 Subaru Impreza sport 2.0i and watching these RS reviews make me want to just sell mine and buy a damned new one! These cars are super reliable and great to work on.

[@msndotnet01]

Most reviews I've heard, if you want something sportier, just a couple thousand, just get the trim level 1 up from the base of the WRX. Worth way more for your money, or just get the Crosstrek with the 2.5L engine. I've had the same 2014 impreza sport, and upgraded to the base BRZ. Never looked back!

[@gohan2355]

@msndotnet01 I own the impreza rs and that thing is a dream to drive. That's a lot of fun in a car that took 20 years for the RS name to return, just now planning to put STI body parts on the impreza rs to make what the impreza rs should have really been from factory

[@podatus1098]

This looks absolutely fantastic in white. Watched a few reviews now of this RS and white might be the best choice IMHO. Nice job on your review too. 😊

[@GregorSmith1]

1:55 As soon as someone said the fog lights look like 👉👈 I can't unsee it

[@subietech2019]

Wow, nicer headlights than on the WRX

[@jacquesviau6165]

I like it but I am torn between this Rs and her sister Xtek-Onyx.

[@warrpedd]

Imprezzive review! 👍

[@bmetal2]

Very detailed and very useful review.

[@3lectronic0]

CVT 👎 with a real transmission and real "hand" break, would have been perfect 👌

[@703Speed]

Agreed. The RS should’ve come with a manual option

[@jsp5162]

Totally get what you’re saying about power man, test drove yesterday. I’m coming from a modded Q50 red sport so I definitely am jaded but am ready for a daily driver with less reliability worries. Major difference but I think it’s time.

[@BlackBruceLeeTheGreatDekuTree]

I’m making the switch too for daily driving man. I came from v8 muscle cars my whole life but living in cali, gas and traffic pushed me to order a Crosstrek sport. I’m just trying to get to work comfortably now 😂

[@jsp5162]

@@BlackBruceLeeTheGreatDekuTree exactly. I have to go into the office now and my commute is 26 miles each way daily. Even if I’m remote eventually, better gas mileage is already good.

[@zergilli9719]

​@@BlackBruceLeeTheGreatDekuTreeeveryone wants the WRX, but I just can't swallow the premium fuel and 19-24 mpg. Impreza for me.

[@jacquesviau6165]

Somewhere where it snows Montreal, Canada.

[@NoName-fo6ps]

Nice. Adventures and City driving in one

[@lukiw7044]

Lot of Subaru on the channel. I wish some of them was available in Europe. Greetings

[@703Speed]

Subaru videos do very well for the most part lol

[@yodawg3469]

These cars would've been better off with a tiptronic/sst tranny along with the manual option.

[@ELP1125]

Reminds me of the Mazda3 hatchback.

[@imkriswithak1135]

I want to put those seats in my 2018 impreza to get power lumbar support

[@Denspion]

Worth an upgrade from a 2014 impreza sport premium?

[@asecmimosas4536]

I won't buy any car until there's a bit more literature on it. That said, this looks like a great car. I think the point of an Impreza is that it's a commuter car. If you want 7 mpg less then you could buy the WRX but it misses the point of a commuter car if you get 100+ miles less per tank. But the Impreza brand is strong because while being a commuter car it gets work done that other cars can't. You can drive an Impreza out of a rough snow situation. You can drive an Impreza on a beach as you watch the big trucks and SUVs around you getting towed. It's light, nimble, uses all 4 legs effectively. I don't have an interest in serious off-roading or rally racing but I have a strong interest in being able to go places like the beach or the mountains and not need to call a tow truck. The RS looks really attractive because it's got the big 18 inch wheels and that little more power to help get you through those tough spots. I guess putting the "RS" label on it is a misnomer and that will probably throw some people off. But the basic idea of the Impreza is that it's little car that will help you go anywhere on a budget. The "RS", while sacrificing 1 mpg compared to the basic trim, will help you go even a bit more everywhere.

[@scottbuckley6578]

I think I know what I'm getting next after the lease is up on my civic

[@anthonyng3014]

Lol, the Impreza used to start at a 2.5L engine. They lost that and went backwards in terms of power in the 2010's and now bring back the 2.5L with lo-and-behold 9 whole extra HP! And now it's somehow a 'special' Impreza... Way to go Subaru!

[@MartinStockel-k6f]

Noticed the word Subaru on the side of the headlight under the clear cover. I like most of the vehicle, but the rear end to my eye is ugly. Like the red on the seats.

[@703Speed]

Yes, I like little Easter eggs like that. Cool you noticed.. You do or do not like the red on the seats?

[@MartinStockel-k6f]

@@703Speed Like the red on the seats.

[@ninjaboy2000]

They should gave put the BRZ motor in this ..

[@podatus1098]

I will say that it just feels like this should be faster if it’s going to wear a badge that looks and sounds racy, no matter the previous generations of RS.

[@podatus1098]

…and then you explained the reasoning for not. 😅

[@nastynati3501]

A turbo would make this vehicle perfect. An I’m no fan of turbos.

[@703Speed]

Yes, agreed. Needs a turbo

[@Thebuscommunityleader]

Yes for teenagers 👍🏿

[@johnmccormick7852]

So much for that break in period! LOL

[@godwhomismike]

How is the HK audio system?

[@703Speed]

I think it sounds great compared to the premium trim level's sound system

[@greym6436]

Imagine if it came with a manual… Get into the rpms a bit better. Bad thing is that your in WRX price territory

[@DavidSusiloUnscripted]

The 0-60 time of near 9 seconds is sooooo 20 years ago.

[@julioubri2438]

130 dollars tape film on the rear bumper applique😂

[@703Speed]

They're definitely making money on that option lol

[@TracyWiggins-g2p]

Love it❤

[@ZitroEduardo]

Nicer wheels nicer front end compared to the legacy …. Why? lol

[@YouTubeFunHandle]

Many chihuahuas pretend to be Rottweilers in auto world

[@703Speed]

Lol good analogy

[@AR-wh2vp]

How many times did you say the word " guys"? 😂😂😂

[@703Speed]

If you count them up I’ll send you $10

[@godwhomismike]

@@703Speed Challenge accepted - counted exactly 60 times. I like Mocha Lattes. :P

[@703Speed]

@@godwhomismike I’ll go back and watch this video later today and if that is the actual number - I will stay true to my word and send u $10

[@godwhomismike]

@@703Speed I just opened the transcript -> Copy and pasted to Word, and did a word count. No need, but thank you. :)

[@703Speed]

@@godwhomismike Well, seems like I need to say something other than "you guys".. Any suggestions?

[@kelsey809]

😊👍🏼

[@hb2088]

Nobody goes from a WRX to an Impreza RS.

[@703Speed]

The family man does - lol

[@DavidSusiloUnscripted]

My regular VW Jetta 2004 goes from 0-60 in 7 sec. Calling a car trim “RS” in 2024 and have 8.2 sec time is so laughable. I reaaly wanted this car but with the slowness of Corolla LE, it is simply unacceptable.. remember 2.5L RS vs 2.0 LE. Something is truly wrong with the engineering.

[@jeffrey3498]

Too bad no manual.

[@703Speed]

I know right. They definitely need to bring the manual back

[@mordys6305]

it's like my 2005 rs 5 spd just slower. This is worth 20k tops.

[@marksphotoperry356]

Why not be Honest ? RS Stands for Rally Sport ! No Manual on RS Subaru ? Does that makes it a good car ? Makes no sense at all. Its a ''good car'' going to church on Sunday or going grocery shopping.Soft underperformer ,overpriced !

[@703Speed]

DEFINITELY needs a manual option

[@zergilli9719]

"It needs a manual"... same person doesnt buy a manual which is why it didnt come in a manual. Everyone just stop whining

[@703Speed]

@@zergilli9719 If this came in a manual and I was looking to purchase an Impreza, I would 100% buy the manual over the CVT

[@tpolerex7282]

The original RS came with a 165 hp engine, at a couple of hundred pounds lighter. I drove one for a week long road trip in ‘99 and I absolutely loved it, my first foray into Subarus. The planted feel was intoxicating, but it was no sports car. I bought my WRX wagon a couple of years later expressly because of that drive. This car has almost all the spirit, performance and planted feeling of the original. Drive it like you stole it and it goes.