2024 Subaru Impreza RS review // Hot enough hatch?

[@tpolerex7282]

Just got this a couple of months ago as my first new car in almost 20 years. Wanted a sport wagon but since those are no longer available in America I picked this sports hatchback after years of research. The solidity of this chassis and tuning of the suspension are outstanding, it just feels so capable, comfortable and buttoned down over any road surface. We just finished a 1400 mile road trip from LA stop and go traffic, 80 MPH on the highway to twisty turns in the coastal redwoods and it performed superbly. Comfortable, roomy, quiet, outstanding safety/ACC EyeSight, responsive drivetrain, easy/clear controls, blazing adaptive headlights, great sound system, smart AC - surprisingly large total cargo capacity. Averaged just under 34 mpg for the trip with easy 500+ mile range. Great value for about $31k fully loaded - was able to negotiate down almost 10% from MSRP. I considered the Civic - impressive in many ways but too noisy, kinda cheap feeling and horrible dealer network, the Mazda 3 - great car but too small, claustrophobic rear and huge blind spots, not a fan of the hatchback looks (sedan is beautiful) or infotainment and don’t trust VW or the Korean’s reliability. It’s not perfect: could use some more torque; gotta watch that low ground clearance (though it does make it handle better than the Crosstrek); brakes are powerful but a little touchy and a couple of features missing but overall it’s a complete package.

[@Das_Germaican]

I went with the Crosstrek over this but it was a tough decision. I preferred the cladding on the Crosstrek and the fact that it’s higher off the ground.

[@goldenretriever6261]

Those are the reasons I choose the RS😅

[@str8boogerflikn102]

I might get the crosstrek since i like yo hike in the mountains. Some hikes I can't even make it to with my impreza

[@timphillips4147]

This is one hell of a car and Zack was holding on😂😂

[@andreaspencer9813]

LOL!!!

[@alphadraconis83]

For me personally, cladding. That’s why I chose this over the Crosstrek. Subaru is going a bit overboard with cladding, and I’m glad there is at least one vehicle in their lineup without all that plastic. Already have an Outback, so if weather is a concern, I’m taking the Outback.

[@kenhoward3512]

If only the Crosstrek's (and other Subarus') cladding was done tastefully - but it's not. This Impreza gives the design a much cleaner, sleeker look.

[@alphadraconis83]

@@kenhoward3512 Yup, completely agree. Part of the reason why I still enjoy my 2016 Outback. No excess cladding, just places where it needs most.

[@jeretso]

I actually like cladding but the price is right so I prefer Impreza. I also have a feeling the Impreza will have less road noise.

[@goldenretriever6261]

I'd be worried water and salt gets trapped behind the cladding and rust out the body.

[@Jeymez]

oh who cares, are you gonna be touching it lol. it just needs to be functional, there are different grades of plastic. some are more durable than others, but the point of using it is to keep the price down.

[@jeffer1101]

Can't disagree with your assessment. If you're looking for a decent commuter car and don't want/need the higher ground clearance, it's a solid option in the class. Well equipped, well priced and will still have decent resale when you get older and want/need something different for next time.

[@farr325]

I live in Minnesota and can confirm that we need a heated steering wheel.

[@film50565]

For a winter-oriented car, the heated steering wheel ought to be included on trim levels that have heated seats.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

This is the bigger engine that is the base engine in the Legacy, Outback, and Forrester. Subaru, in response to that many complain about the performance of the Crosstrek and Impreza, have now introduced on top trims the "bigger" engine by using the base engine on the larger models as the top engine on the smaller cars. It was a cheap way to increase the performance on the redesign. It seems to have worked. Note, the CVT on about 50% of the cars sold have a solenoid failure at 80,000 to 100,000 miles. If you don't fix it quickly for $900, it escalates to a transmission failure which costs over $6000. Otherwise the CVT will last until about 150,000 and then you have to replace it. The old reliability of the 4 and 5 speed units is no more.

[@stuntmonkey00]

The 2.5l engines are just a thin slice of the overall pie. Through most of the last generation of Impreza/Crosstrek, the vast majority of unit sales were the 2.0l, the 2.5l came late in the model cycle for the Trek and was priced at the top end. Same goes for this generation as well, any time you are coming the top end trim of one segment, the price buts right up against the entry/mid point of the next segment above it (Forester). The internet vastly over estimates how much "power"cars are actually sold IRL.

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

@@stuntmonkey00 Never wrote it was going to be a high volume. It has not been so far and I doubt with the next gen it will change much either.

[@KyrosX27]

It's so weird that very limited models in Subaru's lineup offer ventilated front seats - why don't more models offer them?

[@dauntlessasmr7910]

It's a solid choice overall, especially in the RS trim with the slightly more powerful engine. _But_ this is not a Compact. I drive a 2009 Mazda 6 sedan. Last night, someone at my 3rd shift job parked their 2024 Subaru Impreza in the parking spot next to my vehicle. My Mid-sized sedan. Our back bumpers were perfectly parallel to each other. One, the Subaru is just as wide as my Mazda. In terms of length, about 6 inches shorter. Make up your own minds, but to me that is not a Compact. Not in any real sense of the word. Still an excellent-looking vehicle, and honestly a contender for my next new car purchase. But it's not a Compact. It's just labelled as such.

[@hereigoagain5050]

Zach: "It's Impreza!" My son loves his 2018 Impreza. It was a couple $K cheaper than the Crosstrek. His off roading is park roads, so the lower clearance is not an issue. Would love a hybrid!

[@saraaronzon4562]

I think you all look great driving around in the Imprezza. I’m here to get your wonderful and thorough review as I am seriously considering this Subaru Imprezza for the safety and affordability. Also, Subaru gives so much to the community it’s worth noting.

[@rudfil]

I remember driving a 2007 Subaru Impreza and that car was one of the most fun cars to drive I ever experienced.

[@lb9007]

Great review. I'd like to see the blooper @ 17:12ish, you guys were laughing at something for sure 😁

[@josemanuellopezlopez27]

One of the best Cars in the market

[@HalWexler]

Own 2013 hatch limited 185000 miles saved my life being tboned now own 2022 hatch impreza limited always get the limited you will appreciate all the extras especially if you plan to keep the car a long time. Too bad my speedometer isn't red lights anymore but they made a lot of improvements. Not wasting time and money on the body which makes me feel just fine with an older model and not looking obsolete.

[@AThirstyPhilosopher]

The review I’ve been waiting for. Thanks for another informative review! I think this might be my next vehicle. 🤩

[@andreaspencer9813]

It's a good one!

[@chucksabino5735]

Good review, Subaru does a great job quality vehicles at a great price. I own a forester wilderness as my second vehicle and I absolutely love it.

[@tonyutter]

7:43 A heated steering wheel in Minnesota makes sense. Here in Texas, not so much.

[@JRTrilling]

LMAO! You guys would need a 'cooling' steering wheel.

[@jeretso]

The blue and red colors on your video really pop especially on the thumbnail. Even the blue watch looks cool. Between the Crosstrek and the Impreza I would go with the cheaper price. "Quiet.. refined" is music to my ears. The permanent big slow screen is a turn off and no matter how big the screen they sell us our phones will advance so much faster. Thank you for comparing 4 other hatches too.

[@StevenJayOh]

I had a 2019 Impreza Sport with the base engine. It was great on gas and I never had an issue with deep snow. Eyesight is the best safety system out there.

[@randyprice1831]

IMO, Subaru makes HQ vehicles for the working class folks. You get a lot of "car" for the money.

[@bikingD]

​@@Brian_Eugene_LeeHad a 17 Rav with a regular Transmission now drive a 23 Rav Hybrid with a CVT never hated driving a vehicle more than that ever and I mean ever. Noisey under load just waiting for the shift that never happens. Just horrible junk bring back a transmission. CVTs suck.

[@bikingD]

@@Brian_Eugene_Lee Really that's strange I swear the badge in the middle of my Rav4 steering wheel is a Toyota badge.

[@Michael-ur5qb]

Depends. I would choose the Civic, Corolla and 3 over this. The other 3 are quicker and two have more powerful engines with similar numbers. The Impreza is actually more expensive than all 3 without leather. I think that’s a miss imo regardless of what consumers were buying. They could have at least mixed materials

[@bikingD]

@@Brian_Eugene_Lee What makes them sooooo good? Still no gears stomp on it and tach gets pinned with no gear change. Just all noise. Garbage total garbage. Driving dynamics of a cvt are horrible. If I wanted a small car with an automatic would be getting a GTI with a DSG 20 times better driving dynamics than any of the cars you mentioned easily.

[@randyprice1831]

I have a '21 Forester Sport and it's my 1st CVT and no issues at all.

[@heatherireland2810]

I have a 2019 Impreza Sport Tech and I love it. It’s great in the Alberta winters and in the summer, so much fun to drive. Subaru safety was the main reason for the purchase but the price was great and I didn’t expect to love it as much as I do. I have every feature possible and the car feels solid. In my opinion you can’t go wrong with any of the models.

[@andreaspencer9813]

We are really impressed with it as well.

[@lotuslandmusic7770]

@heatherireland2810 Is there anything you DON't like about it for winters? I'm in Regina and was looking at Crosstreks, but this looks nicer to me without the cladding.

[@heatherireland2810]

@@lotuslandmusic7770 the cross track is identical, ground clearance is the only difference. This is what my dealer told me. I’m going into winter 3 and I honestly can’t think of anything. Good luck.

[@nataliesatterley9855]

I have a 2018 Impreza but was disappointed with the larger screen in the 2024. I prefer my heat / fan functions separate from the screen. I also didn't like the red fleck in the upholstery in the higher model which forces me back to the lower model. The paint colors available kept me with the magnetite gray, in which case, I may as well stay with my 2018. Not sure now when I'll take the plunge for the next car.

[@ChrisM-fk1ef]

I'm new to the channel and am thoroughly enjoying your videos, thank you and keep it up! I appreciate the format and flow of the video. I especially appreciate the comparisons between trims, so few car journalists ever do and only talk about the top trim. Every segment in your video is informative and interesting. This is honestly the first car review source I've found that actually helps me make a buying decision and also learn something interesting about cars I have no interest (or ability) to buy.

[@Motormouth...]

Welcome aboard!

[@andreaspencer9813]

Wow, that's so great to hear, what wonderful feedback. Thank you!

[@gregwiens9146]

We just bought the base level Impreza as our commuter car for Winnipeg The old 07 Pilot (400k) is for pulling the popup camper and bad weather

[@Offensively-normal]

I would like to have a look at that top Canadian trim.

[@hoser7706]

10yrs!? You drove and reviewed the zimpreza 6 yrs ago that I bought in part bc of your excellent review.

[@DavidDLee]

Subaru's blind spot monitoring is bundled in the US in an expensive package, as it includes a moonroof. If you otherwise don't want the moonroof, you'd still have to pay $1900 for the blind spot monitoring, which does not beep or make in audible sound. For so much money you get a subpar safety feature, which does not alert you properly.

[@10OF9OFBORG]

Surprisedly Great car! I can see why this car great for young as kids are getting taller as Zack enough height and legs room on front and back seats. Only disappointment is missing some features. Great show Andrea! ☕️☕️

[@andreaspencer9813]

We are really impressed with it!

[@10OF9OFBORG]

@@andreaspencer9813 👍🏻👍🏻

[@vicp8772]

Honda see ur civic hatch pricing is bonkers. Great ride, hoping for a stick and sunroof

[@MrJustyjive]

The blue is so much better 💙

[@judih.8754]

No rear parking sensors, but it does have a backup camera where the bottom of the image is the rear bumper so you can really tell how close you are to a wall or other object.

[@walterrojas1075]

I eventually want to get rid of my 07 Fit for an Impreza hatchback. The utility of the hatchback is amazing for my needs. That infotainment system is definitely a deal breaker for me, I don’t want HVAC on a screen, just give me hard buttons. My truck has heated/vented seats on the screen and I don’t care for it at all.

[@tpolerex7282]

The Impreza does not have heated seats on the screen, so…? Temp for both sides, front and rear defrost are hard buttons, fan speed and AC an easy tap, the occasional times you need to adjust fan direction is two quick fat finger taps, or, just put it in Auto and leave it alone. I’m a boomer and have zero issues with it.

[@sharijackson3985]

Better deal then the Crosstrek, especially used. I really like this hatchback.

[@goldenretriever6261]

That huge screen looks like it would be annoyingly distracting.

[@hoser7706]

Our Impreza ploughs through snow, no increased ground clearance needed. But wow these prices have jumped! Remember when this class of car was under $15k!?

[@Motormouth...]

They now include freight and PDI by law now, so that adds a lot

[@hoser7706]

@@Motormouth... so that is included in sticker price now? I did not realize that.

[@TheRebuilt1]

Congrats on getting over 300k. subscribers !

[@saeedaamir]

Thanks, wonderful review 👍

[@vicp8772]

The underlining of this video is get what u really need folks. Listen again to Andrea and her husband. Bigger tires for the road = more gas. I like the Crosstrek, but I will evaluate my drives before buying the wrong ride...and save$$$$

[@eDENTECHNOCYBERHUB]

YOUR BIGGEST KENYAN FAN RIGHT HERE, 17/08/2023

[@stuntmonkey00]

The 6th Gen has done really well so far, considering the market is heavily favoured towards the Crosstrek. Don't think of it as a WRX-lite, you'll go wrong that way. It's really more like Subaru's version of the old Mark5/6 VW Golfs: 2.5 litre engine with a modestly good amount of power and lots of practical spacing, plus decent handling.

[@michaelguilfoyle3847]

thanks for the review..and the answer to the question...and yes,she was forwarded the video and promised would view it..have a great day..😊

[@bradevans1661]

Gotta send them some follow-up pictures of her new wheels for Zack & Andrea's socials.

[@PrinceOfParthia74]

i consider my forte5 gt with 201hp a warm hatch, this with 182hp and cvt transmission isn't even warm

[@davidcohen2762]

For $350 you can boost the hp/tq to gti levels

[@gsctht123]

Did I miss the cup holders? How many cupholders. Subaru proud of those. 😅

[@darin982]

Wish the US had leather and heated steering wheels like Canada does. Thanks for all your videos!

[@5150SP]

I'm hoping they do a review for a WRX manual. I believe one was done with the CVT

[@goldenretriever6261]

Manual transmission is history?

[@davidcohen2762]

Over a decade later only makes 12 more hp 👌

[@e.risner1904]

How she goin! Picked up a silver one yesterday!

[@wildride86]

Hi, do all or any of the US models come with auto brake hold when you come to a complete stop (not auto engine off) thanks!

[@dangerdaaku]

When testing last gen Impreza I felt like sitting on a record player needle, feeling all the road undulations. Which coming from 5th gen Civic felt a tad odd. Is it still the same or different?

[@marcolalotawil]

The #1 reason to take the Impreza over the other cars in the segment is: the still decent visibility. Toyota dropped the ball when it comes to visibility, a worse offering than even Honda.

[@sgrant9814]

I agree with you about the heated steering wheel....many of us in the lower 48 in the usa live further north than many canadians (i live 90km south of montreal in the usa and am further north than folks in toronto or others from sw Ontario) where it is just as or more cold than in canada. Just stupid marketing...and marketers?

[@GilnStreamer]

Congratulations for reaching 300K subscribers, I still remember when it was half of that. 👍

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thank you so much!

[@1232bluejays]

Where are people getting the money for these new cars? Have you seen the price of rent

[@EffectualPoet]

Debt financing.

[@boxer4engine]

"It's got a CVT, I don't need to hang on" LOL

[@mileitman]

The Sport Tech model has rear parking sensors and memory settings for 5 drivers.

[@Subie-Driver]

Great review of this suby. I think that any car model in the top trim should be offering power 8 way seats in both front seats. Period. Not putting that in this or the Crosstrek is just short sighted. We love our 18 Crosstrek…five years and 140,000 + km so far. We would have replaced our ‘11 Outback with another Crosstrek but not having the front passenger power adjustment was the deal breaker…but we did get a Forester limited that had everything we wanted..including the 8 way passenger seat adjustment. I also believe that the Canadian version of the Crosstrek/Impreza still comes from Japan…not USA.

[@JG90984]

The base and premium US crosstreks come from Japan as well

[@blown9646]

Mazda3 awd premium ftw. I just put on a corksport rsb and cai, nice difference over stock

[@NormanParker-ps8jv]

Thanks for finally featuring a vehicle that real people can afford Zack. Would like to see more vehicles that not just people on the West Side can afford.....

[@pdd3]

This should have been hybrid. Then it would have been the perfect commuter.

[@alexanderh.999]

Yes. First to watch the video!

[@MrBigBoy4Life]

Darn it! You barely beat me. Good job!

[@kenhoward3512]

This RS model Impreza is pleading for a manual transmission option (even if it's the same cost). But Subaru is wearing ear plugs.

[@AndyRoss-z3t]

FYI....Subaru or any other manufacture is NOT to blame for the lack of "full screen" Android Auto compared to Apple Car Play in the tablet style infotainment screens. The internal programming of Android Auto does not recognize the move to be a verticle full screen whereas Apple is perhaps a bit more updated in that it does. No blame on Subaru here.

[@wetzel82]

Ooh been waiting for this one. The better Crosstrek for non off road use.

[@boost331]

I have the new RS and really like it. My only complaint is that the suspension is too soft. I know they were going for comfort but it wasnt well executed. On smooth roads and small bumps its great. Dealing with train tracks, potholes and sharper bumps my car bottoms out the suspension all the time. It needs stiffer dampers for sure.

[@DeadAir21]

Great car but makes me wonder how long they keep making the Impreza and the Legacy. Sales for both are quite low and were starting to see others trim down their sedan offerings.

[@Vanilla_Donut]

I think they will keep the Impreza since the Crosstrek is simply a raised Impreza. If they sell less Impreza, that just means more sheet metal for the Crosstrek. You sort of already see them reduce their sedan offerings by only offering the Impreza in hatchback form.

[@TK_100]

I wish my wrx was a hatch like this

[@5798Mike]

Luv u guys Great review and content

[@andreaspencer9813]

Thank you so much!

[@hoser7706]

And sorry, no mention of the black headliner? Did you notice or like it more/less?

[@janoycresnova9156]

This 2.5 L should really be the base engine and the higher trims should get a 2.4 L turbo.

[@stuntmonkey00]

If everything is 250bhp it's not longer a base car. They have to make these things for people with real jobs and families, not just for kids reading spec sheets on the internet.

[@OhNoMrBill-yg3dy]

"... no need to hang-on Andrea, it's a CVT..." says it all.

[@Gritt982]

I wonder if I would like this over the Mazda3 GT AWD. I like the heads up display and full leather seats Mazda offer though. Impreza RS seems okay.

[@xp50player]

What do you guys do in the winter? How does Zack stay so white?

[@prabhjeetsran88]

I would pick Mazda for the Price, Power Delivery and Handing and moreover NO CVT!

[@chrisparr7476]

In Australia our top trim model has more features. 360% cameras. Reverse sensors with RAB. Electric drivers seat. Full leather interior. (No heated steering wheel). But only available with the 2.0L engine. 😔

[@mileitman]

Other than the 360 camera, we get those features in Canada. It's just the Yanks that miss out.

[@NGMonocrom]

0-60mph. with the 2.5 liter engine in the RS = 8.3 seconds. I'm sorry but that's not quick enough.

[@Nah_no_thanks]

I love my oasis blue rs.

[@bho6486]

I really like what Subaru did with lifting the Impreza to create the Crosstrek. Both are great vehicles. I have often said that Honda should have done that with the Fit. Add some cladding, lift it up, add all wheel drive. It would have given the Fit a whole new life. They have the Honda Jazz Crosstar in other countries but I think it should be more rugged looking. It would have been great here.

[@Motormouth...]

They did, the Fit was the HR-V.

[@truth959]

Did they mention the fuel economy?

[@chrisb9478]

Awesome commuter car

[@martinherman9425]

Does it not have a Cargo cover?

[@Motormouth...]

Yes, took it out for shots

[@martinherman9425]

​@@Motormouth...Thank you

[@allanj4576]

What’s with Zach’s seatbelt?

[@cgmiddle]

Are the headrests able to tilt as well as go up/down?

[@TheKrispyKremer]

Sorry no they don't tilt. The seats are very comfortable though

[@carlosprofitt3553]

Thanks!

[@Motormouth...]

Thank you!

[@Spikejou]

No heated steering wheel is so odd especially from a brand that built their reputation on their inclement weather ability. I live in North Dakota so definitely a deal breaker for me.

[@lotuslandmusic7770]

Yeah- it's weird that if you lived 100 miles north, across the border you could! And southern Ontario which is as far south as Oregon has it!

[@horse__power7891]

It needs vents for the back seat.

[@brucekalter4206]

Nice review. As a competing vehicle, I would add the new '24 Chevy Trax. It's really a hatchback too, & around the same price as this (a bit less, but only FWD, not AWD). This Impreza is SO similar to the old one, it still looks kind of dated & frumpy, but not terrible. Just doesn't look like a new car. As for the Crosstrek, the body cladding on that model make it hideous, IMO. And I would prefer a non-CVT transmission.

[@RigiLiquid945]

A larger AWD sedan to consider is the Kia K5

[@michaelsylvester7272]

Great review

[@Zreik20]

Another good hatchback to compare this to would be the Kia Forte5 GT with 201HP. I feel like that hatchback is forgotten.

[@Motormouth...]

No longer sold in Canada

[@Zreik20]

@@Motormouth... noooooooooo

[@trspotr]

Between this and Civic hatchback, Civic wins? 🤔

[@tundralou]

I live in Northern Mn and I require heated seats(both) and wheel for sure-dont have it?not interested.

[@islanddon865]

Great little cars. Sold many.

[@sarge27271]

It's painfully obvious that Subaru has lost it's soul. CVTs that do nothing for your driving pleasure. Engines that are barely up to par with the competition...even with the manual! I don't know why they do not offer a hot hatch? Something along the lines of the new GR Corolla. Yeah, it's as if they were just trudging along trying not to make waves. Sad.

[@Motormouth...]

And they have record sales....

[@kylerowan7214]

The number of comments I've seen like this... "making waves" is not how modern car companies make money. They make money buy selling reliable vehicles to the hundreds of millions of working Americans who just need to get to work everyday, people who could care less about horsepower and the feel of the transmission. Can't blame Subaru for prioritizing the massive family/commuter market over the miniscule enthusiast market. That's how you build a business.

[@benmorris7276]

Unfortunately 182 hp is not enough to make it a hot hatch. I think the RS should have gotten 200hp 182ftlb and a manual option then it would have been a fun hot hatch

[@stuntmonkey00]

You are asking for a completely different vehicle. If you want a GTi, buy a GTi, this isn't a hot hatch. The internet is making is making something out of nothing because the origin Subaru RS was only 165bhp from a SOHC engine. People are strawmanning that this isn't what they want; it's just this generation's Sport Tech/ Limiter Trim with a different name; that much should be obvious. The car review channels have to manufacture outrage that it isn't a WRX to get views.

[@JRTrilling]

@@stuntmonkey00 Excellent points. The Impreza is not a vehicle to swoon anyone that would want a WRX today.

[@BCNeil]

Too bad no STI version of the this

[@focustuner10]

I have a 2023 crosstrek with a 6 speed and it gets considerably better mpg (almost 29 city) then the sticker says. And it isnt because I drive slow either....

[@Tinrs80]

I won’t lie.. I thought the cross trek had more room too and more headroom😂 I thought too

[@seanh2390]

good review kids!

[@jeree477]

Especially considering the price difference honda/acura should have gone with leather on around.. good on subaru to have evem seating material front and back

[@jeree477]

All around **