2024 Impreza: Subaru Listened to What Consumers Were Saying
For the 2024 model year, Subaru has made some major changes to the Impreza, including a new design, improved engine performance, and upgraded safety features. The new design features a more aggressive exterior with a wider stance and bolder lines. Inside, the cabin is spacious and modern, with plenty of tech features like an infotainment system, rearview camera, and keyless entry.
Additionally, the all-new Impreza offers just three instead of the 10 Impreza variants available for the 2023 model year. However, one of the most significant changes came from feedback Subaru received from its customers. Let’s look at what Subaru changed for the 2024 model year.
One of the biggest changes for the 2024 Subaru Impreza
In addition to many other changes the Impreza saw for the 2024 model year, one of the most notable is the absence of a sedan option. The 2024 Subaru Impreza replaces the fifth-generation’s Premium and Limited grades with the higher-performance RS and completely eliminates the sedan body version, leaving only a five-door hatchback.
A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) becomes standard on all 2024 Impreza models, replacing the five-speed manual transmission available on the 2023 Base and Sport versions. Additionally, Subaru is enhancing the 2017 Impreza’s technological capabilities by introducing a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen for the first time in an Impreza.
Impreza customers spoke, and Subaru listened
The biggest reason for deleting the sedan build is simple: sales. According to J.D. Power, about 70% of Impreza sales were hatchbacks, and that percentage is increasing with each model year. For Subaru, this was a clear sign from consumers that they were no longer interested in the sedan. As a result, the company has decided to limit future model options.
Since 73% of all Impreza sales through the first half of 2022 were hatchbacks, Subaru’s decision to limit the body type options for the 2024 Impreza makes perfect sense. Subaru has increased the distance between the cost-effective base model and the sporty WRX by making the Impreza exclusively a hatchback. Additionally, it severely reduced Impreza’s trim levels for 2024, just offering the base, Sport, and RS models.
J.D. Power’s overall review of the 2024 Impreza
J.D. Power said, “The 2024 Impreza will undoubtedly keep the Subaru fanbase happy and hydrated. But the fast and furious sport compact crowd knows it has other options.” Overall, the reviewer was impressed with the interior changes citing hotter seat heaters, expanded rear wiper coverage, quieter power window operation, and larger door handle pockets.
The reviewers were not as impressed with its performance, specifically the CVT transmission. J.D. Power reports that the driver is deprived of any spirited driving with the CVT, as the CVT is constantly guessing what gear it should be in.
For instance, J.D. Power reported that the Subaru Impreza excels at negotiating tight curves on winding canyon roads. However, after the corner is finished and the throttle is opened, there is no acceleration. The reviewers speculate that the discontinued Impreza five-speed manual transmission might have paired better with the 2.5-liter engine.
Even though it no longer offers the Impreza sedan version, Subaru is leaning heavily into the small car industry. While most consumers snub smaller vehicles, Subaru says market forecasts show about 1.3 million shoppers remain interested in compact cars. Additionally, in the post-pandemic era, compact car sales are slightly increasing.
The 2024 Subaru Impreza faces competition from the hatchback versions of the Honda Civic, Mazda3, and Toyota Corolla. For those few diehard fans of the Impreza sedan, there are other choices on the market, such as the Volkswagen Jetta and Hyundai Elantra.
