2024 Subaru Impreza Review: The Hottest Hatch Available
2024 Subaru Impreza review:
- 2024 Subaru Impreza: $22,995 – $27,885
- Best Residual Value Award – Canadian Black Book
- Pros: Affordable pricing, athletic performance, and tons of passenger space
- Cons: Could use more power, basic interior design
- MotorBiscuit score: 7.9 out of 10
The 2024 Subaru Impreza marks the sixth generation with one hot makeover, but the sedan and manual transmission have been dropped. This may take away from this hatchback’s sports design, but steering, brake, and chassis upgrades make up for the difference.
While the base engine isn’t very exciting, the Subaru Impreza RS or Rally Sport trim packs an extra punch. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard AWD system enhance its capabilities for a thrilling performance.
Overall, the new Impreza is comfortable and well-rounded as an affordable compact option. It’s worth considering along with rivals such as the Mazda3 Turbo, Honda Civic Hatchback, and Toyota Corolla Hatchback.
2024 Subaru Impreza: What’s new?
The 2024 Subaru Impreza has a fresh exterior and interior design with modern tech, including an 11.6-inch infotainment system. The interior matches the design of the updated Subaru WRX and Crosstrek.
Improvements to the build and chassis provide a smoother ride, quieter interior, enhanced braking, and sportier performance. Increased engine power and a larger fuel tank take adventures to the next level.
Which 2024 Subaru Impreza trim is best?
- Subaru Impreza Base – $22,995
- Subaru Impreza Sport – $24,995
- Subaru Impreza RS – $27,885
While the Base model has plenty of goodies, such as roof rails, adaptive LED headlights, and a dual-zone climate control system, the Sport trim provides a lot more without breaking the bank.
For example, upgrading to the Sport provides 18-inch wheels, an 11.6-inch infotainment system, push-button start, an upgraded driver information display, sportier suspension tuning, and built-in navigation.
But the RS model has more engine power, heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a wireless phone charging pad.
How does the 2024 Subaru Impreza drive?
The 2024 Impreza has a standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. It’s a bit underwhelming. Upgrade to the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine for 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
With the standard engine, the Impreza can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly 9.0 seconds. The RS can reach 60 mph in about 8.2 seconds. This is adequate but not exactly thrilling.
However, it has responsive handling and confident braking for entertaining romps around back country roads. The electronically powered steering is a little light at lower speeds, and body motions are well-controlled around curves.
The new Subaru Impreza has two driving modes. The S mode is sportier and more balanced to pump up the fun, while the I or Intellenget mode prioritizes a smoother and more fuel-efficient performance.
Also, it has a 17.39-foot turning radius, making it extremely nimble and easy to park. It’s perfect for crowded city areas.
How comfortable is the 2024 Subaru Impreza?
The 2024 Subaru Impreza has just the right amount of comfort for daily driving and errands. The front seats are well-padded and supportive. But during longer trips, the bottom cushion starts to feel stiff.
To our surprise, the backseat is also pretty spacious, with enough space for two adults. At 5’1” I had plenty of knee space and room to stretch out. The rear seats are also well-padded and sit at a relaxed angle.
The Impreza impresses us with its smooth ride over the pavement. However, the interior gets pretty loud at highway speeds. The wind and road noise can make it difficult for passengers in the back to carry a conversation with the driver.
The dual-zone climate control system is fast-acting and effective during hot and humid summer days. It doesn’t take long for this vehicle to cool off.
How is the 2024 Subaru Impreza interior?
The 2024 Subaru Impreza interior is sleek and modern but could be considered a little plain. It’s composed of mostly black trim pieces but doesn’t feel cheap. Plastics are dressed up with attractive textures and shines.
Red and grey trimmed cloth seats help break up large sections of black upholstery, and the metal petal covers help things pop. The accent stitching could be a bit brighter to draw more attention. The controls have a well-planned layout with everything you need placed within reach.
The available sunlight spices things up with more natural light in the cabin. Also, the large windshield provides tons of visibility. The rear window is a bit small, but parking sensors and the rearview camera illuminate the gaps.
Does the Subaru Impreza have good tech?
The tech in the 2024 Subaru Impreza covers all the basics while not seeming too advanced or modern. It provides basic functions such as navigation, radio, tuning, and more. It’s like they stuck an 11.6-inch touchscreen to the dash and called it a day.
But the system works quickly, and the graphics are attractive. The menu has simple, intuitive commands, and you get physical buttons instead of touchscreen controls. The setup allows you to focus on driving.
The driver information display is a little small but provides crucial information such as your driving mode and fuel economy. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with a wireless charging pad for your convenience.
Our minds weren’t blown by the available Harmon Kardon audio system, but the audio quality is above average and helps to cover road noise.
How much cargo space does the 2024 Subaru Impreza have?
The 2024 Subaru Impreza features 20.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 56.0 cubes overall. The seats almost fold flat, and there is extra space under the cargo floor in the rear.
Smaller bottles can fit in the door pockets, and the center console is a bit tight. The glove box and seat pockets are also limited. The tray or wireless phone charging pad in front of the center console comes in handy, though.
The doors open wide for easy access, and the rear hatch has a low liftover height. Plus, you can place extra cargo on top with the help of the standard roof rails.
How safe is the 2024 Subaru Impreza?
The 2024 Subaru Impreza hasn’t been officially tested for safety crash ratings by the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) or the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) yet.
However, according to the IIHS, the previous generation is pretty safe. It’s a Top Safety Pick with mostly ‘Good’ ratings, which is the highest score possible. The updated side test has a few ‘Acceptable’ and ‘Marginal’ scores. The new generation is expected to have a higher score.
Standard safety features include:
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward collision warning
- Lane-keeping assistance
How reliable is the 2024 Subaru Impreza?
The 2024 Subaru Impreza doesn’t have an official reliability rating yet. But the 2023 Impreza earned a score of 80 out of 100 from J.D.Power. This keeps it in the average category. Scores between 70 and 80 are average, and scores between 81 and 90 are above average.
Previous generation Impreza models are expected to reach about 200,000 miles. It’s not uncommon to reach 230,000 miles before more severe problems occur, and some Subaru vehicles even make it to 300,000 miles.
You can expect about 15 years of service on the road if you drive an average of 15,000 miles annually. Proper maintenance and regular care are crucial for survival.
It costs roughly $447 per year to maintain the Impreza. This is great compared to the average yearly maintenance cost of nearly $650 for other new SUVs.
MotorBiscuit awards the 2024 Subaru Impreza with a score of 7.9 out of 10
The experts at MotorBiscuit have awarded the 2024 Subaru Impreza with a score of 7.9 out of 10. While this hatchback is spacious and sporty, some rivals, like the Mazda3 Turbo, feel a bit sportier and more comfortable. If you want a little more muscle, then consider the RS trim.
While the interior is crafted with upscale materials, it’s not the most attractive layout in the mix. That said, it doesn’t feel cheap and the red and grey upholstery provides more of a racing feel. Also, it’s comfortable enough for everyday driving.
Also, the 2024 Subaru Impreza is affordable with a long list of standard features, including AWD. It’s a pretty good bargain to consider. The only issue with this well-rounded hatchback is that it doesn’t excel in one particular area.