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Subaru dropped a surprising new crossover at the L.A. Auto Show. In bright red, it debuted the new 2024 Subaru Impreza, which ditches the sedan shape and looks more like a Subaru crossover wagon. Compared to the 2022 Impreza, the new 2024 Subaru Impreza adds more power, tech, and an all-new RS version.

We won’t get a new WRX, but we will get an RS version of the new 2024 Subaru Impreza              

subaru Impreza reveal
Tom Doll, President and CEO of Subaru of America, introduces the new Subaru Impreza RS | Frederic J. Brown via Getty Images

The new sixth-generation, new 2024 Subaru Impreza will ditch its car-like looks for a crossover. The current, fifth, generation, Subaru launched for the 2017 model year. It looks like a sedan or a capable hatchback. However, taller and taller crossovers with more room in back are gaining market share and Subaru probably the writing on the wall for the Impreza’s car-like looks. But, it will have Subaru’s torque-vectoring AWD system.

The new version sort of looks like a smaller Crosstrek crossover. While the Crosstrek has some off-road pretense about it, the Impreza instead looks to add on-road cred. The new RS version will get a new 182-horsepower version of the company’s 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder. It will also get a sport-tuned suspension, as well as unique styling. It also sports a new interior dominated by a giant vertical touchscreen.

The new 2024 Subaru Impreza is larger, but loses the manual

2024 Subaru Impreza in profile
The new 2024 Subaru Impreza | Subaru

The new Impreza gets a large cargo hold that has 121 cubic feet of space, and seating for five. Subaru is making a big deal about the roof crossbar mounting points on the new Impreza. Subaru owners love hauling bikes, boats, or skis and the new roof bars must have been a priority.

Inside, the Impreza gets a new 11.6-inch vertical screen. That screen allows you to access Subaru’s STARLINK Multimedia system, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is also packed with USB-A and USB-C ports, push-button start, and a wireless charging pad.

However, one of the great things about the Impreza has always been its fun-to-row manual. That’s gone in the new version, and instead it gets a CVT, or continuously variable transmission, according to Newsweek.

The history of the Impreza is full of fun special editions

Subaru Active Torque Vectoring
A 2015 Subaru WRX STI demonstrates Subaru’s Active Torque Vectoring | Subaru of America, Inc.

As Subaru’s small car, the Impreza was always a hoot to modify. In factory trims, it came as a WRX version, which had a small hood scoop and more scoot to boot. For even more Subie fun, the company added the STI version, which had a giant Fast and Furious-style rear wing and even bigger hood scoop. Most of these today have been outfitted with large exhausts and Hoonigan stickers.

We will have to wait until next fall to see if the new RS trim keeps the Subaru hot-rod spirit alive.

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Writer - Sedans & Coupes

Dan Mayfield

Dan joined MotorBiscuit in 2022 with over 20 years of experience in journalism and a lifelong passion for anything related to the automotive industry. He grew up wrenching a 1949 Ford pickup truck and an MGB with his dad, learning how not to wire a fuel pump (he inadvertently set the MGB on fire).

After earning a bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from the University of New Mexico, Dan has contributed his expertise to a range of local outlets, including the City of Albuquerque, US Eagle, and the Alliance for Local Economic Prosperity.

On weekends, Dan spends Saturdays enjoying “cars and coffee” chats and, on Sundays, he’s watching the Route 66 Cruise roll through town. He also races motorcycles, and it’s not unusual to find him elbows-deep in his latest cafe racer build.

Taking advantage of the local desert terrain, Dan also enjoys exploring and driving off-road in his trusty Ram Rebel pickup truck, which provides personal insights into his contributions to our Trucks, SUVs, & Crossovers coverage. Dan strives to give our readers unique information about the dynamic automotive market, reading anything that has to do with cars, trucks, bikes, 4X4s, and, in his words, “everything with a motor.”

Dan has earned a number of accolades from the Public Relations Society of America, and is a University of Southern California, Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism Fellow.