Is Upgrading to the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS Worth It?
The new Subaru Impreza is back to rock its sixth generation and serves its mission well. It’s a compact hatchback that’s affordable, fun, and sporty. However, upgrading to the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS costs a few extra bucks, so what comes with it? Is it worth it?
How much is the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS?
The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS has an MSRP of $27,885. Adding the $1,090 destination fee takes the price up to $28,975. The entry-level Impreza begins at $22,995 before the destination fee.
It costs about $4,890 to upgrade from the standard model to the top-spec RS trim. That’s not bad, considering everything that this sporty hatchback has to offer. However, it approaches $30,000 at a rapid rate.
The 2023 Mazda3 hatchback starts at $23,550, and the top-spec 2.5 Turbo Premium Plus model takes the price up to $35,300. The $1,095 destination fee isn’t included.
So, the Impreza is more affordable, but it only has three trims, while the Mazda3 has nine options available. Both include tons of valuable standard features.
What comes with the new Subaru Impreza RS?
First of all, the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS comes with the spirit of the 90s by bringing the classic RS moniker back. It stands for ‘Rally Sport’ and provides exciting racing vibes.
Around mountain curves in Asheville, NC, I was daydreaming about using this little hatchback to dominate Pike’s Peak. It’s set up to be agile, engaging, and convenient. Also, attempting a drift is hard to resist considering its rally car roots.
The biggest upgrade with the Impreza RS is the engine. The standard 2.0-liter flat-four engine provides 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. The RS gets a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque.
It has 30 extra ponies and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds. That’s great for the class. But while it’s fun, it’s not exactly thrilling. I found it to be engaging and perfectly fine for passing others and merging into traffic.
The RS also has a sport-tuned suspension that’s 10% stiffer than other models and features a dual-pinion steering rack from the WRX. It feels well-composed around sharp mountain curves with direct and responsive steering.
Plus, the new electronic brake booster provides a light feeling with smooth and confident stopping power.
But according to Subaru, the regular Impreza gets an EPA-estimated 27 mpg in the city and up to 34 mpg on the highway. The Impreza RS gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and up to 33 mpg on the highway. It’s a minor impact to consider.
Does the Impreza RS have a better interior?
Yes, the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS interior stands out with extra features for convenience and an attractive look. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is soft and upscale, plus you get heated seats in the front.
The RS adds upgraded cloth upholstery with grey inserts and red accents on the sides. Soft-touch covered surfaces, like the center console, pop with vibrant red accent stitching. Aluminum pedals and steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters add to the racing vibes.
Plus, the extra sound-dampening materials keep wind noise at bay. It’s noticeable at highway speeds, but you can still carry a conversation or easily cover it with music.
It comes with the larger 11.6-inch touchscreen system, but that’s pretty much it for extra tech unless you upgrade to the Harmon Kardon premium audio system. My passengers and I weren’t very impressed by it.
The Subaru Impreza does feature some lower-quality plastics and trim pieces, but it’s dressed up with metal-painted accents, attractive textures, and glossy surfaces.
Overall, upgrading to the Subaru RS provides a more exciting ride and personality. It has better braking, steering, and more power. It does its job as an affordable rally vehicle well. Also, the interior is livened up with extra racing vibes.
Our week with the Impreza RS was an eye-opening experience, and we’re glad Subaru is returning to its roots with the RS badge. Stay tuned for our upcoming list of pros and cons.
