In the world of affordable, all-wheel-drive vehicles, Subaru has carved out a cozy niche for itself, but gone are the days of Foresters and Legacys being driven solely by hippies and hipsters. Recent years have seen Subaru maintain its reputation as the preferred mode of transportation for urban, environmentally conscious folks, while also securing itself as a favorite among suburban weekend warriors and soccer moms alike. The addition of the 2024 Impreza RS will only further Subaru’s advancement into the garages of every studied demographic.
Subaru isn’t known for its flashiness, and the Impreza RS follows suit. Although classic and simple, there’s just something about it that makes it unique compared to all the other vehicles whizzing past it on the road. A French admirer might say that it has that “je ne sais quoi” quality. The frameless hexagonal grille, compact headlights, and refined body speak to a keen eye for design but in the most unpretentious way possible.
The interior reflects exactly what you’d expect from the outside – straightforward and classy. It’s obvious that a team of talented designers spent many hours of thought and energy making sure no detail was left untouched. From the Subaru STARLINK 11.6-inch multimedia display to the seats in black cloth with red cloth bolsters, it whispers (not screams) excellence. The cabin might feel slightly small for those used to larger vehicles, but it’s spacious enough to not feel cramped.
When it comes to performance, the Impreza RS will satisfy almost everyone. The DOHC 4-cyl. 2.5-liter BOXER engine puts out 182 hp and 172 lb-ft of torque, making it more than adequate as an everyday driver for the work commuter or for the person that enjoys bounding up and down dirt roads in the backcountry on the weekends. The 26 city mpg/33 highway mpg makes however you choose to use it easy on the wallet and the environment. With the current economy and climate issues, every purchasing decision can feel like a burden, but Subaru has helped eliminate some of those questions with this Impreza.
Subaru has another winner with the 2024 Impreza RS. It may not blow you away with any specific feature, but the culmination of everything makes it an obvious choice for the thoughtful consumer. It’s visually appealing, fun to drive, economical, and affordably priced. What more could you want?!
Price as tested: $27,885
