Execs: Normal all-wheel drive; good worth; hatch presents nice utility
Cons: Ho-hum inside, infotainment and engine choices; no extra sedan
From a distance, the 2024 Subaru Impreza could also be mistaken for a crossover — maybe its fraternal twin, the Crosstrek — however up shut, this compact is all hatchback. Sadly, we imply that every one too actually; as of 2024, the Impreza sedan is not any extra. With it, we additionally noticed the demise of the handbook transmission.
However the Impreza hatchback shouldn’t be merely a kneecapped Crosstrek. It’s decrease and lacking the crossover’s physique cladding, sure, but it surely additionally presents a sportier drive with crisper dealing with. And if that’s your bag, the revived RS mannequin comes with an even bigger engine, firmer suspension, larger wheels and a efficiency drive mode to tie all of it collectively — and also you’ve nonetheless obtained all-wheel drive for when the going will get slick.
It is no secret that small automobiles are skinny on the bottom in 2024, however don’t let the decreased measurement of the sphere idiot you. Subaru has to compete with the likes of the Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Mazda 3 and Hyundai Elantra. Its customary hatchback configuration and all-wheel drive are a plus on this crowd, and whereas its inside might not be as fancy because the others’, the Impreza’s cabin is well-built and hard-wearing, and in case you actually should have the ability provided by the turbocharged Mazda 3, the WRX nonetheless exists; there’s even a elaborate GT mannequin in case you’d quite be coddled than play Cosworth.
Inside & Expertise | Passenger & Cargo Area | Efficiency & Gas Economic system
What it is prefer to drive | Pricing & Trim Ranges | Crash Scores & Security Options
What’s new for 2024?
The Impreza was fully overhauled for 2024, however that’s not the largest information: That honor goes to the demise of the four-door Impreza sedan. There are actually simply three trims: Base, Sport and RS, and beneath the hood of the final, there’s a punchy new engine lifted from the Crosstrek Sport. Subaru additionally up to date the Impreza’s EyeSight security suite to be higher at detecting pedestrians and cyclists within the highway forward.
What are the 2024 Impreza’s inside and in-car expertise like?
Subaru’s interiors typically lean towards the sturdy and laborious–sporting aspect, quite than the fragile and complex; the 2024 Impreza is not any exception. Peruse the choice checklist and also you’ll discover no leather-based upholstery or over-the-top tech packages. Practicality is the secret right here.
The Impreza presents two completely different infotainment display screen setups. The bottom mannequin makes do with twin/stacked 7-inch touchscreens. It’s an odd (and low-cost) look, however you get wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto performance within the high display screen. We nonetheless haven’t examined this model of Subaru’s StarLink infotainment, however we now have examined the improve system. Go for the Sport or RS, and also you get the large 11.6-inch vertically-oriented touchscreen with wi-fi Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The display screen’s encompass is in a shiny black as a substitute of the bottom mannequin’s flat black look, but it surely nonetheless retains helpful bodily controls. For instance, you’ll be able to alter the temperature and activate the defrosters by way of actual buttons. The chunky quantity and tuning knobs are appreciated, and the heated seats being activated by switches on the console is method higher than doing so on a touchscreen. Stepping as much as the Sport or RS additionally provides USB-C charging (USB-A is customary on the Base), which is turning into vital for brand new sensible devices. Oddly, the Impreza retains an aux port entrance and heart beneath the touchscreen irrespective of the trim stage, so excellent news for folk who hung onto their iPods.
That large 11.6-inch display screen might wow compared to what you’ll discover a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla, however do be warned that it’s sluggish to answer inputs irrespective of the duty at hand. Its easy menu format is good, however tech fiends received’t discover any whiz-bang options or progressive software program options inside Subaru’s infotainment software program. The instrument cluster is generally analog save for a small central display screen that may be configured to show a variety of completely different objects. The gauges themselves are simply readable, however the display screen that’s managed by way of steering wheels buttons is dated, particularly when you think about the Impreza is all-new this 12 months.
How large is the 2024 Impreza?
The Impreza is a conventional compact five-door alongside the strains of the Honda Civic and Mazda3 hatchbacks. The cabin is roomy and the rear cargo space spacious, although it’s considerably compromised by the Impreza’s customary all-wheel drive. Entrance headroom is sort of an identical to its compact rivals’, whereas it has a slight benefit over the Mazda3 in rear head- and legroom.
Cargo room can also be comparable. The Impreza presents 19.9 cubic ft of storage with the rear seats up. The front-wheel drive Civic hatchback manages 24.7 cubes; the all-wheel drive Mazda presents simply 20.1. We’ve not but printed a baggage check of the 2024 Impreza, however we’ve sampled the brand new Subaru Crosstrek. The outcomes confirmed the Civic certainly having a bit more room for baggage (although not a lot), and the Impreza/Crosstrek really being a bit higher than the Mazda.
What are the 2024 Impreza’s gasoline economic system and efficiency specs?
The Impreza is obtainable with two engines, each of that are mated to a repeatedly variable transmission and all-wheel drive. The Base and Sport are geared up with a 2.0-liter boxer-four producing 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque. It returns an EPA-estimated 27 mpg metropolis, 34 mpg freeway and 30 mpg mixed.
The RS will get the punchier 2.5-liter boxer, which makes 182-hp and 178 lb.-ft. of torque. Its gasoline economic system falls solely barely to 26 mpg metropolis, 33 freeway and 29 mixed.
What is the 2024 Impreza prefer to drive?
The Impreza has at all times been a stable handler; the 2024 is not any completely different. The boxer engine provides Subarus a pleasant, low heart of gravity and taut, nimble dealing with with out having to sacrifice an excessive amount of trip high quality. The hatchback maintains that character pleasantly in 2024, with flat cornering and cheap steering really feel.
We want we have been as enthusiastic in regards to the Impreza’s engines as we’re about its chassis. The two.0-liter engine is ample however not spectacular. The two.5-liter offers sufficiently brisk acceleration in comparison with the bottom engine, however lacks the low-end punch provided by the Honda Civic’s small turbocharged four-cylinder.
Irrespective of which engine you get, you’re caught with Subaru’s CVT. For 2024, the Base will get a “low” ratio in case you should crawl with it; the Sport and RS have eight simulated “gears” that replicate the conduct of a conventional stepped automated for spirited driving.
All-in the 2024 Impreza is a stable drive for its value. We might do with rather less wind and highway noise, but it surely’s neither persistent nor intrusive.
What different 2024 Subaru Impreza evaluations can I learn?
2024 Subaru Impreza First Drive Evaluation: Not every part needs to be an SUV
Its sportier appears distance it from Crosstrek. The not-so-sporty drive doesn’t
Subaru WRX Lengthy-Time period Check Introduction: It is time for some enhance
We’re kicking issues off within the WRX’s pure winter habitat
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Evaluation: Adventurer on Sunday, commuter on Monday
The Crosstrek is technically all-new for 2024, however its mission and execution carry over
2024 Subaru Crosstrek Baggage Check: How a lot cargo area?
The following-generation mannequin is ever-so-slightly much less voluminous than its predecessor
What’s the 2024 Impreza’s value?
The 2024 Subaru Impreza Base checks in at $24,085 (together with vacation spot). There are solely two trims above that: Sport ($26,085) and RS ($28,975). Each add a sportier suspension and bigger wheels, however solely the RS comes with the bigger, 2.5-liter engine. In the event you’re an fanatic purchaser, that’s the one you need.
Key upgrades embrace USB-C charging and the 11.6-inch infotainment system, each of that are customary on the Sport and RS. A bundle for the Sport mannequin provides a sunroof, heated seats and mirrors, and a few driver help objects for $1,900; the RS might be optioned with a Harman Kardon audio system, sunroof and energy driver’s seat ($2,070).
What are the Impreza’s security scores and driver help options?
The 2024 Subaru Impreza is as protected as they arrive. It’s an IIHS Prime Security Choose + — the very best score provided by the watchdog — and obtained 5 stars in U.S. authorities crash testing.
With the demise of the handbook transmission, Subaru’s EyeSight security bundle is now customary on each mannequin. It contains ahead collision warning with automated emergency braking and pedestrian detection, emergency steering help, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping help, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning, rear seat reminder, automated excessive beams and adaptive cruise management with lane-centering steering help.
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