Overview
Subaru is rolling out the sixth-generation Impreza for the 2024 model year, and with it comes new looks, new tech, and a new powertrain option. The new Subi will make its debut at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, just like when it first showed face in 1992. 182-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder borrowed from the Crosstrek SUV. The lower-priced and less-powered base and Sport models get the 152-hp 2.0-liter instead. Subaru says the 2024 Impreza’s chassis is stiffer than before and the compact hatchback’s all-wheel-drive system now has active torque vectoring. We won’t know whether any of these add more spark to the Impreza’s personality until we get our hands on one, but for now, we’ll say that things look promising.
What’s new for 2024?
So far, we know about several key changes to the Impreza model line. For starters, Subaru has made the continuously variable automatic (CVT) standard on all 2024 Imprezas. Unfortunately for three-pedal advocates, the automaker hasn’t mentioned the availability of a manual transmission. Additionally, the Impreza is to be offered exclusively in a five-door hatchback body configuration – something WRX fanatics will surely envy, as they’ve been hoping for a WRX hatchback since it was discontinued after the 2014 model year . Speaking of the WRX, the exterior updates to the Impreza are similar to the design language seen on the latest generation of both the WRX and the Crosstrek. Unlike those two models, though, the next-gen Impreza stays tight to its body without any plastic cladding. Interior design changes make it almost identical to its new stablemates, especially the Crosstrek. The 11.6-inch Starlink touch display is available for the first time in the Impreza and is standard on the Sport and RS trim levels.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Given the power of nostalgia, given our natural disposition toward sports-oriented vehicles, we’re most interested in the reborn Impreza RS, which comes with a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, unique 18-inch wheels, synthetic carbon Comes with Fiber. Interior trim, leather-wrapped steering wheel, aluminum-framed pedals, heated front seats, 10-way power driver’s seat with lumbar support, and USB charge ports for rear passengers.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
The Impreza retains its underpowered naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-four engine, with the same 152 horsepower and 145 pound-feet of torque as before. A larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine will be available exclusively to the new RS model, delivering 30 horsepower and 33 pound-feet of torque, for a total output of 182 horses and 178 pound-feet. A CVT is standard on all 2024 Imprezas as is Active Torque Vectoring, which improves on the capable Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. For an added splash of its rally racing sportiness, Subaru has equipped the new Impreza with a version of the dual-pinion electronic power steering rack found in the WRX. The automaker says it has also increased the chassis stiffness of the next-gen Impreza by 10 percent, which in theory should help with both handling and ride. We’ll update this section with performance figures once we get out and test drive the all-new Impreza.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Since both the base Impreza and Impreza Sport models will use the same 2.0-liter engine in the older model, we think it’s safe to assume that EPA ratings will be similar to the CVT-equipped current five-door hatchback: 28 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. We’ll update this section after the EPA publishes its ratings and after we’ve driven the Impreza 75-mph Highway Fuel Saving Route part of which Our Comprehensive Test Rules,
Interior, Comfort & Cargo
Subaru’s interiors are known for being practical rather than posh, and that trend continues with the 2024 Impreza. Dual-zone climate control is standard across the model line as are the 60/40 folding rear seats. The automaker says it focused its efforts on an ergonomic front seat design and also quietened the cabin – we’ll verify whether it’s any more comfortable and quieter than the fifth-gen model when we get behind the wheel. Got a chance to go. From what we can tell so far, the updates appear to be similar to the changes found inside the 2022 WRX, including a larger center stack display. The revisions to the WRX sports sedan felt and looked like a natural progression from the interior design of the previous generation, and we expect the same from the new hatchback as their interior designs are almost identical.
Infotainment & Connectivity
The 2024 Subaru Impreza offers the automaker’s Starlink multimedia system standard on the Sport and RS models. It’s compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features an 11.6-inch touchscreen display with controls for the sound system, HVAC and some vehicle functions. For Starlink-equipped models, Subaru also offers its own Safety and Security Connect services, such as SOS Emergency Assistance and Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service, as well as features such as Remote Vehicle Locator. On top of that, the new Impreza offers its passengers an auxiliary input jack, a USB-C port and a USB-A port, so you’re set no matter what smartphone you have. There is also an available Harmon Kardon 10-speaker sound system, although this is only offered on the range-topping RS model.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
In addition to the above safety and security-related services available for Starlink-equipped models, Subaru has made its iSight Driver Assist technology standard for all three Impreza trim levels. Models equipped with the optional blind-spot detection system include automatic emergency steering, which already comes packaged with lane-keep assist and rear cross-traffic alert—all of which are standard on new RS models. Subaru is also introducing some new services to the 2024 Impreza, including Valet Mode, Trip Log and Driving Journal, and Remote Vehicle Configuration. nor the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites now have the crash-test results for the next-gen Impreza. Key security features include:
- Standard Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane-Keep Assist
- Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available Automatic Emergency Steering
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Impreza’s warranty is average for the class and not that generous Hyundai Elantra Or Kia ForteBoth offer powertrain coverage for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- no complimentary scheduled maintenance