Since its introduction to the U.S. market 30 years ago, the Subaru Impreza has been a popular compact car for shoppers seeking performance — by way of the Impreza-based WRX — or those simply desiring a car well suited for driving in inclement weather. Thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, the Impreza has had plenty of sway over this latter buying demographic. Now there's a redesigned 2024 Impreza that Subaru hopes will pique your interest.
This new generation of Impreza hatchback — the sedan is discontinued — doesn't look radically different from its 2017-2023 predecessor but it does feature some key improvements. A new 11.6-inch center touchscreen is standard on most Imprezas, giving this small car some bigness where it counts. A host of advanced driver aids are also standard. Mechanically, the 2024 Impreza drives more smoothly and handles more confidently than before and receives a more powerful engine in the new RS trim level.
Overall, we like the new Impreza. But hatchbacks of the roomy Honda Civic, upscale Mazda 3 and value-focused Toyota Corolla are worth checking out as well. Keep reading to see our team's Expert Rating that evaluates the Impreza's comfort, utility and more.
Get the RS. Yeah, it's the most expensive trim level. But it comes with a more powerful engine, which you want in this car, plus some extra features you can't get on the other trims, such as heated front seats. It looks a bit sportier too.
The 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback is available in three trim levels: Base, Sport and RS. The first two come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. The RS gets a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. Power from either engine flows through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) to the Impreza's standard all-wheel-drive system. Keep reading for a highlighted rundown of the Impreza's standard and optional features.
Both of these hatchbacks are roomy and work well as practical daily drivers. Honda gives you a bit more choice for features — you can get leather upholstery, for instance — and the Civic's cabin is a little nicer. But the Impreza has the advantage of coming standard with all-wheel drive, something the Civic doesn't offer at all.
The Crosstrek is pretty much an Impreza hatchback with a lifted suspension and SUV styling cues. Of the two, it's better suited for heading off-road and loading rooftop camping gear. It's more expensive than the Impreza, however, and not as taut when going around turns. Both are solid picks, so it largely comes down to what you want out of your small Subaru.
The Subaru Impreza is undeniably practical, but it can also come across as a little plain. If you want a bit more pizazz, consider the Mazda 3. It has an upscale vibe both inside and out. You can also get it with all-wheel drive and a strong turbocharged engine. However, it's not as roomy as the Impreza, and typically it'll cost a little more.
Since its introduction to the U.S. market 30 years ago, the Subaru Impreza has been a popular compact car for shoppers seeking performance — by way of the Impreza-based WRX — or those simply desiring a car well suited for driving in inclement weather. Thanks to its standard all-wheel drive, the Impreza has had plenty of sway over this latter buying demographic. Now there's a redesigned 2024 Impreza that Subaru hopes will pique your interest.
Lifting the hood on the new Impreza will reveal one of two possible engines. The Base and Sport trims sit below the new top-tier RS and come with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. It is similar in output to the base engine in a Honda Civic hatchback but less powerful than the Civic's turbocharged upgrade engine or the 186-hp engine found in the Mazda 3 hatchback. Thankfully, the RS trim should equal things up. It gets a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine upgrade Subaru offers in its Crosstrek small SUV.
Around turns, the 2024 Impreza is pretty nimble and maneuverable. This is especially true of the Impreza Sport and RS, both of which get a sport-tuned suspension and 18-inch wheels. The suspension feels taut and secure in the way it reacts to bumps in the road, and the steering gives you confidence in knowing how the car will react. Subaru says it's improved the car's handling and steering for 2024, and there's little reason to doubt that claim. The Impreza's standard all-wheel-drive system is a nice bonus for providing extra traction in snowy or icy conditions.
Subaru has gone with a similar overall design as the previous-generation Impreza. You'll find easy-to-use controls, excellent forward and side visibility, and classically legible gauges. The front seats are grippy and have enough bolstering to keep you in place for sporty driving. Interior room is middle-of-the-pack for a small hatchback; essentially, the Impreza's cabin is a little roomier than the cabin in the Mazda 3 hatchback but a little less roomy than the Honda Civic's.
Hatchback only, baby! Subaru says the majority of previous Impreza buyers got the hatchback for the added practicality, so this time around it just went all in and discontinued the sedan. There's 20.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats or 56 cubes if you fold them down. The Civic hatchback has a little more cargo space, and you should probably consider a crossover SUV if cargo capacity is a priority. But as small hatchbacks go, we think you'll be satisfied with the amount of stuff you can throw in the back.
Edmunds saysEssentially, the 2024 Impreza has many small enhancements but nothing that's going to break the internet. Improved handling, more refined advanced driver aids, a bigger touchscreen and a more powerful engine option are sure to keep the Impreza in the sweet spot for many Subaru buyers. But we also recommend keeping an eye on the competition. The Honda Civic hatchback is roomy and efficient, while the upscale Mazda 3 hatchback will tempt you with its available all-wheel drive and strong turbocharged engine option.
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Subaru Impreza:
The least-expensive 2024 Subaru Impreza is the 2024 Subaru Impreza 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $22,995.
Other versions include:
