2024 Subaru Impreza RS – Performance, Price, and Specs

The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS is designed for drivers who want a blend of practicality, performance, and all-weather confidence. Sitting at the top of the Impreza lineup, the RS trim brings back a badge that Subaru fans remember from the early 2000s, offering sportier styling, a more powerful engine than base trims, and exclusive features that set it apart.

This year’s Impreza continues Subaru’s tradition of Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive as standard, ensuring excellent grip on wet, snowy, or gravel-covered roads. While it’s not a hardcore sports car, the RS model brings noticeable upgrades in power and handling compared to the base and Sport trims, making it a solid choice for those who want a fun, capable daily driver.

Main Points of 2024 Subaru Impreza RS

  • The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS combines practicality, performance, and all-weather confidence.

  • The RS trim returns with sportier styling, a stronger engine, and exclusive features.

  • Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive offers excellent grip in varied conditions.

  • Powered by a 2.5L naturally aspirated BOXER engine producing 182 hp and 178 lb-ft torque.

  • Accelerates from 0–60 mph in about 7.5 seconds, placing it mid-class for speed.

  • Priced from approximately $27,885, rising to around $30,000 with options.

  • Features a Lineartronic CVT tuned for responsiveness in the RS trim.

  • The 2025 RS is expected to match the 2024’s performance while adding refinements.

  • BMW models generally accelerate faster, but Subaru offers better all-weather capability.

  • Subaru may feel slower due to efficiency-focused tuning, CVT behavior, maintenance issues, or AWD weight.

  • Faster compact hatchbacks include the VW Golf GTI and Honda Civic Type R, but they often lack AWD.

  • Highway fuel economy reaches up to 34 MPG.

  • Seating capacity is five, with 20.4 cu ft of cargo space behind the rear seats.

  • The RS trim provides strong value with AWD and sportier performance under $30K.

  • The 2025 model keeps AWD and up to 34 MPG while enhancing comfort and tech.

  • The Impreza RS is not the quickest, but it offers a balanced, dependable driving experience.

Is the 2024 Impreza RS Fast?

In the world of compact hatchbacks, the 2024 Impreza RS is quick enough to feel responsive but not built to outpace dedicated sports cars. With its 2.5-liter naturally aspirated BOXER engine, the RS delivers 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque — a noticeable improvement over the base 2.0-liter engine.

Its acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes around 7.5 seconds, which puts it in the middle of its class. This makes it quick for everyday driving, highway merging, and light spirited driving, but it’s not designed for drag strip competition.

How Much Will the 2024 Impreza RS Cost?

Pricing for the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS starts at about $27,885 before destination and handling fees. With optional packages, upgraded audio, and driver-assist technology, the price can approach $30,000. Given that AWD is standard, the cost is competitive compared to rivals that charge extra for similar traction systems.

What Engine is in the 2024 Impreza RS?

Under the hood, the RS gets Subaru’s 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-four BOXER engine. This horizontally opposed engine layout helps lower the vehicle’s center of gravity, improving handling stability. The power output of 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque is paired with a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission), which is tuned for better responsiveness in the RS compared to other trims.

What is the 0–60 Speed of the Impreza RS 2025?

While official 2025 Subaru Impreza RS acceleration numbers haven’t been confirmed by Subaru yet, it’s expected to remain close to the 2024 model’s performance — around 7.5 seconds from 0 to 60 mph. The 2025 version will continue to prioritize balanced performance, fuel efficiency, and AWD traction over raw straight-line speed.

Which is Faster, Subaru or BMW?

In general, BMW produces performance-oriented vehicles with more powerful engines, so most BMW sedans and coupes are faster than the Impreza RS in a straight-line race. However, Subaru’s advantage lies in standard AWD capability across trims, giving it superior traction in poor weather or on loose surfaces. While BMW’s M models can out-accelerate the RS, Subaru focuses more on year-round drivability and affordability.

Why is My Subaru Slow?

If you own a Subaru that feels sluggish, several factors could be at play:

  • Engine size and tuning designed for efficiency rather than speed

  • CVT transmission prioritizing smoothness over aggressive shifts

  • Maintenance issues such as clogged air filters or low-quality fuel

  • Added weight from AWD components compared to FWD rivals

The Impreza RS balances speed and efficiency but is not intended as a high-performance sports car.

Which Car Has the Quickest Acceleration?

In the mainstream segment, performance cars like the Chevrolet Corvette, Porsche 911, and Tesla Model S Plaid lead in acceleration, with some hitting 60 mph in under 3 seconds. In the compact hatchback category, vehicles like the Volkswagen Golf GTI or Honda Civic Type R are quicker than the Impreza RS, but they come at higher prices and often lack standard AWD.

2024 Subaru Impreza RS Specs

Feature 2024 Impreza RS
Engine 2.5L flat-four BOXER
Horsepower 182 hp
Torque 178 lb-ft
Drivetrain Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Transmission Lineartronic CVT
0–60 mph ~7.5 seconds
Fuel Economy (Highway) Up to 34 MPG
Seating Capacity 5
Cargo Space 20.4 cu ft (rear seats up)
Starting Price ~$27,885

2024 Subaru Impreza RS Price

The RS trim offers a strong value proposition, giving buyers AWD, a larger engine, and sporty design cues without crossing into luxury pricing territory. At under $30,000 for most configurations, it sits competitively against front-wheel-drive hatchbacks that cost nearly the same but lack Subaru’s year-round traction benefits.

2025 Subaru Impreza RS – What’s New?

The 2025 Impreza RS continues with Subaru’s hallmark Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and fuel economy of up to 34 MPG on the highway. While performance specs remain largely unchanged from 2024, small refinements to comfort and technology are expected. Subaru’s focus remains on blending versatility, safety, and efficiency in a practical hatchback form.

Final Thoughts

The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS is not the fastest car on the road, but it delivers a well-rounded driving experience with a balance of power, handling, and everyday usability. For buyers who prioritize all-weather capability, affordability, and solid build quality, the RS stands out in the compact hatchback market.

If straight-line speed is your main goal, there are quicker options. But if you want a capable, dependable, and stylish hatchback that can handle everything from city commutes to snowy backroads, the 2024 Impreza RS is a strong contender.

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