This is how the WRX should've looked. No cladding, hatchback, and with this gorgeous Oasis Blue color as an option. I would also kill for an Oasis Blue Crosstrek WRX. C'mon Subaru...
One small correction. LSDs on both axles, like STIs and WRX should always have had. That, would’ve been class. I’ve always loved Japanese rice rockets for their sleeper appeal, but they’ve lost the plot in recent years.
Hilarious and quite sad that dealerships are marking up an economy car with a trim package that comes with an engine that should come standard across the Impreza/Crosstrek lineup
I am like the only one here in North Georgia past Woodstock to be driving the impreza rs. I haven't seen a single other 24 impreza on the road. I seen tons of people look at my hatch and they are interested in it, had few people talk about my impreza rs. It does give attention really good but no one wants to drive one around here
Impreza RS vs Crosstrek Sport trim where they both get the 2.5L is only a 1k difference. I feel like it’s worth it for the ground clearance, spare tire, and X-mode of the Crosstrek.
Only caveat is Subaru NA doesn't give the upgraded audio option in Crosstrek Sport. Anyone looking at the two that has audio as a must have will have to plan to upgrade aftermarket (challenging with these newer head unit vehicles).
Great review. Great little car. Really wish that Subaru NA would stop knee-capping this car on options in the states. It pretty clear they are keeping choices available in all other markets out to push people up to the more expensive models in the branding.
The Crosstrek is a multipurpose utility vehicle. The Impreza is the same basic vehicle, but especially the RS, is considered a street car. This is a Sport performance vehicle if you don't need or want a WRX, but want the styling, handling and amenities. But it would be nice to have the N/A BRZ engine and a manual transmission available. When it came out, I wanted one like a his or the Sapphire Blue Pearl with the option package. It clicks almost all the boxes of things I would want, but two things give me hesitation. The reports of glitches and malfunctions on the touch screen infotainment unit on previous vehicles, and the problem with full time AWD vehicles that requires you to get all new tires if you have a flat, etc. So I will probably get one of the other vehicles on my list. You can always have someone like a window tint shop make clear plastic protection film to put over the piano black on the center console shifter area and elsewhere. There is also smartphone like screen protectors for some popular vehicle infortainment systems, or it could be made for this one if it doesn't interfere with the touch sensitivity. I hardly have rear seat passengers, rather have the USB ports and auxillary audio input jack. For the price of this with the option package, the well praised Civic Sport Touring Hatchback would be a serious consideration which I would opt for in the similar Boost Blue Pearl.
The "redesign" looks ugly as sin, inside & out. The previous gen models, such as 2022 and 2023 models look way better. Brake-vectoring is something that came with the previous gen Sport models, so the only upgrade I see here is steering responsive headlights. I honestly didn't have issues with the previous wired Android Auto because it actually is not as laggy as the wireless version. Also, the previous gen has all physical HVAC knobs. If you own the previous gen, I would actually recommend keeping it and maybe upgrade the front headlights only.
I’ve been renting a 2017 Civic while my car is being touched up and ceramic coated for winter. The Civic constantly gets over 45MPG MIxed Driving and easy to toss around. Load Cabin noise compared to my car but that MPG is amazing. I thought my 30 mpg was excellent in mixed driving.
i saw the 182 hp and cvt and i said, ok, not bad. turns out he f*g lied, the base engine is a 2.0L i4 at a lethargic 150 hp. the base mazda3 engine is a 2.5L that ooutputs 191 hp which would leave this thing in the dust AND it has a real 6 speed transmission isntead of garbagecan cvt. TOO BAD!
I really hate Subaru interiors. I'm not usually that picky about such things, but a lot of this looks so dated, with plastics by Hasbro & Mattel. Although it admittedly looks better with less plastic on the *exterior.*
This has a hatch, looks miles better than the current WRX, but has been tragically robbed of the manual transmission. Hell, I'd even settle for a good fixed-ratio automatic, but CVTs absolutely suck the life out of vehicles with a modest power output. Putting the RS badge on this is just marketing nonsense. At the very least it still has standard AWD.
Yup no idea why they don’t bring a manual in this. Most of the R&D is already done with the WRX and I can’t imagine CAFE would be too significantly impacted.
Screaming for: - manual (tired old "fewer sales" trope-excuse aside) - better motor (better--even auto--transmission will help here though) - rear air vents (?!#?!) - 1" more ground clearance...not to match or even approach Crosstrek (= more inches) but make more real-world bad roads, mild street flooding and parking "headstones" friendly. As it is, it's a good roads, fair weather only proposition. - spare - probably a fleet weight target thing but... It's fortunate that it (appears it) can be retrofitted with factory parts. - less pricey sunroof option Nit picking but... - two seat back pockets (everyone else is guilty here too but poor excuse, quit chintzing) - improved rear seat belt buckling/anchor configuration Alex, great review!
Truth is, overwhelming majority of buyers don't want manuals so making manual cars is a waste of money. Second, increased ground clearance means center of gravity goes up which means car is not handling as good or as fun to drive. No need for rear air vents because it's a small car.
I have a 2019 Impreza, and it is great in the snow. I live in the city and roads are plowed quickly. I very, very rarely need the extra ground clearance of the Crosstrek.
Subarus are like Legos. You can swap in aftermarket or OEM struts or springs to lift the car an extra 1-3" but of course center of gravity goes up and ultimately affects driving dynamics.
I feel like this is trying to appeal to an audience that is just not there given the overall brand image. Yeah it doesn't suck to drive like the 2L but realistically if you want the 2.5L that badly, just buy a Forester with a few options or get the Crosstrek Sport instead. Much easier to find and far more practical.
"Kudos to Subaru!"? Virtually *everybody* makes cars people can afford, including Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, and Nissan. The question is whether people really want one of the base model cars? Most apparently don't.
@@Hallowsaw There are still a few of them - Rio, Mirage, Versa. New cars are very well-equipped with safety and tech, no matter what model/trim. If you don't want to pay for that, look for a used car.
@@braetonwilson4296 Do you have a source for that? Of course dealers are happy to talk you into a higher trim, but if you really want a base model, any dealer should be able to get you one. If people refused to buy anything but base models, they would have to make base models.
Have mine since July 1st. 6400+ miles so far, overall MPG 28.6, mostly local miles. The car is appointed very well, the driving posture is excellent, handling of course is outstanding, power package with sun roof, power/heatsed seats are great and the HK stereo sounds awesome, the electronics/camera system is great, Starlink is great for remote start and locking, etc.. have had CVT transmissions before - particularly relevant was my 2020 Civic Sport (loved that too), you have to get used to it and hit the right time and sweet spots... trust me this RS GOES when you want it to... overall LOVE it.
Please though don’t give into the temptation that you have to get a new vehicle, even if it’s advertised as “inexpensive” as any new offering will be much more than finding something used and still in good shape.
I did first consider used vehicles but even 3-4 year old used vehicles with 50 thousand miles on it cost almost as much as a brand new vehicle. So it makes sense to buy a brand new vehicle under warranty for MSRP. Also I can secure lower interest rates for new vehicles.
@@braetonwilson4296 I was more thinking of something in the $3-5k range. A friend got a 2005 Focus with like 124k on it for like $2500 last year and only put in a little bit in for tires, brakes and suspension bushings. Alternator just died recently but that’s after a year of ownership and it still won’t be a difficult task (or pricey if you take it to a shop).
Be careful friend. New cars have destroyed many people's financial future. Consider looking for a charity in your area that assists in finding reliable transportation.
@@braetonwilson4296 And that used car has 50k less miles of life left in it than the same car new. I calculate it this way. Estimate how many miles each car will last to. Say, 200k or whatever. And divide the cost by how many k miles the car is away from 200K. So new car price divided by 200k, and 50k miles used car price divided by 150k. Used car should be considerably cheaper per mile for it to be a good value. (Assuming you can afford new. If not, used it is.)
The lower fuel economy is because of the symmetrical AWD adding a lot of weight to the car. That added weight is also why both the Impreza and Crosstrek feel so slow while driving.
@@braetonwilson4296 This is 2023. We’re way past that. When a Corolla Cross hybrid is AWD, has more space, is faster and averages over 40mpg without CVT or direct injection carbon issues, you know you’ve failed. Oh and it starts at $28k. For the same $31k you get the top spec hybrid XSE.
I was almost confused why this video showed up when Alex reviewed the RS with Brian back in April but I see this is a much more in-depth review and price comparison discussion. Thanks!
The base model makes the most sense with most of the good stuff you need. If you're looking for sportiness, then you'd be better off looking at wrx or another brand. fyi new for this year the Impreza gets the 16.6 gal fuel tank for monster driving range.
I wish they had done a "RS24" and used the BRZ's naturally-aspirated 2.4L and 6-spd manual transmission. My 2020 Sport came with power driver seat and the HK audio package as part of the Sport trim; the 2024 RS doesn't get those without an additional package. It's the cheapest AWD hatchback, if you don't want any options. I also got a donut spare, instead of a can of fix-a-flat. Absolutely zero incentive for me to trade-in on a new model.
You know how much that engine would cost to put in this car and sell it? Just buy the wrx if you want a performance Subaru car. The old rs literally was a handling and style package, the new rs is the exact same thing minus the manual. It’s literally a modern rendition of the old cars that people forget weren’t special either
This really needs a manual transmission. Subaru did huge disservice with using CVT. The only good car Subaru makes nowadays is the BRZ. Rest of the lineup is only catered to old people
As an over fifty man, I would choose the Crosstrek for the ease of entry/exit due to the ground clearance. I ultimately sold my Impreza for and Outback for this reason, even though the Impreza was much more fun to drive.
Such a weird car company. They used to be everywhere up in Quebec, Canada (their #1 market in NA). Dropped the flat-six, dropped the auto, dropped the manual gearbox, all kinds of problems with the 2.0 oil consumptions, catastrophic failures. Spotty and often less than professional dealer network. Now you see the odd old lady driving a Crosstrek. What a shame.
And if only Subaru could’ve made the WRX look like this, and if you’re not going to go full WRX why not offer the turbo just for the sake of it and increase the price by 2.5-3k
@@TC1Z2L3if they changed NOTHING else but just offered the 2.5 turbo, that’s really worth a 6-8k upcharge on a car that tops out at 31.5k? It’s whole point is value
I will not call my impreza rs slow lol. This review is absolutely spot on to after owning this car for 7 months but in all honesty it really should have got a turbo or another engine with more power. This car is just different then to all the other models of subaru but i love mine so much. Its getting the nameless quads for sure and it will not change for 10+ years
As far as entry compact cars, Carolla hybrid is the best value in America due to its low cost of entry, low cost of ownership and minuscule cost at the pump plus resale value. There are even interest insensitive’s for hybrids which is really important! You can get the awd version and that’s great but fwd is fine for most people even if it snows sometimes. Subaru’s compact sedan value proposition is struggling because they don’t offer a hybrid version like Toyota. You literally said they offer a CVT on the base Impreza as a standard feature, what? Brushing off the Carolla hybrid because it’s slow? This isn’t? Subarus AWD system is great but everyone doesn’t need that anymore when you have modern electric motor controlled versions that do what people in light snow belt areas need in most cases. Your reasoning of how the power is split is so basic and glossed over it’s as if you only care to put the Impreza in the best light possible for the sake of your video title. Everyone doesn’t live near the mountains or in a severe snow belt. My Carolla SE hybrid feels more refined than any non hybrid car in its class due to its silent operation around town and the handling is actually engaging! The torque from the battery is surprisingly strong at 3k rpm, pushing your head back and throttle response is always legitimately immediate due to the E-cvt(not mechanically similarly to a CVT). People need to get in a Carolla hybrid and drive it, not look at the numbers. I test drove the RS expecting a little bit of engagement due to the looks and marketing. I actually gasped at the way the CVT delivered power. You feel disconnected from what you want the car to do, the complete opposite of what I expected and you don’t get amazing fuel economy to mask this. 33mpg max is acceptable to you with how bland everything else is? That’s outdated thinking. Hybrids are the future point blank.
I am trying to decide between the crosstreck impreza and masda 30. What do you think? I looking just the base models because I want to keep it as affordable as possible and don't need extras. My goal is under 25k if at all possible.thanks
I think if your in the market for something like this the new Prius LE AWD makes more sense. Same price, double the mileage, nearly same space and way nicer looks.
I would like to see a base model reviewed and tested. What’s sad is while I am cross shopping (pun intended ), the Crosstrek has much cheaper insurance premiums than the Impreza even though the Impreza is cheaper and is the same vehicle.
Correction: the crosstrek wilderness is 0.5 seconds slower than the limited trim and even the limited crosstrek is still 0.5 seconds slower than the impreza rs!
This would be great as a spare car for house guests or a spoiled HS/college student. I bought the first redesigned Impreza CVT/2.0L hatch when they came out a few years ago. It was excellent, other than the road noise and meh power. Great in the snow though--much better than my Outback was for some reason. Looks like the RS will be an improvement.
No-one complains about how ugly, cheap and old fashioned the heated seat buttons are in this and other Subarus. I'm pretty sure Mitsubishi uses the same buttons and reviewers complain about them and mock them.
Honestly, the RS makes no sense to me. I just bought the 2024 Impreza Sport and saved about $5k. The RS should come with everything included (heated car seat, wheels, sunroof, and memory seats) to justify the $30k.
You will get fleeced at Subaru dealerships for maintenance and parts. Long term maintenance and repair costs are high compared to Toyota. Subaru is Lease decision and Toyota is a Buy decision.
Aftermarket is always an option but there are some drawbacks. Yes you can get better components, but if you have a lower trim vehicle with an "upgraded sound system" you'll have a harder time getting value for it on the second hand market or as a trade-in. -Travis
@@AAutoBuyersGuidesubaru buyers are s different breed. We keep our cars forever. I still have my 2011 legacy 3.6r from new. Only has 140k miles and i expect to have it another 6 years
I never get this weird obsession about piano black... Are people pawing at their consoles? What are people doing that their hands are fondling the trim pieces and not the actual controls? I have piano black and it stays clean because it's in a place where your hand doesn't touch it.
Putting wider tires on it will lower the fuel economy slightly, but I suspect it would also feel even more lethargic off the line as well due to the gripper rubber. Those eco-based Yoko offer less road resistance helping it move off the line easier.
Tires don’t actually stick to road surfaces when rolling. Having wider tires makes the car faster as it adds traction to put the power down, not slower.
My son loves his 2018 Impreza. He takes it winter camping with no problems going over snowy park roads. It still has some of that Fuji Heavy Industry DNA.
the competition page would be good if it compared what you actually get for the price. I need to see the horsepower in the base engine, and the transmission. turns out they are all base CVT except the mazda 3, and the mazda3 likewise produces the most horsepower. suddenly it's a very obvious choice.
