7 Things Consumer Reports Doesn’t Like About The All-New Subaru Impreza RS

Check out what Consumer Reports (by subscription) says about the 2024 Subaru Impreza. They have yet to spend much time with the all-new Impreza hatch, but CR rented an Impreza RS from Subaru of America and took the all-new RS trim level for a quick drive. Here's their initial opinion of the new compact hatchback.

Even though the next-generation Impreza gets a complete remodel, CR says the Impreza is refreshed and looks similar. Here is their early experience with the Impreza.

Seven things CR does not like about the new 2024 Impreza RS.

Rear access: CR says, "Getting into the back seat is awkward due to the small door, low ride height, and roof arch, requiring a bit of athleticism. (Easier access is a fair reason to consider the taller Crosstrek, even though it has the same rear door and roof shapes)."

Center screen: CR says, "The large, cluttered vertical center screen is handy for showing multiple functions, like Android Auto/Apple CarPlay and climate, at the same time, but it means that the navigation map is essentially squeezed on the narrow screen. The split-screen would work better if the top portion were wider to better accommodate a wide navigation map and create more separation between various displays and functions."

"There are so many varying, colorful items on the screen that it can be difficult to discern one from another at a glance when driving. Among the baffling elements is a display for water and oil temp at the top, a nod to the gauge binnacle on the previous generation car. These digital gauges can be slid to the side but not removed. Such information should be in the instrument panel, not occupying prime screen real estate. It would be preferred that primary climate controls were physical buttons and knobs below the screen."

Continuously variable transmission (CVT): CR put this under the things they will keep their eye on and said, "The CVT works pretty well at moderate throttle, but its response feels lazy when driving slowly. It rubber bands quite a bit off the line, causing the engine revs to soar when the driver may be trying to be smooth. Its simulated shifts are well executed. The engine stop/start system (designed to save fuel by turning off the engine at stoplights) feels like a last generation system, with its abruptness and steering wheel shake on restart."

Ride quality: Also, under things they will keep their eye on, said, "The ride quality is a bit compromised compared with the Crosstrek. This likely compromises the gains in handling the RS (and Sport). The suspension absorbs most bumps well and keeps the body tied down, but small bumps on imperfect road surfaces come through, making the car feel a bit busy at times."

Noise: CR says, "Although engine noise is muted on the RS thanks to the acoustic mat underhood, there is a bit of road and tire noise that enters the cabin, a trait common in this category."

Cargo space: "The Impreza is offered strictly as a hatchback this generation. The rake of the rear hatch hinders the versatility. The rear seats fold flat, but there is a step up from the cargo floor to the seat backs."

EyeSight: CR says, "The plastic shroud that encases the EyeSight cameras behind the rearview mirror looks clunky and, more significantly, intrudes into the forward vision."

What they do like. CR says, "If you liked the last Impreza, you would like this a little more."

The basics: CR says, "Subaru does a good job with the fundamentals. The key elements are all done well, from the powertrain and suspension to interior space and standard safety equipment. Except for the giant center screen, the Impreza aims to be a balanced car that does everything well rather than chase some flashy trend."

Engine: CR says, "The RS trim brings a 182-hp, 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine that delivers more verve than the base 152-hp, 2.0-liter engine. With the added displacement comes a notable increase in torque, rising from a meager 145 lb.-ft. to 178 lb.-ft. The RS engine feels peppier than the 2.0-liter engine we experienced in a Crosstrek, but it is adequate. The power is less strained, although the throttle can sometimes feel jumpy. Drivers will also appreciate the reduced droning, but it is not as sporty as the RS designation may lead you to expect. The underhood insulation helps mute the sound from the boxer engine."

Handling: CR says, "The sporty character shines with its eager handling, calibrated for fun. It roughly splits the difference between the base Impreza and the high-performance WRX version but is still much more civilized than the high-strung WRX. The steering has a bit more heft than the norm for the class, and its quick ratio contributes to prompt turn-in when navigating corners."

Standard safety equipment: CR says, "All Imprezas come with the latest version of EyeSight, Subaru's suite of active safety systems. The automaker claims this version works faster under a wider range of conditions than before, aided by a third camera with a wider field of view and new software. It can now detect pedestrians and cyclists sooner."

"There is a standard rear occupant alert that reminds the driver to check the back seat when exiting to help prevent children or pets from being accidentally left in a hot vehicle. To the core safety suite, the RS adds blind spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane keeping assistance, and automatic emergency steering, which aids in avoiding collisions under 50 mph."

Our Take:

We have yet to drive the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS. Still, compact car shoppers are looking for an affordable entry hatchback model with the latest technology, sporty, fun to drive, and fuel efficient. The new Impreza RS hits the mark in all those areas. Customers can choose a 2.0-liter engine or the RS with a 2.5-liter engine with more horsepower. The previous generation model had only one engine choice.

All 2024 Impreza hatch trim levels come with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, and you won't pay extra to get it. All trims come with EyeSight driver assist safety technology, making the new Impreza the safest new compact hatch you can buy.

What is the price of the 2024 Impreza?

The new Impreza is affordable. The 2024 Subaru Impreza Base hatchback starts at $24,085, the Sport hatch starts at $26,085, and the all-new RS hatch with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine starts at $28,975. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,090).

What is the Impreza fuel mileage?

The new Impreza is fuel efficient. According to the EPA, the 2024 Impreza's fuel economy for the 2.0-liter engine is 27/34 city/highway mpg and 30 combined mpg. The EPA report says the fuel mileage rating for the 2024 Impreza RS with the new 2.5-liter engine is 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.

The all-new sixth-generation 2024 Subaru Impreza gets significant upgrades over the fifth-generation model for compact hatch shoppers. The new RS trim level is a considerable step up from the standard base or Sport trims with the 2.0-liter engine. For under $30,000, you'll get a safe, sporty, fast, fun-to-drive compact hatchback with all-weather capability. The new Impreza arrives this summer at U.S. retailers.

You Might Also Like: The New Subaru Impreza Sport Vs. All-New Impreza RS Hatch Head To Head

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Subaru Report - We’ve got you covered! Check back tomorrow for more unique, informative SUBARU news, reviews, and previews you can trust.

Leave your comments below, share the article with friends, and tweet it out to your followers!

Photo credit: Subaru USA