The New Subaru Impreza Sport Vs. All-New Impreza RS Hatch Head To Head

The 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback arrives now for U.S. customers, but which trim level and engine is the best? The next-generation Impreza comes exclusively as a 5-door hatchback and is available in three trim levels; Base, Sport, and the new RS trim.

New Impreza Sport vs. all-new Impreza RS which trim is the best?

We will bypass the Base trim level because it's entry-level and doesn't have the best features like Sport and RS.

The two Impreza models get similar technology upgrades inside the cabin with a new 11.6-inch Subaru Starlink center information display. In addition, both come with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-weather performance and the automaker's improved Eyesight driver assist safety technology is standard on both trim levels.

All 2024 Impreza trim levels have enhanced safety features, updated multimedia technology, improved dynamic performance, smoother rides, and quieter cabins. However, a significant difference between the new 2024 Impreza Sport and all-new 2024 Impreza RS trim levels is the engine.

The Impreza RS 2.5-liter engine Vs. Sport with the 2.0-liter engine

The 2024 Subaru Impreza Sport trim has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection engine, producing 152 horsepower and 145 lb.-ft. of torque. A Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) is standard on both trim levels. The engine is a proven engine and has excellent reliability.

The new 2024 Subaru Impreza RS upgrades to a 2.5-liter Boxer engine with 182 horsepower and 178 ft lbs of torque. The 2.5-liter retuned engine in the new RS trim is also a proven Subaru Boxer engine with excellent reliability.

The RS also has a sport-tuned suspension upgrade, bigger brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels, and SI-Drive. The 2.5-liter engine is mated with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission featuring an 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters.

The Sport trim also has a Lineartronic CVT featuring 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters.

What is the fuel mileage of the new 2024 Impreza RS?

With the newly-retuned 2.5-liter Boxer engine, the Impreza RS has an EPA-estimated fuel mileage rating of 26/33 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg.

The 2024 Impreza 2.0-liter engine gets slightly better fuel mileage and has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 27/34 city/highway mpg and 30 combined mpg.

Which trim offers the best value? 2024 Subaru Impreza pricing.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza Sport hatch starts at $26,085, and the all-new RS hatch with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine has a starting price of $28,975. Pricing includes destination and delivery fees ($1,090).

The RS costs $2,890 more than the Sport trim, so what extra features does the RS have?

The 2024 Impreza RS includes an All-Weather Package, Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Automatic Emergency Steering.

The RS trim has unique exterior elements, including RS badging on the front doors and rear hatch, 18-inch alloy wheels in dark gray, a black finish on the front grille, side spoilers, side mirrors, and upgraded LED headlights.

The cabin of the RS has gunmetal and simulated carbon fiber interior trim accents, as well as sport front seats in black cloth with red cloth bolsters, and carpeted floor mats, which feature the RS logo. The RS also includes a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle, aluminum alloy pedals, a wireless phone charger, and USB-A and USB-C charging ports in the rear center console.

Available exclusively on the RS is a Harman Kardon 10-speaker system with a 432-watt equivalent amplifier, Power Moonroof, and 10-way power front driver seat with lumbar support. But the option package is an additional $2,070.

With the 2.5-liter engine upgrade, the Impreza RS will be a fast, fun-to-drive small hatch for driving enthusiasts. With the 2.5L engine upgrade, the Impreza RS is significantly improved over the Impreza Sport hatchback with the 2.0-liter engine.

The Impreza Sport trim will have adequate power but won't be as fast or fun to drive as the all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza RS. However, for $2,890 more, you'll get a sporty hot hatch in the RS trim that could be the hottest new Subaru model launch this year.

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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.

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