Your Guide to the Trims of the 2024 Impreza
October 11 2024 - Evan Riley
A red 2024 Subaru Impreza driving through a city and facing left.

Any Rhinebeck resident will tell you that the weather in Upstate New York is unpredictable. Locals know that Mother Nature isn't above playing tricks on the region. One day the sun is shining, and the temperatures feel summerlike, and the next, meteorologists predict snow flurries. No wonder new car buyers often search for a Subaru Impreza for sale in Rhinebeck. The Subaru brand is synonymous with East Coast drivers. Offering among the highest safety and reliability ratings in the industry, choosing a vehicle in the Subaru lineup is the closest you'll get to a foolproof driving experience.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza hatchback is no exception. With an affordable MSRP starting in the low $20k range, impressive fuel economy, and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, the Impreza ticks every box for a range of buyers. Completely redesigned for 2024, the Subaru Impreza is more stylish and tech-centric than ever, with a simplified three-trim lineup that makes choosing a breeze. Subaru positions the new Impreza as a practical choice that doesn't compromise on style and convenience. Standard cabin niceties, such as dual-zone climate control, are now standard.

In our four-season climate, choosing a vehicle with all-wheel drive makes sense. When that vehicle is a Subaru, you're left with zero doubt that your car will get you where you need to go safely. The only question left to answer is, which 2024 Subaru Impreza is the best fit for your budget, lifestyle, and needs? Our comprehensive trim guide will help you answer that question so you end up with the perfect Impreza at a price you can afford. Whether you're looking for the lowest possible payment or you have a hankering for a sporty ride with a little more power, you'll find what you're seeking in the all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza.

The Value-Priced Impreza Base

Starting in the very low $20k range, the Impreza Base includes Subaru's efficient yet peppy 152-hp 2.0-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine and standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. The Impreza achieves an impressive 34 MPG on the highway and 27 MPG in the city, making it a great choice for long-range commuters heading to Albany for work. Subaru's standard Active Torque Vectoring system supports better handling, especially when cornering, and the larger 16.6-gallon fuel tank means fewer stops for gas along your route.

The Impreza Base comes with standard LED Steering-Responsive Headlights, which automatically tilt in the direction you're driving for better visibility at night. The standard EyeSight driver assistance suite includes High Beam Assist (a system that automatically switches between low- and high-beam settings so you can focus on the road ahead), adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring. EyeSight also includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane-Keeping Assist, and other driver assistance systems to keep occupants safe.

The spacious cabin includes a standard 60/40-split flat-folding rear seat that makes stowing oversized cargo easy. It also includes cloth seating surfaces, a 7-inch touchscreen, and automatic climate control that lets the driver and front passenger dial in separate temperatures. The Impreza Base also includes power outside mirrors and automatic on-off headlights. With a generous 105.1-inch wheelbase, it comfortably seats five passengers. As with all three trims, the Impreza Base received a Five-Star Overall Safety Rating from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).

A blue 2024 Subaru Impreza with a mounted bicycle driving around a bend.

The Affordable Impreza Sport

The mid-range 2024 Impreza Sport builds on the Base's standard features while maintaining an affordable sub-$25k price tag. Standard 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels combine with all-season tires and LED fog lights to bolster capability and enhance the Sport's curb appeal. Subaru adds integrated turn signal indicators on the outside mirrors, along with keyless access and a convenient push-button start. The sound system improves from the Base's 4-speaker setup to a 6-speaker configuration, and Subaru adds an available 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot that buyers can activate with an affordable monthly plan.

Inside the cabin, the upgraded Sport Cloth seating features red contrast stitching. Steering-mounted paddle shifters give drivers a fun opportunity to engage in the driving experience, and the illuminated front USB-A and USB-C ports help you keep your devices fully charged. Among the Impreza Sport's most sought-after features is the massive 11.6-inch high-resolution STARLINK-enabled infotainment touchscreen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, so you can easily stream your favorite playlist or podcast.

Adding to the already impressive suite of driver assistance features found via EyeSight, Impreza Sport buyers can also add optional Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, which uses the vehicle's sensors, cameras, and radar to monitor the surrounding roadway and alert drivers to potential obstructions and oncoming traffic. The STARLINK connected services suite found on the Impreza Sport includes Safety & Security features like Automatic Collision Notification, which senses when the vehicle has been in an accident and automatically notifies emergency services.

The Sporty Impreza RS

Buyers seeking a sportier driving experience without leaving the affordability lane should take a close look at the all-new Impreza RS. This Impreza trim stands alone, with a more powerful standard 2.5-liter engine that outputs 182 hp and greater torque for faster acceleration. Car and Driver clocked the Impreza RS at 7.8 seconds from zero to sixty, which the car review site estimates is more than 1.2 seconds faster than the previous generation. Subaru also equips the Impreza RS with the same dual-pinion power steering system found on its performance WRX model. This system delivers a stiffer, more performance-oriented steering feel that driving enthusiasts will appreciate.

Subaru distinguishes the RS trim with special RS exterior badging, found on the rear hatch and both front doors. Standard 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels and black exterior accenting, including a black front grille and side mirrors, are only available on the RS. Inside the cabin, the RS receives carbon fiber accenting in a gunmetal finish, special sport front seats with red cloth bolsters, and RS-badged floor mats. Rounding out the RS trim's interior finishes are a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, sport pedals finished in aluminum alloy, and heated front seats. Rear-seat passengers will also enjoy their own USB-A and USB-C charging ports.

Road trips become more enjoyable when you opt for the available 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system. Exclusively available on the Impreza RS, the 432-watt system includes an amplifier and pumps out concert-grade sound. Buyers can also add an available power moonroof and a 10-way power front driver's seat with built-in lumbar support. Whether you opt for the extra amenities or not, the Impreza RS is still a great bargain at well under $30k. Though slightly less fuel-efficient, it's still a great commuting option that transitions to a sporty companion for weekend adventures to the Bluestone Wild Forest or a day of hiking in Ferncliff Forest.

Two people unloading a bicycle from the hatchback of a red 2024 Subaru Impreza RS.

Tips on Choosing the Right 2024 Impreza

As you consider which Impreza trim best fits your needs, here are a few tips to make your decision easier. First, decide what's most important. Are you looking for the lowest possible price and don't mind a pared-down cabin? The Impreza Base is where you'll get the most bang for your buck. Among the biggest benefits of moving up to the Impreza Sport are the much larger infotainment touchscreen and the standard fog lights. Buyers also appreciate the convenience of keyless entry and a push-button start.

Still, Subaru has teed up a sportier option in the Impreza RS without substantially increasing the MSRP. While the top-of-the-line Impreza RS costs around $5k more, you'll stay below $30k while gaining a more powerful engine, sport-oriented steering control, and a trim-exclusive cabin design that incorporates edgier finishes. Regardless, all Impreza trims come with the same confidence-inspiring Intelligent All-Wheel Drive and Subaru's legendary reliability—two of the biggest reasons Rhinebeck drivers are flocking to the reimagined 2024 Subaru Impreza.