2024 Subaru Impreza Sheds the Sedan, Leaving a Sportier, Techier Hatchback

Competes with: Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla

Looks like: At least one automaker understands that hatchbacks are cooler than sedans

Powertrain: 152-horsepower, 2.0-liter four-cylinder (Base, Sport) or 182-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder (RS); continuously variable automatic transmission; all-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Spring 2023

Redesigned for the 2024 model year, the sixth generation of the Subaru Impreza that makes its global debut at the 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show has a streamlined and sportier lineup. The 2024 Impreza drops the sedan body style entirely, leaving only a five-door hatchback, while trading the fifth-gen’s Premium and Limited trims for the return of the higher-performance RS. The five-speed manual transmission available on the 2023 Base and Sport also disappears, with a continuously variable automatic transmission standard on all 2024 models. Subaru is also upgrading the tech content of the new Impreza, making its larger 11.6-inch touchscreen available in an Impreza for the first time.

Related: More 2022 L.A. Auto Show Coverage

Updated Looks

On the outside, the 2024 Impreza looks slightly more streamlined and sportier than its predecessor but retains a distinctly Subaru look. The front styling includes revised headlight, grille and foglight designs. In back, a new rear bumper design incorporates the reflectors into the body-colored portion of the bumper (on the red RS in these images, it produces an unfortunate “pre-dented” look), and the taillight design is also new.

Updated Performance

More significant than the exterior design changes are the updates to the Impreza’s platform. The automaker says its Subaru Global Platform underpinning the 2024 Impreza has 10% more torsional rigidity, and the new construction makes the body both stiffer and lighter. Base and Sport models carry over the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that was the sole choice for 2023 models, making 152 horsepower and 145 pounds-feet of torque; the RS gets a more powerful 2.5-liter four-cylinder that produces 182 hp and 178 pounds-feet, which should improve performance.

Gone for 2024 is the five-speed manual transmission; all 2024 Imprezas will use a CVT, though the Sport and RS have an eight-speed “manual” mode that can simulate the traditional gear changes of an automatic transmission and allow drivers to “shift” via steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

Subaru is also giving the Sport and RS the automaker’s Subaru Intelligent-Drive drive mode selector, 18-inch wheels and sport-tuned suspension. The automaker also says the new Impreza gets what it calls a version of the WRX’s power steering system for better steering feel, but it hasn’t yet specified if or how it differs from the WRX’s.

Higher-Tech, Passenger-Focused Interior

In addition to the performance upgrades, Subaru says the new chassis structure should make the interior quieter, as should an additional emphasis to reduce some frequency-specific sounds. A new front-seat design also aims to enhance occupant comfort. The RS adds front sport seats and unique interior trim, heated front seats and more. Optional features on the RS include a power moonroof, 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat and premium 10-speaker Harman Kardon stereo.

All 2024 Imprezas come standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and the Sport and RS variants add Subaru’s 11.6-inch touchscreen display. We haven’t been huge fans of this larger, portrait-oriented touchscreen in other Subarus, particularly the digital climate controls, though the automaker has corrected a previous issue that limited Apple CarPlay to just a portion of the screen.

Standard and Optional Safety Tech

With the elimination of the manual transmission, all 2024 Imprezas will come standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite of safety tech; on the previous generation, it was a CVT-exclusive feature. Blind spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert and lane departure steering assist are available features (standard on the RS), and you can add evasive steering assist that works at speeds up to 50 mph. A rear-seat reminder is also standard.

Pricing and Release Date

Following its global debut at the 2022 L.A. show, the 2024 Subaru Impreza should arrive at dealerships in the spring of 2023. We expect pricing information closer to its on-sale date.

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