How Does The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS Compare To The Original 2.5 RS?

With its sporty handling, outstanding fuel economy, and great value for money, the Subaru Impreza has enjoyed a loyal following in the U.S. over the past decades. For the 2024 model year, the automaker has given this compact car a major refresh to sharpen its competitive edge. One of the most notable updates is the addition of an RS trim. This new model is regarded as a revival of the 2.5 RS, which was available on the American market from the 1998 to 2001 model years. Let’s find out how the new Subaru Impreza RS compares with the original version. If you’d like to view our new Subaru inventory or learn more give us a call at (682) 802-7207 today!

2024 Subaru Impreza RS Performance

The all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza RS has the upper hand over the original 2.5 RS in terms of power. It’s equipped with a naturally aspirated 2.5L four-cylinder boxer engine that generates 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. In comparison, the 2.5 RS gets its power from a horizontally opposed 2.5L four-cylinder engine rated at 165 horsepower and up to 165 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are more potent than the 2.0L four-cylinder of the base and Sport trims of the 2024 Impreza, which develops only 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.

2024 Subaru Impreza RS

Another significant change to the latest Subaru Impreza is the removal of the manual transmission option. This means that the new RS will come with only a continuously variable transmission. According to Subaru, the car features an eight-speed manual mode and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, which contribute to a more engaging driving experience. In addition, Subaru has given the car a revised all-wheel-drive system with enhanced torque vectoring, which should further spice things up.

The original 2.5 RS came standard with a five-speed manual transmission and had an optional four-speed automatic. It also offered an available rear limited-slip differential, but its most impressive performance feature was its all-wheel-drive system. The 2.5 RS is regarded as an early success of Subaru’s legendary symmetrical all-wheel drive, which is capable of splitting torque almost equally between the front and rear axles. As a result, it handles and corners more like a rally car than a typical compact car. The upcoming RS has an improved version of this all-wheel-drive system.

Another major difference between the 2024 Impreza RS and the old 2.5 RS is their suspensions. Both models feature a sport-tuned suspension to deliver more athletic handling, but like many of its contemporaries, the newer version uses a double-wishbone rear suspension. The suspension of the 2.5 RS comprises both front and rear struts, whereas the new RS has only front struts. The 2024 RS also receives a version of the electronic power steering rack found in the performance-oriented WRX for improved steering feel and responsiveness.

Despite their differences, the new Impreza and the original 2.5 RS are a blast to drive. They strike a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness, so you’ll enjoy driving them in all kinds of situations. Their responsive steering makes them easy to maneuver in tight quarters and feel sure-footed around corners. In addition, they do a great job of soaking up bumps and road imperfections, resulting in a smooth and comfortable ride.

2024 Subaru Impreza RS Exterior

Along with all other 2024 Subaru Impreza models, the new RS trim will only be available as a five-door hatchback. That should be a welcome change, as the previous versions only came with trunks. In terms of exterior design, this model looks sleek and aggressive with its long and raked hood, gaping trapezoidal grille, and slanted headlights. A fast-sloping roof-line and pronounced rear haunches add a touch of sportiness.

Original Subaru Impreza RS 2.5 RS

The RS comes standard with LED headlights and 18-inch wheels. It also features RS badging, a dark gray finish on the grille, side skirts, and side mirrors to distinguish itself from the other 2024 Imprezas.

Subaru initially offered the original 2.5 RS in four-door sedan and two-door coupe body styles but discontinued the coupe version in the U.S. in 2000. Although it appears more understated than the new RS, it’s a handsome-looking car, thanks to its well-proportioned body and rounded edges. In addition, it comes with a large hood scoop, a prominent trunk-mounted spoiler, and five-spoke alloy wheels to get the performance message across. The 2.5 RS has standard fog lights and rides on 16-inch wheels.

2024 Subaru Impreza RS Interior

On the inside, both the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS and the old 2.5 RS are specially tailored for spirited driving. They offer cloth upholstery, a leather-covered steering wheel, and a shifter as standard equipment. However, the new version kicks things up with two-tone black and red seats, aluminum pedals, heated front seats, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Furthermore, as a hatchback, it can carry much more cargo than its predecessor, offering a whopping 56 cubic feet of storage space with the rear seats folded down.

2024 Subaru Impreza RS Features

Regarding infotainment and safety features, the 2024 Impreza RS wins hands down. New vehicles are generally better equipped and have more advanced technologies than their older counterparts. The new RS keeps you and your passengers informed and entertained with the intuitive Starlink multimedia system, a large 11.6-inch touch-screen display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and two USB ports. If you want a better experience, you can opt for the available 10-speaker Harman Kardon system.

In addition, the 2024 RS boasts a host of standard and optional driver-assistance features to help you stay safe behind the wheel. These include lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection, automatic emergency steering, and rear cross-traffic warning. The original 2.5 RS only offers basic features, such as antilock brakes and airbags, which are also standard on the new RS.

The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS Is Available At Hiley Subaru in Fort Worth, TX

The 2024 Subaru Impreza RS has yet to arrive at Subaru dealerships. However, if you’re interested in getting this amazing hatchback in Fort Worth, Texas, contact the friendly and helpful team at Hiley Subaru of Fort Worth. We give you updates on the new Impreza RS as we receive them and can help you book a test drive or place a pre-order as soon as possible. If you have any inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact us.