It's kind of hilarious that this Impreza looks so much better than the new WRX. Just put that WRX 2.4L turbo into the Impreza and call it a day Subaru.
A little disappointed we didn't get to see a shot from the back with the backseats down. That is something a lot of people would like to see. Should make that a mandatory shot in all your videos.
Agreed. @Alex On Autos, please, please, PLEEEAASE include shots of rear seats folded (2nd and 3rd rows, where applicable) on all of your hatch/SUV reviews. Your "rear trunk comfort index" is kinda silly but showing how the cargo space with the seats folded should be mandatory. It is the only shortcoming in your otherwise excellent reviews.
I was looking for a 23 crosstrek with a manual. I couldn’t find one. So I found a 23 vw GTI, with the 6spd. It’s a brilliant vehicle that is super fun, and only needs 87.
I may have got my hands on the last 2023 6mt crosstrek in North America. The It’s painful to know that these cars aren’t being offered with a gearbox anymore.. it’s a great vehicle and a blast to drive compared to the cvt abomination
I think all lights should be LED by now. my favorite models are the top trim fully loaded models. I like the car all around as the owner of 2 Subaru Foresters now and pleased with both of them. 2003 and 2015.
For me, I enjoy my 2017 Impreza. It’s easy to drive, very practical and I get good gas mileage with it. I ski in the winter so it gets me up snowy/ icy mountains. The only thing it doesn’t have is the ground clearance, which i am fine with since most of my driving is in the city or on the highway. I also love the amount of stuff I can fit in the back of my car. I hope Subaru continues their wagon design. I really enjoy the Impreza.
The Crosstrek outsells the Impreza almost 5:1, but since the bodies are the same and powertrains are already certified for the Crosstrek it doesn't cost much for Subaru to continue to offer it. I'd guess that killing the sedan was required to keep the Impreza on offer here.
@@kidnamedfinger6323 I agree. I don't get how people drive a Mustang, Charger, or Challenger. They are giant and it would be annoying to park, especially in a big city. I like how Subaru still makes smaller cars.
Regarding cross-shopping, I cross-shopped the Impreza, the Crosstrek, the Elantra, and the Corolla with the Maverick Hybrid, and chose the Maverick Hybrid.
Nice review. The RS is the winner in class IMO. I have had mine on order since late february. Also the review says "these aren't all season tires" They are Yokohama avid S34p tires that are in fact all season tires.
My wife has a 2021 Impreza hatch and it's been a good daily for her. We've liked it so much that I would definitely consider one of these RS models for my next daily.
Perfect review. A lot of reviewers don't understand who this vehicle is for. The person who is looking for AWD in a nice looking, smaller vehicle for $30,000/under with some nice features too, etc
Impreza RS should have gone with a 2.0 turbo. That would have made it a WRX's little sibling that would have garnered real street cred with enthusiasts.
My son loves his 2018 Impreza. It was $2K cheaper than the equivalent trim Crosstrek. Fits his active lifestyle. He has taken it winter camping, and it did great with snow tires. No repairs so far.
The crosstrek and Impreza are the exact same car same chassis same platform the crosstrek is just a lifted Impreza with slight different exterior styling. The Impreza has also been offered as a hatchback all Subaru did was get rid of the sedan option for the Impreza. The Crosstrek always has and always will be based on the Impreza
I suppose it's hard to expect ventilated-cooled seat and heated steering wheel. Considering how Subaru is popular in snowy states and in Canada, it's certainly a miss.
@@spacetoast7783 Yup, heated steering wheel is standard one up from the base and heated seats are standard on all trims. As we see in the US, many of the US automaker subsidiary don't offer heated seats or steering wheel.
Where do you get the 80%? The majority of Impreza and Crosstrek sales have the 2 liter engine. If they wanted more power they would buy the 2.5 version. Now if you mean more power without paying extra for it that is another story.
@@MarkCucchiara Subaru only makes changes if the Majority of customers complain about something or aren't buying a certain model. For example 77% of people bought the Impreza Hatch over the sedan which is why Subaru decided to kill the Impreza sedan. Most people wanted a Crosstrek with more power that's why Most people are buying the Sport and Limited models.
@@MarkCucchiara Now Subaru is scrambling around moving production because of the 2.5L demand. They would have been ok if they sold the 2.5 as an option in the Premium.
@@TomTom-gn9mp They already had the 2.5L engine, my 2017 had the enemic 150hp 2.5L engine. The RS is simply getting the 182HP motor that's in the Forester and Crosstreks. I WISH my 2017 Impreza Sport had the extra 32 HP the RS will have.
Subaru USA forgot to put this car on their website yet it's been on sale to order since the middle of March? Now they are supposed to just hit dealers lots before the end of the month? The website development team needs to get their butts in gear.
There is a poster who put his order in on Feb 27. You can configure on a couple of websites (TH-cam does not allow links)- not Subaru - to at least have an idea what you are getting.
I’ve been waiting for the driving reviews (limited as it is) on this car and it reinforces the aspects about it that makes it a compelling, affordable option. I’ll likely be ordering one this week now that the refinement- super stiff chassis, capable AWD, good handling and power, comfortable and improved NVH - is noted and confirmed by Alex, Brian and other reviewers. I’ll be keeping my bought new ‘02 WRX wagon for more aggressive and connected canyon carving runs but see this as a great daily driver and perfect sized, practical road tripper. Side note, there is a Driving Statistics screen in the Car Info button which shows a graphic of the drivetrain, front wheel angle and (basic) power delivery graphics to the axles and wheels as well as vehicle posture.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is still not available at dealers, and they have no definite word on when that will happen. It’s about a year since that vehicle was announced, but where is it??
Honestly don't understand why subaru does this. Literally make a WRX that looks like this, manual and CVT (for those who don't want 3 pedals) and it will undoubtedly sale. Throw some good tech features too and it would be the ultimate affordable daily/performance car
Anything with less than 200hp shouldn’t be called rs lol. Cmon with all this hybrid technology and turbos they can definitely get 210hp 200lb/ft for example and still keep mileage in the 30s
The departing manual on the cheapest trims was a sneaky way to get some engagement in a category where you can't normally find it. My friend just got a 2023 Crosstrek and the manual is his favorite feature. Kind of wild how we hear this so much but at the actual dealer practically nobody options manuals.
Dealers don’t option them customers can’t find them. The manual in my 2017 Impreza was its best feature. Also it had a mechanical awd system as opposed to the automatics electronic awd system. I couldn’t imagine how boring a 140 hp awd car is with a cvt.
They would have been better off with a 175 Hp. 2.0L Turbo on all trims and just offered a Base/Premium and Sport model. At the end of the day this is still an economy car that needs to compete with the class. They could have ditched the 2.0L for a 2.0L Turbo that makes 220 HP for the RS trim and kept the 2.5L Non Turbo for the Base and Premium.
2022 & 2023 Impreza Sport hatches look a lot more mainstream (more normal looking, I mean) and have much better infotainment. I despise when the manufacturers bury the climate controls into the infotainment.
First time I actually think the Crosstrek looks better than the Impreza. 😌. Nice looking wagon and we love ours but time for a higher seated, higher ground clearance Crosstrek thx to the zillion people driving SUVs we cannot see around. 😉
We should be able to deactivate the false cvt shift just like false engine noise and not suffer from the taste of consumers who understand nothing about mechanics. At the first bumper damage on a CrossCheck I would ask to the bodyshop to install these Impreza front and rear for sure. So much better than all the awful Cr.-ch. cladding.
Same situation currently right now. I have a kia I might need to replace and loved the peace of mind having a 10 year warranty. But Subaru's reliability is generally pretty , I'm kind of torn. Was bottom line price the biggest factor for you?
Why did they change the volume control on the steering wheel? Crosstrek Sport is cloth now also. Bummer. Love the imitation leather in my 2022. Really like the full body color paint in this Impreza.
I hadn't thought about the Hyundai Kona as a competitor. Based on TH-cam first looks, I think I'd prefer a 2024 Kona over the 2024 Impreza. The Kona seems more modern, and you can get an EV version.
I own a 2022, and would never own another one. Fragile, unreliable, and has been at the dealership for 8 warranty repairs in one year. I buy new economy cars every 5 year, because I drive 30k miles a year for my job. Maintenance costs are ridiculous on Subarus. However it is very smooth and rides well. Gas mileage is horrible. Very disappointed with the ownership of my first Subaru. I'm looking into the lemon laws, because now the dealership says I have carbon build up, and I use only Super Unleaded, quality gas station fuel. Need to get rid of it because it will be nothing but problems
I'm sorry you got sucked into the fad. Those of us that were huge Subaru fans in the 90s (and are no longer) are dumbfounded by their current popularity. They shed all the stuff that used to make them attractive (high tech components, a more advanced AWD than the competition, unequal length headers that made them sound like angry tractors, and a ruggedness & reliability that made them the winter mountain car of choice) and have been making things as bland and inoffensive as possible. My '13 XV was my last Subaru (of 8 since '87) and I was glad to see it go. The BRZ is the only enticing car in the lineup and it drives more like my '99 2.5RS (obviously with better dynamics and a top end) than any other modern Subaru.
You're on point with the fragile, I used to own a Impreza I sometimes I felt like it was going to fall apart and the interior is filled with nothing but hard plastic
I'm not sure about what you mean by "...and you can finally get Subie's 2.5L engine under the hood." The Subaru Imprezas have had a 2.5L engine (150HP) at least since 2017. In fact that was the ONLY available engine for the Imprezas from '17 to present. All they've done is slap the improved 2.5L engine (182HP) that the Forester now gets into the '24 Imp RS model . But it's STILL a 2.5L which the Imprezas have been running for years now. It's just a slightly massaged 2.5L that makes 32HP more then than the other 2.5L.
It's kind of sad cross shopping for this type if car. it's so difficult when you don't want something with 8 inches of ground clearance. I miss actual hatchbacks. The elantra gt, forte5, focus, cruz, and the base corolla are all gone. It's basically the GR, mazda3, mini, and the Civic, which is more of a fastback. I'm definitely going to try to get ine of these after they launch.
Yep, my Forte5 is currently in the shop after 11 years without a single issue. I'm heartbroken at the lack of hatchback options if I need to replace her. Although it will never cure the sting of having been too poor to afford a STI when they first hit the market, getting myself onto one of these might be kind of nice. The warranty situation is garbage though, I was so spoiled with Kia's 10 year even though I never needed it. Does anyone out there have any thoughts comparing the two choices and your thoughts on what would make you decide one way or the other (looking at a seltos I guess...)???
IMO, the 2024 Subaru Impreza looks like a hatchback car to me. A wagon car would have a longer "third window" (where the triangle window is on the back) that is at least a foot long. But I'm glad that the Impreza is a hatchback exclusive vehicle. We need more hatchbacks instead of car manufacturers going all SUVs in their lineup.
I don't think that's a valid objection. The '24 model is revised, but the running gear is carried over. I wouldn't buy the '24 model because they discontinued the manual transmission.
The fact that this is awd has got you guys making some bizarre comparisons lol. People either want to ride high and think 'its an suv' or they don't. The impreza hatch has always had awd, and never merited these cross comparisons. Y'all even mentioned the type r at one point lol. Also: this is def a hatch and not a wagon. 100%.
@@ATH_Berkshire It doesn't say anywhere that this is a quick first drive. The problem is he has been pumping out a lot of these "first drives" in the last year or two and neglecting actual reviews. Not liking where this channel is heading.
@@janoycresnova9156 He drew people in with solid reviews and is now riding on his past track record. It will catch up with him soon and many people won't be watching anymore.
Nice that you get cloth seats in the RS. Many people DON'T like leather seats. Other testers have gotten 37 mpg hwy which seems realistic given the CVT. The RS HAS to get more mpg over the 2.5L Crosstrek given the lower height which makes a big aerodynamic difference. Only knock I have is the wheels. I think they are horrible. A nice 5 spoke design would look much better.
I’m on a 24 base with the 2.0liter. I get a combined 36-38 but admittedly do a bit of highway driving. Highway at 60mph-65mph I’ll get over 40mpg all day.
@@wx2999 Actually it isn't slower, and it is better in bad weather situations as well, giving the driver more control over the car. CVT is a fail, and much more expensive too.
@@afcgeo882 Wrong, a decent driver has better ability to gauge which gear the car should be in for best traction in slippery weather. You'll have more control over the car with the manual transmission.
The bad news is if they did make a WRX Impreza hatchback it would look exactly the same but with a turbo and a nice hood scope and less of a sporty hatchback
So 80% of the people preferred the 5 door hatchback so the is why Subaru made the Impreza a 5 door. So Mr Subaru 100% of the people prefer a 5 door WRX, No 5 door for you. We have heard. Typical Subaru.
1st I'm retired and on a fixed income, so i bought the 2.0 base Impreza, and i honestly have to ask what do you guys' drive (5.0 mustangs? lol) i had a Nissan Sentra SV 2016 model year and traded it for my 2024 Impreza And i have had many small cars over my life from several MGB's and a VW beetle (original air cooled) a VW Rabit, a Fiat 128, Chevy Vega and Chevette, and a couple 2.2 Subaru wagons and a long list of Sentra's from an 80; s model a 2012 model and the 2016 i just traded. And ALL the Reviewers of the Impreza 2.0 or 2.5 seem to discount the car power wise, cause to me my base 2.0 is snappy, way faster than any of my Sentra's and hugs the road better and much smoother ride, i do find it a tad noisier on the highway, I'm a big guy 5' 11" 350ish and my little cars some think are too small for me but i love them, and i spent a year looking at cars and was loyal to a local Nissan dealer until they changed management and started offing insulting trade in values, my wife was 1st to leave them and she bought a Mazda CX-30, i looked at almost every small hatchback and Subaru had a slight in with me because i'm a retired Harley Dealer manager but once in the early 90's in between HD Dealers i worked as a mechanic at a Subaru dealer, But 1 ride and i was hooked liked it over the Toyota and Honda (too Expensive as well) closest thing Nissan offers is the kicks and that's UGLY !! (my wife had one) and nothing from the American brands or the Korean brands tripped my trigger and i thought were cheaply made, even my BASE has a much higher quality feel. Wish more would review the Base, i get it the RS is sexier but the Base is a Great car. and Both i feel faster than you think.
It's definitely a hatchback in profile. Wagons have a longer rear overhang and large cargo area side windows. Overall, I think it looks great. I could do without the lobster claw taillights that remind me of the last gen Honda Accord. I also loathe the giant touchscreen in place of physical buttons. That aspect alone would make me look elsewhere for a hatchback. Time will tell, but we'll see if this new engine is any better than the ancient 2.5L and its penchant for blowing its head gaskets for the last 28yrs of production. I'm also leery of Subaru CVTs. I've heard they are significantly more expensive to replace than most manufacturers, in the $6k-$8k range.
Subaru head gasket issues were decades ago and it was because people don’t maintain their vehicles. This is not a hatchback. This is more wagon. The Toyota Corolla GR is a hatchback.
That cvt programming where from stop vs rolling is different is an odd choice. I think the shifting is good for familiarity, but if I hit the kickdown I would want it to go to max power with cvt doing it's ratio magic.
Cvt’s are great for mileage, but are just ok if left a loan to do cvt things. But if you need to put programmed ratios to simulate gears, just put in gears.
The blue version of the RS trim should have blue accents on the seats (not red). The red accents look good on the red RS trim but, not on the blue one. That’s my biggest complaint about the 2024 Impreza. Thus coming from someone that has owned both a 2015 Crosstrek and a 2018 Crosstrek. I don’t really go off road, so the Impreza is on my list of possible purchases, sooner than later.
The Prius AWD has an electric motor under the trunk and a fat electric cable between the two of em. The cable gets corroded in a few years. Toyota don’t give a fu…
Alex I keep watching videos of the new 2024 Impreza with the RS trim. All I have seen in Red and wonder is that the only color they will offer the RS trim in ?? If so I'm not interested in a car that looks like everyone else driving a RS. I will just keep my 2020 Impreza in Pearl White and be happy.
Alex I do want to point out to you at 7:25-7:33 you called the impreza a crosstrek. You might have thought it was a crosstrek because it's a mini crosstrek. This review is excellent and I still watch it mostly because I am going to buy this car this year 100%. I really have been eye balling this RS since the world premiere as a whole
One could add a turbo kit to the RS hatch and have more fun than in the Civic Type R for almost half the price of the dealer inflated Type R. It would have more headroom, an automatic transmission, and all wheel drive!!!!!
I jave been lookingbat the Civic Sport Hatchback, HR-V Sport, Camry SE, but when I saw the other video reviews for this, it has everything I eould want and need eith a lot of nice touches, plus the Harmon Kardon stereo, although I would axe the sunroof if I could. The Oasis Blue in this video pops, like the sinilar color in other vehicles, but the Sapphire Blue Pearl snd the dark grey is nice, too, albeit more subdued. There's lot of tech and features in this car fir the price, and almost as good reliability and longevity as a Toyota and Honda, as opposed tonotyer brands I would not ever consider. It should have the manual 6 Speed available for the RS, but the CVT does the job for this engine, snd has a solid metal chain, instead of a belt. I brlieve if you go i to the other features on the infotainment screen, there is a secition eithbthe drivetrain layout sbd accelerationmonitor, albeit, no X-Mode for obvious reasons, since it's not a Crosstrek.
@@afcgeo882 Corolla is not full time AWD and it's not built for the same performance. Slip and grip systems are okay for mild city conditions but they often don't send enough power to the necessary wheel. Subaru and Audi are AWD all the time... in the same situations they don't slip to begin with because the torque is already spread across 4 wheels. The rear electric motor on a Corolla hybrid is 40bhp, a Crosstrek can send 100% power to the rear if necessary. This really does matter because it's not about just moving a wheel, it's about how much force that wheel can produce to move the rest of the car.
@@stuntmonkey00 Absolutely the Corolla is full-time AWD. You are absolutely CLUELESS about AWD systems. Both, Audi and Subaru rely on slippage sensors to affect the power distribution from front to rear and from side to side (via brakes). You’re an idiot. Alex made a video recently about AWD systems. Go educate yourself. Also, just FYI, the most a CVT Crosstrek can send to the rear is 40% of the power and for the manual it’s 50%. It’s all open diffs.
Would the Impreza be good for city driving? I cross through humps and bumps every day and the Impreza looks too close to the ground and may get hurt. also, sidewalk curbs may be 6-7 inches, too high for the 5ish ground clearance of the Impreza.
According to Consumer Reports, 0-60 mph with the 2.0L engine on their test track was 9.5 seconds, and with the 2.5 engine it was 8 seconds. This goes for the 2023 Impreza (which only has the 2.0L engine) and the Crosstrek (which in 2023 has both engines). So a little slower than stated in this video. Still great review and appreciate your thoughts.
@@afcgeo882 We will see. The Impreza in 2023 was the same speed as the Crosstrek with the 2.0L engine. Apparently that weight difference does not really impact the acceleration because it is not great enough (ride height is the biggest difference, not weight).
@@afcgeo882 I looked it up. 10.2 and 9.5. A difference of 0.7 seconds. Again, not very much. Not even a full second faster. So the Integra will go that much faster (approx) than the Outback, which is 7.3 seconds at best. But you are right in that case.
Finally. I been hunting and searching the internet far and wide for this review. I am buying this car so I need every single information I can get from this
@EquitiusXVII with all those books comes knowledge and I was waiting for the test drives of these to see what subaru really did to it for thr road and I was very very pleased with entire car on the handling and with the 2.5l. Personally I feel more confident with a 2.5l mostly getting on highways and interstate. Subarus aren't meant to be fast there a brand to build your own adventure and see what the world will take you
It's almost like they make that car and call it the WRX.... sometimes you need to make a car for normal people that does normal people things. Car neers want every car to be 300bhp and only cost $20k.
@@stuntmonkey00 it's almost like you misunderstood my whole point. There is no hatch WRX. Both imprezza and Crosstrek come in hatches only. I said "a more powerful trim" meaning the boring cheap trims are still available for "normal" NPCs like you. And obviously no one expects this more powerful trim to be $20k.
@@janoycresnova9156 Lol, there it is "I'm so special and you're an NPC. So typical, WRX brah. If you want a fast car, buy a fast car, there are other choices.
@@stuntmonkey00 it's like you're purposely twisting my words or not reading them properly. Go back to Reddit with your gotcha comments. I want a fast hatch Subaru and there is none so far.
It's kind of hilarious that this Impreza looks so much better than the new WRX. Just put that WRX 2.4L turbo into the Impreza and call it a day Subaru.
Omg yes!
Subaru marketing team fail hard. They have no idea how much people love a hatch WRX😂
They may hire too many LGBT people in their WRX design team
Would need suspension revisions but yea
Seriously.
Yes, and the 2.5 as the base engine.
Looks so much better without the hideous plastic cladding on the wrx and crosstrek. Addition by subtraction.
Subie is finally going back to its roots. Just need the 270hp WRX engine with a manual!
A little disappointed we didn't get to see a shot from the back with the backseats down. That is something a lot of people would like to see. Should make that a mandatory shot in all your videos.
With the previous gen the seats don't fold down completely flat but the cargo space is terrific.
Agreed!
Agreed. @Alex On Autos, please, please, PLEEEAASE include shots of rear seats folded (2nd and 3rd rows, where applicable) on all of your hatch/SUV reviews. Your "rear trunk comfort index" is kinda silly but showing how the cargo space with the seats folded should be mandatory. It is the only shortcoming in your otherwise excellent reviews.
SavageGeese is better.
Really wish the RS would have the 6 speed manual option. Something fun to drive on 87 octane, for those who know they're not going to go 140 mph.
I was looking for a 23 crosstrek with a manual. I couldn’t find one. So I found a 23 vw GTI, with the 6spd. It’s a brilliant vehicle that is super fun, and only needs 87.
I may have got my hands on the last 2023 6mt crosstrek in North America. The It’s painful to know that these cars aren’t being offered with a gearbox anymore.. it’s a great vehicle and a blast to drive compared to the cvt abomination
@@Smegma_pirate They want to sell more than 40 of those a year.
NO CLUTCH, NO SALE.
@@5610winston Now that is info we really didn't need.
I think all lights should be LED by now. my favorite models are the top trim fully loaded models. I like the car all around as the owner of 2 Subaru Foresters now and pleased with both of them. 2003 and 2015.
low trim CX-30 AWD + LEDs
Halogens work okay but should be the bare minimum, LEDs are nice if they are auto-dimming.
No way. Peasants shouldn’t be allowed to have LED.
LED’s are a nuisance. I don’t like them
For me, I enjoy my 2017 Impreza. It’s easy to drive, very practical and I get good gas mileage with it. I ski in the winter so it gets me up snowy/ icy mountains. The only thing it doesn’t have is the ground clearance, which i am fine with since most of my driving is in the city or on the highway. I also love the amount of stuff I can fit in the back of my car. I hope Subaru continues their wagon design. I really enjoy the Impreza.
I'm surprised they are still offering the Impreza in the US, but I'm always happy to see a classic hatchback on sale.....
How so? Subaru goes their own way.....always.
The Crosstrek outsells the Impreza almost 5:1, but since the bodies are the same and powertrains are already certified for the Crosstrek it doesn't cost much for Subaru to continue to offer it. I'd guess that killing the sedan was required to keep the Impreza on offer here.
As a lot of the competition goes a way Subaru can win a bigger slice of the shrinking pie.
Any small car in the USA is pretty awesome. Everything is getting huge.
@@kidnamedfinger6323 I agree. I don't get how people drive a Mustang, Charger, or Challenger. They are giant and it would be annoying to park, especially in a big city. I like how Subaru still makes smaller cars.
Regarding cross-shopping, I cross-shopped the Impreza, the Crosstrek, the Elantra, and the Corolla with the Maverick Hybrid, and chose the Maverick Hybrid.
How did you get your hands on a Maverick Hybrid?
Nice review. The RS is the winner in class IMO. I have had mine on order since late february. Also the review says "these aren't all season tires" They are Yokohama avid S34p tires that are in fact all season tires.
My wife has a 2021 Impreza hatch and it's been a good daily for her. We've liked it so much that I would definitely consider one of these RS models for my next daily.
Perfect review. A lot of reviewers don't understand who this vehicle is for. The person who is looking for AWD in a nice looking, smaller vehicle for $30,000/under with some nice features too, etc
Impreza RS should have gone with a 2.0 turbo. That would have made it a WRX's little sibling that would have garnered real street cred with enthusiasts.
My son loves his 2018 Impreza. It was $2K cheaper than the equivalent trim Crosstrek. Fits his active lifestyle. He has taken it winter camping, and it did great with snow tires. No repairs so far.
I have the 2024 RS. I love it. So comfortable to drive. Im not bothered by the pickup. 2.5 is fine.
The crosstrek and Impreza are the exact same car same chassis same platform the crosstrek is just a lifted Impreza with slight different exterior styling. The Impreza has also been offered as a hatchback all Subaru did was get rid of the sedan option for the Impreza. The Crosstrek always has and always will be based on the Impreza
I suppose it's hard to expect ventilated-cooled seat and heated steering wheel. Considering how Subaru is popular in snowy states and in Canada, it's certainly a miss.
Heated steering wheel is available in Canada, no?
@@spacetoast7783 Yup, heated steering wheel is standard one up from the base and heated seats are standard on all trims. As we see in the US, many of the US automaker subsidiary don't offer heated seats or steering wheel.
The RS Trim has a $28,000 Price tag.
80% of Subaru buyers wanted more power yet they only put it in the top trim.
$28k isn't bad in comparison to Mazda 3 or Honda Civic prices. I think I'd rather have the Imprezza RS over those.
Where do you get the 80%? The majority of Impreza and Crosstrek sales have the 2 liter engine. If they wanted more power they would buy the 2.5 version. Now if you mean more power without paying extra for it that is another story.
@@MarkCucchiara Subaru only makes changes if the Majority of customers complain about something or aren't buying a certain model. For example 77% of people bought the Impreza Hatch over the sedan which is why Subaru decided to kill the Impreza sedan. Most people wanted a Crosstrek with more power that's why Most people are buying the Sport and Limited models.
@@MarkCucchiara Now Subaru is scrambling around moving production because of the 2.5L demand. They would have been ok if they sold the 2.5 as an option in the Premium.
@@TomTom-gn9mp They already had the 2.5L engine, my 2017 had the enemic 150hp 2.5L engine. The RS is simply getting the 182HP motor that's in the Forester and Crosstreks. I WISH my 2017 Impreza Sport had the extra 32 HP the RS will have.
Happy to have a GR corolla instead of this compromise
Subaru USA forgot to put this car on their website yet it's been on sale to order since the middle of March?
Now they are supposed to just hit dealers lots before the end of the month?
The website development team needs to get their butts in gear.
There is a poster who put his order in on Feb 27. You can configure on a couple of websites (TH-cam does not allow links)- not Subaru - to at least have an idea what you are getting.
whenever I start an Alex on Autos video I automatically give it a thumbs up because I know it will be a great video.
I’ve been waiting for the driving reviews (limited as it is) on this car and it reinforces the aspects about it that makes it a compelling, affordable option. I’ll likely be ordering one this week now that the refinement- super stiff chassis, capable AWD, good handling and power, comfortable and improved NVH - is noted and confirmed by Alex, Brian and other reviewers. I’ll be keeping my bought new ‘02 WRX wagon for more aggressive and connected canyon carving runs but see this as a great daily driver and perfect sized, practical road tripper. Side note, there is a Driving Statistics screen in the Car Info button which shows a graphic of the drivetrain, front wheel angle and (basic) power delivery graphics to the axles and wheels as well as vehicle posture.
The Corolla Cross Hybrid is still not available at dealers, and they have no definite word on when that will happen. It’s about a year since that vehicle was announced, but where is it??
80% took the hatch, why then don’t they make the WRX a Hatch, I’d be the first one in line to buy it!!!
The Canadian market will get 4 trim levels, with the top trim having real leather seats.
Great car, I hope we will get it here in Europe. It's quite sad we didn't get the new Levorg... I don't know why Subaru took that decision.
Honestly don't understand why subaru does this.
Literally make a WRX that looks like this, manual and CVT (for those who don't want 3 pedals) and it will undoubtedly sale.
Throw some good tech features too and it would be the ultimate affordable daily/performance car
Anything with less than 200hp shouldn’t be called rs lol. Cmon with all this hybrid technology and turbos they can definitely get 210hp 200lb/ft for example and still keep mileage in the 30s
The ‘99 RS had 165 hp
Also no CVT in a 'RS'.....a Manual with say 200.....
The departing manual on the cheapest trims was a sneaky way to get some engagement in a category where you can't normally find it. My friend just got a 2023 Crosstrek and the manual is his favorite feature. Kind of wild how we hear this so much but at the actual dealer practically nobody options manuals.
Dealers don’t option them customers can’t find them. The manual in my 2017 Impreza was its best feature. Also it had a mechanical awd system as opposed to the automatics electronic awd system. I couldn’t imagine how boring a 140 hp awd car is with a cvt.
@@TraceyAllen I found a base model new 2022 Impreza sedan with a manual transmission. Is that a good car?
The dealers would have sold more manuals if they had kept them in stock.
As it was, I had to wait three months from order date until delivery.
@5610winston i had to wait 5 months for my 23 impreza base model manual. Worth the wait tho I love it
Looks even better in person. Saw one last week. Its the CVT that has me maybe going elsewhere. The great price and superior AWD may make still buy.
if Honda gave their Civic Hatchback AWD, then they would win. The new Impreza is more beautiful than the new WRX
I literally just bought this car in red. I think im gonna love it!
no rear air vents is a no-go in the south unfortunately.
They would have been better off with a 175 Hp. 2.0L Turbo on all trims and just offered a Base/Premium and Sport model.
At the end of the day this is still an economy car that needs to compete with the class.
They could have ditched the 2.0L for a 2.0L Turbo that makes 220 HP for the RS trim and kept the 2.5L Non Turbo for the Base and Premium.
Does Subaru even have a 2L turbo engine any more?
@@spacetoast7783 I wish!
I like the look, and wish the Crosstrek was just this, lifted, with the cladding reserved for an Outdoor Edition.
2022 & 2023 Impreza Sport hatches look a lot more mainstream (more normal looking, I mean) and have much better infotainment. I despise when the manufacturers bury the climate controls into the infotainment.
First time I actually think the Crosstrek looks better than the Impreza. 😌. Nice looking wagon and we love ours but time for a higher seated, higher ground clearance Crosstrek thx to the zillion people driving SUVs we cannot see around. 😉
We should be able to deactivate the false cvt shift just like false engine noise and not suffer from the taste of consumers who understand nothing about mechanics. At the first bumper damage on a CrossCheck I would ask to the bodyshop to install these Impreza front and rear for sure. So much better than all the awful Cr.-ch. cladding.
Those are the 10th Gen Accord tail lights lol, but I still like them.
I like this car and considering getting one .i like the hatchback which is one of the reasons i like it .
Cross shopped this with the Kia Seltos SX in '22. We chose the Seltos and would likely do so again, especially at $5k+ less.
Did your engine blow up yet?
Same situation currently right now. I have a kia I might need to replace and loved the peace of mind having a 10 year warranty. But Subaru's reliability is generally pretty , I'm kind of torn. Was bottom line price the biggest factor for you?
Everyday I get another excuse not to get rid of my 2020 wrx.
Why did they change the volume control on the steering wheel? Crosstrek Sport is cloth now also. Bummer. Love the imitation leather in my 2022. Really like the full body color paint in this Impreza.
I hadn't thought about the Hyundai Kona as a competitor. Based on TH-cam first looks, I think I'd prefer a 2024 Kona over the 2024 Impreza. The Kona seems more modern, and you can get an EV version.
So Subaru knows they sell a lot of wagons in US, but refuses to bring the WRX Wagon/Levorg to the USA. Puzzling..
I own a 2022, and would never own another one. Fragile, unreliable, and has been at the dealership for 8 warranty repairs in one year. I buy new economy cars every 5 year, because I drive 30k miles a year for my job. Maintenance costs are ridiculous on Subarus. However it is very smooth and rides well. Gas mileage is horrible. Very disappointed with the ownership of my first Subaru.
I'm looking into the lemon laws, because now the dealership says I have carbon build up, and I use only Super Unleaded, quality gas station fuel. Need to get rid of it because it will be nothing but problems
I'm sorry you got sucked into the fad. Those of us that were huge Subaru fans in the 90s (and are no longer) are dumbfounded by their current popularity. They shed all the stuff that used to make them attractive (high tech components, a more advanced AWD than the competition, unequal length headers that made them sound like angry tractors, and a ruggedness & reliability that made them the winter mountain car of choice) and have been making things as bland and inoffensive as possible. My '13 XV was my last Subaru (of 8 since '87) and I was glad to see it go.
The BRZ is the only enticing car in the lineup and it drives more like my '99 2.5RS (obviously with better dynamics and a top end) than any other modern Subaru.
Quite frankly it's hard to believe somebody got a Subaru to drive it 30k a year. Most probably you made up your whole comment.
You're on point with the fragile, I used to own a Impreza I sometimes I felt like it was going to fall apart and the interior is filled with nothing but hard plastic
I'm not sure about what you mean by "...and you can finally get Subie's 2.5L engine under the hood." The Subaru Imprezas have had a 2.5L engine (150HP) at least since 2017. In fact that was the ONLY available engine for the Imprezas from '17 to present. All they've done is slap the improved 2.5L engine (182HP) that the Forester now gets into the '24 Imp RS model . But it's STILL a 2.5L which the Imprezas have been running for years now. It's just a slightly massaged 2.5L that makes 32HP more then than the other 2.5L.
It's kind of sad cross shopping for this type if car. it's so difficult when you don't want something with 8 inches of ground clearance. I miss actual hatchbacks. The elantra gt, forte5, focus, cruz, and the base corolla are all gone. It's basically the GR, mazda3, mini, and the Civic, which is more of a fastback. I'm definitely going to try to get ine of these after they launch.
Yep, my Forte5 is currently in the shop after 11 years without a single issue. I'm heartbroken at the lack of hatchback options if I need to replace her. Although it will never cure the sting of having been too poor to afford a STI when they first hit the market, getting myself onto one of these might be kind of nice. The warranty situation is garbage though, I was so spoiled with Kia's 10 year even though I never needed it. Does anyone out there have any thoughts comparing the two choices and your thoughts on what would make you decide one way or the other (looking at a seltos I guess...)???
IMO, the 2024 Subaru Impreza looks like a hatchback car to me. A wagon car would have a longer "third window" (where the triangle window is on the back) that is at least a foot long.
But I'm glad that the Impreza is a hatchback exclusive vehicle. We need more hatchbacks instead of car manufacturers going all SUVs in their lineup.
All the cons in one package. No spare tire, no manual, CVT only, less power than competition. It is now a boring appliance
Wouldn't get this because of the first yr of a new revised model. I bought the first yr of the Crosstrek (2013) and had alot of issues with it.
I don't think that's a valid objection. The '24 model is revised, but the running gear is carried over.
I wouldn't buy the '24 model because they discontinued the manual transmission.
Subaru needs to quit playing games and bring back the WRC blue with the gold BBS wheels like they used to have
The fact that this is awd has got you guys making some bizarre comparisons lol. People either want to ride high and think 'its an suv' or they don't. The impreza hatch has always had awd, and never merited these cross comparisons. Y'all even mentioned the type r at one point lol. Also: this is def a hatch and not a wagon. 100%.
When will Subaru finally make a powerful and efficient hybrid? No, mild hybrid and their botched attempt at a plug in Crosstrek doesn't count.
What happened to all the measurements, scores, 0-60 times?
Alex tends to do those things on a long test from his home base. This quick drive test was part of a press launch event.
@@ATH_Berkshire It doesn't say anywhere that this is a quick first drive. The problem is he has been pumping out a lot of these "first drives" in the last year or two and neglecting actual reviews. Not liking where this channel is heading.
@@janoycresnova9156 He drew people in with solid reviews and is now riding on his past track record. It will catch up with him soon and many people won't be watching anymore.
Nice that you get cloth seats in the RS. Many people DON'T like leather seats. Other testers have gotten 37 mpg hwy which seems realistic given the CVT. The RS HAS to get more mpg over the 2.5L Crosstrek given the lower height which makes a big aerodynamic difference. Only knock I have is the wheels. I think they are horrible. A nice 5 spoke design would look much better.
I’m on a 24 base with the 2.0liter. I get a combined 36-38 but admittedly do a bit of highway driving. Highway at 60mph-65mph I’ll get over 40mpg all day.
Finally seems like a good replacement for the departed Golf.
@george7525
No manual transmission in the basic models. Fail.
@@watershed44 manual is a fail. Slower, less efficient, less convenient
@@wx2999 Actually it isn't slower, and it is better in bad weather situations as well, giving the driver more control over the car. CVT is a fail, and much more expensive too.
@@watershed44 Manuals are absolutely slower than CVTs and you have LESS control as CVTs allow for two hands on the wheel at all times.
@@afcgeo882 Wrong, a decent driver has better ability to gauge which gear the car should be in for best traction in slippery weather. You'll have more control over the car with the manual transmission.
No manual drains all the positives of this model
That blue is 🔥🔥🔥
I am convinced. I am buying one.
The bad news is if they did make a WRX Impreza hatchback it would look exactly the same but with a turbo and a nice hood scope and less of a sporty hatchback
If civic hatch has AWD….it will be easy win with manual 150 hp only; but Impreza has na 180hp engine with CVT…; hard to choose ☹️
Love the color. It looks like the 2016 2017 hyper blue crosstrek color. Bluebaroo
So 80% of the people preferred the 5 door hatchback so the is why Subaru made the Impreza a 5 door. So Mr Subaru 100% of the people prefer a 5 door WRX, No 5 door for you. We have heard. Typical Subaru.
1st I'm retired and on a fixed income, so i bought the 2.0 base Impreza, and i honestly have to ask what do you guys' drive (5.0 mustangs? lol) i had a Nissan Sentra SV 2016 model year and traded it for my 2024 Impreza And i have had many small cars over my life from several MGB's and a VW beetle (original air cooled) a VW Rabit, a Fiat 128, Chevy Vega and Chevette, and a couple 2.2 Subaru wagons and a long list of Sentra's from an 80; s model a 2012 model and the 2016 i just traded. And ALL the Reviewers of the Impreza 2.0 or 2.5 seem to discount the car power wise, cause to me my base 2.0 is snappy, way faster than any of my Sentra's and hugs the road better and much smoother ride, i do find it a tad noisier on the highway, I'm a big guy 5' 11" 350ish and my little cars some think are too small for me but i love them, and i spent a year looking at cars and was loyal to a local Nissan dealer until they changed management and started offing insulting trade in values, my wife was 1st to leave them and she bought a Mazda CX-30, i looked at almost every small hatchback and Subaru had a slight in with me because i'm a retired Harley Dealer manager but once in the early 90's in between HD Dealers i worked as a mechanic at a Subaru dealer, But 1 ride and i was hooked liked it over the Toyota and Honda (too Expensive as well) closest thing Nissan offers is the kicks and that's UGLY !! (my wife had one) and nothing from the American brands or the Korean brands tripped my trigger and i thought were cheaply made, even my BASE has a much higher quality feel. Wish more would review the Base, i get it the RS is sexier but the Base is a Great car. and Both i feel faster than you think.
SofTex is not currently announced for the 2024 Crosstrek. Unless you're counting the Wilderness model that's about to be announced on Wednesday :)
It's definitely a hatchback in profile. Wagons have a longer rear overhang and large cargo area side windows. Overall, I think it looks great. I could do without the lobster claw taillights that remind me of the last gen Honda Accord. I also loathe the giant touchscreen in place of physical buttons. That aspect alone would make me look elsewhere for a hatchback. Time will tell, but we'll see if this new engine is any better than the ancient 2.5L and its penchant for blowing its head gaskets for the last 28yrs of production. I'm also leery of Subaru CVTs. I've heard they are significantly more expensive to replace than most manufacturers, in the $6k-$8k range.
Subaru head gasket issues were decades ago and it was because people don’t maintain their vehicles. This is not a hatchback. This is more wagon. The Toyota Corolla GR is a hatchback.
@@m-cw7er that info is incorrect.
I love this area of cali, some really good roads to be cruising on in any car, just watch out for those wine fufu people
That cvt programming where from stop vs rolling is different is an odd choice. I think the shifting is good for familiarity, but if I hit the kickdown I would want it to go to max power with cvt doing it's ratio magic.
Cvt’s are great for mileage, but are just ok if left a loan to do cvt things. But if you need to put programmed ratios to simulate gears, just put in gears.
Where’s the hybrid option, Subaru?
The blue version of the RS trim should have blue accents on the seats (not red). The red accents look good on the red RS trim but, not on the blue one. That’s my biggest complaint about the 2024 Impreza. Thus coming from someone that has owned both a 2015 Crosstrek and a 2018 Crosstrek. I don’t really go off road, so the Impreza is on my list of possible purchases, sooner than later.
This is probably not a typical comparison, but it would be interesting to see how this Impreza compares with the new Prius AWD.
The Prius AWD has an electric motor under the trunk and a fat electric cable between the two of em. The cable gets corroded in a few years. Toyota don’t give a fu…
@@rabalajoie
That's a Northern State problem.
This looks like a beautiful hatchback
I have a 24 sport on order 👍
Alex and Brian, How can the new Impreza hatch look more like a wagon 2:39 when Subaru actually makes an Impreza wagon called the Levorg? 🤔
Car doesn't exist still. Manuel's don't exist
I'm pretty sure that's the 2023 model year, last of the previous gen. The US site shows the same model on their website.
Yep. You are looking at 2023 models. No manual for 2024.
@@vaw2487 Noted
@@boost331 Noted
This is the only Subaru I can buy one Alex.
Alex I keep watching videos of the new 2024 Impreza with the RS trim. All I have seen in Red and wonder is that the only color they will offer the RS trim in ?? If so I'm not interested in a car that looks like everyone else driving a RS. I will just keep my 2020 Impreza in Pearl White and be happy.
I looked it up and a website showed 7 color options for this trim. It’s still not on the Subaru site though
If you live in a climate where the weather sucks in the winter, lease one of these and call it a day
I really wanted to like it....but to me it just looks kind of plain & homely.
I hope this gorgeous Oasis Blue color will be available on the Crosstrek as well
It is, not sure on which trims though
Impreza only color, available on the Sport and RS.
@@tpolerex7282 Odd because in Japan, Oasis blue is available for the Crosstrek but then again, Japan always gets better colors.
Alex I do want to point out to you at 7:25-7:33 you called the impreza a crosstrek. You might have thought it was a crosstrek because it's a mini crosstrek. This review is excellent and I still watch it mostly because I am going to buy this car this year 100%. I really have been eye balling this RS since the world premiere as a whole
Alex slimming down lately ........ Have a beautiful day Everyone ✌️
I'd buy It if it's full hydrogen!
Really wish they kept the Manuel, would’ve trade my 18’ wagon for one :/
I'd go with a CX-30 over this.
Price for price?
The cx 30 was on my list but when I heard it had cylinder deactivation, I crossed it off my list.
@@samvocella cylinder deactivation vs cvt?
@@curiosityredpill7030 I had a few other concerns with the CX30 but the CD made the choice for me. It would've been my 4th Mazda.
One could add a turbo kit to the RS hatch and have more fun than in the Civic Type R for almost half the price of the dealer inflated Type R. It would have more headroom, an automatic transmission, and all wheel drive!!!!!
I jave been lookingbat the Civic Sport Hatchback, HR-V Sport, Camry SE, but when I saw the other video reviews for this, it has everything I eould want and need eith a lot of nice touches, plus the Harmon Kardon stereo, although I would axe the sunroof if I could.
The Oasis Blue in this video pops, like the sinilar color in other vehicles, but the Sapphire Blue Pearl snd the dark grey is nice, too, albeit more subdued. There's lot of tech and features in this car fir the price, and almost as good reliability and longevity as a Toyota and Honda, as opposed tonotyer brands I would not ever consider.
It should have the manual 6 Speed available for the RS, but the CVT does the job for this engine, snd has a solid metal chain, instead of a belt.
I brlieve if you go i to the other features on the infotainment screen, there is a secition eithbthe drivetrain layout sbd accelerationmonitor, albeit, no X-Mode for obvious reasons, since it's not a Crosstrek.
No spare, no deal. Plus Crosstrek Sport beats RS Impreza with same power train but huge driving range and other features including temp spare
I agree. Where’s the spare?
@@galifry1 We'll need to buy the Crosstrek spare tire kit from the Parts Dept.
Corolla hybrid is AWD and lower price no?
Corolla hybrid has AWD as an option. It starts at $24,200 msrp. The Impreza starts at $19,715.
The Hybrid AWD is $3k more, and not real AWD.
@@conraddobler676 Every AWD is real. There is power going to all 4 wheels.
@@afcgeo882 Corolla is not full time AWD and it's not built for the same performance. Slip and grip systems are okay for mild city conditions but they often don't send enough power to the necessary wheel. Subaru and Audi are AWD all the time... in the same situations they don't slip to begin with because the torque is already spread across 4 wheels. The rear electric motor on a Corolla hybrid is 40bhp, a Crosstrek can send 100% power to the rear if necessary. This really does matter because it's not about just moving a wheel, it's about how much force that wheel can produce to move the rest of the car.
@@stuntmonkey00 Absolutely the Corolla is full-time AWD. You are absolutely CLUELESS about AWD systems. Both, Audi and Subaru rely on slippage sensors to affect the power distribution from front to rear and from side to side (via brakes). You’re an idiot. Alex made a video recently about AWD systems. Go educate yourself.
Also, just FYI, the most a CVT Crosstrek can send to the rear is 40% of the power and for the manual it’s 50%. It’s all open diffs.
I enjoyed the conversation at the end very good discussion points
Can we turn the blinker off next time? Its quite distracting.
Would the Impreza be good for city driving? I cross through humps and bumps every day and the Impreza looks too close to the ground and may get hurt. also, sidewalk curbs may be 6-7 inches, too high for the 5ish ground clearance of the Impreza.
I'd get the Crosstrek if you have concerns like that. My hitch-mounted bikerack doesn't even hit when going over speedbumps.
According to Consumer Reports, 0-60 mph with the 2.0L engine on their test track was 9.5 seconds, and with the 2.5 engine it was 8 seconds. This goes for the 2023 Impreza (which only has the 2.0L engine) and the Crosstrek (which in 2023 has both engines). So a little slower than stated in this video. Still great review and appreciate your thoughts.
And it didn’t rate the 2.5 Impreza, which is the one they’re driving. The Crosstrek is heavier, so it is slower.
@@afcgeo882 We will see. The Impreza in 2023 was the same speed as the Crosstrek with the 2.0L engine. Apparently that weight difference does not really impact the acceleration because it is not great enough (ride height is the biggest difference, not weight).
@@Buc_Stops_Here Consumer Reports said the 2021 Crosstrek did the 0-60 in 10.2 seconds and the Impreza in 9.4 seconds, both with the 2.0 engine.
@@afcgeo882 I looked it up. 10.2 and 9.5. A difference of 0.7 seconds. Again, not very much. Not even a full second faster. So the Integra will go that much faster (approx) than the Outback, which is 7.3 seconds at best. But you are right in that case.
Finally. I been hunting and searching the internet far and wide for this review. I am buying this car so I need every single information I can get from this
If you already decided to buy it, why do you need more information
Riddled with conflict
@EquitiusXVII with all those books comes knowledge and I was waiting for the test drives of these to see what subaru really did to it for thr road and I was very very pleased with entire car on the handling and with the 2.5l. Personally I feel more confident with a 2.5l mostly getting on highways and interstate. Subarus aren't meant to be fast there a brand to build your own adventure and see what the world will take you
This and crosstrek badly needs a more powerful trim with WRX engine.
It's almost like they make that car and call it the WRX.... sometimes you need to make a car for normal people that does normal people things. Car neers want every car to be 300bhp and only cost $20k.
@@stuntmonkey00 it's almost like you misunderstood my whole point. There is no hatch WRX. Both imprezza and Crosstrek come in hatches only. I said "a more powerful trim" meaning the boring cheap trims are still available for "normal" NPCs like you. And obviously no one expects this more powerful trim to be $20k.
@@janoycresnova9156 Lol, there it is "I'm so special and you're an NPC. So typical, WRX brah. If you want a fast car, buy a fast car, there are other choices.
@@stuntmonkey00 it's like you're purposely twisting my words or not reading them properly. Go back to Reddit with your gotcha comments. I want a fast hatch Subaru and there is none so far.
the wrx hatch back is probably in the works.
"Whether or not"
"whether" should be used by itself to indicate only that the outcome itself is undetermined.
I don't know whether your keyboard is faulty or not, but it left the RT off your name!
I would rather have air vents in the back because there is nothing worse than no air flow in the back for passengers or pets.
This is way better looking than crosstrek with unnecessary and ugly black trims on the body by taillights and fog lights
How come this doesn't have the comparison charts that previous videos had?