agree. 1 chassis, 4 cars, 3 engines, 2 transmissions, 3 diff suspensions (std street, off-road, and performance street/track) and the "Impreza-line" of cars is the most complete, unstoppable collection of cars Subaru has ever had 5-door Impreza/2.5RS/Crosstrek/Wilderness/WRX [STI] ...🏁
I have had my 24 Impreza RS for about 5 months now. It really is a great well rounded car. I am in the minority of people that are firmly anti SUV\CUV so the impreza being low and sporty is very appealing to me. IMO the RS trim is a must. The 2.0 is just too darn lethargic and painfully slow. The 2.5 is still no speedster but is a major improvement. Either way the impreza is no sports car. I know the video references the WRX as the Subaru sports car, but I dont agree. Its just an average powered sedan by modern standards that happens to be offered with a manual. The REAL Subaru sports car is the BRZ, which happens to be my other car. 🤣
I'm now thinking about the clearance...even on plowed roads...still really interested. Too bad about CVT...but guess I'll just have to drive her a few less years ...
I had a 2018 premium trim and the premium is absolutely incredible value, especially here in northern New England. It’s cheaper than most compact crossovers, gets better MPG, and handles better. If you have a family, the outback is still the way to go.
I feel like the infotainment system would have made more sense to have knobs for climate controls and the volume and tune controls as buttons. It’s just a preference for me. That’s the one thing plus the need to access the option in the screen for the heated seats doesn’t seem convenient.
Your review is spot on for the car. I love mine and i still own it 7 months later when i got it in july 2023. The brakes get better over time with more usage so that grabbyness goes away but yeah the brakes are really good.
What we need is a Crosstrek WRX. Hatchback, 8 inches of ground clearance, and a powerful engine. Everything we'd ever need and I'd love it in this Oasis Blue
good news is parts swap easily between cars...bad news is getting all the geometry and arts robustness correct. I'm sure a savvy entrepreneur could swap a WRX/STi driveline into a Crosstrek and create what you want. Chassis/body shell stiffness is the only drawback to the hatch w/lots of power; but nothing strut bars and under chassis braces can't fix..
I'm old. Been driving since 1977. I never once had an irreparably slashed tire. Every flat I've had has been a nail or screw in the tread. Usually I could air up somewhere in time and get to a place where it could be repaired. So yeah, a repair kit wouldn't bother me.
Be sure to get the bigger engine...what I don't like most about my '17 Impreza Sport is that the 2.0L engine is not powerful enough to keep up with the otherwise sporty handling. Plus it doesn't even have good fuel economy.
As someone with no strong feelings either way about Subaru: I love the large screen in portrait orientation. Otherwise, to my eyes, Subaru styling hasn't changed in 10+ years. If you told me this is a 2013 model, I'd believe you. Also, those heated seat buttons at 7:45 look like they're out of an old Mitsubishi Gallant. Ancient. And yes, I know that Subaru is a small company with a small budget..
why change something that technically isn't broken and can be integrated into every car they make. Would you rather have a rotary heat seat dial like in VW/Audi or heat seat control through the touch screen or a simple 3-pos switch that just works?
I bet it is a pretty straightforward trunk floor replacement from the Crosstrek- it’ll raise it a couple of inches. Not that I have never experienced a flat tire but I haven’t even looked at my spare tire in my bought new 22 y.o. WRX, so it’s been decades.
I think it is because there is no spare tire size equivalent to 225/40r18s. You would have to have a full size spare to 100% have the same tread circumference on all the tires and constantly rotate out the spare with the other 4. You can nuke the transmissions of awd cars by not having matching tires.
You know I didn’t think about it being too small and it affecting the AWD. I would probably buy an extra wheel to keep in the back with a blanket covering it. I don’t really need the cargo space itself
Reluctantly bought a wrx tr two weeks ago because it was the best manual awd under 60k. Impreza, crosstrek or forester in a manual transmission wrx package would be fine with me
I have seen a few of these ....the charcoal grey color has been my favorite. The ground clearance should be okay....its really not for off-road...but road trips. I'm thinking about getting one of these to replace my e46 wagon. It now has 250K....but she's still got a few road trips left in her. You should be able to get as many miles out of this car.....but I'll be needing roof rails.
This is a good road tripper. Plenty of room, comfortable seats and ride, good handler and easy 500+ mile range at 35mpg. We took this to a wedding from San Diego to Mendocino - 1400 mile round trip and it performed superbly from LA traffic, long deserted highways to sharp curvy roads in the Redwoods, amazing adaptive CC and headlights. Closest thing to a sport wagon these days without breaking the bank.
what's giving out on the e46 that can't be refreshed? everything on the e46 can be replaced/refreshed and is years ahead of this Subaru despite it being 10+ years older.
@@K03sport I think I want to replace my E46 wagon... until I drive something else. It really does so many things well. I'm at 250K and a round of repairs are needed. I expect upgrades to cost less than 1500$
The phone connection thing seems to be par for the course in cars anymore and I don't know what the issue is, for both Android Auto and Apple Car Play. I had random connectivity issues with my 2018 Impreza, 2020 Hyundai Elantra I had for a rental, 2022 Chevy Traverse (also a rental), 2021 Kia K5, sister's Ford Escape, and my current 2022 Hyundai Tucson. It either works or it doesn't, and it's extremely frustrating.
The Impreza could be a great car if it had 6+ inches of ground clearance, more physical knobs/buttons, passenger height adjustment, rear vents/USB, better arm rest position, and optional leather seats/hybrid power train
Good vid as always. Just a thought: Have you ever thought of putting a mic on kiddo? Since she's getting older, I'm sure she will have more things to say about the vehicles you drive. I don't know if it could be set-up to have it turned on of off while shooting videos but it would be nice to have some volume for her voice.
I have a 2019 Impreza Limited hatchback. It's a great car but I feel like Subaru has downgraded it with the new generation. While having a 2.5 engine is nice I don't like that they have done away with the leather seats. It's a lot more sporty and less luxurious now, which some will like but for me I would go with a Crosstrek or legacy limited if I were buying a new Subaru today
very. 98% identical. suspension (height) is the main difference plus wheel and tire size. Trim packaging might be different btwn the two but they are literally the 'same' car....
I have the same issue with ground clearance on my 2022 Subaru Impreza here in the Reno Tahoe area. If it weren't for that issue I'd lease another Impreza. Have you done the Buick Envista yet?
Like other Subaru models, this could be deadly competition if it was an AWD hybrid, but for whatever reason Subaru is woefully behind the hybrid bandwagon.
@@MicahMuzio C'est la vie! At least the rear window test still lives! Kiddo and Sweetie really add depth and dimension to the videos, Micah. But I'm sure I don't have to tell you that. Keep up the great work! And don't you EVER retire my high five!
how does Porsche do it, and get more power out of their engines (not talking turbo)? I just wish all Subaru Boxer engines used the (Toyota) D-4S dual injection system found in the BRZ/86 to reduce carbon buildup on the intake valves common w/Direct Injection engines. I also wouldn't mind Subaru extending this hatch 6-8" for a "real wagon" sized car (think Jetta Wagon/Alltrack). The Impreza/2.5 RS hatch is one WRX/STI driveline swap away from being a fantastic car.... 🏁
Wow! An 8 speed "manual mode" to degrade the efficiency of the CVT. Next they will develop a braking mode to make 4 wheel disc brakes emulate the fade of drum brakes.
I predict the RS trim will be very short lived, because you can get several other models from Subaru for less which are more capable and a base WRX is around the same price.
The WRX isn’t available in wagon/hatchback form anymore so that only works for someone that wants a sedan. I’m not sure which models are more capable and cheaper? I can see more capable but certainly not cheaper! You can get a base Crosstrek for less which I guess you could argue is more capable but by the time you equip it with similar options it costs more. The key here is the larger 2.5L engine is standard in the RS but not in any other Subarus unless you move up to the more expensive Forester or Legacy. I don’t consider myself an expert but I’ve been looking up prices of these cars and I have yet to find anything more capable and cheaper….it seems to me that it’s a trade off and if you can afford the price of the RS why would you want to trade off capability for price?
It's weird, I don't like all the plastic cladding on the WRX but I don't like the lack of it on this. There's also something very Dr. Seuss about this car when you look at it from the side. Overall, I think Subaru is phoning it in on what used to be a very badass car. I don't like it anymore.
Thank you - was trying to figure out if an RS was a better choice than a Crosstrek and, as a fellow mountain resident, that ground clearance is pretty damn important!
@@DJL78Mazda 3 is a beautiful car but the rear leg and headroom is so comparable to a coupe it’s pretty much a 2 seater and the back seats just used in a pinch. Was at the auto show I’m 6ft tall and fit behind myself perfectly in the Subaru where in the Mazda was very snug anyone slightly larger than myself would not be able to sit in the back and I’m a fairly average build guy at that 190 pounds. Mazda looks nicer felt more premium they just need to bring back the 6 sedan
@@SINE382 I hear you on this. And totally respect your take on the Mazda3. They are beautiful things but not a good fit for everybody. I’m a single guy and only need to occasionally haul friends to a restaurant or bar at my second home. I ended up buying a Mini Cooper S 4 door. Believe it or not! LOL. It sits 1/2 the year and is perfect for my needs.
Will someone please. Explain to me. How subaru can afford to paint all the body panels on this econo sh1t box impreza. But not on their wrx 😂 Explain that lol
I really didn't like the "family" approach to this review. It was so fake, rehearsed and corny, and the squeaky voice of your lovely wife was really annoying. I'm just being honest and not trying to be ugly. So to answer your question if I like this format, the answer is a very strong heck no. I normally wouldn't make a comment like this but you did ask for our opinion, and mine is unfavorable. I would recommend a little less acting and a little more common conversational speaking.
Hey family great video on one of my favorite car's I have a 2015 imprez hatchback sport which I love ot so dependable I lobe what Subaru has done with 2024 Imprez RS
This is what the WRX should've looked like. Hatchback and in a gorgeous Oasis Blue
agree. 1 chassis, 4 cars, 3 engines, 2 transmissions, 3 diff suspensions (std street, off-road, and performance street/track) and the "Impreza-line" of cars is the most complete, unstoppable collection of cars Subaru has ever had 5-door Impreza/2.5RS/Crosstrek/Wilderness/WRX [STI] ...🏁
Sapphire blue pearl is better. Oasis is girly
I have had my 24 Impreza RS for about 5 months now. It really is a great well rounded car. I am in the minority of people that are firmly anti SUV\CUV so the impreza being low and sporty is very appealing to me. IMO the RS trim is a must. The 2.0 is just too darn lethargic and painfully slow. The 2.5 is still no speedster but is a major improvement. Either way the impreza is no sports car. I know the video references the WRX as the Subaru sports car, but I dont agree. Its just an average powered sedan by modern standards that happens to be offered with a manual. The REAL Subaru sports car is the BRZ, which happens to be my other car. 🤣
Off road-nah, but those of us that live in Snowy areas, perfect. The Impreza is a good value overall.
I'm now thinking about the clearance...even on plowed roads...still really interested. Too bad about CVT...but guess I'll just have to drive her a few less years ...
I had a 2018 premium trim and the premium is absolutely incredible value, especially here in northern New England. It’s cheaper than most compact crossovers, gets better MPG, and handles better. If you have a family, the outback is still the way to go.
This is what the WRX should have been. Imagine this exact design with a quad exhaust and a hood scoop.
it's called the Levorg in other parts (yes, the Levorg was longer and more of a "real wagon")
I feel like the infotainment system would have made more sense to have knobs for climate controls and the volume and tune controls as buttons. It’s just a preference for me. That’s the one thing plus the need to access the option in the screen for the heated seats doesn’t seem convenient.
Your review is spot on for the car. I love mine and i still own it 7 months later when i got it in july 2023. The brakes get better over time with more usage so that grabbyness goes away but yeah the brakes are really good.
I have the 2018. For base 22k all wheel drive it’s absolutely unbeatable
What we need is a Crosstrek WRX. Hatchback, 8 inches of ground clearance, and a powerful engine. Everything we'd ever need and I'd love it in this Oasis Blue
I love hatchback. I really hope Subaru makes WRX HATCHBACK!!
good news is parts swap easily between cars...bad news is getting all the geometry and arts robustness correct. I'm sure a savvy entrepreneur could swap a WRX/STi driveline into a Crosstrek and create what you want. Chassis/body shell stiffness is the only drawback to the hatch w/lots of power; but nothing strut bars and under chassis braces can't fix..
I sorta agree. We need front and rear lsd’s in the WRX and any other variant of a WRX like the Crosstrek WRX. lol❤
@@tonyffoxxit’s not happening. They already said they won’t.
They pretty much make that... its called an outback xt
My son loves his 2018 Impreza. If you don't need the ground clearance, you can save a couple of grand compared to the Crosstrek.
I'm old. Been driving since 1977. I never once had an irreparably slashed tire. Every flat I've had has been a nail or screw in the tread. Usually I could air up somewhere in time and get to a place where it could be repaired. So yeah, a repair kit wouldn't bother me.
It's so nice to have a small, affordable, station wagon on the market to combat all the SUVs.
Be sure to get the bigger engine...what I don't like most about my '17 Impreza Sport is that the 2.0L engine is not powerful enough to keep up with the otherwise sporty handling. Plus it doesn't even have good fuel economy.
For me it makes no sense to give it the RS badge without the option of a manual transmission or a turbo.
or gold wheels and 6" round fogs...but the gold wheels are a must
@@K03sport and a sedan with the big wing on the back 😍 with my last name printed on the rear side window… 😋
Did have a rear facing car seat. Can still comfortably fit most people in the front but definitely not large people
As someone with no strong feelings either way about Subaru: I love the large screen in portrait orientation. Otherwise, to my eyes, Subaru styling hasn't changed in 10+ years. If you told me this is a 2013 model, I'd believe you. Also, those heated seat buttons at 7:45 look like they're out of an old Mitsubishi Gallant. Ancient.
And yes, I know that Subaru is a small company with a small budget..
why change something that technically isn't broken and can be integrated into every car they make. Would you rather have a rotary heat seat dial like in VW/Audi or heat seat control through the touch screen or a simple 3-pos switch that just works?
Fantastic review as always guys!😸
I love the look of this new Impreza and that color blue, just wish it had the WRX motor
The spare tire is a deal breaker for me., I will have them order one for me because I am not getting stranded without it
I bet it is a pretty straightforward trunk floor replacement from the Crosstrek- it’ll raise it a couple of inches. Not that I have never experienced a flat tire but I haven’t even looked at my spare tire in my bought new 22 y.o. WRX, so it’s been decades.
@@tpolerex7282 its just my luck.., I always get nails in my tire haha
I think it is because there is no spare tire size equivalent to 225/40r18s. You would have to have a full size spare to 100% have the same tread circumference on all the tires and constantly rotate out the spare with the other 4. You can nuke the transmissions of awd cars by not having matching tires.
You know I didn’t think about it being too small and it affecting the AWD. I would probably buy an extra wheel to keep in the back with a blanket covering it. I don’t really need the cargo space itself
Doesn't the 2023 come with a spare ?
This car feels very old but practical. I can't imagine that 2.0 for daily driving though. The blindfold comment deserved an iguanna!
The RS has the 2.5L engine.
@@afcgeo882 I must have misunderstood him, I thought he said it had the 2.0 that he was driving.
Reluctantly bought a wrx tr two weeks ago because it was the best manual awd under 60k. Impreza, crosstrek or forester in a manual transmission wrx package would be fine with me
I have seen a few of these ....the charcoal grey color has been my favorite.
The ground clearance should be okay....its really not for off-road...but
road trips. I'm thinking about getting one of these to replace my e46 wagon.
It now has 250K....but she's still got a few road trips left in her.
You should be able to get as many miles out of this car.....but I'll be
needing roof rails.
This is a good road tripper. Plenty of room, comfortable seats and ride, good handler and easy 500+ mile range at 35mpg. We took this to a wedding from San Diego to Mendocino - 1400 mile round trip and it performed superbly from LA traffic, long deserted highways to sharp curvy roads in the Redwoods, amazing adaptive CC and headlights. Closest thing to a sport wagon these days without breaking the bank.
what's giving out on the e46 that can't be refreshed? everything on the e46 can be replaced/refreshed and is years ahead of this Subaru despite it being 10+ years older.
@@K03sport I think I want to replace my E46 wagon...
until I drive something else. It really does so many things well.
I'm at 250K and a round of repairs are needed.
I expect upgrades to cost less than 1500$
The phone connection thing seems to be par for the course in cars anymore and I don't know what the issue is, for both Android Auto and Apple Car Play. I had random connectivity issues with my 2018 Impreza, 2020 Hyundai Elantra I had for a rental, 2022 Chevy Traverse (also a rental), 2021 Kia K5, sister's Ford Escape, and my current 2022 Hyundai Tucson. It either works or it doesn't, and it's extremely frustrating.
Too bad there's no manual transmission option. Love the Kiddos Favorite Feature mini segment!
The Impreza could be a great car if it had 6+ inches of ground clearance, more physical knobs/buttons, passenger height adjustment, rear vents/USB, better arm rest position, and optional leather seats/hybrid power train
Good vid as always. Just a thought: Have you ever thought of putting a mic on kiddo? Since she's getting older, I'm sure she will have more things to say about the vehicles you drive. I don't know if it could be set-up to have it turned on of off while shooting videos but it would be nice to have some volume for her voice.
Bring back the WRX STI 6MT!
The ground clearance being smaller than the screen size is ridiculous ….Also Micah needs to try that bendy foot thing kiddo was doing.
Dude. That is such a funny way to frame the limited ground clearance. 😂
You forgot the smell test!
Thank you for this useful review !
I really like the Impreza. I wish it still came with a 5-speed manual transmission. I have the 2011 Impreza Outback Sport with a 2.5i 5-speed manual.
Hyper Blue was first used on the 2016 STI... It's a CRIME they used it on this faux 'sporty' car...
I have a 2019 Impreza Limited hatchback. It's a great car but I feel like Subaru has downgraded it with the new generation. While having a 2.5 engine is nice I don't like that they have done away with the leather seats. It's a lot more sporty and less luxurious now, which some will like but for me I would go with a Crosstrek or legacy limited if I were buying a new Subaru today
Is this the brother of the Crosstrek. How similar are they?
very. 98% identical. suspension (height) is the main difference plus wheel and tire size. Trim packaging might be different btwn the two but they are literally the 'same' car....
am looking to buy 2014 model this year❤🎉 Excited!
Considering the engine on this, I would choose crosstrek
I have the same issue with ground clearance on my 2022 Subaru Impreza here in the Reno Tahoe area. If it weren't for that issue I'd lease another Impreza.
Have you done the Buick Envista yet?
Crosstrek is available if people want higher ground clearance
A capable vehicle that's not Riding 6 miles high off the ground..The bane/Pain of every modern parent's existence.
Color looks amazing!
I would prefer a '24 Crosstrek looking like the Impreza, i.e., without all the excessive and/or weirdly-shaped body cladding.
Like other Subaru models, this could be deadly competition if it was an AWD hybrid, but for whatever reason Subaru is woefully behind the hybrid bandwagon.
This is my favorite Subaru because it doesn't have all that damn plastic!
I wish I could turn down the treble on this couples voices. Piercingly high pitched.
So you'd prefer more of an Elizabeth Holmes speech style? We'll get right on that!
Did I miss the smell test?
No, you didn't miss it. We decided to retire the smell test.
That stinks @@MicahMuzio
@@MicahMuzio C'est la vie! At least the rear window test still lives! Kiddo and Sweetie really add depth and dimension to the videos, Micah. But I'm sure I don't have to tell you that. Keep up the great work! And don't you EVER retire my high five!
@@cwfutureboy Thanks for understanding. Please accept this bonus hi5! ✋
@@MicahMuzio I definitely got a "child has never rated a car's smell above 'meh' so maybe we need to switch things up" vibe 🙂
how does Porsche do it, and get more power out of their engines (not talking turbo)? I just wish all Subaru Boxer engines used the (Toyota) D-4S dual injection system found in the BRZ/86 to reduce carbon buildup on the intake valves common w/Direct Injection engines. I also wouldn't mind Subaru extending this hatch 6-8" for a "real wagon" sized car (think Jetta Wagon/Alltrack). The Impreza/2.5 RS hatch is one WRX/STI driveline swap away from being a fantastic car.... 🏁
Wow! An 8 speed "manual mode" to degrade the efficiency of the CVT. Next they will develop a braking mode to make 4 wheel disc brakes emulate the fade of drum brakes.
Take the space waster foam out of the trunk and you will have room for a spare tire instead of the "Lack of mobility" kit.
I predict the RS trim will be very short lived, because you can get several other models from Subaru for less which are more capable and a base WRX is around the same price.
The WRX isn’t available in wagon/hatchback form anymore so that only works for someone that wants a sedan. I’m not sure which models are more capable and cheaper? I can see more capable but certainly not cheaper! You can get a base Crosstrek for less which I guess you could argue is more capable but by the time you equip it with similar options it costs more. The key here is the larger 2.5L engine is standard in the RS but not in any other Subarus unless you move up to the more expensive Forester or Legacy. I don’t consider myself an expert but I’ve been looking up prices of these cars and I have yet to find anything more capable and cheaper….it seems to me that it’s a trade off and if you can afford the price of the RS why would you want to trade off capability for price?
It's weird, I don't like all the plastic cladding on the WRX but I don't like the lack of it on this. There's also something very Dr. Seuss about this car when you look at it from the side. Overall, I think Subaru is phoning it in on what used to be a very badass car. I don't like it anymore.
Nice to see a Subaru without the obnoxious ugly black plastic all over the car.
It’s great car for the price, but the engine loudness makes me stress full driving it.
3 pedals would interest me, otherwise, no cvt rubber band snow mobile trans, thank you....
Painting similar to Focus RS.
Thanks!
Thank you - was trying to figure out if an RS was a better choice than a Crosstrek and, as a fellow mountain resident, that ground clearance is pretty damn important!
Dude. Thanks so much for the SuperThanks. I'm glad we could help! If you see us rolling around the mountain be sure to say hi.
Sure is good looking!
Why would anyone buy this over the AWD Mazda 3 hatchback?
Rear space
@@igorruchreally?!
@@DJL78Mazda 3 is a beautiful car but the rear leg and headroom is so comparable to a coupe it’s pretty much a 2 seater and the back seats just used in a pinch. Was at the auto show I’m 6ft tall and fit behind myself perfectly in the Subaru where in the Mazda was very snug anyone slightly larger than myself would not be able to sit in the back and I’m a fairly average build guy at that 190 pounds. Mazda looks nicer felt more premium they just need to bring back the 6 sedan
@@SINE382 I hear you on this. And totally respect your take on the Mazda3. They are beautiful things but not a good fit for everybody. I’m a single guy and only need to occasionally haul friends to a restaurant or bar at my second home. I ended up buying a Mini Cooper S 4 door. Believe it or not! LOL. It sits 1/2 the year and is perfect for my needs.
@@DJL78 my boss has a mini countryman he’s 6ft 5 and fits perfectly in it!!! They look small but have deceptive amounts of room in them
It's about time for the little girl to get her own mic... She's also in the videos, after all.
The black wheels on the RS is a deal-breaker. This car would look 10X better with shiny wheels instead of riding on four black holes.
The kid is included with the car?
Will someone please. Explain to me. How subaru can afford to paint all the body panels on this econo sh1t box impreza. But not on their wrx 😂 Explain that lol
Was it just me...or did the old Volvo interior designer get hired by Subaru? ...the center console area is very Volvo, and not in a good way.
I really wanted an Impreza as my next car, but they are not making a sedan anymore.
I really didn't like the "family" approach to this review. It was so fake, rehearsed and corny, and the squeaky voice of your lovely wife was really annoying. I'm just being honest and not trying to be ugly. So to answer your question if I like this format, the answer is a very strong heck no. I normally wouldn't make a comment like this but you did ask for our opinion, and mine is unfavorable. I would recommend a little less acting and a little more common conversational speaking.
lol i got someone’s shoe 😅
And then the head gasket blew.
It's not a cheap car lol....
CVT transmission, no spare tire, and air conditioner control on screen, my three complaints. Mazda 3 is way better with a real Automatic transmission.
Very racy 🛞
Subaru is making crappy cars lately. 😢. No manuals anymore because of the car kill switch coming in 2026 for all cars. ( look it up)
Hey family great video on one of my favorite car's I have a 2015 imprez hatchback sport which I love ot so dependable I lobe what Subaru has done with 2024 Imprez RS
Thanks for the kind comment. Cheers!