If you're looking for a practical daily driver that doesn't feel like a boat, the 2024 subaru impreza wagon is one of those rare cars that stays true to its roots while getting some much-needed updates. It's a bit of a funny time for cars right now. Everything is turning into a massive SUV or a crossover with way too much plastic cladding. But the Impreza? It's still sticking to its guns as a low-slung, all-wheel-drive hatchback that just wants to get you to work, the grocery store, or the trailhead without making a big fuss about it.
A Return to Form with a Hatch-Only Lineup
The first thing you'll notice about the sixth-generation 2024 subaru impreza wagon is that the sedan version is officially gone. Subaru looked at the numbers and realized what most of us already knew: people who buy Imprezas want the hatchback. It's just more useful. Whether you're tossing a mountain bike in the back or hauling a week's worth of camping gear, that extra vertical space makes all the difference.
Subaru actually calls it a "5-door," but let's be honest—we all think of it as a wagon. It has that classic long-roof vibe that makes it look stable and ready for action. For 2024, they sharpened up the lines a bit. It's not a radical departure from the previous generation, but it looks a lot leaner and more aggressive, especially if you opt for the higher trims.
The Big News: The RS Trim is Back
For anyone who grew up in the late 90s or early 2000s, the "RS" badge carries some weight. It was the precursor to the WRX in the States, and for 2024, it makes a triumphant return. The RS is the version you probably want if you care even a little bit about how a car feels when you step on the gas.
While the Base and Sport trims use a 2.0-liter engine that puts out 152 horsepower, the RS gets a bigger 2.5-liter engine. It bumps the power up to 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque. Now, this isn't going to win you many drag races against a dedicated sports car, but it makes a massive difference in the real world. Merging onto the highway or passing a slow-moving truck on a two-lane road becomes a lot less stressful when you have that extra bit of "oomph" under your right foot.
The RS also gets some cool aesthetic touches, like dark gray 18-inch wheels, blacked-out trim, and some pretty snazzy red accents inside. It feels like the car Subaru enthusiasts have been asking for—something a bit more spirited than the base model but still practical enough to live with every day.
How It Feels Behind the Wheel
One thing Subaru worked hard on for the 2024 subaru impreza wagon was the chassis. They borrowed a bit of the "inner frame" construction technique from the WRX and the Levorg (a cool wagon we don't get in the US, sadly). This makes the car about 10% more rigid.
What does that mean for you? It means the car feels tighter. When you turn the steering wheel, the car reacts instantly rather than feeling like it's leaning over its front tires. It's surprisingly fun to toss around a corner. The steering is a dual-pinion electronic power steering rack, which is a fancy way of saying it feels more direct and natural.
Standard across all models is Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It's basically the gold standard for budget-friendly AWD systems. It's always on, always distributing power where it needs to go. Whether you're dealing with a sudden downpour or a light dusting of snow, the Impreza just feels planted. It gives you a sense of confidence that's hard to find in other compact cars that are usually front-wheel drive.
Life on the Inside: Comfort and Tech
Step inside the 2024 subaru impreza wagon, and the first thing that hits you is the screen. On everything but the base model, you get a massive 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen. It looks like a tablet glued to the dashboard.
To be fair, it takes a second to get used to. Most of the climate controls have been moved onto the screen, which can be a bit annoying if you like physical knobs for your air conditioning. However, Subaru kept actual volume and tuning knobs (thank goodness) and physical buttons for the defrosters and temperature adjustments. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on this screen, which is a huge win for anyone tired of fumbling with cables.
The seats are also a major highlight. Subaru worked with medical experts to design seats that support your pelvis better. It sounds like marketing fluff until you actually sit in them for a three-hour road trip. They're genuinely comfortable and help reduce fatigue. The cabin isn't "luxury car" quiet, but it's definitely a step up from the older models. They used more sound-dampening material, so you don't have to shout at your passengers as much when you're on the highway.
Practicality for Real People
We can't talk about a wagon without talking about space. With the rear seats up, you've got a decent amount of room for groceries or a couple of suitcases. But fold those seats down, and you get over 56 cubic feet of space.
It's the kind of car that fits your lifestyle. If you're a dog owner, your golden retriever is going to be a lot happier in the back of an Impreza than in the cramped trunk of a sedan. If you're a weekend warrior, you can fit a couple of snowboards or a small kayak setup (with the right roof racks, of course).
Speaking of roof racks, the Impreza comes with mounting points ready to go. Subaru owners love their accessories, and the 2024 model makes it easy to add crossbars for whatever gear you're hauling.
Safety is Always the Priority
Subaru has built its reputation on safety, and the 2024 subaru impreza wagon is no exception. Every single model comes standard with the latest version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This is the system that uses cameras near the rearview mirror to watch the road.
It handles things like pre-collision braking, lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. For 2024, the cameras have a wider field of view, so they can spot pedestrians or cyclists entering an intersection sooner. It's like having an extra set of eyes that never gets tired. It can be a little sensitive sometimes—beeping at you if it thinks you're drifting—but it's a small price to pay for the peace of mind it provides.
Impreza vs. Crosstrek: The Big Question
If you're standing in a Subaru dealership, you're almost certainly going to look at the Crosstrek sitting right next to the Impreza. They're built on the same platform and have the same engines. So why choose the Impreza?
It really comes down to how you like to drive. The Crosstrek is taller and has more ground clearance, which is great if you're actually driving over rocks or through deep mud. But that extra height makes it feel a bit more "tippy" in the corners. The 2024 subaru impreza wagon sits lower to the ground. This gives it a better center of gravity, making it feel sportier and more connected to the road. Plus, it usually gets slightly better gas mileage because it's more aerodynamic. If you don't need to climb mountains every weekend, the Impreza is arguably the better daily driver.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the 2024 subaru impreza wagon isn't trying to be a flashy supercar or a rugged off-road beast. It's just a really good car. It's honest. It offers standard all-wheel drive, a huge amount of safety tech, and enough cargo space to handle whatever life throws at you—all for a price that doesn't feel like a gut punch.
The loss of the manual transmission might bum out a few enthusiasts, but the improved CVT and the punchier 2.5L engine in the RS make up for it. It's a comfortable, capable, and smart choice for anyone who needs a vehicle that can handle the rainy Tuesday commute just as well as the sunny Saturday adventure. If you value practicality but aren't ready to give up the nimble feeling of a car for a bulky SUV, this wagon is definitely worth a test drive.