2026 Subaru Impreza RS Review: A Sincere Compact Vehicle

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      The concept behind the Impreza is straightforward: take a simple economy hatchback, equip it with standard all-wheel drive, and that's pretty much it. However, for those looking for a bit more excitement, the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS offers a boost in your daily drive with its 180 horsepower.

      Previously, there were more options available. Subaru once offered an Impreza sedan, but now the closest option in dealerships is the WRX, which is only offered as a four-door. Currently, the Impreza's most similar counterpart is the Crosstrek, which adapts the same commuter-car concept and adds crossover elements (a slight lift) for an appearance of increased capability, made even more adventurous by the eco-friendly Wilderness edition.

      Byron Hurd

      In the realm of the Impreza, Subaru keeps things straightforward, both literally and metaphorically. There are no gimmicks or unnecessary extras here—just a simple, honest vehicle. But is that sufficient in today's market? I spent a week with it to find out.

      The Essentials

      There aren’t many updates for the RS this year. Subaru made slight adjustments to the 2.5-liter boxer engine for better refinement, but this resulted in a loss of 2 hp, bringing the 2026 output to a flat 180 hp, while torque remains unchanged at 178 lb-ft compared to 2025. As the sportier of the two available Impreza models, the RS features larger wheels with a unique design. While I’m not particularly fond of dark wheels on this shade of red, they are not the worst I’ve seen. The larger wheels and lower-profile tires further differentiate the RS from the rugged, adventurous style of the lifted Crosstrek.

      Byron Hurd

      Inside, it’s classic Subaru. Expect a basic, no-frills cabin with a vertically-oriented infotainment touchscreen and standard plastics throughout. The RS adds some color highlights to the otherwise all-black interior, and the 11.6-inch screen, once turned on, adds a bit of vibrancy with its colorful graphics. Unfortunately, Subaru’s operating system is somewhat lacking—often clunky and occasionally slow to respond to commands.

      Driving the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS

      A 180-hp engine might not seem particularly noteworthy in 2025, but it’s worth mentioning that it’s naturally aspirated and runs on regular gasoline—a definite perk for a sporty commuter vehicle. While the CVT may not excite enthusiasts, it isn’t completely disappointing either. The eight simulated gear ratios offered by the paddle shifters provide a decent approximation of a traditional automatic when you find space to let the Impreza stretch its legs.

      Byron Hurd

      Such opportunities can be hard to find in metro Detroit, but the Impreza feels right at home in a place where car-based commuting is nearly universal. The 2.5-liter engine feels torquey in city driving, easing the experience of the CVT. Although the combination is somewhat rough compared to the prevalent small-displacement turbo engines in the industry, this might appeal to those who appreciate the distinct sound of a Subaru flat-four.

      This layout also gives the Impreza a notably low center of gravity. The way the RS turns into corners is distinct among its competitors, and I believe this allows Subaru to tune the suspension a bit softer than others for the same responsiveness. If everything were equal, this would be the economy car I’d choose for daily driving. Unfortunately, it doesn’t end up that way; more on that later.

      The Pros and Cons

      For a car with a mundane engine and transmission combination, the RS surprises with its impressive handling. While it’s not a Miata, the Impreza rewards those who value momentum. If you’re not enjoying maneuvering this car on winding roads, you might be relying too heavily on the brakes. Plus, when you’re not constantly adjusting the throttle, you won’t have to hear the CVT whine as much.

      Byron Hurd

      Ultimately, though, this is a slightly sporty compact still searching for a bit more liveliness. The interior highlights of the RS are nice details, but the rest remains a rather dull expanse of black. Unfortunately, the transmission is an inescapable aspect. While adequate for the standard Impreza's purpose, adding the option of a manual transmission could make the RS even more engaging. Additionally, Subaru’s compact is due for an updated infotainment system, as this one… kind of functions?

      2026 Subaru Impreza RS Features, Options, and Rivalry

      The RS occupies a peculiar spot in the market. It’s one of only two ways to configure the Impreza (the other being the base Sport model), but they offer quite different experiences. While the RS comes better equipped (and is the only way to