The market for affordable, engaging cars is shrinking. Rising costs, stricter regulations, and the SUV boom have squeezed out many lightweight performance models. While the Mazda MX-5 Miata remains an icon of accessible driving fun, its two-seat layout and limited practicality make it unsuitable for many buyers. This has opened a space for vehicles that offer a blend of sportiness and everyday usability—and the 2024 Subaru Impreza RS delivers precisely that.
The Miata’s Tradeoffs: Fun, But Not Functional
The Miata’s appeal lies in its lightweight design, rear-wheel drive, and engaging driving experience. However, its two-seater configuration and minimal cargo space limit its utility. Many drivers need a vehicle that can handle daily commutes, passengers, and inclement weather. The Impreza RS addresses these needs while still providing a spirited driving experience, all for less money.
The Impreza RS: Performance Without Compromise
The Impreza RS undercuts the Miata in price—starting at $29,495 versus the Miata’s $30,430—while offering significantly more practicality. A used 2024 Impreza RS can be found for around $23,100, making it an even stronger value proposition. It features four doors, a spacious hatchback design, and standard all-wheel drive—features the Miata simply cannot match.
All-Weather Confidence and Standard AWD
The Impreza RS’s all-wheel-drive system provides superior traction in rain, snow, or slippery conditions, giving drivers confidence that rear-wheel-drive sports cars lack. Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system delivers balanced stability in various road conditions, making it ideal for buyers who prioritize real-world usability.
Under the Hood: Boxer Engine and Smooth Power Delivery
The Impreza RS is powered by a 2.5-liter boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque. The boxer layout lowers the car’s center of gravity, enhancing stability and handling. Subaru’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) has been tuned to mimic traditional gear shifts, offering smooth acceleration without sacrificing efficiency.
Sporty Styling, Functional Design
The Impreza RS features subtle sporty design upgrades, including distinctive badging, dark-finished alloy wheels, and black exterior accents. Unlike some performance hatchbacks with aggressive styling, the Impreza RS maintains a clean, mature aesthetic that complements its practical character.
Tech-Forward Interior with Everyday Comfort
Inside, the Impreza RS boasts an 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance suite includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic emergency braking. The hatchback body style provides usable rear seating and ample cargo space, making it ideal for both commuting and weekend adventures.
Miata Rival or Different Kind of Fun?
The Miata represents the purest form of sports car enjoyment, prioritizing driver engagement above all else. The Impreza RS offers a more versatile alternative, blending performance with practicality and all-weather capability. Both vehicles demonstrate that accessible, entertaining motoring does not require sacrifice. Ultimately, the Impreza RS may be the smarter choice for drivers who demand both thrills and real-world functionality.
