The 2025 Subaru Impreza RS takes the familiar all-wheel-drive hatchback formula and gives it extra muscle and attitude. As the top trim in the lineup, it builds on Subaru’s reputation for year-round usability by pairing standard symmetrical all-wheel drive with a stronger engine and a more assertive character.
This RS-exclusive 2.5-liter flat-four is the centerpiece, delivering 182 horsepower and 178 pound-feet of torque through a continuously variable automatic transmission to all four wheels. The engine provides noticeably more get up and go when merging onto highways or passing on two-lane roads.
On winding roads, the RS behaves like a sport-tuned commuter rather than a hardcore performance special, which suits its all-weather brief. The chassis is composed and predictable, and the standard all-wheel drive helps the car hold a steady line through corners with reassuring traction even when pavement conditions are less than ideal. The ride leans toward firm but controlled; it transmits some road feel into the cabin yet avoids feeling harsh over expansion joints and rougher surfaces, maintaining comfort on longer drives.
Inside, the Impreza RS offers generous space for a compact hatchback, with ample front headroom and legroom and adult-friendly seating in the rear. The hatchback layout adds real practicality, with about 20 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats and more than 50 cubic feet available when they are folded. Materials are a bit plasticy but are complemented by sport-oriented touches, standard heated front seats and supportive bolstering that keeps occupants comfortable over a full day of driving.
The vertically oriented 11.6-inch touchscreen dominates the dashboard and serves as the primary interface for audio, navigation and vehicle settings. Its portrait layout, large on-screen icons and clear fonts help keep core functions easy to find, and wireless smartphone integration plus a standard wireless charging pad on the RS trim enhance day-to-day usability. Subaru’s driver-assistance suite, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance and automatic emergency braking, is standard and designed to operate in a smooth, unobtrusive manner that supports rather than distracts the driver.
In everyday use, the 2025 Subaru Impreza RS comes across as a pragmatic enthusiast’s choice: a compact hatchback with usable power, genuine all-weather capability and a versatile interior. With fuel economy in the high-20-mpg combined range and the reassurance of standard all-wheel drive, it will appeal to buyers who want extra performance and confidence in bad weather without sacrificing practicality or efficiency.
