2024 Subaru WRX RS Review

I don't know about you when you were growing up, but for me, when I wasn't arguing about why Holden was better than Ford, I was all about the rivalry between the Evo and WRX.

I'll admit, I was more of an Evo person—blame it on too many hours spent playing Gran Turismo on the Playstation.

Fast forward, and here I am reviewing the 2024 Subaru WRX RS, a car that's evolved in many, many ways since those days.

What's the Subaru WRX RS like to drive?

In many ways it isn't the revered car that it once was. Everyone in Bankstown wanted one. But, just like us, it has grown up in that time.

For instance, there isn't that loud exhaust note that we used to love, that let you know a 'rexie' was on the way. But despite it being more mellow, there is still that familiar boxer sound.

The 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine churns out 202 kW, which is respectable enough to keep your pulse above resting. And I'm not that angry about it.

Like the Subaru BRZ or Toyota GR86, this engine gives you just enough power to have fun without needing to explain yourself to the highway patrol.

You can drive it more towards its limits without getting into too much trouble, which makes it feel even more engaging. And you get all of that with a usable second row and without the sore back and knees of the two aforementioned sports cars. Which brings me to the transmission…

What a ride

Now, you'll never hear me say a bad thing about a manual gearbox in today's day and age.

This one's no different.

The transmission is fun and engaging, the clutch is well-weighted, and the whole experience gave me a touch of nostalgia.

There aren't many cars that I get to drive around with manual transmissions these days. Everything comes in an automatic, and even worse, some don't even have gear selectors, opting instead for buttons across the dash.

I really did enjoy driving this thing.

But let's be clear: this isn't a delicate sports car. It has a suspension setup that won't be for everyone. It is firm. Very firm.

You'll feel every pebble, every leaf, every slight dip in the road.

How fuel efficient is the WRX RS?

For a car that's practically begging to be driven hard, you'd expect it to guzzle fuel like a uni student at an open bar.

Surprisingly, the WRX RS isn't as thirsty as you'd think. It manages around 8.5 litres per 100 kilometres, which isn't exactly sipping, but for something this fun, you'll forgive it.

What's the Subaru WRX RS like inside?

Step inside the WRX RS and things are quite nice.

There's an 11.6-inch infotainment screen that dominates the dash. It's loaded with all the tech you'd expect, with large buttons and bright colours, it is fairly easy to navigate

The front seats get a good amount of bolstering and also, in this RS guise, gets electronic adjustment and heating as standard. They're comfortable, but perhaps a little too high for a rally-bred sports sedan.

Standard on the RS is also the sunroof as well as the 10 speaker Harmon Kardon sound system which delivers clear and loud sound, perfect for switching off when you're on a drive.

In the back is a good amount of space, with the vast majority of people being able to sit back there comfortably. Creature comforts include cupholders and 2 USB ports (1 USB-A and 1 USB-C), and while it misses adjustable air vents, outboard seats do get a heating function.

What about the boot?

Now, the boot. Not something I thought I'd care much for talking about back in the day, but have come to appreciate as I get older.

You get 411 litres of cargo space, which is plenty for a week's shopping or a couple of overnight bags.

Fold down the rear seats, and you'll find enough room for a small IKEA run. But if you're planning on loading up with anything bulkier, you might need to rethink your packing strategy.

Here's how it stacks up against some competitors:

• Hyundai i30 N Sedan: 464 litres of boot space
• Volkswagen Golf R: 374 litres
• Honda Civic Type R: 420 litres

So, the WRX isn't the largest, but it's not the worst either. If you're looking for pure cargo space, the i30 N might edge it out, but for those who prioritise the drive, the WRX holds its own.

How safe is the Subaru WRX RS?

The WRX RS comes with EyeSight Driver Assist technology, which means it's watching out for you even when you're not paying attention.

Key safety systems include:

• Adaptive cruise control
• pre-collision braking
• lane departure warning
• Blind spot monitoring
• Rear cross-traffic alert
• Reverse automatic braking
• High beam assist

Subaru WRX RS Review verdict

So, where does that leave us?

The 2024 Subaru WRX RS is a car caught between two worlds—the raw, unfiltered driving experience of yesteryear, and the tech-laden, safety-conscious machines of today.

It's not as wild as the WRX of old, but it's got enough spirit to keep things interesting. If you're someone who still believes driving should be enjoyable, the WRX RS could be your car.

Just don't expect it to be a comfortable ride.