Subaru Impreza trim comparison
2025 Subaru Impreza Base vs RS
The Impreza Base starts at $24,360 while the RS is $29,250. That $4,890 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 2.0L flat 4 to 2.5L flat 4. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
Start with the Base if the 2.0L flat 4 already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the RS only when the 2.5L flat 4 powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.
If you are budgeting this move monthly, the jump from the Base to the RS is about $86/month on a 60-month loan at 6.5% APR with 10% down. That works out to roughly $5,160 more by the time interest is counted. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Both the Base and RS share the same continuously variable-speed automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $4,890 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $815 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | Base | RS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $24,360 | $29,250 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L flat 4 | 2.5L flat 4 |
| Horsepower | 152 hp | 182 hp |
| Torque | 145 lb-ft | 178 lb-ft |
| Transmission | continuously variable-speed automatic | continuously variable-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 26 |
| Highway MPG | 34 | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 30 | 29 |
| Fuel Tank | 16.6 gal | 16.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $1,450/yr | $1,500/yr |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,171 lbs | 3,275 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 105.1" | 105.1" |
| Length | 176.2" | 176.2" |
| Width | 70.1" | 70.1" |
| Height | 58.3" | 58.3" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
| Powertrain | 5yr/60k | 5yr/60k |
| Corrosion | 5yr/unlimited | 5yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 3yr/36k | 3yr/36k |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2025 Subaru Impreza Base vs RS Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Subaru Impreza lineup, the Subaru brand hub, the Compact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2025 Impreza RS cost than the Base?
The RS starts at $29,250 compared to $24,360 for the Base. That is a $4,890 difference, or approximately $86/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2025 Subaru Impreza Base and RS have the same engine?
No. The Base uses a 2.0L flat 4 (152 hp, 145 lb-ft), while the RS has the 2.5L flat 4 (182 hp, 178 lb-ft). That is 30 more horsepower. Both pair with the same continuously variable-speed automatic.
Do the 2025 Impreza Base and RS have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2025 Impreza Base or RS safer?
Both share the same Subaru Impreza platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2025 Subaru Impreza come with?
All 2025 Subaru Impreza trims, including both the Base and RS, come with Subaru's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2025 Subaru Impreza RS worth $4,890 more than the Base?
The $4,890 buys the 2.5L flat 4. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the Base does the same job for less.
Which 2025 Subaru Impreza trim gets better fuel economy, the Base or the RS?
The Base is the more efficient of the two at 30 combined MPG, versus 29 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
What $4,890 Gets You
The Impreza RS costs $4,890 more than the Base. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 2.5L flat 4 engine (+30 hp). Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
Base vs. RS: Day-to-Day
The RS comes with the 2.5L flat 4 instead of the Base's 2.0L flat 4. That means 30 more horsepower and 33 more lb-ft of torque. Enough to notice on highway on-ramps and during passing maneuvers. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 1 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The Impreza Base gets 1 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $48 per year or $240 over five years of ownership.
Summary
$4,890 more for the Impreza RS gets you 6 real differences. At $86/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
Subaru Impreza Base
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the Base best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
Subaru Impreza RS
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the RS when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Subaru or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.