The 2026 Subaru Impreza RS for sale at Dalton Subaru National City in San Diego, CA

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2026 Subaru Impreza RS: Where Should San Diego Buyers Go to Test Drive and Buy?

Published on Oct 21, 2026 by Dalton Subaru

Summary

  • The 2026 Subaru Impreza RS is a sporty all-wheel-drive hatchback powered by a 180-horsepower 2.5-liter engine, available for test drives at Dalton Subaru National City.
  • Building on standard 2026 Impreza features, like EyeSight Driver Assist and an 11.6-inch touchscreen, the RS trim adds exclusive 18-inch dark gray wheels, RS Cloth upholstery, and rear USB ports.
  • Ready to shop for a 2026 Subaru Impreza for sale? Dalton Subaru National City offers attractive lease specials, flexible financing incentives, and online Express Purchase tools.

The 2026 Subaru Impreza RS is a five-door compact hatchback with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a stronger engine than the Impreza Sport. It brings extra performance to the lineup with its 180-horsepower 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine, sport-tuned suspension, exclusive dark gray 18-inch alloy wheels, and upgraded interior accents. Like every 2026 Subaru Impreza, it combines all-weather capability, up to 33 MPG, and a versatile cargo area.

 

If your week in San Diego, CA has commutes, errands, and weekend plans, the RS gives you quicker acceleration to work and sharper handling on the way home. Ready to test drive a 2026 Subaru Impreza RS today? Learn how to book it and get a feel for the Impreza RS at Dalton Subaru National City.

The 2026 Subaru Impreza RS vs the 2026 Subaru Impreza Sport

How Does the 2026 Impreza RS Compare With the Impreza Sport?

Dalton Subaru National City offers two 2026 Impreza trim options: the Sport and the RS:

Impreza Sport

Serving as the base trim, the 2026 Subaru Impreza Sport is ideal for daily driving in San Diego, CA. Standard features include Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, EyeSight Driver Assistance, an 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone integration, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start, roof crossbar mounting points, 18-inch alloy wheels, and new standard rear-seat side airbags. 

Impreza RS

The 2026 Subaru Impreza RS expands on the Sport's equipment with a 180-horsepower engine, sport-tuned suspension, exclusive 18-inch dark gray alloy wheels, RS Cloth interior with red contrast stitching, rear USB charging ports, and available Harman Kardon audio. 

 

Both trims share the same foundational safety tech, so pick based on your performance preferences. For owners of the 2025 Subaru Impreza RS, the 2026 model keeps the same 2.5-liter engine displacement while adding enhanced rear airbag protection across the lineup.

The RS Cloth seats with red accents and contrast stitching, 18-inch alloy wheels, and 2.5-liter 180-hp engine of the 2026 Impreza RS

Which Impreza RS Specs and Features Make It Worth the Upgrade?

Key performance and interior Impreza RS specs and features set the RS apart from the Sport trim.

How Does the 2.5-Liter Engine Change Your Drive?

The RS includes a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER 180-horsepower engine, providing stronger acceleration when you merge, pass, or pull away.

What Does the Sport-Tuned Suspension Do?

The sport-tuned suspension delivers tighter, more responsive handling you can feel on every curve. Paired with Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive that continuously monitors traction and cornering forces in real time, the RS stays planted in rain and on rough roads.

Why Do the 18-Inch Wheels Matter?

While both trims ride on 18-inch wheels, the RS features exclusive 18-inch alloy wheels with a dark gray finish, giving the hatchback a distinct, sporty profile.

What Is Inside the RS Cabin?

The interior upgrades include RS Cloth seating with red accents, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, and rear USB-A and USB-C ports for a more refined driving environment.

Does the RS Have Better Audio and Charging?

Yes. The RS offers an available 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system powered by a 432-watt equivalent class-D amplifier. Standard rear USB-A and USB-C charging ports ensure back-seat passengers stay powered on the go.

What Sets the 2026 Impreza Apart From Other Compact Hatchbacks?

Unlike competing hatchbacks like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, and Mazda3, every Impreza comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. Its 120.9 cubic feet of total interior volume provides more space than the Corolla or Mazda3 hatchbacks, while 94% of Impreza vehicles sold in the last 10 years remain on the road today.

Some of the standard features in the 2026 Impreza RS: 11.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and roof crossbar mounting points

What Standard Features Does the 2026 Impreza RS Keep From the Sport?

The RS builds on the Sport trim's foundation, sharing key standard features:

  • 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
  • EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, including Pre-Collision Braking and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
  • Newly standard rear-seat side airbags for enhanced impact protection
  • Everyday Convenience: Keyless Access with Push-Button Start, front USB-A and USB-C ports, roof crossbar mounting points, and cabin sound-dampening materials

The 2026 Subaru Impreza also holds a 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from NHTSA and is a Consumer Reports Recommended Model.

How Does the 2025 Subaru Impreza RS Compare With the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS?

Both model years share the core RS performance identity: a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, RS Cloth seats with red stitching, and available Harman Kardon audio. The 2026 model adds enhanced safety with standard rear-seat side airbags and updates the 18-inch wheels with a dark gray finish.

 

Under the hood, both feature a 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine (182 hp in 2025 vs. 180 hp in 2026) while delivering up to 33 MPG highway and 120.9 cubic feet of interior space.

 

Ask the Dalton Subaru National City team which RS models are on the lot right now.

What Deals Can You Find on the 2026 Subaru Impreza at Dalton Subaru National City?

If you are shopping for a 2026 Subaru Impreza for sale, Dalton Subaru National City offers several purchasing programs and promotional specials:

  • Lease Specials: Flexible 36-month lease options on new 2026 Impreza models designed for lower monthly payments.
  • Finance Offers: Competitive low-APR financing with 48-month and 72-month terms. Buyers can estimate monthly payments with the online payment calculator, or pre-qualify online.
  • Subaru Trade Up Advantage: Qualifying Subaru owners receive personalized trade-in offers, customized terms, new vehicle warranty coverage, and lower maintenance costs.
  • Express Store: Buy 100% online with upfront pricing. Get a virtual trade appraisal within 3 business hours and enjoy home delivery within 30 miles of the dealership.
  • Dalton VIP Program: Earn 20% back in rewards on qualified Dalton Subaru service visits, split into 5% toward your next service, 5% toward tires, and 10% toward your next vehicle purchase.

Upgrade to the Impreza RS: The Smart San Diego Choice

The 2026 Subaru Impreza RS gives San Diego commuters and weekend adventurers a rare mix of performance, efficiency, and safety in a compact hatchback. The RS combines a 180-horsepower engine, sport-tuned suspension, exclusive wheels, and a premium cabin with the All-Wheel Drive, safety tech, and cargo space standard in every 2026 Impreza.

 

When you’re ready to move up from the base Impreza or another small car, Dalton Subaru National City offers the local expertise, financing flexibility, and Express Store convenience. To experience it firsthand, schedule a test drive at Dalton Subaru today, and drive home confident in your decision. 

Where to Buy the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS in San Diego, CA?

You can buy the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS in San Diego, CA, at Dalton Subaru National City. Formerly Frank Subaru, the dealership serves Chula Vista, San Diego County, and Southwest California, backed by a 4.7-star Google review rating.

 

Its finance team works with local banks, credit unions, and national lenders for customized financing terms. For long-term vehicle care, the Dalton Subaru service center features certified technicians, convenient online scheduling, complimentary multi-point inspections, free Wi-Fi, two customer lounges, and an on-site dog park.

To test drive the 2026 Subaru Impreza RS, contact Dalton Subaru National City today!.