Is Subaru RS a turbo?
The quick answer is no. The RS badge in Subaru’s Impreza lineup typically denotes a rally-inspired, naturally aspirated variant, while turbocharged power comes from the WRX and WRX STI lines. If you want turbocharged performance, look for WRX or WRX STI models.
What the RS badge has signified in Subaru's Impreza history
Across generations, RS has been used to designate sport-oriented, lighter Impreza variants that prioritize handling and weight reduction over forced induction. This section highlights representative RS variants and their characteristics to illustrate how the badge has been applied in different markets.
Here are representative RS variants and what sets them apart:
- Impreza 2.5 RS (early 2000s in North America) — typically a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine, manual transmission, lighter weight, and fewer luxury features compared with the turbocharged WRX.
- Other regional RS variants across generations — usually NA with emphasis on handling and reduced weight rather than forced induction.
- WRX and WRX STI — turbocharged siblings carrying Subaru’s rally heritage and higher performance tuning.
In practice, encountering an Impreza labeled RS generally indicates a non-turbo model with sport-oriented tuning, rather than a turbocharged performance car.
Turbo versus RS: Can RS be turbocharged?
Factory RS models are not turbocharged by default. The turbo performance path in Subaru’s lineup is the WRX and WRX STI. There have been rare market-specific editions or aftermarket modifications that align RS styling with turbo components, but these are exceptional and not the standard interpretation of the RS badge.
- WRX — turbocharged, all-wheel drive, performance-focused variant available across many generations.
- WRX STI — higher-performance turbocharged version with enhanced suspension, brakes, and drivetrain tuning.
For most buyers, the RS badge signals a naturally aspirated, weight-conscious variant, while WRX/ STI denotes the turbocharged range. Always verify the exact model year and market, since branding and specifications can vary by region.
How to identify RS vs WRX when shopping used Subarus
In practice, the quickest clues are the badges and the engine bay. RS cars rarely carry a turbo badge and will have NA engine codes, whereas WRX/STI models feature turbo systems and often explicit turbo-related branding on the engine cover or intake.
Note that as markets evolved, Subaru shifted away from RS in many regions; the Impreza lineup now emphasizes trims like Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited, with WRX/WRX STI occupying the performance end of the spectrum.
Current status of RS badge in Subaru lineup
As of the mid-2020s, Subaru generally no longer uses the RS badge on new Impreza models in most markets. The lineup focuses on Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited trims, while the turbocharged WRX and WRX STI remain the primary path to higher performance.
Summary
Bottom line: The Subaru RS badge is not a turbo. RS denotes Rally Sport, typically a naturally aspirated, weight-conscious Impreza variant. If you want turbocharged performance, seek out a WRX or WRX STI. The RS designation is largely historical in modern Subaru lineups, though it remains a point of pride in certain markets and past generations.
Does the Subaru Impreza RS have a turbo?
No, the modern Subaru Impreza RS does not have a turbocharger. Instead, it comes with a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer engine that provides more horsepower than the base model, but lacks the turbo power of the WRX. This engine upgrade is what differentiates it from other Impreza trims.
- Engine: The Impreza RS uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine, which is not turbocharged.
- Power: It produces 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, an increase over the 152 horsepower found in the base Impreza.
- Performance: The power delivery is described as smooth with good low-end torque, but it is not a performance-oriented turbocharged model like the WRX.
- Transmission: Both the standard and RS models are equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and there is no manual option currently available.
What does RS mean on a car Subaru?
For Subaru, RS typically stands for "Rally Sport", referencing the brand's history in motorsports and denoting a performance-oriented model. However, the letters have also been linked to the German term "Rennsport" (racing sport), especially in older models, and sometimes just "Road Sport".
- Rally Sport: The most common meaning for Subaru, connecting the car to Subaru's successful rally racing heritage.
- Rennsport: Used by Subaru to denote a performance version, as it is for other manufacturers like Porsche.
- Road Sport: A more general meaning that also applies to higher-performance models.
What's the difference between RS & WRX?
The four-door WRX RS is obviously larger and heavier, not to mention that its suspension feels softer when pushed to the limit. That being said, with adequate use of the throttle and shorter braking distances compared with the rest of the WRX range, things can be quite fun.
What is a Subaru 2.5 RS?
Subsequently, the 2.5RS performance model was introduced in 1998 (the same year the 1.8-liter engine was dropped). A naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine and larger brakes were fitted into the coupe body with gold-colored 16-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.
