The 2025 Subaru WRX tS isn’t about chasing bigger horsepower numbers or wild design changes. Instead, it focuses on the finer details—chassis tuning, suspension tweaks, and making the driver feel more connected to the car. The result? The most dialed-in, track-ready version of the current WRX lineup—without stepping into full-blown STI territory. Subaru knows its audience here: drivers who appreciate sharp handling and balance over brute force.
The tS Returns: Tuned by STI, but Not an STI
First things first: the WRX tS isn’t a preview or placeholder for a new STI. It’s its own thing—a distinct trim developed with help from Subaru Tecnica International (STI), aimed at delivering sharper responsiveness and handling precision. It doesn’t make more power than the standard WRX’s 271-horsepower 2.4-liter turbo boxer engine, but just about everything else has been upgraded for performance.
Subaru didn’t set out to chase numbers. The mission here is to tighten the bond between car and driver.
Dialed-in chassis and Suspension
The biggest news is the addition of electronically controlled dampers—a first for any WRX. These adapt in real-time to road conditions and driver inputs, offering distinct personalities across Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes. Each mode brings meaningful changes to ride quality, body control, and steering feedback—not just slight tweaks.
Complementing the adaptive dampers are stiffer springs, a retuned steering rack, and beefier sway bars, all tuned by STI. The result? A WRX that corners flatter, responds more sharply to inputs and communicates better when you're pushing the limits. Thanks to Subaru’s Drive Mode Select system, you can also customize everything from damper behavior to throttle response, steering feel, and even AWD torque distribution.
Brakes and Tires: Upgraded for Real Use
Subaru didn’t skimp on the stopping power either. The WRX tS gets Brembo six-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, larger rotors, and upgraded pads. These are real, track-capable brakes—not just for show. The pedal feel is crisp, and they hold up under repeated hard use without fading.
The car sits on 245/35R19 summer performance tires, wrapped around lightweight 19-inch satin gray wheels. This setup not only looks aggressive but lowers the profile and increases grip with a wider contact patch—perfect for carving up corners.
Subtle, Purposeful Styling
Don’t expect flashy wings or exaggerated vents here. The WRX tS keeps things clean with a unique grille insert, dark trim accents, and a Crystal Black Silica roof that contrasts nicely with the body. A bit of tS badging on the trunk and front grille lets enthusiasts know what’s up, without shouting about it.
It’s a more grown-up, refined look—fitting for a car that’s all about driving precision rather than street-racing flash.
A Cabin That Balances Comfort and Sport
Inside, the WRX tS builds on Subaru’s familiar layout but dials up the quality where it counts. The Recaro front seats, trimmed in UltraSuede and leather, strike a perfect balance between support and long-distance comfort. Red contrast stitching, STI logos, and tS branding add some sporty flair without going overboard.
The 11.6-inch touchscreen remains the centerpiece, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There’s also a customizable digital gauge cluster that gives drivers data like AWD torque split, G-forces, and turbo boost in real-time.
Material quality sees an upgrade from the standard WRX, and Subaru has added extra sound insulation around the firewall and wheel wells. Still, they’ve kept just enough road and engine noise to remind you this is a performance machine.
Behind the Wheel: Confidence Is the Name of the Game
What stands out most when driving the WRX tS isn’t its speed—though it’s quick—it’s the car’s composure. On a winding road, it feels planted and eager, diving into corners with surgical precision and exiting with grace. The adaptive dampers soak up mid-corner bumps without dulling feedback. Steering is nicely weighted in Sport+ and feels natural and direct.
If there’s one thing missing, it’s a little more power. The 2.4-liter turbo boxer has solid midrange torque, but when stacked against higher-output rivals like the Volkswagen Golf R or Toyota GR Corolla, it leaves a little to be desired. That said, the WRX tS makes up for it with predictability, balance, and feedback—it’s the kind of car that feels better the harder you drive it.
Pricing and Where It Fits
With a starting price of around $46,000, the WRX tS slots above the WRX Limited but stays well below where a future STI might land—if Subaru ever brings one back. For enthusiasts who want a WRX that’s truly track-capable straight from the factory, the tS delivers tremendous value.
This is a car built not just for going fast, but for making speed feel good—accessible, engaging, and rewarding.
The 2025 Subaru WRX tS isn’t trying to dominate the horsepower wars. Instead, it leans into the traits that made the WRX special in the first place—balance, connection, and confidence behind the wheel. It’s a car for drivers who care more about how it feels in a corner than how fast it gets down the quarter mile. And in that sense, it just might be the most WRX a WRX has been in years.