If you thought the Subaru WRX couldn’t get any more serious about performance, think again. The 2025 Subaru WRX tS just dropped, and it’s grabbing attention from enthusiasts and skeptics alike. From the track to the street, this isn’t your average sport sedan—it’s a hardcore, STI-tuned machine that blends motorsports DNA with modern tech and daily drivability. The “tS” badge, short for “tuned by STI” (Subaru Tecnica International), marks this car as a no-compromise weapon for those who want full-throttle excitement with everyday usability.
Let’s dive into what makes this WRX variant so buzzworthy—and whether it lives up to the hype.
Purpose-built performance: STI-tuned and track-ready
Subaru has gone all-in with motorsport-inspired engineering for the WRX tS. Under the hood sits a familiar 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine pushing out 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While the numbers haven’t changed dramatically, the feel absolutely has. Thanks to STI-tuned adaptive dampers, a 6-speed manual transmission, Drive Mode Select (with a new Track Mode), and a finely honed suspension, this WRX is more communicative and confident than ever.
The tS stands apart with exclusive 19-inch satin gray wheels wrapped in sticky Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer tires. Paired with an upgraded Brembo braking system—gold-finished, no less—with six-piston front calipers and cross-drilled rotors, stopping power is just as impressive as acceleration. Active Torque Vectoring and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive deliver the kind of traction and control you’d expect from something with rally racing in its blood.
Aggressive looks, functional upgrades
This WRX isn’t just built for speed—it looks the part too. You’ll notice the low, wide stance, matte gray 19-inch alloys, and Brembo brakes peeking through. Exclusive Crystal Black Silica trim accents the exterior mirrors, shark fin antenna, and rear lip spoiler. A performance exhaust system gives it a throaty growl that matches its attitude.
One big surprise? The moonroof is gone. Subaru deliberately deleted it to reduce weight and lower the center of gravity—a clear nod to performance priorities.
A new Galaxy Purple Pearl joins the paint palette, but die-hard fans will likely gravitate toward the classic World Rally Blue Pearl, a signature look that reminds everyone this WRX means business.
Interior: focused, not fancy
Inside, the WRX tS balances daily comfort with track-ready features. Recaro performance front seats (with blue leather bolsters) hold you in place through sharp corners, and the driver’s seat offers 8-way power adjustability. The blue-trimmed cabin is simple, but focused and functional.
You get heated front seats, a 60/40 split rear bench, and a solid tech suite—highlighted by a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster and an 11.6-inch vertical STARLINK infotainment screen. Subaru smartly keeps physical knobs for volume and climate controls (a win for usability), and integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wirelessly.
Audiophiles will appreciate the 11-speaker Harman-Kardon system, while tech lovers get modern touches like USB-C ports front and rear, and a mix of USB-A for legacy devices.
Safety and daily drive tech
Despite its motorsports leanings, Subaru hasn’t forgotten safety. EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard, offering pre-collision braking, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise. Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert add peace of mind for daily driving.
And yes, there’s still a rearview camera. This might be a car born for speed, but it’s not blind to reality.
What it costs—and what it’s worth
At $45,705, the WRX tS doesn’t come cheap, but it delivers genuine performance upgrades that justify the price. You’re getting top-tier Brembos, exclusive STI tuning, high-grip tires, and the type of engineering normally reserved for special-edition track cars.
It’s not the most powerful in its class, and yes—it has quirks. The interior is loud at highway speeds. The manual shifter is long-throw and not ideal for heel-toe downshifts. And if you’re cross-shopping it against the Honda Civic Type R or Golf R, you may find it lacks a bit of that razor-sharp edge. Still, the tS rewards drivers who want involvement, grit, and heritage behind the wheel.
WRX tS vs. the competition
Let’s put the tS in context:
| Competitor | Power | Drivetrain | Transmission | Price (est) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic Type R | 315 hp | FWD | 6-speed manual | ~$45,000 |
| Volkswagen Golf R | 315 hp | AWD | 6-speed / DSG | ~$47,000 |
| Toyota GR Corolla | 300 hp | AWD | 6-speed manual | ~$37,000 |
| Hyundai Elantra N | 276 hp | FWD | 6-speed / DCT | ~$34,000 |
| Mazda 3 Turbo | 250 hp | AWD | 6-speed automatic | ~$36,000 |
While some rivals offer more power or quicker shifts, few offer the same rally-inspired engineering, all-wheel-drive traction, and distinctive Subaru character that loyal fans crave.
Final verdict: for the purist
The 2025 Subaru WRX tS isn’t trying to please everyone. It’s not the quietest. It’s not the flashiest. And it’s certainly not the easiest to drive fast. But it offers something rare in today’s performance landscape: authenticity.
If you want a car that channels motorsport heritage, offers real tuning from STI, and still gives you manual control over every shift, the WRX tS is your kind of machine. It may not be perfect, but it’s built with purpose—and for the right driver, that makes all the difference.
Lauren Fix, The Car Coach®, is a nationally recognized automotive expert, analyst, and consumer advocate. You’ve seen her on television, radio, and across digital platforms breaking down the latest in automotive news and reviews. For more updates and expert insight, follow Lauren at The Car Coach Reports.
