“This isn’t supposed to be an STI.”

I kept repeating that phrase to myself throughout the week I spent driving Subaru’s new 2025 WRX tS. This newest addition to the WRX lineup promises to be the fastest WRX yet, with new STI-tuned suspension and an assortment of other rally-inspired upgrades including big Brembo brakes and beefy Recaro bucket seats.

There’s no doubt that the new tS trim brings some major upgrades to the WRX, but for all of its improvements, it still feels like a step down from the STI-level performance that prospective buyers are yearning for. Nevertheless, as fans eagerly await the elusive next-generation WRX STI, Subaru’s top-tier WRX tS trim is the next best thing.

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The WRX tS by the numbers

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What makes the WRX tS special

The tS, which stands for “Tuned by STI,” retains the familiar 271-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine but builds on the WRX formula with thoughtful handling, braking, and interior upgrades.

2025 Subaru WRX tS

Elijah Nicholson-Messmer

STI-tuned electronically adjustable suspension

Electronically controlled dampers, carried over from the WRX GT but tuned by the STI department specifically for the tS are the star of the new trim. The dampers can be adjusted through three modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—to reduce body roll and pitch significantly compared to the passive suspension in other trims. The result is a car equally capable of soaking up road imperfections around a city and attacking apexes on a closed course.

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Customizable driver modes

Combined with the electronically adjustable suspension is a Drive Mode Select system, offering five distinct profiles: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. The system, borrowed from the GT trim, allows drivers to personalize their experience with three steering settings—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—and adjust the powertrain between Normal and Sport modes, with the latter enhancing throttle responsiveness.

Big Brembo brakes

2025 Subaru WRX tS

Elijah Nicholson-Messmer

Going fast also requires the ability to stop fast. Thankfully, the WRX tS comes equipped with Brembo brakes as standard. The upgraded brake set offers six-piston calipers in the front and two-piston units in the rear, larger pads, cross-drilled rotors, and of course, Subaru’s classic gold-painted calipers. The kit provides a confidence-inspiring pedal feel and fade resistance during extended track sessions while still being smooth and quiet around town.

Recaro seats and a digital dash

Performance cars live and die by their seating, and Subaru delivers with the WRX tS. Up front, you’ll find Recaro bucket seats wrapped in black suede, complemented by blue leather accents and an embossed “WRX tS” logo on the headrests.

2025 Subaru WRX tS

Elijah Nicholson-Messmer

The blue accents veer dangerously close to a “boy-racer” vibe, but they also inject some much-needed personality into a car that can otherwise feel too subdued. Once you’re settled into the seat, you’ll also notice the new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. This customizable display goes beyond the basics of a tachometer and speedometer, offering options like a boost gauge, real-time fuel economy, and even navigation mapping.

Driving the new WRX tS

Handling

2025 Subaru WRX tS

Elijah Nicholson-Messmer

Subaru designed the WRX tS to excel in real-world driving conditions, and the results are impressive. The adaptive suspension provides a tangible difference in Comfort mode, softening the ride enough to make long drives manageable without losing the sharpness expected of a WRX. Steering, too, impresses with its responsiveness across all modes, though the heft in Sport mode feels the most natural for spirited driving.

Noise

Droning exhaust noise found its way into the cabin in pretty much every scenario, whether you’re cruising around city streets or gunning it while merging on the highway. At lower RPMs, I found the exhaust had a pleasant burble, but that quickly turned into a less nice whining noise under acceleration.

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Acceleration

Relatively short gearing makes good use of the standard boxer engine’s 271 horsepower while low-end torque makes acceleration in higher gears feel immediate. That said, power output left something to be desired.

2025 Subaru WRX tS

Elijah Nicholson-Messmer

While the tS gets a host of upgrades to its handling, braking, and interior, it maintains the same exact engine as the rest of the WRX lineup. Given the $10,000 price difference between the tS and the entry-level WRX, I would find it hard to justify the costs without getting any boost in power. 

Granted, the current generation WRX offers virtually the same, if not better, power-to-weight ratio as models from 10 and 20 years ago, so maybe I’m just power-hungry.

How it stacks up

The WRX tS faces tough competition from the likes of the Honda Civic Type R, Toyota GR Corolla, and Volkswagen Golf R. All three offer more horsepower, leaving the tS somewhat underpowered by comparison. Subaru’s inclusion of an STI-branded start button certainly doesn’t help you forget that you’re in the less powerful WRX.

2025 Subaru WRX tS

Elijah Nicholson-Messmer

Subaru’s focus on braking and handling ensures the tS holds its own where it matters most to track-focused enthusiasts, but the lack of power leaves it feeling a little vanilla compared to its peers.

Final thoughts

The Subaru WRX tS does a lot of things well. Handling is sharp, the interior feels premium and while down on power compared to some competitors, it still feels quick from behind the wheel. But, the biggest challenge facing the tS isn’t one of engineering but of psychology.

The desire for an STI is palpable among enthusiasts, so much so that you end up frequently comparing the tS to an STI-spec model that doesn’t even exist. As a WRX, the tS is top-tier. But as an STI tease, it’s subpar.

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