No, it’s not an STI, but it is the next best thing. Subaru’s newest top-tier WRX—the tS (which stands for tuned by STI)—brings some welcome additions to the WRX lineup for 2025.
This newest trim level of the WRX is part of a revised lineup that saw the base model WRX get nixed. Subaru has said that only a small percentage of WRX buyers opted for the base model, with most drivers happy to splurge on the higher spec options.
That’s a promising fact for the tS, which comes in as one of the model’s most expensive trims at $45,705—about $10,000 more than the (now entry-level) WRX Premium. That said, what do you get for the extra money?
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STI-tuned suspension
2025 Subaru WRX tS
Elijah Nicholson-Messmer
A standout feature is the STI-tuned adaptive dampers, specifically calibrated for U.S. roads, providing Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. These dampers are tuned to be slightly stiffer than those found in the GT trim, delivering a claimed 30% reduction in body roll and a 55% decrease in pitch compared to the TR’s passive dampers.
Customized driving modes
The WRX tS inherits the GT trim’s Drive Mode Select system, offering five distinct profiles: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. Drivers can further 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.
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A shiny new brake kit from Brembo
2025 Subaru WRX tS
Elijah Nicholson-Messmer
It’s safe to assume the target customer for the tS is someone who wants to go fast. But going fast also requires being able to stop fast. It makes sense then that one of the big upgrades offered with the tS is a beefier, high-performance Brembo braking system. The system includes six-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, larger pads and rotors, and, perhaps most importantly, Subaru’s signature gold paint color.
The gauge cluster has gone digital
2025 Subaru WRX tS
Elijah Nicholson-Messmer
One of the first new interior additions you’re likely to notice in the new tS trim is its 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. Along with displaying the standard tachometer and speedometer, the new digital cluster can be customized to show a slew of different information, including a boost gauge, active fuel economy, or navigation mapping.
Boy-racer Recaro bucket seats
2025 Subaru WRX tS
Elijah Nicholson-Messmer
An essential part of any performance car is its seats and the WRX tS is no different. Inside the tS you get Recaro front bucket seats wrapped in black suede and completed with contrasting blue, leather accents and “WRX tS” embossed on the front headrests.
The blue leather accents are edging on an embarrassingly boy-racer-like aesthetic, but in a car that can often feel somewhat vanilla, we’re happy to have a slightly silly set of seats.
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Final thoughts
While driving the WRX tS, it’s hard not to think about how much you wish it was an STI. But, while the new tS trim may fall short of delivering STI-level performance, it nevertheless offers a thoughtful collection of new features that help elevate the driving experience from the entry-level WRX. Whether or not you think the tS offers $10,000 worth of elevation to the WRX experience is up to you.