
Equipped with a refined suspension, Brembo brakes, and a rally-stimulated heritage, the WRX tS establishes its own identity, yet it would not absolutely replace the space left by the STI.
“This isn’t intended to be an STI.”
I determined myself repeating that line at some point of the week I spent at the back of the wheel of Subaru’s new 2025 WRX tS. This modern-day addition to the WRX family claims to be the fastest WRX but, offering STI-tuned suspension and a variety of rally-stimulated enhancements, inclusive of large Brembo brakes and sturdy Recaro bucket seats.
While the brand new tS trim certainly offers good sized improvements to the WRX, it nonetheless feels like a downgrade from the overall performance level that capacity customers are seeking out in an STI. Still, as lovers eagerly expect the long-awaited next-era WRX STI, Subaru’s pinnacle-tier WRX tS trim stands as the subsequent high-quality choice.
The WRX tS in numerical terms
2025 Subaru WRX tS specifications
What sets the WRX tS apart?
The tS, short for "Tuned by STI," keeps the well-known 271-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine while enhancing the WRX experience with improved handling, braking, and interior features.
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2025 Subaru WRX tS |
STI-tuned suspension with electronic adjustability.
The STI-tuned electronically adjustable suspension functions dampers that have been tailored from the WRX GT but especially exceptional-tuned by using the STI team for the tS model. These dampers offer three adjustable modes—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—taking into account a extensive reduction in frame roll and pitch in comparison to the passive suspension determined in different variations. This results in a car that excels at soaking up avenue imperfections in urban settings whilst additionally being able to tackling sharp activates a racetrack.
Adjustable driving modes
The electronically adjustable suspension is paired with a Drive Mode Select system that features five unique profiles: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. This system, taken from the GT trim, enables drivers to customize their experience with three steering options—Comfort, Normal, and Sport and modify the powertrain settings between Normal and Sport modes, with Sport mode providing improved throttle responsiveness.
Large Brembo brake system
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2025 Subaru WRX tS |
Going rapid additionally necessitates the functionality to stop fast. Fortunately, the WRX tS is fitted with Brembo brakes as preferred. This more suitable brake machine features six-piston calipers at the front and -piston calipers on the rear, along side large pads, cross-drilled rotors, and, evidently, Subaru’s iconic gold-painted calipers. This setup can provide a pedal feel that evokes confidence and resists fade at some point of extended song use, whilst still final easy and quiet for ordinary using.
Recaro chairs and a digital dashboard
Performance automobiles are described via their seating, and Subaru excels with the WRX tS. In the front, you may discover Recaro bucket seats covered in black suede, superior by using blue leather-based information and an embossed "WRX tS" logo at the headrests.
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2025 Subaru WRX tS |
The blue highlights come perilously close to a "boy-racer" aesthetic, yet they add a much-needed flair to a vehicle that might otherwise seem too understated. Once you settle into the seat, you'll also observe the new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. This customizable display surpasses the standard tachometer and speedometer, providing features such as a boost gauge, real-time fuel efficiency, and even navigation mapping.
Pilotando el nuevo WRX tS
Management

Subaru crafted the WRX tS to perform exceptionally well in everyday driving scenarios, and the outcomes are remarkable. The adaptive suspension noticeably enhances Comfort mode, easing the ride sufficiently for long journeys while maintaining the agility typical of a WRX. The steering also stands out with its responsiveness in every mode, although the weightiness in Sport mode feels the most intuitive for enthusiastic driving.
The cabin was packed with a droning exhaust noise in almost all situations, whether or not riding thru town streets or accelerating at the toll road. At lower RPMs, the exhaust produced a nice burble, however it quickly converted into an unsightly whining sound while accelerating.
Speeding up
The relatively short gearing effectively utilizes the standard boxer engine's 271 horsepower, and the low-end torque provides a sense of quick acceleration in higher gears. However, the overall power output was somewhat lacking.
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2025 Subaru WRX tS |
Although the tS receives numerous enhancements in handling, braking, and interior features, it retains the identical engine found in the rest of the WRX range. With a $10,000 price gap between the tS and the base WRX, I find it difficult to rationalize the expense without an increase in power. However, the current WRX generation boasts a power-to-weight ratio that is nearly on par, if not superior, to models from 10 and 20 years ago, so perhaps I’m just craving more power.
How it compares
The WRX tS encounters strong rivals such as the Honda Civic Type R, Toyota GR Corolla, and Volkswagen Golf R. Each of these competitors boasts greater horsepower, making the tS feel relatively underpowered. The presence of an STI-branded start button from Subaru does little to distract from the fact that you’re driving the less powerful WRX.

Subaru's emphasis on braking and handling guarantees that the tS performs well in areas crucial to track enthusiasts, yet its lower power output makes it seem somewhat bland in comparison to its competitors.
Concluding reflections
The Subaru WRX tS excels in lots of areas. Its coping with is particular, the indoors has a top rate feel, and even though it has less power than a few opponents, it still provides a brief riding enjoy. However, the principle hurdle for the tS isn't technical however psychological. Enthusiasts have a robust preference for an STI, main to common comparisons among the tS and a non-existent STI version. While the tS sticks out as a top-tier WRX, it falls quick when viewed rather for an STI.
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