Introduction
The Subaru WRX has long been a staple in the performance sedan segment, blending rally-inspired performance with everyday practicality. First introduced in the early 1990s, the WRX quickly became known for its turbocharged power, all-wheel-drive capability, and rugged performance that could take on both tarmac and dirt with equal flair. Over the years, Subaru has refined the WRX, but its essence has remained unchanged: it’s a car built for enthusiasts who crave an adrenaline rush behind the wheel.
The 2025 Subaru WRX tS is the latest iteration of this iconic model, designed to push the limits even further. The "tS" trim, which stands for "tuned by STI," represents the pinnacle of WRX performance, offering upgrades that enhance its power, handling, and overall driving experience. In many ways, the WRX tS is Subaru's answer to performance sedans from other manufacturers, like the Volkswagen Golf R and the Honda Civic Type R, while still holding on to the brand’s rugged, off-road capable roots.
This review will explore how the 2025 WRX tS inches closer to the top of the sports sedan segment, offering a more refined and powerful driving experience without sacrificing the fun, rally-bred characteristics that have made the WRX a beloved nameplate. From its powerful engine and upgraded suspension to the high-tech, driver-focused interior, the WRX tS is designed to appeal to those who demand both performance and everyday usability.
Powertrain and Performance
At the heart of the 2025 Subaru WRX tS lies the same 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine found in the standard WRX, delivering 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. While these power figures may not have changed, the WRX tS takes a more sophisticated approach to how this power is delivered, focusing on enhancing the overall driving experience rather than outright performance gains.
Engine Dynamics
The 2.4-liter Boxer engine is a hallmark of Subaru’s performance lineup, known for its low center of gravity and smooth power delivery. The turbocharger ensures the engine delivers consistent power throughout the rev range, making it responsive whether you’re launching off the line or overtaking on the highway. The engine feels eager and engaging, offering ample performance for spirited driving without sacrificing everyday usability.
Transmission Options
Buyers of the WRX tS have the choice between a six-speed manual transmission and Subaru’s continuously variable transmission (CVT).
- Manual Transmission: The six-speed manual remains the enthusiast's choice, providing a direct and engaging connection to the car. The shifter feels precise, and the clutch is well-weighted, making gear changes a satisfying experience.
- CVT: For those who prioritize convenience, the CVT offers smooth and quick "gear" changes, thanks to its simulated stepped ratios. Subaru has tuned the CVT to mimic the feel of a traditional automatic transmission, making it more appealing to drivers who may not typically enjoy CVTs.
Adaptive Dampers for Dynamic Handling
One of the most significant upgrades in the WRX tS is the addition of adaptive dampers, a first for the WRX lineup. These electronically controlled dampers adjust in real-time to road conditions and driver inputs, offering a dual-purpose advantage:
- Comfort Mode: The dampers soften to absorb bumps and road imperfections, ensuring a smooth and compliant ride during daily commutes.
- Sport Modes: In sportier settings, the dampers stiffen to reduce body roll and enhance cornering stability, allowing the driver to push the car harder with confidence.
This adaptability makes the WRX tS more versatile, capable of transitioning seamlessly from a comfortable cruiser to a precise and aggressive performer.
All-Wheel Drive and Torque Vectoring
Subaru’s renowned Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is standard on the WRX tS, offering unparalleled grip in various weather conditions. Whether it’s rain, snow, or dry pavement, the all-wheel-drive system ensures power is distributed effectively to all four wheels, maximizing traction and stability.
To further enhance handling, the WRX tS features an advanced torque-vectoring system. This technology applies brake force to the inside wheels during cornering, helping to rotate the car more efficiently and maintain its line through tight curves. The result is a car that feels planted and confident, even when pushed to its limits on challenging roads or track conditions.
A Balanced Approach to Performance
The WRX tS isn't just about raw speed—it’s about balance. While it may not boast the highest horsepower in its class, it delivers a more cohesive driving experience. The engine, transmission, suspension, and all-wheel-drive system work together harmoniously, creating a car that feels more than capable of handling both high-performance scenarios and daily driving demands.
In essence, the WRX tS is a testament to Subaru’s ability to refine its iconic performance formula. By focusing on dynamics, comfort, and versatility, the 2025 WRX tS raises the bar for what a performance sedan can achieve.
Refined Handling with STI Expertise
Subaru Tecnica International (STI), Subaru’s performance and motorsports division, has left an unmistakable mark on the 2025 WRX tS. By leveraging their decades of experience in motorsports and high-performance tuning, STI has transformed the WRX tS into a more agile, responsive, and engaging vehicle. The result is a car that feels at home on both winding mountain roads and the track, offering drivers a more sophisticated and rewarding driving experience.
Chassis Enhancements
STI engineers have fine-tuned the WRX tS’s chassis to deliver improved responsiveness and stability. Structural reinforcements and optimized suspension geometry enhance rigidity, allowing the car to maintain composure under hard cornering. This rigidity translates to better control and feedback, giving the driver greater confidence when pushing the car to its limits.
In addition, the WRX tS benefits from a lower center of gravity, thanks to its flat-four Boxer engine and carefully distributed weight. This design choice reduces body roll and contributes to the car’s nimbleness, making it feel planted and balanced even during aggressive maneuvers.
Adaptive Dampers: Precision and Comfort
One of the standout features of the WRX tS is its adaptive damper system, which adjusts in real-time to road conditions and driving inputs. These dampers are a first for the WRX lineup and play a crucial role in bridging the gap between comfort and performance.
- Comfort-Oriented Modes: In normal driving conditions, the dampers provide a smooth and compliant ride, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. This makes the WRX tS a surprisingly comfortable option for daily commutes or long road trips.
- Performance-Oriented Modes: In Sport or Sport+ modes, the dampers stiffen, significantly reducing body roll and enhancing cornering precision. This makes the tS feel more direct and agile, allowing drivers to tackle twisty roads or track days with confidence.
The adaptive dampers ensure that the WRX tS is not a one-dimensional performance car. Instead, it adapts seamlessly to the driver’s needs, offering the best of both worlds.
Retuned Steering System
STI’s touch extends to the WRX tS’s steering system, which has been retuned for greater precision and feedback. The steering rack is quicker and more responsive than in the standard WRX, allowing the driver to make minute adjustments with ease.
This responsiveness enhances the sense of connection between the driver and the road. Whether navigating tight switchbacks or high-speed sweepers, the steering feels precise and confidence-inspiring, further elevating the tS’s performance credentials.
Cornering Confidence with Torque Vectoring
The WRX tS’s cornering prowess is further amplified by Subaru’s torque-vectoring system. By selectively applying brake force to the inside wheels during cornering, this system reduces understeer and helps the car rotate more effectively. This technology gives the WRX tS a sharper, more dynamic feel in corners, allowing it to hold its line even at higher speeds.
When combined with the adaptive dampers and symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, the torque-vectoring system ensures that the WRX tS remains composed and predictable, even in challenging driving conditions.
Track-Ready Dynamics
On the track, the STI influence truly shines. The WRX tS delivers remarkable stability at high speeds, precise handling through tight corners, and a playful yet controlled demeanor. The adaptive dampers and retuned chassis make the car feel agile and responsive, while the all-wheel-drive system provides unparalleled traction, allowing the tS to put its power down confidently.
Drivers will appreciate the car’s ability to inspire trust in demanding situations. The blend of sharp handling, responsive steering, and advanced suspension tuning makes the WRX tS a joy to drive for enthusiasts seeking a visceral experience.
Everyday Usability Meets Performance
What sets the WRX tS apart from more hardcore performance cars is its dual personality. While STI has injected the car with serious performance DNA, it hasn’t sacrificed comfort or practicality. The adaptive dampers, comfortable interior, and all-weather capability make the WRX tS just as suited for the daily grind as it is for a weekend track day.
Exterior Design and Aerodynamic Enhancements
The 2025 Subaru WRX tS takes the bold and aggressive styling of the standard WRX and elevates it with subtle but meaningful enhancements that reflect its performance pedigree. Combining a sporty aesthetic with functional aerodynamic upgrades, the tS sets itself apart while staying true to its rally-inspired roots.
Refined Yet Aggressive Design
At a glance, the WRX tS retains the muscular stance and sharp angles that have become synonymous with the WRX nameplate. However, the tS introduces several unique elements that enhance both its visual appeal and its aerodynamic efficiency:
- Exclusive tS Badging: Strategically placed badges on the grille, rear deck, and side skirts distinguish the tS model from its standard counterpart.
- 19-Inch Alloy Wheels: The tS is equipped with exclusive lightweight 19-inch wheels featuring a dark metallic finish. These wheels not only enhance the car's sporty appearance but also reduce unsprung weight, contributing to improved handling.
- Revised Front Fascia: The front end of the WRX tS features a redesigned grille and bumper with subtle STI-inspired touches, emphasizing a more aggressive and purposeful look.
- LED Lighting: Sharp LED headlights and C-shaped daytime running lights give the tS a modern and intimidating front profile, ensuring it stands out both day and night.
Aerodynamic Enhancements
While the exterior upgrades improve aesthetics, many of the changes also serve a functional purpose. Aerodynamics play a crucial role in the tS’s performance, ensuring better stability at high speeds and improved efficiency.
- Rear Spoiler: The tS features a sleek, low-profile rear spoiler designed to reduce lift and improve stability at higher speeds. Unlike oversized wings, this spoiler strikes a balance between form and function, enhancing the car’s performance without detracting from its refined appearance.
- Front Lip and Side Skirts: Aerodynamic enhancements along the lower body, including a front lip and extended side skirts, help manage airflow around the car. These elements reduce drag and channel air more efficiently, contributing to improved high-speed stability.
- Rear Diffuser: The rear diffuser integrates seamlessly into the bumper design, further optimizing airflow and aiding in downforce generation. This ensures the tS stays planted during aggressive driving or track sessions.
- Functional Vents: Strategically placed vents on the hood and fenders improve engine cooling and reduce aerodynamic drag, enhancing both performance and efficiency.
Color Options and Styling Details
The WRX tS comes in an exclusive range of colors that highlight its sporty nature. Popular options like Crystal Black Silica, Magnetite Gray Metallic, and WR Blue Pearl remain staples, while an exclusive tS-only hue, such as Solar Orange Pearl, adds a touch of uniqueness.
- Subtle red accents on the grille and side mirrors further emphasize the STI connection and give the tS a more aggressive flair.
- Blacked-out trim replaces chrome elements, reinforcing the car’s performance-oriented image.
Lighting and Visibility
Beyond aesthetics, the lighting system has been designed to enhance both safety and performance:
- Adaptive LED Headlights: These headlights pivot with steering input, improving visibility around corners during night driving.
- LED Fog Lights: Positioned low on the front bumper, these lights cut through adverse weather conditions, a nod to Subaru’s rally heritage.
- Integrated Brake Lights: The rear lighting system, including integrated LED brake lights and a high-mounted center stop light, ensures the tS is highly visible in all conditions.
Purpose-Driven Design Philosophy
The exterior design of the WRX tS is not about unnecessary flash—it’s about purposeful enhancements that align with the car’s performance goals. Every line, vent, and spoiler serves a functional role, whether it’s reducing drag, improving cooling, or increasing downforce. This harmonious blend of form and function is a testament to Subaru’s dedication to engineering vehicles that perform as well as they look.
Interior Features and Technology
The interior of the 2025 Subaru WRX tS reflects a blend of performance-focused design and premium comfort. While retaining the practicality and functionality that Subaru vehicles are known for, the tS model elevates the WRX’s cabin experience with upgraded materials, advanced technology, and thoughtful details that cater to both drivers and passengers.
Premium Materials and Comfort
The WRX tS introduces a more refined interior compared to the standard WRX, offering materials and finishes that enhance its sporty yet upscale appeal:
- Leather and Suede Upholstery: The seats are upholstered in a combination of high-quality leather and suede, providing a luxurious feel while offering excellent support during spirited driving. The addition of red contrast stitching and STI logos on the headrests adds a sporty touch.
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: The WRX tS comes standard with heated and ventilated front seats, ensuring comfort in both hot and cold climates. The driver’s seat also features power adjustments with lumbar support for personalized comfort.
- Flat-Bottom Steering Wheel: The leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel, with integrated STI badging and red stitching, provides a tactile connection to the car while enhancing the sporty atmosphere.
Driver-Centric Layout
The cockpit of the WRX tS is designed to prioritize the driver, with controls and displays positioned for optimal accessibility:
- Digital Gauge Cluster: A fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster provides customizable displays, allowing drivers to monitor performance metrics such as turbo boost, g-forces, and lap times.
- Performance Data Display: An additional screen atop the dashboard provides real-time performance data, including all-wheel-drive torque distribution and adaptive damper settings, ensuring drivers stay informed during spirited drives.
- Ergonomics: The placement of controls for driving modes, infotainment, and climate settings is intuitive, allowing drivers to make adjustments without distraction.
Advanced Infotainment System
Technology takes center stage in the WRX tS, with a focus on connectivity and convenience:
- 11.6-Inch Touchscreen Display: The vertically oriented infotainment screen is the hub of the tS’s tech suite. It supports:
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (wireless compatibility for seamless smartphone integration).
- Built-In Navigation with real-time traffic updates for convenient route planning.
- Customizable Drive Modes: Adjust settings for the adaptive dampers, steering, throttle response, and more via the screen.
- Harman Kardon Premium Audio System: A high-quality sound system with multiple speakers ensures an immersive listening experience, whether you’re enjoying your favorite playlist or the sound of the turbocharged engine.
Driver Assistance and Safety Features
Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on the WRX tS, offering a suite of advanced safety features:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and adjusts speed automatically.
- Lane Keep Assist and Lane Departure Warning: Helps the driver stay centered in their lane and alerts them if they unintentionally drift.
- Blind-Spot Monitoring: Alerts the driver to vehicles in their blind spots, adding an extra layer of safety during lane changes.
Ambient Lighting and Practical Features
Subtle interior lighting enhances the cabin’s ambiance while maintaining functionality:
- Ambient Lighting: Red LED accent lighting is strategically placed throughout the cabin, creating a sporty yet sophisticated vibe during night drives.
- Ample Storage: Practicality remains a priority with plenty of storage options, including a center console with cup holders, door pockets, and a spacious glove compartment.
- Dual-Zone Climate Control: The automatic dual-zone climate control ensures both driver and passengers can enjoy their preferred temperature settings.
STI-Specific Interior Touches
Subaru Tecnica International’s influence is evident throughout the cabin:
- STI-Exclusive Details: The interior features STI branding on the seats, gauge cluster, and floor mats, reminding occupants of the car’s performance pedigree.
- Drive Mode Selector: A rotary knob on the center console allows drivers to switch between Comfort, Sport, and Sport+ modes, with additional customization options available for steering, suspension, and throttle response.
Practicality Meets Performance
Despite its sporty intentions, the WRX tS remains a practical daily driver:
- Rear Seating: The rear seats are spacious enough for adult passengers, and they feature a 60/40 split-folding design for added cargo versatility.
- Cargo Space: The trunk offers ample room for weekend bags, groceries, or even track day gear, making the tS a well-rounded performance sedan.
Driving Impressions
The 2025 Subaru WRX tS builds on the rally-bred legacy of its predecessors while incorporating modern enhancements to deliver a driving experience that is both thrilling and refined. Designed to strike a balance between high-performance dynamics and everyday usability, the WRX tS provides drivers with a versatile and engaging experience across a variety of driving conditions.
On-Road Performance
Smooth and Controlled Ride
The inclusion of adaptive dampers in the WRX tS significantly improves its ride quality compared to the standard WRX. In Comfort mode, the suspension absorbs bumps and road imperfections with ease, providing a smooth ride on urban streets and highways. The dampers soften enough to make long commutes comfortable, proving that the tS can double as a daily driver without sacrificing ride quality.
Responsive Steering
The retuned steering system is another highlight of the WRX tS. It offers sharp turn-in response and excellent feedback, allowing the driver to feel connected to the road. Whether navigating tight city corners or winding backroads, the steering feels precise and confidence-inspiring, making it easy to place the car exactly where you want it.
Refined Power Delivery
The 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine provides smooth and linear power delivery, making acceleration feel both predictable and exciting. While the WRX tS doesn't boast massive power gains over the standard model, its balanced performance makes it suitable for everything from daily commutes to spirited weekend drives.
On-Track Performance
Confident Handling
When pushed hard on a closed circuit, the WRX tS shines as a capable performance sedan. The adaptive dampers, when set to Sport or Sport+ mode, firm up the suspension to minimize body roll and maximize cornering grip. This allows the car to feel composed and agile even when tackling tight corners or high-speed sweepers.
Torque Vectoring in Action
The advanced torque-vectoring system plays a crucial role in enhancing the car’s track capabilities. By applying brake force to the inside wheels during cornering, the system reduces understeer and allows the tS to maintain its line through challenging curves. This feature, combined with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, ensures exceptional stability and control even when the car is pushed to its limits.
Braking Performance
The WRX tS comes equipped with high-performance brakes that provide consistent stopping power. On the track, the brakes inspire confidence with their ability to handle repeated hard stops without noticeable fade, making them well-suited for spirited driving and track sessions alike.
Transmission Options: A Tale of Two Experiences
Six-Speed Manual Transmission
For purists, the six-speed manual transmission is the ideal choice. The shifter is precise, with short and satisfying throws, while the clutch is well-weighted for easy modulation. Rowing through the gears adds an engaging layer to the driving experience, making the tS feel alive in the hands of an enthusiast.
CVT Transmission
While some may balk at the idea of a CVT in a performance car, Subaru’s performance-tuned CVT impresses with its responsiveness. It mimics the behavior of a traditional automatic transmission by simulating gear changes, which provides a more connected and engaging feel compared to standard CVTs. For drivers seeking convenience without sacrificing too much performance, the CVT is a worthy option.
Driving Modes for Every Scenario
The WRX tS’s selectable drive modes allow it to adapt to a variety of driving conditions.
- Comfort Mode: Perfect for city driving or highway cruising, offering a relaxed and compliant ride.
- Sport Mode: Dialed for more spirited driving, with sharper throttle response and firmer suspension settings.
- Sport+ Mode: Ideal for track days or aggressive backroad driving, providing the highest level of responsiveness and control.
These modes can also be customized to adjust individual settings such as steering feel, throttle response, and suspension stiffness, ensuring a tailored driving experience.
All-Weather Capability
True to Subaru’s DNA, the WRX tS excels in all-weather conditions. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides superior grip on wet or snowy roads, making the tS as capable in adverse weather as it is on dry pavement. This all-weather performance is a key advantage over many front-wheel-drive competitors.
Balancing Practicality with Performance
Despite its high-performance credentials, the WRX tS remains a practical option for everyday use. Its comfortable interior, quiet cabin, and versatile driving modes make it a suitable choice for commutes and errands, while still offering the excitement of a performance car when desired.
Fuel Efficiency
The WRX tS offers competitive fuel economy for a performance sedan, ensuring that it’s not just fun to drive but also reasonable to live with. While spirited driving will naturally reduce efficiency, the tS remains efficient enough for daily driving compared to other cars in its class.
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