2025 Subaru WRX tS: The Driver’s WRX You Can Live With

By A.Giron | June 9, 2025

Subaru has a loyal performance following—one built not on lap records, but on real-world capability and a deep rally pedigree. Yet in recent years, with the STI on hiatus and the WRX evolving into a more rounded package, some enthusiasts wondered where the brand’s raw, driver-focused spirit had gone.

The answer is here in the 2025 Subaru WRX tS. This is not a marketing badge or a cash-in limited edition. It is a serious refinement of the WRX formula, tuned in the areas that matter: handling, braking, chassis feel, and everyday livability. It brings something few others in the segment can match—balanced performance that works just as well on a twisting backroad as it does in winter traffic.

While others chase horsepower or headline lap times, the WRX tS offers something subtler, more grounded, and arguably more useful for real drivers.

Exterior Design: Focused, Functional, and Purposeful

Subaru wisely avoided turning the WRX tS into a visual caricature. This is not a boy-racer special; it is a focused tool. The visual changes are restrained but effective, aimed at enthusiasts who appreciate form following function.

Crystal Black Silica exterior accents replace the standard trim on the mirrors, rear spoiler, and antenna, giving the car a lower, more serious visual stance. The tS badging is limited to tasteful placements that subtly hint at the upgrades underneath.

A set of 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels is wrapped in Michelin Pilot Alpin tires—a choice that speaks volumes about Subaru’s intent here. These are proper performance tires, not all-seasons chosen for fleet sales. Beneath those wheels, Brembo calipers—painted in orange—signal a braking system that can handle serious driving.

Overall, the WRX tS presents itself with quiet confidence. It does not shout for attention, which is precisely why it will attract the buyers Subaru is targeting: those who drive because they love it.

Under the Hood: The Familiar Boxer, Now Better Supported

Under the hood, the WRX tS retains Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, delivering 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque through a six-speed manual transmission. This is familiar ground for WRX fans, and the decision not to chase more power here is deliberate.

Instead, the real performance gains come from how this power is deployed. The WRX tS is the first WRX to feature electronically controlled adaptive dampers. These are not a gimmick—they transform how the car responds to different driving conditions. In Comfort mode, the car feels supple and relaxed. Switch to Sport or the tS-exclusive Track mode, and the suspension tightens dramatically, allowing for sharp turn-in and excellent mid-corner stability.

Paired with Subaru’s SI-Drive system, this adaptive chassis lets the WRX tS play multiple roles, from commuter to canyon carver to foul-weather warrior. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system remains the class benchmark for traction and composure on any surface.

On the Road: Where the WRX tS Truly Shines

Numbers do not tell the whole story here. What separates the WRX tS from the standard WRX—and from many of its rivals—is how it feels on the road.

Steering feel is direct, linear, and honest. There is no artificial weighting, no synthetic sense of urgency. It is a car that communicates grip and load through your fingertips. The chassis balance is superb for an all-wheel-drive sedan. The WRX tS turns in crisply, rotates predictably, and rewards smooth driving with exceptional pace.

The Brembo braking system deserves special mention. With six-piston calipers up front and two-piston units in the rear, the WRX tS stops with force and precision. Pedal feel remains consistent even under repeated hard braking—something that cannot be said for all cars in this segment.

Perhaps most impressive is the car’s ability to maintain this level of engagement without sacrificing comfort. On a long highway run or a daily commute, the adaptive suspension makes the tS feel like a well-sorted grand tourer. Subaru has struck a rare balance here—one that many competitors miss by chasing either outright performance or excessive refinement.

Interior Design: Built for Drivers, Not Just for Looks

Inside the cabin, the WRX tS follows the same philosophy that shapes its exterior and mechanical tuning. This is a driver’s car first.

Recaro performance front seats wrapped in Ultrasuede with blue contrast stitching offer superb lateral support without feeling harsh or confining. The seating position is excellent—low, with clear sightlines and intuitive controls.

A 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster replaces the traditional analog dials, offering crisp, configurable telemetry that keeps the driver informed without distraction. The 11.6-inch STARLINK multimedia system handles infotainment duties with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Importantly, Subaru retains physical controls for climate and key vehicle functions—a nod to real-world usability that many rivals neglect.

Materials throughout the cabin feel solid and well chosen for a performance sedan. Heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system ensure that the WRX tS is just as comfortable on a cold winter morning as it is thrilling on a sunny backroad.

Technology and Safety: Advanced Without Interference

Subaru equips the WRX tS with its full suite of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane keep assist, and more. Crucially, these systems operate with a light touch and can be adjusted or disabled easily. They do not interfere with the pure driving experience that the tS delivers.

The combination of adaptive chassis technology and Subaru’s proven safety features makes the WRX tS one of the most versatile performance cars on the market today. It is a car you can trust in all conditions, whether attacking a favorite stretch of road or navigating the daily grind.

Conclusion: The WRX We Have Been Waiting For

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS is a masterclass in purposeful refinement. Rather than chasing a headline-grabbing power figure or packing the car with gimmicks, Subaru focused on what makes a driver’s car truly great: chassis feel, braking performance, steering precision, and adaptability.

In doing so, they have created a WRX that enthusiasts will genuinely want to own and drive every day—not just admire from afar or reserve for special occasions. It honors the spirit of Subaru’s rally heritage while embracing the realities of modern driving.

For those seeking an all-season performance sedan with authentic roots, meaningful upgrades, and unmatched versatility, the WRX tS is not just a smart choice. It is the right one.