The 2025 Subaru WRX tS stands as the most capable and focused WRX ever sold in North America. Priced at $46,875 including destination, this “tuned by STI” variant combines STI-developed suspension, upgraded Brembo brakes, and aggressive summer tires with the WRX’s proven 271-horsepower turbocharged boxer engine. For enthusiasts who have been waiting for Subaru to deliver something closer to the discontinued WRX STI, this is not an STI. It does not have more power. But it might be exactly what you need.
What tS Means
The lowercase “t” and uppercase “S” stand for “tuned by STI,” referring to Subaru Tecnica International, the motorsport division founded in 1988 that brought Subaru three World Rally Championships and 47 WRC wins.
This naming convention has appeared on previous limited-edition Subarus, including the 2018 BRZ tS, but 2025 marks the first time the tS badge has been applied to the WRX in the United States.
Unlike previous STI models that featured more powerful engines, the tS retains the standard WRX powerplant.
Subaru focused its engineering resources on chassis dynamics, braking, and handling refinement.
Engine and Transmission
The tS is powered by Subaru’s 2.4-liter DOHC turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine producing 271 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 5,200 rpm. Maximum boost pressure is 12.0 psi.
This is identical output to every other WRX trim, but the power delivery remains engaging. The turbo spools quickly with minimal lag, and power builds smoothly through the rev range.
A six-speed manual transmission is the only option on the tS. Subaru deliberately excluded the CVT automatic available on other trims, targeting drivers who want full control over gear selection. The shifter action is tight and direct with throws that feel appropriately short for a sports sedan.
Road & Track called it “a good manual transmission” and compared finding one today to “running into an old paramour who is still single.”
Clutch uptake is smooth enough for daily commuting but provides adequate feel for spirited driving.
Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard, distributing power to all four wheels through an Active Torque Vectoring system that applies light braking to inside wheels during cornering to sharpen turn-in response. You can feel it helping the car rotate midcorner.
Performance
Car and Driver tested the WRX tS at 5.6 seconds to 60 mph and 14.0 seconds through the quarter-mile at 99 mph.
MotorTrend recorded 5.8 seconds to 60 mph with 0.97 g of lateral grip on the skidpad.
Edmunds measured 6.0 seconds to 60 mph with 0.99 g of lateral grip.
These numbers are slightly slower than the standard WRX Limited in straight-line acceleration, which Car and Driver attributes to the tS’s heavier 19-inch wheels and larger brake rotors adding rotational mass.
At 130 mph, the standard WRX held a two-second lead over the tS.
However, the tS excels in braking.
Car and Driver recorded stops from 70 mph in 159 feet and from 100 mph in 319 feet.
MotorTrend measured 109 feet from 60 mph, the best of any WRX tested.
Roadholding reached 0.96 g to 0.99 g depending on test conditions.
| Test | Car and Driver | MotorTrend | Edmunds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 sec | 5.8 sec | 6.0 sec |
| Quarter-mile | 14.0 sec @ 99 mph | N/A | 14.1 sec @ 98.5 mph |
| Lateral grip | 0.96 g | 0.97 g | 0.99 g |
| 60-0 braking | 159 ft | 109 ft | 115 ft |
| Weight | 3,414 lb | 3,430 lb | 3,425 lb |
Brembo Brakes
The tS features a high-performance Brembo braking system with gold-colored calipers, a deliberate nod to STI heritage.
The front brakes use six-piston monoblock calipers gripping 13.4-inch cross-drilled rotors, while the rear gets dual-piston calipers with 12.8-inch rotors.
These brakes deliver strong initial bite and excellent modulation throughout the pedal travel. Multiple track testers reported minimal fade after repeated hard stops. The gold caliper color pays tribute to STI heritage and provides visual contrast against the 19-inch matte gray wheels.
Edmunds drove lap after lap at Sonoma Raceway, going deeper into brake zones each time. “The pedal feel never wavered, retaining its firm disposition during hard use.”
STI-Tuned Suspension
The headline feature on the tS is its electronically controlled adaptive dampers, a first for any WRX with a manual transmission.
Subaru Tecnica International developed and tuned these dampers specifically for the tS, and they operate differently from the dampers on the automatic-only WRX GT.
The Drive Mode Select system offers five settings: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual.
Each mode adjusts damper stiffness, steering effort, and throttle response. In Comfort mode, the suspension absorbs rough pavement and potholes without punishing you.
Sport+ mode firms everything up for aggressive driving, reducing body roll and sharpening turn-in.
Reviewers consistently praised the suspension’s versatility. MotorTrend’s testing director compared the ride quality to “an Audi RS product,” noting the dampers absorbed Michigan’s rough roads while maintaining body control. Road & Track called the car “scalpel-sharp” in its handling.
The steering is a quick-ratio, dual-pinion electric power-assisted system with three effort settings: Comfort, Normal, and Sport.
Sport mode adds weight and provides better feedback during spirited driving, though some testers found the effort level artificially heavy in Sport+ mode.
This flexibility means you can configure the car for your preferences and your roads.
Wheels and Tires
The tS rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels with a satin gray finish, wrapped in 245/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer performance tires.
These are the same tires used on the 2024 WRX TR and deliver substantial grip on dry pavement.
One consideration: the wheel and tire package weighs approximately 54.6 pounds per corner, with the wheel alone weighing around 29 pounds. This is heavier than the 18-inch wheels on other WRX trims, which contributes to the tS’s slightly slower straight-line acceleration.
The S007 tires are summer-only, meaning the tS requires a second set of wheels and tires for winter driving in cold climates.
The All-Weather Package is standard, including three-mode heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer.
Cabin Interior
Inside, the tS creates an unmistakable impression with extensive blue accents throughout the cabin. Standard Recaro Performance Design front seats feature black Ultrasuede with blue leather bolsters and “WRX tS” embroidered on the headrests.
The bolsters provide excellent lateral support during hard cornering without being so aggressive that daily driving becomes uncomfortable.
The driver’s seat offers 8-way power adjustment. Door panels, armrests, center console sides, and the passenger-side dash panel are wrapped in blue leather or Ultrasuede with blue stitching.
The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with blue stitching and houses controls for audio, Bluetooth, and cruise control.
Some reviewers found the blue accents too bold, particularly on non-blue exterior colors. Others embraced the unique look as a welcome departure from monotone interiors.
Subaru clearly designed the tS cabin to stand apart.
The 12.3-inch full LCD digital gauge cluster is exclusive to the tS among manual-transmission WRX models. It can display traditional analog-style gauges, EyeSight information, or navigation guidance.
The 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus touchscreen controls audio, climate, and vehicle settings. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, SiriusXM with a 4-month subscription, and HD Radio.
A Harman Kardon speaker system with 11 speakers and a 504-watt amplifier delivers premium audio quality.
The tS deletes the power moonroof to reduce weight and lower the center of gravity. This is a deliberate performance-focused decision.
Rear seat space is adequate but not generous. Headroom is tight for taller passengers, with the ceiling touching the head of a 6’3″ occupant.
Legroom measures 36.5 inches. The 60/40 split-folding rear seat expands cargo flexibility.
The trunk opening is somewhat narrow, though cargo space itself is reasonable for a sports sedan. Road noise is noticeable at highway speeds, particularly with the performance tires.
Safety Features
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on the tS. The system uses dual cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor traffic and road conditions.
Features include adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pre-collision braking with automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning with intervention, and pre-collision throttle management.
The 2025 WRX earned strong safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It received Good ratings in small overlap front tests for both driver and passenger sides, Good ratings in the updated side impact test, and Good ratings for front crash prevention with pedestrian detection.
The tS trim’s steering-responsive LED headlights earned a Good rating, while the base Premium trim’s non-adaptive headlights earned an Acceptable rating.
Additional safety equipment on the tS includes Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and a rear vision camera.
Fuel Economy and Range
The EPA rates the 2025 WRX tS at 19 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined.
Real-world testing has returned figures ranging from 20.5 mpg to 27 mpg depending on driving style and conditions. The 16.6-gallon fuel tank provides approximately 440 miles of highway range.
But let’s be real – fuel economy isn’t a consideration for anyone buying this vehicle.
Exterior Styling
The 2025 Subaru WRX tS is available in eight exterior colors: Ceramic White, Crystal Black Silica, Galaxy Purple Pearl, Ice Silver Metallic, Ignition Red, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Sapphire Blue Pearl, and WR Blue Pearl. Galaxy Purple Pearl is a new color for 2025 and adds $395 to the price.
Unique tS styling cues include the Crystal Black Silica finish on exterior mirrors, rear lip spoiler, and shark fin antenna.
Red STI badging appears on the front grille and rear deck. The matte gray 19-inch wheels and gold Brembo calipers complete the aggressive look.
The tS measures 183.8 inches long with a 105.2-inch wheelbase and weighs approximately 3,430 pounds.
Competition
The WRX tS competes directly with the Honda Civic Type R, Toyota GR Corolla, and Volkswagen Golf R. All four vehicles target driving enthusiasts and cost between $45,000 and $50,000.
| Vehicle | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Drivetrain | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Subaru WRX tS | 271 h | 5.6-6.0 sec | AWD | $46,875 |
| 2025 Honda Civic Type R | 315 hp | 4.9 sec | FWD | $45,890 |
| 2025 VW Golf R | 315 hp | 4.1 sec | AWD | $47,000 |
| 2025 Toyota GR Corolla | 300 hp | 4.9 sec | AWD | $36,860+ |
The WRX tS trails its competitors in horsepower and acceleration. The Civic Type R makes 44 more horsepower and is nearly a second quicker to 60 mph.
The Golf R matches that power advantage while offering all-wheel drive and a more refined interior.
However, the WRX tS counters with standard all-wheel drive, superior ride quality in Comfort mode, a more practical rear seat, and Subaru’s EyeSight safety technology.
J.D. Power called the tS “a far more comfortable and practical option than something like Toyota’s always-on GR Corolla, yet it manages to be more edgy and engaging than the Volkswagen Golf R.”
Impressions After a Week Driving
On the street, the WRX tS strikes an impressive balance between performance and livability. The adaptive dampers in Comfort mode absorb broken pavement without the jarring impacts that defined previous WRX generations.
Switch to Sport+ and the car transforms into a focused canyon carver. Driving up steep, curvy mountain roads was incredibly fun.
The Brembo brakes inspire confidence immediately. Pedal feel is firm with strong initial bite, and the brakes never fade during enthusiastic driving.
The Bridgestone Potenza tires provide excellent grip in dry conditions, though they become noisy on coarse pavement.
Steering is quick and precise, with the Sport setting providing the best balance of weight and feedback for most driving.
The torque vectoring system helps the car rotate through corners, reducing understeer without requiring aggressive trail-braking.
The exhaust note is a bit subdued. It produces a pleasant burble at cold start and can drone at certain rpm ranges, but never approaches the iconic rumble of previous-generation WRX and STI models.
The WRX tS makes sense for a specific buyer.
You want all-wheel drive for year-round capability. You want a manual transmission because you enjoy driving. You want a car that can handle a commute in Comfort mode and a canyon road in Sport+ without feeling like two different vehicles.
You do not need to be the fastest car at the stoplight. You care more about how a car feels than how quickly it accelerates.
You might have a family. The back seat fits car seats. The trunk fits luggage. The EyeSight system adds a layer of safety for those moments when traffic surprises you.
You may keep the car through multiple seasons. Swap the summer tires for winter rubber and the WRX handles snow, rain, and rough terrain without complaint.
If you want maximum power and do not care about all-wheel drive, the Civic Type R is faster and less expensive. If you want the ultimate refinement and do not need a manual transmission, the Golf R is more polished. If you want intensity at all times and have no interest in comfort, the GR Corolla delivers.
But if you want the balance the WRX tS offers, nothing else in this price range matches it.
The 2025 Subaru WRX tS delivers the most refined and capable WRX driving experience available today.
Its STI-tuned adaptive suspension transforms the car’s character depending on the selected mode, offering genuine comfort for daily commuting and sharp precision for spirited driving.
The Brembo brakes are class-leading, and the Recaro seats provide all-day support without punishing entry and exit.
This is not an STI replacement. The tS makes the same 271 horsepower as the base WRX and cannot match the straight-line acceleration of the Civic Type R or Golf R.
Buyers seeking maximum power per dollar should look elsewhere.
But for those who value chassis balance, all-weather capability, and a car that rewards skilled driving over raw speed, the WRX tS makes a compelling case. It carries forward the WRX’s rally heritage while adding sophistication the model has historically lacked.
At $46,875, the tS costs $10,000 more than the WRX Premium.
That premium buys meaningful improvements: adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, summer performance tires, Recaro seats, and a digital gauge cluster. Whether that value equation works depends on how much you intend to exploit the chassis upgrades.
For driving enthusiasts who want all-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and a sports sedan that can handle winter and weekend track days equally well, the 2025 Subaru WRX tS stands alone.
Article Last Updated: November 24, 2025.
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Michael Kahn is the publisher of The Weekly Driver, serving as writer, photographer, and content creator. With a keen eye for storytelling and a passion for adventure, he specializes in uncovering the stories and experiences of automobile enthusiasts. Michael’s work is inspired by his love for off-the-beaten-path road trips, global exploration, and the pursuit of exceptional culinary experiences, all captured through the lens of a world traveler and automotive enthusiast.