If it's anything like the BRZ tS, the WRX version should be a hoot to drive.
Photography Courtesy Subaru
Still holding out for a new WRX STI? The tS may be the closest you’re going to get. (If it helps, tS does stand for “Tuned by STI.”)
Like the BRZ tS, the WRX tS promises a little bit more–more handling, more brakes, more performance.
[June 2: Subaru to debut 2025 WRX tS at Wicked Big Meet]
As far as the engine, however, it’s more of the same: A 2.4-liter, turbocharged flat-four rated at 271 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. of torque, the same powertrain shared throughout the rest of the WRX lineup.
Similar to the currently available WRX TR, the tS gets eight-way power Recaro seats, six-piston front and two-piston rear Brembo calipers as well as 19-inch wheels wrapped in 245/35R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires. Likewise, both models also lose the sunroof.
Why pick the tS over the TR? Both make compelling arguments, though the tS makes use of a retuned suspension with electronically controlled dampers, whereas the TR receives stiffer springs and revised damping rates.
Also setting itself apart from the TR, the tS also allows you to choose between one of three driving modes–Comfort, Normal or Sport–a feature borrowed from the more touring-oriented WRX GT.
MSRP still has yet to be announced for the Subaru WRX tS, but we’re betting that it’ll sticker at somewhere between the $41,655 TR and the $44,215 GT. (Whoever ends up guessing the closest to the actual MSRP of the tS will get the satisfaction of making the closest guess to the actual MSRP.)
Questions? Comments? Drop them below, and follow along as we review this 2025 Subaru WRX tS in real-time.
If it's anything like the BRZ tS, the WRX version should be a hoot to drive.
The short version of my review: I could happily live with this car.
The end.
Okay, a little more.
The last WRX we had felt a little soft. Didn’t have that WRX attitude. Time marches on, right? At least we have the memories.
The WRX tS reminds me of those earlier WRX models–more crispness, more of an edge. (And if a regular WRX just needs tires, brakes, suspension and a few bolt-ons, then use this as your template.)
The seats, by the way, feel perfect. Just the right amount of bolster along with grippy covers. Oh, and the blue looks way cool IRL. They don’t get uncomfortable after a bit of time in them, either.
Speaking of time behind the wheel, not much wind noise. For something you could happily autocross/track, it also makes a competent highway hauler.
The driveline reminds me of Subarus past: good pull along with a touch of lag. Solid shifter. Love that Subaru has kept the lock-out ring. Call me nostalgic.
The current WRX is bigger than past ones. I’m okay with that: big trunk, usable back seat.
Photo from a weekend morning drive, with more to come. 
Saw a white one last month when we were car shopping for the better half. Those wheels are awesome in person. It looked pretty sharp. I'm still torn on the squared off wheel wells though.
In reply to z31maniac :
It’s kinda like a GMT800 truck, right?
In reply to David S. Wallens :
Now that you mention it...
The squared-off wheel wells don’t really bother me. They did at first but now they’ve grown on me.
I have nits to pick, but the overall vibe here is that this is a considerable upgrade on track from the base version. Like, almost shockingly so considering it's just bolt-ons. There's still a few things it struggles with just because of its basic architecture, but the on-track performance is far more market-appropriate and in-line with its competitors.
Is this the thread where I admit that I have been looking at WRX ads? Figure it’s also competitive in STH...
In reply to David S. Wallens :
Can confirm sth competitiveness, with just coilovers, rt660s, and almost no camber a base wrx was within a couple tenths of a top national STH competitor. A little extra low end power, rear sway bar, and an aggressive alignment would make a very good package.
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