Manual Shifts & Golden Calipers: Meet the 2025 WRX tS!
For those who’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the fifth-generation WRX STI, the 2025 Subaru WRX tS may not be exactly what you had in mind, but it’s a solid offering that bridges the gap between the WRX GT and TR models. Subaru has taken the best elements from both trims to create a WRX variant that delivers on performance, handling, and driving pleasure. While it may not pack the STI's punch or its signature large rear wing, the WRX tS stands as a high-performing, rally-inspired machine worthy of attention.
A Blend of WRX GT and TR: What Makes the tS Stand Out
For the first time, the WRX tS wears the "tuned by STI" badge, bringing advanced performance enhancements typically reserved for Subaru’s highest-performing models. In this new iteration, Subaru has combined the handling prowess and suspension dynamics of the WRX GT with the braking power and precision of the WRX TR. Let’s take a closer look at what the 2025 Subaru WRX tS brings to the table:
Brembo Brakes and Tuned Suspension
The WRX tS shares its Brembo braking system with the TR, featuring gold-painted six-piston calipers at the front and two-piston calipers at the rear, clamping onto cross-drilled rotors. This setup is optimized for high-speed braking performance, with 13.4-inch front rotors and 12.8-inch rear rotors providing superior stopping power on the track and road. The WRX tS also features 19-inch Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer tires mounted on unique tS-specific wheels, ensuring plenty of grip during aggressive cornering.
But perhaps the biggest highlight of the WRX tS is its adaptive suspension. Borrowed from the WRX GT, these STI-tuned dampers offer three settings—Comfort, Normal, and Sport—providing drivers with a 30% reduction in body roll and a 55% reduction in pitch compared to the TR’s passive suspension. These adaptive dampers, stiffened specifically for U.S. roads, ensure the tS can handle a variety of driving conditions with precision, whether you’re on a race track or cruising through city streets.
Performance Powertrain: Tried and Tested Turbo
The WRX tS is powered by Subaru’s familiar 271-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine. While some might wish for more horsepower to match the higher-performing competitors like the Honda Civic Type R, Volkswagen Golf R, and Toyota GR Corolla, the tS still provides a thrilling experience for most driving enthusiasts. The turbo-four is mated to a six-speed manual transmission—no CVT in sight—allowing for an engaging and hands-on driving experience.
Drivers can also choose from five distinct drive profiles: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. These modes adjust steering weight, throttle response, and adaptive damper settings to cater to different driving conditions. In Sport and Sport+ modes, the car becomes more responsive, with quicker throttle interaction and tighter handling, allowing the WRX tS to deliver a more aggressive driving experience.
STI Heritage on the Inside and Out
While it’s not an STI, the WRX tS proudly flaunts its STI heritage in both design and details. The interior features blue accents throughout, which complement the high-performance Recaro seats that hug the driver and front passenger. These body-hugging seats are designed for optimal support during spirited driving. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster comes standard, offering different display modes depending on your driving needs—ranging from traditional tachometer and speedometer layouts to navigation and driver-assist system modes.
For an extra touch of STI pride, the start button and gauges are adorned with STI logos, making you feel like you’re behind the wheel of something special. One notable omission is the lack of a sunroof option—Subaru deliberately left it out to preserve headroom for helmet-clad track-day enthusiasts. Externally, the tS stands out with black mirror caps, a shark-fin antenna, and a subtle lip spoiler. Pink STI badges on the rear further distinguish it from other WRX models.
Track-Ready Braking and Suspension
The real test of the WRX tS comes on the track, where it shows off its tuned suspension and Brembo brakes. The adaptive dampers, especially in Sport mode, ensure body roll is kept to a minimum, even when pushing hard around corners. The tS stays planted through sharp turns, and the brake-based torque-vectoring system aids in rotation during mid-corner acceleration. While it may lack the outright horsepower to match some of its competitors, the tS makes up for it with precise handling and confidence-inspiring braking.
The star of the show during track testing is the tS’s Brembo brake system. Lap after lap, the brakes maintain consistent pedal feel and stopping power. Whether on a racetrack or winding roads, these brakes give the WRX tS a performance edge, allowing drivers to push harder into corners without fear of brake fade or diminished control.
Street Performance: A Smooth Ride for Every Day
While the WRX tS excels on the track, it’s just as impressive on everyday roads. In Comfort mode, the adaptive suspension smooths out bumps and imperfections, making for a more comfortable ride when cruising through urban streets or on long road trips. The electronic dampers absorb rough pavement better than the stiffer Sport setting, and the manual transmission adds an element of engagement often missing in modern sports sedans.
The short gearing of the transmission does mean that you’ll be shifting more frequently, but for enthusiasts, this provides a more immersive driving experience compared to a CVT. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster also proves useful on the street, displaying navigation or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto maps clearly for easy access to directions.
Pricing
Subaru hasn’t announced the official pricing for the 2025 WRX tS, but it’s expected to slot between the 2024 WRX TR and WRX GT models, which are priced at $42,755 and $45,335, respectively. With its combination of upgraded suspension, braking components, and STI-tuned details, the tS is shaping up to be a strong contender in the compact performance sedan segment.
While it may not satisfy those yearning for the return of the WRX STI, the 2025 Subaru WRX tS offers a compelling package for drivers who want a capable, track-ready car with the convenience of a daily driver. If you’re a fan of Subaru’s rally-bred performance vehicles and don’t want to wait indefinitely for the STI, the WRX tS might just be the perfect mix of performance and practicality.
