It is time to be honest. When Subaru killed off the STI, a lot of us felt a little betrayed. We spent years waiting for a high-output EJ25 replacement or a beefed-up FA24 that would finally push the 300-horsepower barrier again. Instead, we got plastic cladding and a CVT option. But the 2025 Subaru WRX tS is the first sign that someone in Japan was actually listening to the collective groaning of the enthusiast community.
It isn't a power play. That is the first thing you need to understand. If you were hoping for a secret turbo map that unlocks 350 horsepower, you’re going to be disappointed. The 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine still puts out 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. That sounds underwhelming on paper, especially when you compare it to a GR Corolla or a Civic Type R. However, the tS (which stands for "tuned by STI") isn't about drag racing. It is about how the car communicates with your hands and feet.
Basically, Subaru took the "best of" list from the WRX GT and the limited-run TR and mashed them into one cohesive package. You get the electronically controlled dampers—a first for a manual transmission WRX—and a massive set of Brembo brakes. It’s a specialized tool.
What Makes the 2025 Subaru WRX tS Different?
The biggest gripe with the current VB generation has been the lack of a "hardcore" feel. The 2025 Subaru WRX tS fixes this by stealing the adaptive suspension setup from the GT trim. Previously, if you wanted those fancy dampers that let you toggle between "Comfort," "Normal," and "Sport," you were forced to take the Subaru Performance Transmission. That’s corporate-speak for a CVT. For most enthusiasts, that was a dealbreaker.
Now, you get those Drive Mode Select options paired with a six-speed manual. This changes the entire personality of the car. In Comfort mode, the WRX actually handles potholes without sending a shockwave through your spine. Switch it to Sport+, and the steering weights up significantly, the dampers stiffen, and the AWD system shifts its behavior.
Then there are the brakes.
Subaru didn't just throw some colorful paint on the calipers. They fitted the 2025 Subaru WRX tS with a high-performance Brembo braking system. We are talking six-piston gold-painted calipers in the front and two-piston units in the rear. They are paired with larger pads and rotors compared to the standard WRX. If you’ve ever taken a stock WRX to a track day at a place like Laguna Seca or even a demanding backroad, you know the factory pads tend to turn into marshmallows after three hard laps. These Brembos are designed to actually soak up the heat.
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The Interior Gets an Actual Upgrade
Inside, the changes are subtle but meaningful. The most obvious addition is the 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster. It replaces the old-school analog needles, which some purists might hate, but it allows for much better navigation and media integration. You also get Recaro seats with blue accents. They are tight. If you have a wider frame, you might find them a bit snug, but for spirited driving, they keep you pinned exactly where you need to be.
One weird detail? The sunroof is gone. Subaru deleted it to save weight and improve headroom for drivers wearing helmets. It’s a clear signal of who this car is for. If you want a luxury cruiser, buy the Limited. If you want a weekend track weapon that can still handle a grocery run in a snowstorm, the tS is the play.
Does the FA24 Engine Hold Up?
There is a lot of internet chatter about the FA24 engine. Some people call it "lazy" because it doesn't have the high-strung, peaky nature of the old STI engines. But that's kinda the point. The torque curve is flat. It pulls from down low and doesn't stop until you hit redline.
- Displacement: 2.4 Liters
- Aspiration: Turbocharged
- Fueling: Direct Injection
- Power: 271 hp @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 258 lb-ft @ 2,000-5,200 rpm
While the power figures are identical to the base model, the cooling and delivery in the 2025 Subaru WRX tS feel more robust. Subaru’s engineers focused on thermal management. This is a car meant to be beaten on. The AWD system remains the classic symmetrical setup we know and love, providing that "claws-in-the-tarmac" feel that front-wheel-drive competitors just can’t replicate.
Handling and the Bridgestone Potenza S007 Factor
Tires make the car. Subaru wrapped the 19-inch multi-spoke wheels of the 2025 Subaru WRX tS in Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer tires. These are not all-season commuters. They are sticky, loud, and useless in the snow. But on a dry mountain road? They offer incredible turn-in response.
The steering rack has been tweaked too. It feels faster. There is less of that "rubbery" sensation that plagued the early VB models. When you combine the stiffened suspension mounts, the stickier rubber, and the electronic damping, you get a car that rotates much better than a standard WRX. It feels lighter than its curb weight suggests.
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The Elephant in the Room: Price and Competition
We have to talk about the price. While official final MSRP numbers can fluctuate based on dealer markups and regional destination charges, the 2025 Subaru WRX tS is expected to sit at the top of the lineup. You’re likely looking at a price tag north of $45,000.
That puts it in direct competition with some heavy hitters:
The Honda Civic Type R is objectively faster on a track and has a more premium interior, but it’s front-wheel drive. If you live in the Rust Belt, that matters. The Toyota GR Corolla has that wild three-cylinder engine and a trick AWD system, but the interior feels like a budget rental car. The WRX tS sits in this middle ground where it offers better daily usability than the Toyota and more all-weather capability than the Honda.
It’s a tough spot to be in. Subaru is betting that there are enough enthusiasts who value "tactile feel" and "mechanical soul" over raw 0-60 times.
Why the tS Name Matters
In the past, tS models were often Japan-only specials. Seeing the badge on a US-spec 2025 Subaru WRX tS is a big deal. It signifies that STI (Subaru Tecnica International) actually had a hand in the suspension tuning. They didn't just add a wing and some stickers. They went through the bushings, the damper valving, and the steering software to create something that feels cohesive.
The tS is essentially a bridge. It’s not a full STI because it lacks the adjustable center differential (DCCD) and the reinforced transmission of the old VA STI. However, for 90% of drivers, the tS is actually a better car. It’s more refined, the engine is more reliable than the old EJ, and it’s significantly easier to live with on a daily basis.
Real World Use: Is it a Daily Driver?
Yes. Absolutely. Because of those adaptive dampers, you can actually drive this to work without hating your life. In "Comfort" mode, the 2025 Subaru WRX tS is surprisingly composed. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is now standard on manual transmission models too. This means you get adaptive cruise control, lane departure warnings, and pre-collision braking even with a stick shift.
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Some purists will complain that electronic nannies have no place in a WRX. Honestly, though? Having adaptive cruise control on a long highway slog is a godsend. You can turn it all off when you get to the twisty bits.
Addressing the Common Misconceptions
People keep saying the WRX is dead because it doesn't have 300 horsepower. That's a shallow way to look at a car. The 2025 Subaru WRX tS is about the "area under the curve." It delivers its power in a way that is accessible. You don't have to wring its neck to get it moving.
Another misconception is that the cladding is just for "off-road looks." While the aesthetic is polarizing, the texture on the wheel arches is actually designed to improve aerodynamics by reducing air turbulence around the wheels. Whether you think it looks good is subjective, but it does serve a purpose. On the tS, the Crystal Black Silica finish on the mirrors, shark fin antenna, and rear spoiler helps tie the look together better than on the base models.
Maintenance and Longevity
If you’re buying a 2025 Subaru WRX tS, you need to be prepared for the maintenance. The FA24 is a solid engine, but it’s sensitive to oil quality. Frequent changes are a must if you’re driving it hard. Also, those Brembo brakes are expensive to service. Replacing rotors and high-performance pads will cost significantly more than the standard slider-caliper setup on the base WRX. It's the price of admission for better performance.
Actionable Insights for Potential Buyers
If you’re considering putting a deposit down on a 2025 Subaru WRX tS, here is how you should approach it. Don't just look at the spec sheet. The numbers will lie to you.
- Test Drive a GT First: If there isn't a tS on the lot yet, drive a GT. The suspension feel will be very similar. If you find the GT too stiff even in its softest setting, the tS isn't for you.
- Factor in Tires: Since the tS comes with summer-only rubber, you need to budget for a set of winter tires or high-performance all-seasons if you live anywhere that gets below 40 degrees. Running S007s in the snow is a recipe for a total loss.
- Check the Seats: The Recaros are aggressive. Sit in them for at least fifteen minutes. They can be pinch-points for certain body types.
- Skip the Mods (For Now): The beauty of the tS is the factory-tuned balance. Before you go throwing aftermarket coilovers or a heavy tune on it, drive it stock for 5,000 miles. You might find that the STI engineers knew exactly what they were doing.
The 2025 Subaru WRX tS isn't the return of the STI king, but it is a very loud statement that Subaru still cares about the people who love to drive. It’s a specialized, focused version of an already capable car, and for the right person, it’s the best WRX ever made.
Check your local dealer's allocation specifically for the tS trim, as production numbers are expected to be lower than the Premium and Limited trims. Keep an eye on the "Series.Purple" or other special launch colors if you want better resale value down the road, as those limited palettes usually command a premium in the used enthusiast market later on. Be sure to verify the inclusion of the latest Starlink software updates, which address some of the lag issues found in earlier 11.6-inch tablet displays.