Is the 2025 Subaru WRX tS a Good Car? 4 Pros, 2 Cons

Key Points

• Cars.com editors like the 2025 Subaru WRX tS for its performance equipment, smooth powertrain, excellent handling and interior upgrades.
• However, editors found the WRX tS to be a pricey upgrade, and it’s not the quickest among its competitors.

Subaru added the new tS trim to the WRX lineup for the 2025 model year. Short for “tuned by STI,” the tS brings various upgrades to the brakes, steering and suspension, as well as upgraded tech. The result is a WRX that comes as close to the discontinued (and sorely missed) STI trim that you can get — at least for now.

Related: 2025 Subaru WRX tS Review: Top of the Food Chain

Combining desirable bits from other trims with unique upgrades of its own, the tS gets STI-tuned electronically adjustable shocks, and there’s a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and unique trim inside. But under the hood is the same powertrain shared with other WRX variants, resulting in a horsepower deficit compared to the competing Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla.

Cars.com West Coast Bureau Chief Conner Golden was among the first to get behind the wheel of a WRX tS, and he found it to be an engaging and enjoyable addition to the lineup even if it isn’t quite an STI. Tap the link above to read his expert review, or keep reading for a look at four things we like about the 2025 Subaru WRX tS and two things we do not.

What Do We Like About the 2025 Subaru WRX tS?

1. Hello, Sweet Spot

For WRX fans, the tS is likely the sweet spot in the current lineup for the iconic sports sedan. Equipped with the same oversize Brembo six-caliper disc brakes and sticky Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer tires found on the TR, the tS also gets a choice of drive modes from the GT. Combined with those STI-tuned adjustable shocks, the tS delivers daily drivability with sharp handling on or off the track. Notable: Unlike the GT, the tS is only available with a six-speed manual transmission.

2. Smooth Powertrain

Regardless of which trim you choose or how much you spend, every WRX is powered by the same turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine. With 271 horsepower and 258 pounds-feet of torque on tap, the WRX falls short of some competing models for sheer power. But the Subaru delivers enough grunt to get up to speed effortlessly, with smooth power delivery throughout the range and strong boost when pushed.

3. Sharpened Handling

The adjustable suspension and choice of drive modes let the driver customize settings and response. The most aggressive of these is the default Sport setting, which delivers a firm ride with good body control. Sport mode also adds a nice bit of effort to the steering, which has drawn criticism for being too light in the current WRX. Other settings include Comfort and Normal for a more relaxed driving experience. Whichever setting you choose, you still get the tenacious grip of those Potenzas and standard all-wheel drive.

4. Inside Job

Interior upgrades for the tS include a 12.3-inch configurable digital instrument cluster and bright-blue trim on the steering wheel, center console, doors and seats. There’s decent room for five occupants, and materials quality is good. It may not wear an STI badge on the outside, but the tS does get STI logos on the ignition switch and digital instrument panel display.

Read More About the Subaru WRX:

• 2026 Subaru WRX, BRZ Sting With Special Series.Yellow Editions
• 2025 Subaru WRX tS: A Handling Package for the WRX
• Is the Subaru WRX TR a Good Car? 5 Pros, 3 Cons
• Which New Cars Have Manual Transmissions?
• 2025 Subaru WRX Drops Base Trim, Now Priced From $36,920

What Do We Dislike About the 2025 Subaru WRX tS?

1. Spendy Upgrade

There’s no question the tS has emerged as the most performance-focused variant in the WRX lineup, but the upgrades come at a cost: A tS will set you back an additional $10,000 or so over the base Premium trim. Whether that extra cost is worth it will likely come down to a question of personal preferences and budget.

2. Power Deficit

With 271 hp on tap, the WRX can hardly be called a slacker. But if your priorities include being quickest on the block, both the Civic Type R and GR Corolla are notably quicker accelerating from 0-60 mph. The WRX is a delightfully balanced and enjoyable performance car to live with every day, but it’s not the quickest among rivals.

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