Subaru's WRX (World Rally eXperimental) passenger car has been delighting performance enthusiasts for 23 years now, and it's not slowing down a bit. The latest generation offers 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque from Subaru's traditional turbocharged four-cylinder "boxer" flat-opposed engine, but there's more to discover in the latest performance model, the 2025 WRX tS.
The odd "tS" designation stands for "Tuned by STI." That's Subaru Technica International, for those who are unfamiliar. STI delivers even-higher-performance versions of various Subaru vehicles. In this case, the WRX tS offers the same engine specs as the standard WRX, but STI has developed enhanced features in the suspension, brakes, and electronics for this model.
One of the great things about the WRX tS is that it comes exclusively with a 6-speed manual transmission. That's not a departure from prior WRX generations, but this time, Subaru has paired its EyeSight adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation system with the manual gearbox. That's great news because by 2029 all cars will come with automatic emergency braking, which is part of EyeSight and it means Subaru can continue to offer a stick shift sports car with that feature.
In addition to the 6-speed transmission, the WRX tS comes with cockpit-adjustable electronic dampers, six-piston Brembo front brake calipers and two-piston fixed rear calipers, and inside you get Recaro Ultrasuede seats. That's all designed to make the WRX tS a track-ready sports car. You can set the suspension to very stiff for track driving, all the way down to "comfort" which delivers a smooth ride that soaks up the bumps. Similarly, steering effort and throttle response are also adjustable through Subaru's large 11.6-inch center screen.
New for the 2025 WRX tS, a 12.3-inch digital dashboard offers improved legibility and the capability to prominently show needed information to the driver, including navigation information, route guidance, or performance gauges.
The WRX tS driving experience is "as expected" for a WRX. That means excellent power delivery, smooth shifting, and predictable handling. Subaru brought us to Sonoma Raceway – among the most challenging technical tracks in North America, and treated us to hot laps with veteran F1 driver Scott Speed before we took the WRX tS out ourselves. Speed showed that the car effortlessly executes a smooth four-wheel drift at the limit. Going somewhat more cautiously, I found that the WRX tS communicates well with the driver, sticks to the ground and never lacks for traction or brakes. Speaking of which, it would take more than I could give to make those Brembos fade. Overall, this is an A+ track car, and thoroughly deserving of the WRX badge.
Yet at the same time, you can easily drive the WRX on your daily commute, and it's got plenty of trunk and back seat space. It's a family car for the weekend warrior at the racetrack.
Subaru has not yet announced pricing for the WRX tS, but it's expected to be close to existing WRX top trim levels. Subaru anticipates fourth-quarter deliveries, so you can put a new WRX tS on your holiday gift list. Either way, we recommend a test drive at area Subaru dealers.
2025 Subaru WRX tS
Base price: $TBD
Price as tested: $TBD
Type: Compact sport sedan
Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (271 hp, 248 lbs-ft)
Transmission: 6-speed manual
EPA estimated mileage: TBD
Overall length: 183.8 inches
Curb weight: 3,430 pounds
Final assembly: Gunma, Japan
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