Highline Test Drives
The all-new fifth-generation WRX (fourth-generation in the U.S.) has had its fair share of controversy among Subaru purists ever since leaked photos surfaced back in 2021. “There’s too much plastic on the exterior.” “Where’s the power bump?” And the most common complaint of all: “Where’s the STI variant?”
Now, four years and several STI place holders later—like the WRX GT and WRX tR—we’re still left waiting for a full-fledged fifth-generation WRX STI. But in the meantime, Subaru has given us this: the 2025 WRX tS. That stands for “Tuned by STI”—Subaru Tecnica International. When STI got their hands on the new generation WRX, they had a few different directions they could’ve taken. Ultimately, they made some noteworthy changes and brought over a few proven upgrades from the WRX GT and tR. But the real question is—are these the upgrades enthusiasts were actually asking for?
Powering the 2025 WRX tS is, perhaps disappointingly, the familiar 2.4-liter dual overhead cam, horizontally opposed turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It still produces 271 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 258 lb-ft of torque from 2,000 to 5,000 RPM—the same power plant we’ve seen in the WRX for the past few years. And while this engine remains lively enough for the chassis, especially when paired with the notchy 6-speed manual, the only transmission offered in the tS, the lack of any performance upgrades just feels like a missed opportunity.
Granted, the tS does get some compelling upgrades: RECARO bucket seats, Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, and the electronically controlled adaptive dampers from the WRX GT. Still, for a model bearing STI’s heritage, you’d expect more under the hood—and at the very least, more under the hood visually. The engine bay is devoid of STI badging or any special treatment. To be fair, Subaru could’ve gone overboard with STI logos—but here, it feels like they didn’t go far enough. The tS looks and feels too subdued for what is supposed to be the ‘highest-performing’ trim level in the WRX lineup.
A few additions from Subaru’s Japanese STI catalog—such as the STI flexible front strut tower brace, upgraded radiator, or even branded oil and fluid caps—would have gone a long way in making the tS feel like your not driving a typical WRX, but the $45,705 MSRP highest-performing, track-capable trim level WRX. These are relatively minor parts that could have added major personality.
Still, while there’s room for disappointment, the WRX tS does bring some standout features to the table. First and foremost is the adaptive damping suspension, carried over from the WRX GT. The setup on the previous tR model drew heavy criticism from both owners and journalists for its punishing ride quality. While great for track duty, it was far too stiff for everyday use, making daily commutes feel more like a chore than a pleasure. Subaru clearly listened: the electronically adjustable dampers on the tS transform the overall driving experience, offering a level of composure and comfort not seen in recent iterations. With the press of a button, drivers can switch between five driving profiles—Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual—tailoring the car for backroad thrills or relaxed daily commuting. Drivers can also customize their experience with three steering settings—Comfort, Normal, Sport, and adjust the powertrain between—Normal and Sport modes.
Another welcome upgrade? The gold-finished Brembo® brakes—six-piston calipers up front and two-piston in the rear. These give the WRX tS a significant bump in braking confidence. They feel responsive, linear, and more than capable of bringing the car to a halt with authority.
Visually, the tS carries a more refined, understated aesthetic. Black Silica accents highlight key exterior trim elements, offering a subtle contrast that complements its aggressive lines without feeling overdone. Our press car arrived finished in stunning Sapphire Blue Pearl, a color that absolutely pops in direct sunlight.
Inside the cabin, the WRX tS continues to impress. Slide into the alcantara-finished RECARO® heated bucket seats with blue accents, and you’ll find a near-perfect blend of style and support. They’re snug without being restrictive, and the materials prevent any slippage when you’re pushing the car through corners. These seats are easily the centerpiece of the tS’s interior.
Subaru also made a long-overdue move by introducing a fully digital, customizable gauge cluster. It’s a noticeable step forward in tech, even if it doesn’t quite match the customization nor refinement of German competitors like Audi. That said, it does create a jarring contrast with Subaru’s dated central infotainment screen. Side by side, the old UI is now even more overshined compared to the new digital cluster. While it’s not necessarily an issue with the portrait style layout of the screen itself, the user interface just seems unpolished. It’s quite laggy, and overall just not the most user friendly. With a simple software update down the line, these issues should be able to be addressed accordingly to make the overall experience feel more refined.
Overall, while the 2025 Subaru WRX tS isn’t the full-fledged STI we’ve been yearning for, it does a better job than its predecessors at filling the STI void. It delivers meaningful improvements over previous ‘placeholder’ models, even if it stops short of being the complete STI variant many hoped for. Still, Subaru deserves credit where it’s due. In an industry rapidly shifting toward EVs and digital everything, the WRX tS stays grounded in driver-first values—with a proper 6-speed manual, a traditional mechanical handbrake, and enough analog character to remind us why we fell in love with Subaru performance cars in the first place.
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