Is the 2025 Subaru WRX tS the Ultimate Street Samurai?

Subaru’s WRX has always been the rebel of the sport compact world. While others have moved toward slick, refined turbocharged sedans with dual-clutch transmissions and high-tech interiors, the WRX has held its ground as the all-wheel-drive turbocharged misfit that’s always ready for a dirt road adventure (or a rally race).

The 2025 WRX tS (short for tuned by STI) is the latest version, promising sharper handling, more refined manners, and a track-ready suspension without losing that rowdy Subaru DNA. While it doesn’t bring the full STI badge back from the dead, it’s a step in that direction.

Is the tS trim the WRX we’ve been waiting for, or is it just a fancier version of what we already know? Let’s drive into it…

What’s Under the Subie’s Hood?

Subaru has stuck with the 2.4-liter turbocharged flat four banger, which is a solid engine but leaves some fans wishing for a little more. While it doesn’t offer a huge power bump, the tS model does get some serious chassis and suspension tweaks.

• Engine: 2.4L turbocharged flat-four
• Horsepower: 271 hp
• Torque: 258 lb-ft
• Transmission: 6-speed manual or CVT (yes, still)
• Drivetrain: Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive

Subaru fans were hoping for an STI-level power bump, but the WRX tS focuses on handling and suspension improvements instead. It comes with electronically adjustable dampers, a feature previously reserved for high-performance Euro sports sedans. The tS package tightens up the steering and handling without turning the WRX into an overly stiff track car.

The engine is still punchy and responsive, with a nice flat-four growl that reminds you this is no ordinary sedan. It pulls hard from the mid-range but doesn’t quite have the top-end rush that some rivals offer.

So, What Makes the WRX tS Special?

Subaru didn’t just slap a badge on this thing and call it a day. The WRX tS gets serious hardware upgrades that make it feel more like a true performance sedan.

Performance Upgrades in the WRX tS:

• STI-tuned electronically adjustable dampers for sharper handling
• Recalibrated steering system for better feedback
• Larger Brembo brakes (6-piston front, 2-piston rear) for stronger stopping power
• Reinforced suspension components for added stiffness
• Unique Recaro sport seats for extra support in spirited driving
• Exclusive badging and interior trim because, let’s be honest, you want people to know it’s a tS

The aforementioned upgrades make the WRX tS the most track-capable version of the current WRX, dialing in more precise handling without ruining the daily-driving experience.

Trims & Options: What Else Is Available?

If the WRX tS feels too extreme, Subaru still offers other WRX trims for different kinds of enthusiasts.

2025 Subaru WRX Trims:

WRX Base

• Same 271-hp turbo-four
• 6-speed manual or CVT
• Cloth seats, basic interior features
• AWD with torque vectoring

WRX Premium

• Adds 18-inch wheels
• Upgraded infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen
• Sunroof and heated seats

WRX Limited

• Leather upholstery and premium audio system
• Blind-spot monitoring and additional driver-assist features
• More refined interior with soft-touch materials

WRX TR (Tuner-Ready)

• Track-focused version with upgraded brakes and suspension
• No sunroof or extra luxury features to keep weight down
• Still has a manual transmission for purists

WRX GT (CVT Only)

• Only trim that forces the CVT on you
• Electronically controlled suspension (similar to the tS)
• More luxury features, but less of a pure driving experience

The WRX tS sits near the top, blending track-focused upgrades with everyday usability. It’s not stripped down like the WRX TR, but it isn’t as plush as the Limited or GT either.

The Competitors: Who Else is in the Ring?

The sport compact segment is getting smaller, but the WRX tS still has some serious rivals.

Honda Civic Type R

• 315 hp turbocharged 2.0L inline-four
• FWD, but with an incredible suspension setup
• One of the best manual transmissions in the industry
• More refined interior, but no AWD

Toyota GR Corolla

• 300 hp turbocharged 3-cylinder engine
• AWD system that can shift power between front and rear wheels
• Smaller than the WRX, but a true rally-inspired machine
• More aggressive handling, but limited production

Volkswagen Golf R

• 315 hp turbocharged 2.0L inline-four
• AWD with a performance-focused rear differential
• Available DSG dual-clutch transmission for quicker shifts
• More premium interior, but lacks the raw character of the WRX

Hyundai Elantra N

• 276 hp turbocharged 2.0L inline-four
• FWD but extremely capable on twisty roads
• Rowdy exhaust and sharp handling
• More affordable than some competitors

The WRX tS stands out with its AWD system and rally-inspired roots, but some buyers might wish for more power. The Civic Type R and Golf R offer better refinement, while the GR Corolla is arguably the most fun to drive.

What Could Be Better?

Every car has its flaws, and the 2025 WRX tS isn’t immune to criticism. Here are a few things that could have made it even better:

• More power. The 271 hp flat-four is good, but with competitors pushing 300+ hp, the WRX tS feels like it’s missing something. A bump to 320 hp would have been a game-changer.
• The CVT still exists. While Subaru’s CVT is one of the better ones out there, a dual-clutch automatic would have been much more appealing.
• Interior quality could be improved. Subaru has stepped up its game, but the WRX’s cabin still feels a little too plasticky in places, especially compared to a Golf R or Civic Type R.
• Rear styling remains polarizing. The plastic cladding is still a love-it-or-hate-it situation.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy a WRX tS?

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS is the best-handling WRX yet, offering sharper suspension, better brakes, and more refined driving dynamics. It’s the closest thing we have to an STI right now, but some enthusiasts are gonna be disappointed by the lack of a serious power boost.

For drivers who want a WRX with better cornering abilities without sacrificing daily comfort, the tS is a solid pick. If you’re looking for outright speed, rivals like the Civic Type R and Golf R might be more tempting.

Would you take the WRX tS over a Civic Type R or GR Corolla? Post your thoughts below!