They say patience pays off, and like many of you, we’ve been eagerly waiting for Subaru to reveal the fifth-generation WRX STI. Sadly, it seems we might be waiting for a long time. But don’t worry, there’s a silver lining: the 2025 Subaru WRX tS, which combines elements from the GT and TR models.

The tS version is Subaru’s way of giving us something to chew on. While it’s not an STI, it’s missing features like locking differentials, an adjustable center diff, and a larger engine, but does that really matter?

What is the ts?

The tS combines the finest features from the current WRX lineup into one impressive vehicle. To start, Subaru outfits the tS with the WRX TR’s Brembo brakes, which include six-piston calipers at the front and two-piston calipers at the rear. The only distinction is that the tS calipers are finished in gold, while the TRs are red. These calipers are cross-drilled rotors that measure 13.4 inches in the front and 12.8 inches in the back. It also shares the 19-inch Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer tires, sized at 245/35.

Additionally, it comes with adaptive dampers from the GT and a manual transmission sourced from the TR. You can choose from five driving modes: Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+, and Individual. There are also three steering settings (Comfort, Normal, and Sport) and the option to switch the powertrain from Normal to Sport. The adaptive dampers offer three adjustment settings (Comfort, Normal, and Sport) and are tuned to be a bit firmer than those in the GT. They claim to reduce body roll by 30 percent and pitch by 55 percent compared to the TR’s passive dampers.

Exterior

You can spot the tS from the outside thanks to its 19-inch wheels, black mirror caps, a shark-fin antenna, and a lip spoiler on the trunk. Plus, it features some red badges at the back, something which is missing on the TR model.

Under The Hood

Sadly for 2025, the Subaru WRX doesn’t get any changes under the hood; it has the boxer four, which displaces 2.4 liters, is turbocharged, and produces 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, which is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, the only option. It has a 50/50 front-to-rear torque split,

Driving

Settle into the comfy Recaros, which don’t have fixed headrests, which I like, and hit the start button, which is a bit hidden by the steering wheel. The boxer 4 engine burbles into action, a sound that any Subaru driver will recognize. The shifter feels a bit notchy but is spot-on, and the clutch pedal has a nice engagement point—not too low, not too high.

The Goldilocks setting for the most fun and comfort is Individual mode. In Sport, the suspension is just too harsh, and the car bounces around on rough pavement. Save Sport and Sport+ for your track days. The best combo is everything on Sport, with the Steering and Suspension in Comfort, I guarantee you’ll have much more fun.

This is by far the best handling WRX to date, thanks to the modifications Subaru has made. It’s super stable and confident on twisty roads thanks to its reliable all-wheel drive system surprisingly good Bridgestone summer tires.  The suspension, chassis, and brakes all serve to highlight the lack of power, but you can push it really hard, and it will compensate with impressive momentum when you push it hard.

In the ts, Subaru has prioritized braking and handling, making the tS a solid choice for track enthusiasts. However, its power level feels a bit bland when stacked against competitors, it could easily handle another 75 hp. It’s also noisy, especially when cold, the exhaust drones inside the cabin in almost every situation, whether you’re casually driving through the city or speeding up to merge onto the highway. At lower RPMs, the exhaust has a nice burble, but it quickly shifts to a less appealing whine when you accelerate.

Interior

The blue highlights give off a distinct “boy-racer” aesthetic, but they do help to spice up the somewhat austere interiors of the other trims. From the driver’s seat, you’ll spot the upgraded 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. This customizable screen does more than just show your speed and RPM; it includes features like a boost gauge, live fuel efficiency stats, and even navigation maps. Adding to the STI vibe are STI logos on the start button and gauges, making it look like you’re in an actual STI.

The dashboard features a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen oriented vertically, handling everything from climate settings to entertainment and drive mode changes. While having all these controls in one spot can feel a bit overwhelming at first, you’ll adapt quickly. However, the screen’s responsiveness leaves much to be desired, with noticeable delays and sluggish transitions, especially when the car is cold..

The good news is there are a few physical buttons around the screen, including two knobs for volume and radio tuning, a dying future these days, and a couple of switches for temperature adjustments. The steering wheel also has several buttons, including one for switching to Individual mode, which is crucial since the car defaults to Sport mode every time you start it up.

Cargo Space

The WRX has 12.5 cubic feet of cargo space, which is below average for a sport compact car. It’s adequate for luggage or groceries, but some rivals have much more room. The rear seats can fold in a 60/40 split, which provides a bit more capacity.

Pricing

The entry-level WRX costs $36,920, with an approximate $10,000 jump to the $46,875 tS.

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Competition

The WRX tS has some serious rivals, including the Honda Civic Type R, Toyota GR Corolla, and Volkswagen Golf R. These competitors pack more horsepower, making the tS feel a bit lacking in that department.

Verdict

Despite its attempt to be an STI, I can’t bring myself to dislike this car. The WRX tS is a fantastic performance sedan featuring an enjoyable engine sound, a manual transmission, and all-wheel drive. I think it could use more power, so for the time being, you’ll need to visit your local tuner to boost it. Here’s hoping for a gas-powered STI in the future!

2025 Subaru WRX ts Numbers

BASE PRICE: $46,875
PRICE AS TESTED: $47,720
VEHICLE LAYOUT: Front-engine, AWD, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
ENGINE: 2.4-liter turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 16-valve flat-4
POWER: 271 hp @ 5,600 rpm
TORQUE: 258 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 6-speed manual
CURB WEIGHT: 3,430 lb
0-60 MPH: 5.5 seconds
EPA CITY/HWY/COMB FUEL ECON: TBD
OBSERVED FUEL ECONOMY  18.9 mpg
CARGO SPACE: 12.9 cubic feet
PROS: Superb brakes, Suspension mods work well, More precise steering, Incredible grip
CONS: Needs 300 hp+, Fussy infotainment, Seats need more lumbar support