The 2025 Subaru WRX tS: A Sporty Option That Captures the Spirit of the STI
If you’ve been following the evolution of the Subaru WRX, you might have mixed feelings about the latest models. Many enthusiasts, including myself, have felt a twinge of disappointment with the absence of the STI trim. However, the 2025 Subaru WRX tS emerges as a compelling alternative that rekindles the excitement of the WRX lineage without the flamboyant aesthetics of the STI. Let’s dive into what makes this model stand out.
What’s Under the Hood?
At the heart of the WRX tS is a 2.4-liter turbocharged horizontally-opposed “boxer” four-cylinder engine. It delivers a robust 271 horsepower at 5,600 RPM and 258 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 5,200 RPM. While some might lament that the tS shares its power output with the lower trims, it’s important to remember that the WRX has always been about delivering a thrilling driving experience across the board. Plus, with Subaru’s signature all-wheel drive, you can count on excellent traction in various driving conditions.
How Does It Handle?
One of the standout features of the tS is its handling. Equipped with electronically controlled dampers tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), the tS offers a more engaging driving experience than the Premium trim. The addition of Brembo brakes with six-piston calipers in the front and dual-piston calipers in the rear enhances stopping power, making it a joy to navigate corners. The Ultrasuede Recaro front seats provide comfort and support, ensuring you feel connected to the car as you tackle twists and turns.
What About the Driving Experience?
Driving the tS is where the magic happens. It strikes a balance between performance and everyday usability. Unlike the TR trim, which can feel overly focused on track performance, the tS is designed to be fun on both the road and the racetrack. It’s engaging enough to remind you why the WRX has such a dedicated fan base. The car’s dynamics make it easy to toss into corners, and the engine’s grunt helps you power out of them with enthusiasm.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
While the tS excels in many areas, it’s not without its flaws. The ride can still be on the stiff side, especially on rough roads, which might lead to fatigue during longer drives. Additionally, some body roll is noticeable during aggressive cornering, which could be a concern for those seeking razor-sharp precision. The engine, while powerful, can be a bit high-strung, leading to less-than-ideal fuel economy and a noisy cabin at highway speeds. The clutch take-up is somewhat abrupt, and the shifter could feel tighter, but these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things.
What’s the Interior Like?
The interior of the WRX tS, while functional, shows signs of aging. There’s a fair amount of hard plastic that feels out of place for a vehicle in this price range, which starts at $45,705 in the U.S. and $47,795 in Canada. While the exterior design has aged gracefully, the cabin could benefit from a modern refresh to compete with rivals like the Volkswagen Golf R, which offers a more upscale feel.
What Features Come Standard?
Despite its shortcomings, the tS is well-equipped with features that enhance both comfort and safety. You’ll find heated front seats, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, LED lighting, and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. These additions make the driving experience more enjoyable, even if the overall cabin quality doesn’t quite match the price tag.
Is the WRX tS Worth It?
In summary, the 2025 Subaru WRX tS offers a compelling blend of performance and practicality. It captures much of the spirit of the STI while presenting a more understated appearance. If you’re looking for a car that delivers excitement without the over-the-top styling, the tS is definitely worth considering. While it may not be perfect, it does a commendable job of filling the void left by the STI, making it a strong contender in the compact sport sedan market.
As Subaru continues to evolve, one can only hope they’ll address the interior quality and modernize the cabin. Until then, the WRX tS stands as a testament to what makes the WRX lineup so beloved among driving enthusiasts.
