- Subaru continues to expand the WRX lineup in lieu of a full STI model with the 2025 WRX tS.
- The tS has adaptable dampers that have three settings, as well as stronger Brembo brakes.
- The 2025 Subaru WRX tS will become available early next year.
Subaru expanded the WRX lineup for 2024 with the new manual-only TR model, which featured a series of upgrades including brakes, stiffer springs, retuned steering, and front Recaro bucket seats. Now Subaru is adding another special performance model with the 2025 WRX tS. That moniker stands for “tuned by STI,” and the latest WRX variant gains a new suspension tweaked by the STI performance division, along with a new digital gauge cluster.
The headlining update is the new electronically controlled dampers, which have three distinct settings: Comfort, Normal, and Sport. This setup was previously only offered on the automatic-only WRX GT, but the tS now pairs the adjustable dampers with the six-speed manual gearbox. The tS also gains a high-performance Brembo brake system, composed of six-piston front calipers, two-piston rear calipers, and larger pads and rotors. Subaru touts improved stopping power, more pedal feel, and better resistance to fading.
Visually, the tS has its side-view mirrors, shark-fin antenna, and rear spoiler painted in Crystal Black Silica, while the brake calipers are finished in gold. A tS badge adorns the trunk, and the special edition rides on 19-inch wheels painted in satin gray. The wheels are shod in 245/35 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires as standard.
The tS also gets an upgraded cabin thanks to a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, which replaces the traditional gauges. This means the driver can now view a map and route guidance without needing to look over at the main screen, which is the larger 11.6-inch unit standard on all but the base WRX.
Black synthetic suede Recaro bucket seats with eight-way power adjustments sit up front, and blue accents are spread throughout the cabin, including on the seat bolsters, steering wheel, door panels, and shifter. The start button sports an STI logo, while “WRX tS” is seen embossed on the front seat headrests and the floor mats. Subaru removed the moonroof to save weight and provide extra space for drivers wearing helmets.
The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four under the hood is unchanged for the tS, meaning a total output of 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, sent to all four wheels. The 2025 Subaru WRX tS will hit dealerships early next year, with pricing being announced later in 2024. While the 2024 WRX starts at $33,855, the TR model costs $42,775 and the GT goes for $45,335, so the tS will undoubtedly be over the $40K mark.
Caleb Miller began blogging about cars at 13 years old, and he realized his dream of writing for a car magazine after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University and joining the Car and Driver team. He loves quirky and obscure autos, aiming to one day own something bizarre like a Nissan S-Cargo, and is an avid motorsports fan.