For years, the Subaru WRX has been the go-to choice for drivers seeking rally-inspired thrills without compromising daily usability or winter confidence. With the STI bowing out of the lineup, some wondered if Subaru’s performance edge might fade. Instead, Subaru doubled down with the 2025 WRX tS, a model tuned for sharper precision, equipped with new safety technology, and still proudly offering the staples: a six-speed manual transmission and full-time symmetrical all-wheel drive.
What Makes the “tS” Special?
The tS badge stands for “tuned by STI,” and that’s no marketing gimmick. Subaru Tecnica International, the motorsport and performance arm, gave this WRX an extra dose of credibility. While the horsepower remains the same as the standard WRX, upgrades such as adaptive electronic dampers, Brembo brakes, and heated Recaro seats make the tS a more focused version of the WRX. It’s not an STI revival, but it carries STI DNA throughout.
Exterior: Subtle but Serious
At first glance, the WRX tS doesn’t shout. Instead, it rewards the observant eye: 19-inch alloy wheels on Bridgestone Potenza rubber, a low-profile black spoiler, quad-tip polished exhaust, and tS-specific badging. It strikes a balance between restraint and aggression, making it equally suited to a suburban driveway or a track paddock.
Interior: A Blend of Sport and Comfort
Inside, the tS feels like a driver’s car with everyday polish. Heated Recaro® sport seats with blue contrast stitching offer firm support without being punishing, and the driver’s seat features eight-way power adjustment. Unique to the tS is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, which displays navigation, performance data, or daily driving information. Subaru adds comfort touches like push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and a purposeful exhaust note that seeps into the cabin.
On the safety side, Subaru equips the WRX tS with its full EyeSight® suite: Emergency Stop Assist, Emergency Lane Keep, Adaptive High-Beam Assist, and the DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation system. It’s performance wrapped in peace of mind.
Engine & Drive Experience
Under the hood, Subaru retains what works: a 2.4-litre turbocharged BOXER four-cylinder engine producing 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a six-speed manual and a limited-slip centre differential, it stays true to Subaru’s rally heritage.
Acceleration to 100 km/h clocks in around 5.5 seconds—respectable, if not segment-leading. Where it shines is in adaptability: Comfort mode softens the suspension for pothole-ridden commutes, while Sport+ tightens everything for track-day sharpness. The Brembo six-piston front and two-piston rear brakes, paired with large rotors, provide confidence in all weather conditions.
Fuel Economy
Performance often comes at a cost, but the WRX tS is reasonably efficient. It’s rated at 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 9.0 on the highway, and 10.9 combined. With its 63-litre tank, expect about 575–600 km between fills. Please note that it requires premium fuel.
Pricing & Competition
Starting at $47,995 in Canada (just over $50K with fees), the WRX tS undercuts some key rivals. The Honda Civic Type R ($51,830) delivers more horsepower and arguably sharper track chops. The Toyota GR Corolla Circuit Edition ($53,050) pairs AWD with a 300-hp punch. The WRX tS may not win the spec sheet race, but it offers AWD traction, manual-only engagement, and Subaru’s proven winter pedigree—something its rivals can’t match directly.
Final Verdict
The 2025 Subaru WRX tS feels like Subaru’s most complete WRX yet. It doesn’t add more power, and it nudges close in price to its hotter competitors. Still, it makes up for it with year-round usability, advanced safety features, and driving versatility.
This isn’t the STI reborn, but it’s a worthy successor to Subaru’s rally spirit, a refined rebel built for Canadian drivers who want a car that’s as happy carving a snow-covered backroad as it is tackling a summer track day.