2025 Subaru WRX tS Has Something We Wish the BRZ tS Had

When the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS was revealed at the tail end of 2023 we initially asked the same question we've posed when every new variant of the BRZ has appeared: “where is the turbo?” Every factory BRZ has and continues to be naturally aspirated, even though we think the chassis could support more power. After driving the BRZ tS, we had to admit, even without boost it's a better handler than the already good regular model—but at least there's one tS that will be turbocharged: The new 2025 WRX tS.

tS? What's That?

The tS part of this new WRX variant's name stands for "Tuned by STI," Subaru's in-house performance sub-brand. So as with the BRZ by the same name, the WRX tS enjoys a largely suspension-focused makeover by STI, including electronically controlled dampers. If this setup sounds familiar to you that’s because the 2025 WRX tS' changes are a lot like those of the 2024 WRX TR which also represents more or less a suspension, brake, and tire upgrade over the other WRXs. Subaru confirmed to us that the brake upgrade in the TR is the same as the tS—with the exception of the gold painted calipers. Furthermore where the tS has electronically controlled dampers, the TR uses conventional dampers.

Because the WRX tS has electronically controlled dampers, it gets the Drive Mode Select feature that was previously only available for the WRX GT. Drivers can choose between “Comfort,” “Normal,” and “Sport” settings—which, of course, also affect the suspension.

Stopping Power Levels Up

While the STI-tuned suspension is the major selling point of the 2025 Subaru WRX tS, that’s not the only upgrade this trim has. It’s also fitted with an upgraded Brembo brake system with six-piston calipers up front and two piston calipers in the rear. The calipers use larger brake pads to clamp down on larger rotors which give it increased stopping power over lesser trims. Naturally, the Brembo calipers are painted in Subaru’s signature gold color.

The upgraded brakes live inside a set of trim-exclusive 19-inch wheels wrapped with 245/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires for more grip on wet surfaces and to further increase stopping power. 

The Visuals

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Exterior changes are subtle but hardcore Subaru fans will notice them immediately. For starters the tS model features a “WRX” badge on the front grille in the same “tS” red shade as the emblem on the BRZ. Also like the BRZ tS, the rear decklid spoiler, side mirrors, and shark fin antenna on the 2025 WRX tS are finished in glossy Crystal Black.

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The 2025 WRX tS comes with a trim-exclusive set of Ultrasuede black Recaro seats with blue accents and the “WRX tS” logo embroidered into the front headrests. The steering wheel, door panels, and shifter trim all get the same blue accents found on the seats. The driver’s seat features power eight-way adjustability.

When it comes to tech, the 2025 WRX tS comes standard with Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system with an 11.6-inch touchscreen display. Starlink is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto and other obligatory infotainment features like Bluetooth connectivity and SiriusXM radio. The driver gets a new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist technology suite comes standard on the WRX tS and includes safety features like pre-collision braking, and lane departure and sway warning. It also has quality of life features like adaptive cruise control and lead vehicle start alert.

Turbo, But No Engine Upgrades

As we’ve already briefly touched on, the 2025 WRX tS features the same 271-hp 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine found in other WRX trims. The wick hasn’t been turned up for this trim, though that comes as less of a blow here considering the stock engine is nothing to sneeze at (and, of course, already turbocharged).

If only the BRZ tS had the same engine. Look, we get it. The BRZ is all about lightweight accessibility and the democratization of the sports car, but we don’t think a limited run boosted version would hurt that image. Just sayin’.

2025 Subaru WRX tS Release Date and Pricing

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS will make its first public appearance at the Wicked Big Meet held at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford, Connecticut, if you want to see it in person. If you want to buy the new WRX tS, Subaru isn’t ready to reveal its price yet, but we expect it to land somewhere in the mid $40,000 space.

Subaru says the 2025 WRX tS will reach dealerships starting in the first quarter of 2025, so start hitting up your local dealer now if you want to nab one for yourself. Or you can wait until we get our hands on one and give you our impressions after our first drive.