Subaru’s WRX tS – WHATEVER WORKS!

Subaru’s WRX tS

WHATEVER WORKS!

For many years now I’ve left the sporty sedans to the younger set. Finding a sports car that I can easily get in and out of became a nuisance. And I’m not really sure when it happened. Maybe I just woke up with a new mindset of not wanting other drivers in the parking lot to see up my skirt as I lumbered out. Well, I found it. This is the car that you can grow up into while still really enjoying the ride. No flash ‘dance’ required to get out of this one.  

Subaru first introduced the WRX model back in 1992, building it to compete in the World Rally Championship.  Back in 2004, the STI badge was added to models tuned by Subaru Tecnica International, which is Subaru’s in-house tuning company, and they featured loads of performance upgrades.  Since then, it’s always been the fun, agile and fast but light ‘anti-muscle car’ to drive.  Originally based on Subaru’s Impreza model, since 2015 the WRX is now its own separate stand-alone model.  

For the 2025 model year Subaru introduced the WRX tS, in place of – we assume –   the venerable WRX STI.  The tS (“tuned by STI”) trim level is the first of its kind offered on the WRX and delivers distinctive interior and exterior enhancements, including a new fully digital 12.3-inch gauge cluster.  The version we had the opportunity to test for a week was a World Rally Blue Pearl WRX tS; it didn’t come with a specific price tag, but we assume it costs close to the MSRP of $45,705.  

The WRX is powered by a 271hp, 2.4 liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine. That power is delivered to all four wheels via Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. If you want one, you need to know how to drive a manual transmission, because it’s only available with a 6-speed stick/clutch combo.  EPA estimated fuel economy ratings for the 2025 model are 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.  

Along with that 2.4 liter turbocharged engine the tS comes equipped with a high-performance Brembo braking system, including 6-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers in signature gold with larger pads and rotors. The tires are 245/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires for increased wet and dry performance on 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels; those wheels are distinguished by a satin gray finish.

The Drive Mode Select feature allows the driver to electronically adjust the dampers to tailor performance among Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings – but who buys a sports sedan for comfort or normal? The system includes adjustable settings for the power steering, throttle response, and EyeSight system.  The EyeSight system will remind you to keep your eyes on the road if you start to fiddle with the radio settings for just a tad too long. I was reprimanded a few times while out looking at houses. A bit unnerving the first time. I’m not too sure how much this feature helps drivers keep their eyes on the road. Once you are familiar with the quick alarm, it’s a little too easy to tune it out.  But you’ll notice it the first couple of times something catches your eye and you linger a little too long. 

Inside, the grippy and somewhat stiff Recaro Performance Design front seats are wrapped in black Ultrasuede with contrasting blue accents and ‘WRX tS’ embossed on the front headrests and carpeted floor mats. The seat bolsters, steering wheel, door panels, and shifter trim are complemented with blue accents as well. 

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS is not that car to take for a long highway-only drive.  The seats are stiff and you feel every bump on the road.  But it’s a heck of a lot of fun to drive any other time – every drive is super fun.