The 2025 Subaru WRX tS Inches Closer to STI Greatness

We already know that Subaru is not planning on building an STI variant of the current WRX, but the brand keeps getting closer to something similar. First came the WRX TR last October, an impressive but expensive improvement on the base car. The limited-run, Japan-only WRX S4 STI Sport♯ followed in January. Now comes the WRX tS, an American-market car that wears the STI badge in its gauge cluster.

This is, of course, still not a WRX STI. The tS badge, which is worryingly close to the TR badge on a very different WRX variant, stands for "tuned by STI." Just as with Japan's WRX S4 STI Sport♯, the name indicates work from the STI team but does not indicate this as a full-throated Subaru STI model. In this particular case, the STI tuning comes on a revised suspension featuring new electronically controlled dampers. Subaru says this helps with both handling capability and ride comfort.

Outside of the headlining suspension, this is otherwise another special edition of the WRX you already know and have strong opinions on. That means 271 hp from a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four, symmetrical all-wheel drive, and standard active torque vectoring. WRX tS models also get a larger 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and access to three drive mode selections: Comfort, Normal, and Sport.

All WRX tS models come with Recaro seats, unique interior and exterior accents, and Brembo brakes with gold calipers. Those things, so often highlights of the STIs of old, serve as a reminder of a more compelling car Subaru is committed to not building. This is yet another slightly more hardcore WRX, and while that may not be as exciting as an STI with big power and a big wing, it still improves a solid and affordable performance car option.

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