The Subaru WRX tS Breaks Cover, Is It Worth The Wait?

How Good Is It?

In May, Subaru of America announced the all-new 2025 WRX tS sports car, which I covered in my story, which you can read here. In June, the new WRX tS broke cover at the Wicked Big Meet held at Stafford Motor Speedway in Stafford, Connecticut this month.

Thousands of Subaru fans flocked to the event to see not just Subaru's newest performance car but also every flavor of Subaru car you can imagine. It's only for the most ardent fans.

2025 Subaru WRX tS breaks cover

Fans got to see Travis Pastrana and Bucky Lasek take the car on the track for a few laps and show what the new WRX is capable of—not only on the pavement but also on the grass, where the traction is not so great. The drivers and fans had fun.

They Aren't Getting Any Younger

How old are these two Subaru race car drivers? Travis Pastrana is 40, which officially puts him over the hill when it comes to professional driving skills. Your skills diminish rapidly after 35 years. 

Bucky Lasek is how old?

You may not believe it, but Bucky Lasek is 51 years old, which makes him ancient in terms of professional race car driving. When he was a kid, he was a professional skateboarder before he got behind the wheel of the Subaru rallycross car. That seems like light years ago. 

It may be time for Subaru of America to get some younger talent. 

Enough about them

You came here to read about the 2025 WRX tS, which isn't too long in the tooth—or is it?

What's the new WRX tS about? 

The New 2025 WRX tS stands out with its unique upgrades over the other trims.

• Drive Mode Select with electronically controlled STI-tuned dampers is the first to be mentioned. Subaru says the new 2025 WRX tS trim level offers increased performance, handling capability, and ride comfort thanks to a new STI-tuned suspension featuring electronically controlled dampers and revised suspension tuning. 
• Drive Mode Select, previously available only on the WRX GT (with the automatic transmission), features electronically controlled STI-tuned dampers that can tailor the dynamic performance to the driver's preferences with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings.

The tS gets a Full LCD digital gauge cluster display. New distinctive interior accents and a new fully digital gauge cluster enhance the vehicle's aesthetics. 

On the inside, the WRX tS features an all-new 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, which offers improved legibility and the capability to prominently show additional information to the driver, including map display and route guidance information.

Exclusive exterior accents

Subaru says the latest generation WRX has a wide-body design offering an aggressive stance and bold look. At the front, Subaru's signature hexagonal grille is paired with a compact headlight design and broad front hood scoop. Prominent character lines across the vehicle's front, sides, and rear further emphasize the sports sedan's strength and performance capability. 

The exterior foldable mirrors, roof-mounted shark fin antenna, and rear spoiler are now finished in Crystal Black Silica "for a distinctive look." The rear deck lid now wears the tS badge. Rear taillights glow with a look inspired by volcanic magma.

Exclusive interior accents

On the inside, The seat bolsters, steering wheel, door panels, and shifter trim are complemented by blue accents. The iconic STI logo is featured on the ignition start button. The power moonroof has been deleted for weight savings, lower center of gravity, and additional headroom for helmeted drivers.

The tS gets a high-performance Brembo braking system featuring gold-colored calipers.

• The WRX tS Brembo braking system includes 6-piston front and 2-piston rear calipers in signature gold color and larger pads and rotors. The system provides enhanced stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel.

There are also 19-inch wheels paired with Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires.

• The tS also has 245/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires for increased wet and dry grip and improved braking performance. New 19-inch multi-spoke wheels in satin gray finish come standard on the WRX tS.

Standard Recaro Ultrasuede front seats with blue accents

The WRX tS seats are wrapped in black Ultrasuede with contrasting blue accents, and the "WRX tS" logo is embossed on the front headrests and carpeted floormats. The driver's seat includes 8-way power adjustments.

Standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology

Eyesight Driver Assist Technology safety tech is standard and includes Adaptive Cruise Control, a Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and a Lead Vehicle Start Alert. This is the second WRX to get Subaru's safety system compatible with a standard gearbox; the WRX TR was the first. 

Where's The Engine Upgrades?

Subaru's performance and motorsports partner (STI) got their hands on the new WRX tS, but they missed one crucial thing: the 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine stays the same. That's disappointing. 

The WRX tS's 2.4-liter turbocharged Subaru Boxer engine delivers 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. There lies the problem. 

You can get that engine in any 2024 Subaru WRX trim level now. I would have liked it if Subaru had let STI bump up the WRX's horsepower and torque to give it legit performance upgrades.

Want More Proof?

The 2024 Subaru WRX is one of the most affordable new sports cars but has the fewest horsepower. My report here lists six sporty cars with more power than the WRX.

What's the difference between the WRX TR and the WRX tS?

Subaru will drop the 2024 WRX TR after only one year (Read my report here). A spokesperson for Subaru of America told Automotive News that the main performance difference between the TR and tS trims is that STI tuned the tS's electronically controlled dampers. The tS also adds a fully digital gauge display and blue interior accenting.

Subaru, why did you drop the WRX TR?

I asked Subaru for a response, and here is their reply. "The 2024 WRX TR is currently in production and will remain in production throughout the remainder of the model year.  For the 2025 model year, the newly announced tS model will essentially replace the TR in the model line-up.  Subaru continues to improve its products yearly, and the WRX tS reflects this."

So, is the WRX tS worth the wait?

The 2025 WRX tS is a fine sports car and will satisfy most performance car enthusiasts. I would have liked to see Subaru give performance enthusiasts added engine upgrades. The STI is gone for now, so why not give fans something to get excited about? 

Travis Pastrana and Bucky Lasek are getting long in the tooth. We don't want the WRX to age with them. 

When Can You Purchase The New WRX tS?

You will have to wait for a while. The 2025 Subaru WRX tS will arrive at Subaru retailers in the first quarter of 2025. Pricing for the new WRX tS will be announced later this year. Stay tuned.

Is the 2025 WRX tS worth the wait? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know your thoughts.

I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Subaru via Jason Nugent Photography