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

AVANTI R5 · 05-30-2024, 12:52 PM

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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 and tire upgrade over the other WRXs. We’re not sure exactly how the suspension in the 2025 WRX tS is different from the 2024 WRX TR other than the fact that STI is said to have had a personal hand in tuning the tS’ suspension while no such claim is made for the TR.

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

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.

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.

The TR effectively gets an upgrade, but sadly no more power

The tS badge, which has adorned both generations of Subaru's BRZ 2+2, is coming to the WRX next year. It stands for "Tuned by STI," and like the 2024 WRX TR, it borrows some of the automatic-only WRX GT's goodies and combines them with something you can't get on the touring-oriented model: an old-fashioned manual transmission. But if you're hoping for STI power (or fancy differential upgrades, for that matter), sadly, there's no news on that front.

The formula's pretty simple: Take a standard WRX and add some more go-fast goodies. The biggie here is the new adaptive suspension, which was plucked from the automatic-only GT and upgraded with STI-tuned dampers. And with that new suspension system comes Subaru's enhanced drive modes —
something lacking from the basic stick-shift WRX.

The rest of the upgrades read similarly to the WRX TR's: steering tweaks, larger Brembo brakes (six-piston front; two-piston rear) with an upgraded master cylinder, and new 19-inch wheels and Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer performance tires. The tS also gets the fancy Recaro seats available in the TR and GT. Like the TR, the tS is offered only without a moonroof. Hooray for helmet room!

Aesthetically, the tS makes a greater effort to differentiate itself. You'll find STI and tS badging on this one (the TR offers no indication of its place within the hierarchy), what appears to be a cherry-blossom tinged "WRX" badge up front and, of course, prominent "Recaro" embroidery on the front bucket seats, which feature blue accents that are repeated on the door panels, steering wheel and shifter trim.

If this all sounds like Subaru turned the wick up on the TR and just changed the second letter, you're not all that far from the truth. A Subaru spokesperson told Autoblog that the tS "will essentially replace the TR" when it arrives in 2025. The same spokesperson did not rule out the possibility of the TR's fixed suspension making its way under other WRX models, but noted that it would require a package that included the TR's tire and wheel package, as they were engineered holistically.

The tS will slot in between the existing WRX Limited and GT. That's a gap of about $5,000, so there's a decent amount of runway on which Subaru can conceivably land it. We can't completely rule out the possibility that it ends up sharing a spotlight — and price tag — with the range-topping GT. At this rate, Subaru's on pace to give us a new STI one piece at a time. Stay tuned for the latest.

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Kostamojen · 05-30-2024, 01:40 PM

Pictures speak a thousand words...

Basically a TR with adaptive dampers, different interior colors, and digital screen?

Still no LSD's

Ultimateone · 05-30-2024, 02:01 PM

new cluster looks cheeks

ShadowLess · 05-30-2024, 02:06 PM

2025 Subaru WRX tS Gets New Digital Gauges And Active STI-Supension

https://www.carscoops.com/2024/05/20...o-extra-power/

Snow Drift · 05-30-2024, 02:26 PM

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2025...t-look-review/

Official:

https://media.subaru.com/pressreleas...025-subaru-wrx

Straight6 · 05-30-2024, 02:57 PM

Great looking car! Good to see adaptive dampers. The digital cluster looks very nice too. Looks like another great package.

20WRX20 · 05-30-2024, 03:32 PM

Cool, still not buying it until the unpainted plastic is gone.

uglywrx · 05-30-2024, 03:49 PM

I hope to find one at auction soon for that sick interior to swap and salvage the rest. Another Subaru trim that is an overprices appearance package, typical wine mom Subaru stuff

subySerb · 05-30-2024, 04:57 PM

Could it be that Subaru can't pass emissions if they use the STI transmission? It's weird that they don't want to use because they could easily crank up the boost on the 2.4 engine for a lot more HP and Torque. The only reason that they don't is because the current 6 speed can't handle more than 258 lb ft of torque.

Pre · 05-30-2024, 05:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultimateone

new cluster looks cheeks

It’s a throwback to vinyl spinning on 1200’s

Snow Drift · 05-30-2024, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by subySerb

Could it be that Subaru can't pass emissions if they use the STI transmission? It's weird that they don't want to use because they could easily crank up the boost on the 2.4 engine for a lot more HP and Torque. The only reason that they don't is because the current 6 speed can't handle more than 258 lb ft of torque.

While I prefer the old WRX and STI transmissions, VB WRX competitors also have cable-shifters. So, if someone cross shopped the GTI, Si, Elantra N and then drives the WRX, they would think the shifter is too stiff/clunky. So, besides the cost savings, it's probably a better business plan.

Snow Drift · 05-30-2024, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pre

It’s a throwback to vinyl spinning on 1200’s

Reminds me of the old Legacy.

2008 Spec.B

subySerb · 05-30-2024, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Snow Drift

While I prefer the old WRX and STI transmissions, VB WRX competitors also have cable-shifters. So, if someone cross shopped the GTI, Si, Elantra N and then drives the WRX, they would think the shifter is too stiff/clunky. So, besides the cost savings, it's probably a better business plan.

I'm OK with the cable shifter. I just don't understand why Subaru is not using the old STI transmission because we know it can hold more torque than the 258 ft lbs that the current and VA WRX has.

Brahmzy · 05-30-2024, 06:16 PM

Barf.

So much potential. So much shortfall.

Scooby-Doode · 05-30-2024, 08:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Straight6

Great looking car! Good to see adaptive dampers. The digital cluster looks very nice too. Looks like another great package.

This is amazing. I just cancelled my Golf R order.

dgoodhue · 05-30-2024, 11:15 PM

I am glad that bought a TR. I can see this model being another $2k with the adjustable suspension, digital dash and accents. At 1st glance, It doesn’t look like Subaru is doing a 2025 refresh.

Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

OldBlu · 05-31-2024, 07:09 AM

No facelift, no care.

KC · 05-31-2024, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgoodhue

I am glad that bought a TR. I can see this model being another $2k with the adjustable suspension, digital dash and accents. At 1st glance, It doesn’t look like Subaru is doing a 2025 refresh.

Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

More than the Limited. Less than the GT. Seeing it will replace the TR, I'm guessing $43.5k.

dgoodhue · 05-31-2024, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KC

More than the Limited. Less than the GT. Seeing it will replace the TR, I'm guessing $43.5k.

The limited with CVT is 41500, the GT is 45500 so a difference of 4000. The major items are Recaro’s and the adjustable suspension. I think the adjustable suspension is in the 1500 range. Subaru isn’t going to give away the digital dash either.

Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

Russ_G93 · 05-31-2024, 12:11 PM

They do everything that doesn't involve installing a DCCD, let alone the Unfinished painted bumpers Ffs.

fredzy · 05-31-2024, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dgoodhue

The limited with CVT is 41500, the GT is 45500 so a difference of 4000. The major items are Recaro’s and the adjustable suspension. I think the adjustable suspension is in the 1500 range. Subaru isn’t going to give away the digital dash either.

Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

I think the digital dash is a cost-cutting measure in the grand scheme. The day will come when analog gauges are touted as a fancy feature in fun cars.

SoDealer · 05-31-2024, 02:58 PM

No emergency refresh for 22.5, 23, 24, or 25. Not only that…25’s facelift looks to be less than what Subaru would normally do. rallly4…anything to say?

neg_matnik · 05-31-2024, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Russ_G93

They do everything that doesn't involve installing a DCCD, let alone the Unfinished painted bumpers Ffs.

IMO, they don't necessarily need to bring back the DCCD.
They just needed to work on a stronger in-house WRX 6M/T transaxle with the VTD center diff from the HTCVT/SPT WRX. That's all.
It's far too late for all that now.
People that really want their VB to have the strongest drivetrain in Subaru's arsenal can swap in a used STI drivetrain and call it a day.

mcarb002 · 05-31-2024, 09:51 PM

Lowkey I like it. I really dig what they did with the interior and I’m actually a fan of the digital gauge cluster. They’ve had it for years in Japan with the Levorg STI sport and WRX S4 etc

But, one has to imagine they’ll continue coming out with all these special edition models. That might be what they continue doing instead of a refresh. Maybe with the Legacy gone and some future EVs coming soon with Toyota will mean they can do some last “hurrah” special edition WRX that’s basically the STI, which would include a power pump.

SoDealer · 06-01-2024, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcarb002

Lowkey I like it. I really dig what they did with the interior and I’m actually a fan of the digital gauge cluster. They’ve had it for years in Japan with the Levorg STI sport and WRX S4 etc

But, one has to imagine they’ll continue coming out with all these special edition models. That might be what they continue doing instead of a refresh. Maybe with the Legacy gone and some future EVs coming soon with Toyota will mean they can do some last “hurrah” special edition WRX that’s basically the STI, which would include a power pump.

Wouldn't count on it. I would count on WRX being gone before we know it with not much more to it than we see in the tS version.

05-30-2024, 02:06 PM	#4
ShadowLess Scooby Newbie Member#: 280701 Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Grand Canyon Wellsboro Vehicle: 2011 STi/ 05 NSX Black	2025 Subaru WRX tS Gets New Digital Gauges And Active STI-Supension https://www.carscoops.com/2024/05/20...o-extra-power/ Last edited by ShadowLess; 05-30-2024 at 02:27 PM.

05-30-2024, 02:26 PM	#5
Snow Drift Scooby Specialist Member#: 75071 Join Date: Nov 2004 Chapter/Region: Tri-State Location: Long Island Vehicle: 23 Solterra,ModelY Old: 05 08 11 WRX, 18 STI	https://www.motortrend.com/news/2025...t-look-review/ Official: https://media.subaru.com/pressreleas...025-subaru-wrx Last edited by Snow Drift; 05-30-2024 at 03:36 PM.

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05-30-2024, 01:40 PM	#2
Kostamojen Scooby Guru Member#: 2272 Join Date: Sep 2000 Chapter/Region: BAIC Location: Fire Caves Vehicle: 2019 Macan 4cyl 1993 Impreza FWD WRX swap	Pictures speak a thousand words... Basically a TR with adaptive dampers, different interior colors, and digital screen? Still no LSD's

05-30-2024, 02:01 PM	#3
Ultimateone Scooby Guru Member#: 48025 Join Date: Nov 2003 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: By the Ocean, MA Vehicle: 24 FL5 CTR Champ White	new cluster looks cheeks

05-30-2024, 02:57 PM	#6
Straight6 Scooby Specialist Member#: 419593 Join Date: Apr 2015	Great looking car! Good to see adaptive dampers. The digital cluster looks very nice too. Looks like another great package.

05-30-2024, 03:32 PM	#7
20WRX20 Scooby Newbie Member#: 520469 Join Date: Nov 2020	Cool, still not buying it until the unpainted plastic is gone.

05-30-2024, 03:49 PM	#8
uglywrx Scooby Newbie Member#: 534505 Join Date: Jun 2023 Location: PA	I hope to find one at auction soon for that sick interior to swap and salvage the rest. Another Subaru trim that is an overprices appearance package, typical wine mom Subaru stuff

05-30-2024, 04:57 PM	#9
subySerb Scooby Specialist Member#: 155411 Join Date: Jul 2007 Vehicle: 2023 Miata 2015 WRX	Could it be that Subaru can't pass emissions if they use the STI transmission? It's weird that they don't want to use because they could easily crank up the boost on the 2.4 engine for a lot more HP and Torque. The only reason that they don't is because the current 6 speed can't handle more than 258 lb ft of torque.

05-30-2024, 06:16 PM	#14
Brahmzy Scooby Specialist Member#: 3293 Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: CO Vehicle: '25 ///M2 LCI ‘20 Ascent,'15 XTerra P4X	Barf. So much potential. So much shortfall.

05-30-2024, 11:15 PM	#16
dgoodhue Scooby Newbie Member#: 93320 Join Date: Aug 2005 Chapter/Region: NESIC Location: Framingham, MA Vehicle: 2012 2024 WRX TR 2009 Outback 2.5i	I am glad that bought a TR. I can see this model being another $2k with the adjustable suspension, digital dash and accents. At 1st glance, It doesn’t look like Subaru is doing a 2025 refresh. Sent from my iPhone using NASIOC

05-31-2024, 07:09 AM	#17
OldBlu Scooby Newbie Member#: 527735 Join Date: Dec 2021	No facelift, no care.

05-31-2024, 12:11 PM	#20
Russ_G93 Scooby Newbie Member#: 528403 Join Date: Jan 2022 Chapter/Region: NWIC Location: NorCal Vehicle: 22' WR-HikingShoe 24' F350 Tremor, 18' Q5	They do everything that doesn't involve installing a DCCD, let alone the Unfinished painted bumpers Ffs.

05-31-2024, 02:58 PM	#22
SoDealer Scooby Specialist Member#: 67960 Join Date: Aug 2004	No emergency refresh for 22.5, 23, 24, or 25. Not only that…25’s facelift looks to be less than what Subaru would normally do. rallly4…anything to say?

05-31-2024, 09:51 PM	#24
mcarb002 Scooby Newbie Member#: 324784 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: South East Vehicle: 2023 Toyota Sienna 2023 Model Y	Lowkey I like it. I really dig what they did with the interior and I’m actually a fan of the digital gauge cluster. They’ve had it for years in Japan with the Levorg STI sport and WRX S4 etc But, one has to imagine they’ll continue coming out with all these special edition models. That might be what they continue doing instead of a refresh. Maybe with the Legacy gone and some future EVs coming soon with Toyota will mean they can do some last “hurrah” special edition WRX that’s basically the STI, which would include a power pump.