Posted Friday, December 13, 2024 at 9:51pm

2025 Subaru WRX tS Review: Pushes boundaries, but it’s no STI

“This isn’t supposed to be an STI.”

I kept repeating that phrase to myself throughout the week I spent driving Subaru’s new 2025 WRX tS. This newest addition to the WRX lineup promises to be the fastest WRX yet, with new STI-tuned suspension and an assortment of other rally-inspired upgrades including big Brembo brakes and beefy Recaro bucket seats.

There’s no doubt that the new tS trim brings some major upgrades to the WRX, but for all of its improvements, it still feels like a step down from the STI-level performance that prospective buyers are yearning for. Nevertheless, as fans eagerly await the elusive next-generation WRX STI, Subaru’s top-tier WRX tS trim is the next best thing.