Michael SatterfieldThe 2025 Subaru WRX tS in World Rally Blue Pearl with a manual transmission is a compelling addition to Subaru’s performance lineup. Designed for enthusiasts who cherish the tactile engagement of a six-speed manual gearbox, the WRX tS offers a harmonious blend of modern engineering and nostalgic driving pleasure, but can it feel the hole left in enthusiasts’ hearts from the loss of the STI?
Performance and Handling
At the heart of the WRX tS lies a 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, delivering 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant, paired exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission, ensures drivers have complete control over the vehicle’s performance dynamics. The manual gearbox offers a direct and engaging driving experience, a rarity in today’s automotive landscape.
The tS model stands out with its STI-tuned electronically controlled dampers, allowing drivers to select from Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings to tailor the suspension response to their preferences. This adaptability enhances both daily drivability and spirited driving sessions. Additionally, the inclusion of a high-performance Brembo braking system, featuring six-piston front and two-piston rear calipers, provides exceptional stopping power and confidence during aggressive driving.
Design and Interior
The World Rally Blue Pearl exterior pays homage to Subaru’s rich rally heritage, evoking memories of the brand’s storied past in motorsports. The tS variant is distinguished by 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with a satin gray finish, black mirror caps, and a subtle trunk lip spoiler, offering a modern twist on classic WRX aesthetics.
Inside, the cabin features Recaro Performance Design front seats upholstered in black Ultrasuede with blue accents, embossed with the “WRX tS” logo. These seats provide excellent support during spirited drives while maintaining comfort for daily commutes. The interior is further enhanced with blue stitching and trim pieces, creating a cohesive and sporty ambiance. A new 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster offers customizable displays, ensuring drivers have pertinent information readily available.
Driving Experience
The 2025 WRX tS’s true essence is revealed from behind the wheel. The manual transmission offers precise shifts, allowing drivers to extract the most from the turbocharged engine. The STI-tuned suspension provides a balanced ride, absorbing daily road imperfections while remaining composed during aggressive cornering. The Brembo brakes inspire confidence, delivering consistent and strong stopping power.
I took the WRX for a long backroad drive through the Texas countryside; it loves to run through the twists and curves, and with different tires, I would have loved to tackle some loose surfaces where the WRX was built to shine. However, for those who have longed for the return of the WRX STI, the tS might leave a yearning for more. While it excels in many areas, the absence of the iconic STI wing and the additional horsepower that the STI badge traditionally brings might leave purists nostalgic for the past. The tS offers a refined and mature driving experience, but it doesn’t fully capture the raw, unbridled spirit that the STI models were known for. The early 2000s tuner in me wants to slap an Apexi exhaust, an STI wing, and some bold Subaru rally graphics down the side, but it still wouldn’t be an STI.
Should You Buy A WRX tS?
The 2025 Subaru WRX tS in World Rally Blue Pearl with a manual transmission calls back to Subaru’s glory days of building exciting, enthusiast-focused vehicles. It combines modern performance enhancements with the engaging experience of a manual gearbox, all wrapped in a design that nods to the brand’s rally heritage. While it may not fill the void left by the STI, the WRX tS offers a lot of performance and driving fun for those seeking a spirited and connected driving experience. I hope that with the success of cars like the tS and WRX tR, Subaru will give us what we really want: an STI rally car with a license plate.
Photos Courtesy of Subaru
