Subaru claims the tS in the latest special WRX stands for “Tuned by STI”, which will warm Subie lover hearts as they dream of getting a little of the high-performance magic once delivered by the automaker’s in-house tuner. But, I like to think it really means the car will do it all toot sweet – even if that means dropping kids at school or getting groceries.
The tS is new for 2025, replacing last year’s “track-ready” TR version, but offers the latter’s increased handling and improved ride control that comes with an electronic suspension. It’s also the first Subaru to offer a flatscreen instrument cluster. I love Subaru’s clear analog gauges, but it was time to embrace the modern age.
Like the previous TR, the tS adopts familiar Subaru styling cues with wide gray grille, angry curve-following LED headlamps, and gray wheelwell cladding attached to a tidy sport sedan with chiseled sculpting. Notice the hood scoop, gray lower body trim, 19” wheels, and subtle rear spoiler. I especially like our car’s Sapphire Blue Pearl paint, even if it does attract dirt like lint to a sweater.
You’ll ask, “Am I blue?” when you open the door. The answer is yes because dash, door, and seat inserts are super bright blue – as is steering wheel and surface stitching. I’m down for it, though as it comes with deep Recaro seats and dash coverings wrapped in Ultrasuede. Seats may be a bit firm for daily driving, but they do hug you tight.
Adding to the technology suite, Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enable easy phone connections. Some may not love the touchscreen and its menus, but I find it easy to navigate for audio, phone, climate and navigation. Redundant physical controls for temperature, defroster, volume and tuning add convenience. The 11-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is decent, but not brilliant.
Safey is though, fortified by Subaru’s EyeSight camera system that enables adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, and lane keep assist. Blind spot warning and rear cross path detection help too. I just wish Subaru would go ahead and add a head-up display to aid drivers no matter where they travel.
Whizzing behind the large grille is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 271 horsepower, 258 lb.-ft. of torque, and 19/26-MPG city/highway when equipped with our car’s very mechanical six-speed manual transmission. A taller sixth gear is needed to enhance fuel economy, but the Porsche-style horizontally-opposed engine keeps weight low in the chassis for stable handling. Tap the turbo for 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, or barely slower than last year’s track-ready TR edition.
If I’m being honest, I can tell no difference between the tS and the TR I drove last summer from behind the wheel, but the electronic adaptive suspension system does as reasonable job of soaking up rough pavement and handling challenging backroads between errands. It’s borderline too firm for daily driving, but not quite. This edition also comes with high-performance Brembo brakes to enhance stopping, active torque vectoring to shorten corners, and Drive Mode Select to adjust throttle, steering, and suspension calibration.
Another thing the tS will do toot sweet is empty you bank account. While the base WRX starts around $35,000, this one takes $45,705 from future earnings. But, it’s kind of worth it considering similar priced competitors like the Honda Civic Type R, Ford Mustang, Acura Integra Type S, Hyundai Elantra N and Audi S3.
Storm Forward!
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