For decades, the Subaru WRX has stood as a symbol of rally-bred performance, Canadian winter readiness, and that unmistakable rumble from its turbocharged BOXER® engine. With the STI no longer in the lineup, many enthusiasts wondered if Subaru’s edge had dulled. The answer arrives in the form of the 2025 Subaru WRX tS, a car tuned for sharper handling, wrapped in modern safety, and designed to handle the dual personality of weekday commuting and weekend fun. Most importantly, it keeps the hallmarks we love: a six-speed manual and Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive.
What “tS” Really Means
On this model, tS stands for “tuned by STI.” It’s a designation Subaru reserves for trims that benefit from enhancements developed by Subaru Tecnica International, the brand’s performance and motorsports division. While the WRX tS doesn’t pack more horsepower than a standard WRX, it brings STI-inspired upgrades like adaptive electronic dampers, a Brembo® high-performance braking system, Recaro® sport seats, and subtle design touches that set it apart. Subaru isn’t calling this an STI, but there’s no mistaking that the STI team had a strong hand in its personality.
Exterior Design
The 2025 WRX tS is understated yet undeniably Subaru. It doesn’t scream for attention, but enthusiasts will pick up on the details: the low-profile black lip spoiler, 19-inch wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza tires, quad-tip polished exhaust, and STI-inspired badging. It strikes a delicate balance between stealth and aggression, making it a car that looks equally at home in a suburban driveway as it does staged on the starting line of a track day.
Cabin & Technology
Inside, the WRX tS walks the line between track focus and everyday comfort beautifully. The heated Recaro® performance bucket seats, finished with bold blue accent stitching and an eight-way power adjustment for the driver, hold you firmly in place without sacrificing comfort. Front and centre is a crisp 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, exclusive to the tS, offering customizable layouts for everything from performance data to navigation. Everyday conveniences like a proximity key with push-button start, dual-zone climate control, and a polished exhaust note that filters through the cabin keep the experience lively.
On the tech front, Subaru equips the WRX tS with its latest EyeSight® Driver Assist suite, including Emergency Stop Assist, Emergency Lane Keep Assist, and Adaptive High-Beam Assist. The DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System adds a thoughtful layer of safety, reminding drivers to keep their attention where it belongs – whether it’s weaving through city traffic or cruising along the highway.
Powertrain & Performance
Under the hood, the WRX tS sticks to a formula that works: Subaru’s 2.4-litre turbocharged direct-injection BOXER® four-cylinder, producing 271 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The close-ratio six-speed manual and viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential ensure the rally spirit is alive and well.
Acceleration to 100 km/h takes about 5.5 seconds, not the quickest in its segment but quick enough to put a smile on your face through winding country roads. What impressed me most was how different the WRX tS feels depending on the drive mode. Subaru has done a remarkable job crafting unique personalities for the car. In Comfort, the ride is forgiving enough to smooth out Toronto’s potholes, while Sport+ tightens everything up, transforming the vehicle into a track-day weapon with precision handling.
Brembo® brakes with six-piston callipers up front and two-piston rears, clamping onto large 13.4-inch rotors, deliver the kind of confidence that matters in Canada; not only for spirited driving in the summer but also for those inevitable snowy descents in winter.
Fuel Efficiency
Despite its rally roots, the WRX tS returns reasonable fuel economy. It’s rated at 12.4 L/100 km in the city, 9.0 on the highway, and 10.9 combined. With its 63-litre tank, you can cover between 575 and 600 km of mixed driving before needing a refill. Subaru does require premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher, so be prepared for a little extra at the pump.
Price & Value in Canada
In Canada, the WRX tS starts at $47,995, and with freight, PDI and fees, the total comes to just over $50,000. That positions it slightly under the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla Circuit. While it may not be the horsepower champ, the WRX tS delivers AWD security, a manual gearbox, and an advanced suite of safety and driver-assist tech – all in a package that feels carefully tailored to our roads and seasons.
Rivals & Segment Snapshot
Compared to its main rivals, the WRX tS sits in an interesting sweet spot. The Civic Type R, priced at about $51,830, brings 315 horsepower and benchmark front-wheel-drive handling. The GR Corolla Circuit Edition, starting around $53,050, offers 300 horsepower and rally-ready AWD. The WRX tS, at $50,090 all-in, may not top the charts in outright power, but it balances performance, comfort, and year-round usability.
Verdict
The 2025 Subaru WRX tS is the sweet spot for enthusiasts who crave a manual transmission, want AWD confidence for Canada’s unpredictable winters, and still expect a chassis refined enough for track days. It isn’t perfect: there’s no horsepower bump over the base WRX, and its price edges close to more powerful competition. However, its strengths in versatility, braking and safety make it one of the most complete WRXs Subaru has ever built.
Final Word
The WRX tS isn’t the STI reborn, but it’s a car that carries the Subaru performance torch proudly. For just over $50,000, Canadian drivers are getting a four-season sport sedan that blends everyday livability with rally-inspired thrills. In a market that’s steadily losing manual gearboxes and AWD performance cars, the WRX tS feels like a gift: it’s a refined rebel built for those of us who still cherish the pure joy of driving.
Kay Layne is a dynamic automotive journalist with a passion for anything with a motor and wheels. Known for her sharp insights and compelling storytelling, she covers everything from industry news and vehicle reviews to the intersection of technology, policy and design. With a background in broadcast journalism, Kay wishes to bring a fresh voice to the world of automotive media. Her website is itskaylayne.com and her email address is [email protected].
