The Subaru WRX has always been the equivalent of an automotive shrug. Not because it lacks character but because it simply doesn’t care what others think. It’s a punk rock band with enough talent to fill stadiums but band members who don’t seem to care about chasing fame. And the STI versions of yesteryear proved so talented that fame chased them.
For 2025, Subaru updated the WRX to now include the tS, which at first glance appears to be the same flannel-wearing street fighter. But looks can be deceiving. The tS hides sharpened tools underneath, translating to better handling and responsiveness.
What does “tS” really mean?
Subaru positions the tS as being tuned by STI, but it’s not an STI return. Sure, that’s technically true; only Subaru can name something STI. And to be clear, there’s no extra power here, no gigantic wing that takes out flocks of birds, and no pink STI badge on the trunk. But the tS is imbued with enough STI-ness to make a case.
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