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2025 Subaru WRX tS - Review by Bruce Hotchkiss


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2025 Subaru WRX tS

Oh Stop Your Bitchin'

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Bruce Hotchkiss
By Bruce Hotchkiss
Special Correspondent - West Coast Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL


Okay I get it, this ain't your beloved STi. Cry me a freakin' river. Get over it. Rejoice in what it is, a darn fine sports sedan.

I've been a Subie fan for a long time. Way back in a different life (in the late '70s) I was a mechanic at a Lincoln Mercury dealer that took on a Subaru franchise. Although underpowered, Subaru with its AWD was a big selling point in Ontario, Canada.

Through the years I've had some favorite Subarus. The first generation Impreza RS (non-turbo), and the later Forester XT come to mind.

As soon as I saw this 2025 WRX tS I fell in love. I cannot resist a blue car, and the Sapphire Blue Pearl stole my heart. Imagine that, color is more important than horsepower in this case.


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2025 Subaru WRX tS

Let's get to the specs that make the car - 271 hp, 258 lb-ft, 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, and top speed of 145 mph. No I didn't verify these numbers but I trust the source.

As important as acceleration and top speed are, stopping is even more so. Subaru uses 6-piston calipers and 13.4" rotors on the front, and dual piston calipers and 12.8" rotors in the back. If you go fast you need great brakes. Trust me.

Fuel economy is fair depending on your right foot - 26-mpg highway, and 19-mpg city.

The WRX tS is not a winter car, at least not with the 245/35R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer tires. If you live or drive in snow you might want to invest in a set of mounted WINTER tires.


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2025 Subaru WRX tS

A manual transmission, a 6-speed, is the transmission of choice for true believers. For you folks that aren't sure what the left pedal is for there is the "Lineartronic CVT Subaru Performance Transmission." Maybe I've adapted but I think 6-speed manuals have become much better, easier to operate. The clutch action was smooth, and the shifter slotted into every gear with no vagueness.

When I first drove the WRX tS I thought "damn the ride is harsh." I mean really stiff. You may not believe me but California roads are not super smooth. After suffering for a day or two I found the control for the suspension - changed it from rigid to "aah that's better" (Comfort).


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2025 Subaru WRX tS

The WRX tS is not a Spartan race car, I'd say it is more of a Grand Touring sedan, especially with the suspension set to Comfort. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, and the controls are fairly accessible (relative to the high-tech world we live in). The exhaust note was not unpleasant or overly loud.

Like so many vehicles today the WRX tS is rated as a 5-person car - four will be comfortable.


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2025 Subaru WRX tS

Although not huge, there is enough room in the trunk for 12.5 cubic feet of stuff. Throw your bags in and take your partner for a weekend away.


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2025 Subaru WRX tS

Now we get to pricing. There are four WRX variants - Premium, Limited, tS, and GT. Prices run from $35,750 to $45,705 (the tS and GT are at the top price).

Although an extra 40 hp (the previous STi was rated at 310 hp) would be icing on the cake, the 2025 Subaru WRX is a fine car as it is. I enjoyed it. You might too.