Manual transmissions are nearing extinction. That’s why the 2025 Subaru WRX tS was a breath of fresh air.
In fact, the guy that delivered it to my driveway said “a manual transmission is the best security feature available today. Who would steal a car they can’t drive away?”
My tester was powered by a 2.4-liter, turbocharged Subaru BOXER engine combined with a six-speed manual transmission and symmetrical all-wheel drive. The combo delivers 271 horsepower, 258 lb-ft of torque, estimated range near 400 miles, and 22 miles per gallon fuelaccommodate economy is combined city/highway driving.
The four-door sedan is functional for four adults, five in a squeeze. And the trunk, for a car considered to be a sports car, was large enough to accommodate my full-size golf bag and a push cart with room to space.
“Our customers expect value, performance and practicality with the 2025 Subaru WRX, and we’re happy to deliver all of those,” said William Stokes, Car Line Planning Manager for Subaru of America. “For 2025, the Subaru WRX lineup reflects our buyers’ preferences for features and fun at every stop, from Premium to tS.”
WRX is offered in four trim levels: Premium, Limited, GT, and tS. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on all trim levels, except the GT. The manual transmission features optimized gear ratios with refined shift quality and incline start assist. It offers crisp up and down shifts, including adaptive shift control to quickly respond with rev-matching downshifts under braking to maintain an ideal gear ratio around corners.
Visually, this year’s WRX is marked by its iconic hood scoop and signature hexagonal grille flanked by compact LED headlights. The “WRX” badging stands out thanks to a new red badge on the grille and rear trunk lid. Other exterior highlights include a low-profile rear spoiler, quad-tip exhaust, and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The tS trim produces a performance-focused WRX offers increased handling capability and ride comfort thanks to new STI-tuned electronically controlled dampers. Other highlights include a high-performance Brembo braking system, including six-piston front and two-piston rear calipers in signature gold, including larger pads and rotors.
Drive Mode Select features settings for the STI-tuned electronically adjustable dampers to tailor performance among Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings. The system also includes adjustable settings for the power steering, throttle response, and EyeSight system, including a user-customizable Individual mode accessible via steering wheel controls or touchscreen settings.
Inside, grippy Recaro performance design front seats are wrapped in black Ultra-suede with contrasting blue accents and “WRX tS” embossed on the front headrests and carpeted floor mats. The seat bolsters, steering wheel, door panels, and shifter trim are complemented with blue accents as well.
A trip along the back roads of Whatcom County put the WRX tS through its paces and it performed like a champ. We toured Chuckanut Drive on the way home and the car handled the narrow pavement and sharp turns with ease.
Creature comforts included a multimedia navigation system, aluminum alloy pedal covers, wireless phone charger, power moonroof, and 11-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system with 504-watts of power.
All Subaru WRX models are equipped with Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, including models equipped with a manual transmission. On vehicles with a manual transmission, EyeSight includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering, Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure Prevention, and Pre-Collision Brake Assist.
Base Price: $42,655
Price As Driven: $45,705
Destination charge is included in base price. Vehicles are provided by the manufacturer. List price may vary at local dealerships.
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