Summary
The 2025 Subaru WRX is the latest iteration of Subaru’s iconic sports sedan, renowned for its rally-inspired performance and all-weather capability. Building on a legacy of motorsports success, the new WRX delivers a potent combination of a turbocharged 2.4-liter BOXER engine producing 271 horsepower, Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, and advanced handling technologies designed to thrill driving enthusiasts while maintaining everyday usability. This model year introduces a refined lineup of four trims—Premium, Limited, GT, and the all-new tS—each offering unique performance and comfort enhancements tailored to different driver preferences.
A notable addition to the 2025 WRX lineup is the WRX tS trim, developed in collaboration with Subaru Tecnica International (STI). Unlike a traditional preview model, the tS stands as a dedicated performance variant featuring STI-tuned suspension with electronically adjustable dampers, Brembo performance brakes, and exclusive styling cues that elevate the driving experience through sharper responsiveness and improved handling precision. This specialized trim underscores Subaru’s commitment to delivering track-capable performance within a versatile daily driver package.
Beyond powertrain and chassis improvements, the 2025 WRX integrates modern technology and comfort features across its trims. Standard driver-assistance systems such as EyeSight® and DriverFocus® enhance safety, while interior upgrades include a configurable 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster on the tS and an 11.6-inch STARLINK® touchscreen infotainment system available throughout the range. Subaru also emphasizes value with competitive pricing starting at $35,750 for the Premium trim and attractive financing options to broaden accessibility.
The 2025 WRX has garnered positive reception for its balance of performance, technology, and price, continuing Subaru’s tradition as a rally-bred performance leader. While enthusiasts praise the handling and powertrain refinements—especially in the tS variant—some debate remains regarding the shift toward fewer trim options and the discontinuation of a more basic base model, reflecting changing market demands. Overall, the 2025 WRX upholds its reputation as a versatile, fun-to-drive sports sedan that appeals to both longtime fans and new buyers.
Overview
The 2025 Subaru WRX continues the legacy of a rally legend designed to perform both on and off the racetrack, offering drivers a blend of sporty performance and precision handling. This model year features five distinct trim levels, each progressively sportier, catering to a wide range of driving preferences and needs. Among these trims is the WRX tS, a unique variant developed in collaboration with Subaru Tecnica International (STI). Unlike a preview or placeholder for a future STI model, the WRX tS is its own specialized trim aimed at delivering sharper responsiveness and enhanced handling precision.
Subaru’s commitment to rigorous testing and performance validation is evident, with data drawn from decades of instrumented testing involving hundreds of vehicles annually, ensuring that each WRX model lives up to the brand’s reputation for dynamic driving experiences. For those interested in exploring the features and specifications of each trim, detailed comparisons and reviews provide comprehensive insights into everything from engine configurations to exterior color options. The 2025 WRX lineup exemplifies Subaru’s dedication to delivering unbeatable pricing combined with powerful upgrades and new trim options, continuing to excite enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Design and Features
The 2025 Subaru WRX showcases a blend of rally-inspired performance and refined design enhancements that cater to both driving enthusiasts and everyday commuters. Built on the Subaru Global Platform, the WRX benefits from increased rigidity and torsional stiffness thanks to the extensive use of high-strength steel, contributing to improved handling, ride comfort, and cabin quietness.
Visually, the 2025 WRX adopts subtle but aggressive styling updates. The front bumper and grille have been redesigned to present a more assertive appearance, reinforcing its sporty character. The WRX tS trim stands out with exclusive Crystal Black Silica accents and a modern star-shaped design on its 19-inch satin gray wheels, wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires for enhanced grip and control at the limits of performance.
Inside, the cabin combines sportiness with premium touches. The WRX tS trim features Recaro® front seats upholstered in a mix of UltraSuede and leather, delivering a balance of support and long-distance comfort. Complementing this sporty ambiance are carbon fiber-look trim accents and ultrasuede upholstery with red contrast stitching that add to the interior’s dynamic appeal. Meanwhile, other trims such as the Limited offer sophisticated red interior accents and a power moonroof to enhance both aesthetics and comfort.
Technology is at the forefront of the WRX experience. A fully digital, configurable 12.3-inch LCD gauge cluster on the tS trim improves legibility and can display additional information such as navigation maps and route guidance. All WRX models come standard with Subaru’s latest EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, providing advanced adaptive cruise control, lane centering, automatic emergency braking, and lane departure prevention—even on manual transmission models. The center console features an 11.6-inch STARLINK® Multimedia Plus touchscreen system, with navigation available on higher trims, alongside premium audio options including an 11-speaker Harman Kardon® sound system.
Performance-oriented features are especially prominent in the new WRX tS trim, which replaces the previous TR model. This variant is tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI) and incorporates electronically adjustable dampers with Comfort, Normal, and Sport settings, allowing drivers to tailor suspension response to varying road conditions. The tS also upgrades braking performance with Brembo brakes and benefits from the enhanced grip of its Bridgestone Potenza tires, providing precise brake modulation, shorter stopping distances, and superior fade resistance.
Performance
The 2025 Subaru WRX delivers an exhilarating driving experience powered by a 2.4-liter direct-injection turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine producing 271 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. This engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger with an electronic wastegate, providing near-instant boost response and a broad, flat power band that enhances both performance and reliability compared to previous generations. Power is distributed to all four wheels via Subaru’s iconic Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, complemented by a standard six-speed manual transmission or an available Subaru Performance Transmission, which includes an eight-speed manual mode, paddle shifters, and auto vehicle hold.
Handling is a standout characteristic of the WRX, underscored by a track-tuned suspension and a rigid chassis design. The WRX features motorsport-inspired engineering such as a rear anti-roll bar mounted directly to the chassis for excellent roll control and improved ride quality. The new tS trim, tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), elevates the driving dynamics further with electronically adjustable dampers offering Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes, allowing drivers to tailor suspension response to their preferences and road conditions. Complementing the suspension upgrades are stiffer springs, a retuned steering rack, and beefier sway bars, resulting in sharper handling and enhanced communication during aggressive driving.
Braking performance has also been enhanced, particularly on the WRX tS trim, which comes equipped with gold-finished Brembo® 6-piston front and dual-piston rear fixed calipers, paired with large vented rotors and high-performance 245/35 R19 Bridgestone Potenza S007 summer tires for superior grip and fade-resistant braking. These features ensure precise brake modulation and shorter stopping distances, critical for spirited driving and track use.
Additional performance technologies include the Active Torque Vectoring system standard on all trims, which improves cornering stability by dynamically distributing torque between wheels. The WRX GT and tS trims offer the Subaru Intelligent Drive (SI-DRIVE) system, enabling drivers to select driving modes that adjust throttle response, steering feel, and AWD torque distribution to suit various driving environments. With a low curb weight of approximately 3,351 pounds and a low center of gravity achieved through the BOXER engine layout, the 2025 WRX combines agility, power, and precision for a thrilling driving experience.
Trim Levels and Options
The 2025 Subaru WRX is offered in four distinct trim levels: Premium, Limited, GT, and the all-new tS, each tailored to different driving preferences and equipped with unique features to enhance performance and comfort.
The Premium trim represents the best value in the lineup, featuring heated seats, heated mirrors and wipers ideal for cold climates, and a large 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus touchscreen system for advanced connectivity and entertainment. This trim comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and Subaru’s all-wheel drive (AWD) system, with an optional Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT), a continuously variable automatic transmission that includes paddle shift capability. Fuel economy for the manual Premium trim is rated at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, while the automatic version achieves 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
The Limited trim builds upon the Premium’s features by adding a power moonroof, body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and advanced safety options, making it an ideal choice for drivers seeking a blend of premium comfort and high-performance driving. Like the Premium, the Limited trim offers the choice between the six-speed manual and the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT), which provides adaptive shift control and rev-matching capabilities to optimize cornering and acceleration response.
The GT trim focuses on performance and advanced technology, coming standard with the Subaru Performance Transmission (SPT) and exclusive features such as variable torque distribution AWD, the SI-DRIVE engine performance management system, and drive mode select. The GT also introduces a sport-tuned suspension with Electronic Adjustable Ride Control, allowing drivers to fine-tune ride firmness to match road conditions. This trim eschews the manual transmission option, offering only the advanced automatic transmission to deliver smooth, adaptive shifting tailored for dynamic driving. The GT’s 0-60 mph acceleration time is the quickest in the lineup, clocking in at 5.7 seconds with the CVT.
The newest addition, the tS trim, is engineered by Subaru Tecnica International (STI) for enthusiasts who prioritize precision handling and enhanced ride quality. It features Brembo® performance brakes and an STI-tuned suspension with electronically controlled adjustable dampers that offer Comfort, Normal, and Sport modes to adapt suspension response to varying road conditions. The tS trim emphasizes elevated ride handling and control, making it the most performance-oriented option in the 2025 WRX lineup.
Across all trims, the WRX maintains its aggressive styling signature with elements such as the iconic hood scoop, hexagonal grille, and compact LED headlights. The lineup standardizes Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive system, reinforcing the WRX’s reputation for reliable performance in diverse driving environments. Optional features and accessories are available across trims, allowing owners to customize their WRX with enhancements ranging from cargo solutions to aesthetic upgrades.
Pricing and Availability
The 2025 Subaru WRX is available at retailers beginning early 2025, with a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $35,750 for the entry-level Premium trim. This trim serves as the new base model after the discontinuation of the previous base WRX, reflecting consumer preference for more feature-rich options. The WRX lineup consists of four trims: Premium, Limited, GT, and the all-new tS, with pricing ranging up to $48,875 for the GT trim.
In terms of financing and leasing, Subaru is offering attractive incentives through January 2, 2026. Customers can take advantage of 0% APR financing for up to 72 months on a new 2025 WRX, with monthly payments as low as $13.89 per $1,000 borrowed and no down payment required. These offers are subject to credit approval and vehicle availability. Leasing options are also available on other Subaru models during this period, though specific lease deals for the WRX have not been detailed.
Marketing and Promotional Campaigns
Subaru’s marketing for the 2025 WRX emphasizes its rally heritage and driving performance, branding the model as “the rally legend for the next generation”. Promotional materials highlight the vehicle’s connection to Subaru Motorsports USA, which has secured 18 United States national rally championships, including the 2024 American Rally Association overall title. This legacy is leveraged to appeal to enthusiasts seeking both everyday usability and racetrack capability.
For 2025, Subaru streamlined the WRX lineup to four trim levels—Premium, Limited, GT, and tS—discontinuing the previous base model to better align with buyer preferences focused on features and driving excitement. This refined trim structure is a key element in Subaru’s promotional narrative, showcasing a range that delivers fun and performance at every price point.
Visual and experiential marketing efforts underscore the WRX’s performance upgrades, such as enhanced braking systems with shorter stopping distances and improved heat dissipation, promoting confidence in both routine and spirited driving. Advertisements and dealership campaigns also spotlight exclusive features like the configurable full digital LCD gauge cluster, Drive Mode Select, and the distinctive 19-inch Satin Gray wheels wrapped in Bridgestone Potenza S007 tires, designed to enhance grip and control.
Teasers and reveal events have been strategically used to build anticipation, including early video clips hinting at future STI variants, complete with racy boxer engine sounds and a scheduled reveal date, maintaining engagement within the enthusiast community. Dealerships such as Step One Subaru in Fort Walton Beach have also played a role in localized promotional efforts, offering detailed trim comparisons and in-person experiences to potential buyers.
Reception
The 2025 Subaru WRX has been met with enthusiasm from both fans and automotive experts, who recognize it as a rally legend poised for the next generation. Subaru’s announcement of the new performance-focused WRX tS trim, debuting at America’s largest Subaru enthusiast festival, Wicked Big Meet, highlighted the brand’s commitment to enhanced performance and handling through STI-tuned suspension with electronically controlled dampers. This upgrade has been praised for delivering improved ride comfort and driving dynamics.
Consumer preferences have also influenced the lineup, with nearly half of WRX buyers choosing the Premium trim level last year, prompting Subaru to make it the new entry point for the 2025 model year. This decision underscores the balance between value, performance, and practicality that customers expect from the WRX. Additionally, industry experts and testing organizations, such as Car and Driver, continue to provide detailed comparisons and evaluations that assist prospective buyers in understanding the features and performance differences among the various trim levels.
The content is provided by Harper Eastwood, Front Signals
