Subaru WRX tS Spec B 2025 Review

If you want an indication of how important, and how popular, the WRX is Down Under, a quick check of the monthly VFACTS sales data has all the proof – especially after Subaru dropped the ‘Impreza’ nameplate from the ‘Rex’. The performance-orientated WRX outsold the garden-variety Impreza range significantly in the first six months of this year, outpacing the BRZ by an even greater figure.

To that end, releasing a ‘hotter’ version that harks back to its big-winged, STI (Subaru Technica International) heritage is a win-win situation. And at $61,490 before on-road costs (ORCs), the 2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B represents decent value against go-fast rivals like the Hyundai i30 Sedan N.

The Spec B is covered by Subaru’s industry-standard five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty that includes 12 months of roadside assistance. Services are every 12 months or 15,000km and a five-year capped-cost plan is available for $2694.66 (or $539 on average for each visit).

That’s one mighty big wing. And nothing says STI quite like a substantial rear spoiler. It’s just a shame that the 2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B doesn’t come with gold wheels to really complete the throwback look. Especially when the rolling stock are larger matte grey 19-inch items.

However, the wannabe STI isn’t amped-up with a bigger bonnet scoop – which is a shame. To some, the fact the Spec B compared to the stock WRX is mechanically unchanged will be the real disappointment. However, big wing and wheels aside, there are genuine benefits.

Perhaps the greatest addition are the three-stage adaptive dampers, allowing the Rex to go from stiff to (relatively) soft. Elsewhere there’s gold Brembo brake callipers (six piston up front), drilled front and rear rotors, lightweight alloys wrapped in grippier Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres and STI performance mufflers.

A sign Subaru also means business with the Spec B are the three pedals and six-speed manual gearbox. The stepped ratio continuously variable transmission isn’t available – it’s manual or nothing. Driving modes include Comfort, Normal, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.

Recaro seats are cloaked in a mix of ‘Ultrasuede’ and faux leather, while the driver’s pew gains eight-way power adjustment. Apart from the addition of some STI motifs dotted around inside and out as well as some red stitching, the visuals are largely unchanged.

Like the base WRX, the Spec B now runs a full-size digital instrument cluster and the EyeSight safety tech has been bolstered. The sunroof has also been deleted for a lower centre of gravity and Galaxy Purple Pearl replaces Solar Orange Pearl as a hero hue.

Other than that, the Spec B runs the same kit as the WRX, with LED head and taillights, keyless entry and push-button start, dual-zone climate control, heated front and rear (outboard) seats, heated steering wheel and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B gains the same upgrades to the company’s EyeSight safety tech as the rest of the range.

That means a polarising Driver Monitoring System has been added along with Emergency Driving Stop System, which can bring the car to a controlled standstill if the driver is unresponsive (lane keeping must be on).

Other standard safety tech includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cyclist and pedestrian detection, active cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and a reversing camera.

The Spec B comes with a total of eight airbags, dual ISOFIX points and a trio of top-tether anchorages.

In terms of calibration, the active safety tech isn’t too intrusive, although the driver monitoring can be a bit too overzealous. Just remember to turn off or quieten the traffic-sign alert as the audible bongs (for things like fixed speed and red-light cameras) can be scarily loud.

Instead of being an oversized, tablet-style display sitting atop the dash, the 2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B houses a portrait-style 11.6-inch infotainment touch-screen neatly within the cabin design.

It runs wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with provisions for widgets and dedicated climate controls that remain in place for easy access. While the graphics could be sleeker, the menu layout is intuitive, it’s responsive to touch-inputs and provides in-built sat-nav.

Like the updated WRX tS, the Spec B gains a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, but it doesn’t embrace customisability. Yes, you can toggle through various screen like trip and boost pressure, but that function only takes up a small part of the screen acreage.

Other inclusions are Bluetooth, DAB+ digital radio, voice activation, USB ports (as well as an AUX point – how retro) and premium, 10-speaker Harman Kardon audio. Showing its age, the WRX tS Spec B doesn’t have a wireless charging pad.

Like all internal-combustion-powered Subies, the 2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B uses a horizontally opposed Boxer engine. It’s a turbocharged four-cylinder unit and, unlike the 2.4-litre powerplant found in the BRZ, it doesn’t use the Toyota D-4S fuel-injection system.

The Boxer layout is said to aid centre of gravity and reduce noise and vibration into the cabin. And the FA24F generation engine certainly does the latter. It’s a quiet (a little too quiet) and refined unit with a power delivery so linear it completely disbands the often-hilarious turbo lag from the days of the EJ20-powered WRXs.

Just don’t expect more oomph. Sadly, the Spec B retains the same 202kW and 350Nm, resulting in a brisk, but not intrinsically fast, 0-100km/h time of 6.0 seconds – it weighs 1522kg.

But, as we’ll detail soon, the WRX isn’t about straight-line prowess, it’s in the corners where it matters.

Efficiency isn’t really the focus here, but it’s still surprising to see the official combined average claim for the 2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B come in at 10.4L/100km.

During our week with the Rex we came close-ish to that, with an overall figure of 11.2L/100km. Which isn’t too bad given the driving conditions were often spirited.

The Spec B has a 63-litre tank and demands at least 95 RON premium unleaded.

Is the STI reborn? No, not quite. Yet, that doesn’t mean the 2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B isn’t without merit. There’s a lot to like about the package and it does induce a lot of smiles. This is important because how a performance car makes you feel is the aim of the game.

Built on the ‘Subaru Global Platform’, the WRX uses MacPherson struts up front with a double wishbone rear end – and the Spec B’s adaptive dampers. At 4670mm long and 1825mm wide, the WRX isn’t overly small, but it never feels cumbersome or lethargic on the road.

With the Subaru Symmetrical AWD, power-down purchase is top shelf – the 245/35 Bridgestone rubber certainly helps. Enter an apex too hot and it can lean on the sidewall of the outer front tyre, but it tracks true with appropriate inputs.

And of course, you’re always assured of grip no matter the conditions. Even in torrential downpours (like we encountered), there’s ample mechanical and tyre grip. While the Spec B has a tied-down nature, it can also be slightly frisky on corner entry if you coax it – perfect for those rally stages.

There’s certainly enough going on to keep you engaged. Even moreso thanks to the shorter gearing and final drive of the six-speed manual. It also makes the Boxer engine feel far friskier. The flipside is that the Boxer is ticking over at 2600rpm at 110km/h on the highway. At least it is out of the 3000-4000rpm rev range where the exhaust emits an audible drone and unpleasant resonance.

With such a linear power delivery, an eye must be kept on the tacho as it’s easy to hit the 6000rpm hard cut. A head-up display or shift lights would be nice. And while we rejoice that the Spec B is manual, the shift action doesn’t feel authentically mechanical like a Honda Civic Type R. The throw is long and the shift action is light.

The same could be said for the steering, too. Flicking it into Sport+ adds artificial weight but no extra feedback, so the lighter, slightly more natural Normal mode becomes the default. Luckily you can set up your own Individual mode to really tailer your own experience – which is much appreciated.

Oh, and if you were wondering, the ‘B’ in Spec B is for Brembo. And the upgraded package stands up to punishment. Which is a good thing, because despite some flaws, the WRX remains dynamically talented and a performance car that makes you work for the enjoyment. You’re very much a part of the process.

Yet, tone everything down and soften off all the parameters and the Spec B does comfort surprisingly well, too. The adaptive dampers iron out the worst of city potholes and suburban speed bumps, the auto hill-hold makes inclined starts a breeze and the light gearshift is a doddle.

This is a fast sedan that’s easier to live with than the big wing would suggest.

There are a few details to make the ambiance a bit more special, but by and large, the 2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B is the same as the variant on which it’s based.

Nice touches centre around the Ultrasuede material on the seats and dash, as well as the stitched red WRX motif. General build quality is good, but don’t expect too many premium plastics below the belt line. Ergonomics are sound and it’s great to see the addition of some physical controls for the audio (volume/seek) and climate (temperature).

Vision is decent, too, although you do need to get used to seeing the wing over your shoulder every time you do a head check. Noise, vibration and harshness levels could be better suppressed as there is tyre roar on course surfaces. However, there are thoughtful storage areas throughout the cabin and getting an ideal driving position is easy.

Space is generous in the back, too. The WRX could genuinely double as a fast-family hauler. There’s substantial legroom and without a sunroof, headroom is also good. Amenities are covered off with, USB-C ports and outboard seat-heating controls as well as map pockets, a central arm rest and bottle holders. But no rear air vents.

Flip open the boot and a handy 411 litres of cargo capacity is available. The rear seats split-fold in a 60/40 fashion for extra flexibility, the floor is flat and the boot opening is wide for bigger items. You also get a full-size spare tyre as well, which is a bit of a rarity these days.

This could have been a sticker pack – job done. Yet, it isn’t. And while true supporters of hardcore rally specials should look to the Toyota GR Yaris GTS for a true fix, the Subie is worthwhile.

The problem is that the 2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B never really feels like more than just a tarted-up version of the car on which it’s based. For all the STI badging and pretence, this isn’t the real deal.

Despite the hopes of devoted followers of the genre, the iconic halo Rex’s future still seems clouded. If it did return, there’s no doubt it would have some form of heavy electrification.

So, in a roundabout way, the Spec B holds its head high by being an honourable homage to homologation with the added benefit of pragmatic performance. The upgrades make it both better to drive quickly and to exist with daily.

It’s refreshing to see the blue flag still flying with a product that offers old-school charm. Despite appearances, the Spec B might not quite live up to the STi legacy, but it certainly earns its stripes as a meaningful exercise.

2025 Subaru WRX tS Spec B at a glance:
Price: $61,490 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Powertrain: 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 202kW/350Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 10.4L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 236g/km (ADR combined)
Safety rating: Unrated

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