The 2025 Subaru WRX tS costs much more than the WRX TR

The Subaru WRX may be one of the last bastions of affordable performance, but the price increase is very real. For 2025, the sports sedan will be more expensive across the range, which has been simplified by the omission of the base model. Previously, the cheapest version cost $33,855 after destination and handling fees. Now you spend at least $36,920. That’s $3,065 more than last year.

The notable price increase isn’t just driven by the elimination of the entry-level WRX. The new base model, Premium, is $1,165 more expensive than last year, after deducting the $1,170 destination charge, which itself is $50 more compared to the previous model year. The demise of the base model is understandable, as Subaru says few people got one last year. Nearly 50% of customers switched to the Premium, which now becomes the entry-level version.

Although the WRX tS was unveiled at the end of May, we had to wait until today to find out how much it costs. The manual-only special version costs $46,875, making it significantly $4,100 more expensive than the WRX TR it replaces. It costs the same as the CVT-only GT, whose price increases by $1,540 compared to last year.

For 2025, Subie gives the WRX red badging on the grille and trunk lid, while a Galaxy Purple color is now an option for $395. Inside, there’s updated red stitching on the dash, and if you opt for the Limited or GT, you’ll find you can also see the contrasting accents on the headrests and side supports of the seats.

What are your other options? Well, there aren’t that many. There’s the $39,995 Toyota GR Corolla and the Volkswagen Golf R, whose 2025 price hasn’t been revealed. The old entry-level model cost $46,890, but the manual transmission is gone. With the DSG it cost $47,690, so don’t be too surprised if the car-only 2025 Golf R approaches or even reaches the $50,000 mark. A base WRX is still a pretty good deal, even after the price increase.