Cargazing
By Derek Price

Few cars on the market today connect driver to machine as effectively as the 2025 Subaru WRX.

In an era when many performance vehicles prioritize numbers over feel, the WRX remains gloriously analog in the ways that matter most.

The tS model I tested represents the performance pinnacle of the current WRX lineup, with enhancements that make an already capable car even more thrilling. At $48,740 as tested, it’s not inexpensive, but the pure driving enjoyment it delivers makes a compelling case for its value.

Let’s start with what makes this car special: the drivetrain.

The turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder produces 271 horsepower and 258 pound feet of torque, respectable figures that don’t tell the full story.

It’s how this power reaches the ground that distinguishes the WRX.

The six-speed manual transmission is an absolute joy to operate, with short, precise throws and excellent clutch feel.

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS features aggressive styling with functional aerodynamic elements, including a prominent hood scoop that feeds cool air to the turbocharged boxer engine.

Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides tenacious grip in all conditions. During several soaking rainstorms, the WRX demonstrated remarkable stability and confidence even as standing water collected on the roads.

Where other performance cars might become nervous and twitchy, the WRX simply dug in and went about its business.

The chassis feels alive beneath you, communicating road conditions while remaining composed when pushed hard. The steering is direct and well-weighted, if not quite as chatty as WRXs of generations past.

This is a car that eggs you on, encouraging you to carry more speed through corners than you initially thought possible.

The tS’s electronically controlled dampers strike a good balance between performance and daily comfort.

While still firm — you’ll feel every expansion joint and pothole — it’s not punishing. The adjustable drive modes make meaningful differences in ride quality and throttle response.

The heavily bolstered Recaro seats hold you firmly in place during aggressive driving while remaining reasonably comfortable on longer journeys.

Heavily bolstered Recaro seats and a precise six-speed manual transmission create a driver-focused cockpit that prioritizes control and engagement over flashy luxury features.

The 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen handles infotainment duties competently, while physical controls remain for climate functions.

The optional Harman Kardon audio system delivers impressive clarity and bass response, though true enthusiasts might be more interested in the engine’s soundtrack.

Fuel economy is predictably modest at 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, but that’s the price of performance.

Longtime WRX devotees might note that the current generation feels more mature than its predecessors.

The rawness and mechanical intensity of the discontinued STI model is missed, but this evolution has made the WRX more livable day-to-day without sacrificing the fundamentals that make it special.

In a market trending toward isolation and electrification, the 2025 Subaru WRX tS stands as a celebration of internal combustion and driver involvement.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Subaru WRX tS ($45,705). Options: Harman Kardon speaker system ($1,865). Price as tested (including $1,170 destination charge): $48,740

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 105.2 in.
Length: 183.8 in.
Width: 71.9 in.
Height: 57.8 in.
Engine: Turbo boxer four cylinder (271 hp, 258 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel Economy: 19 city, 26 highway

RATINGS

Style: 9
Performance: 8
Price: 7
Handling: 9
Ride: 6
Comfort: 5
Quality: 7
Overall: 8

WHY BUY IT?

The Subaru WRX delivers a rare combination of all-weather capability, manual transmission engagement and rally-bred handling that creates pure driving joy in an increasingly sanitized automotive landscape.

Cargazing
By Derek Price

I often wonder why more people don’t buy wagons.

After a week with the 2025 Subaru Outback Touring, I’m convinced the entire SUV-crazed market is missing out on something wonderful: the joy of driving a vehicle that doesn’t compromise handling for the sake of a high seating position.

The Outback is technically classified as an SUV, but it’s really a station wagon with hiking boots.

That’s not a criticism. It’s high praise.

Sitting lower to the ground than most crossovers, the Outback handles more like a car while still offering 8.7 inches of ground clearance. This dual personality makes it uniquely enjoyable to drive on both winding roads and muddy trails.

My test vehicle, the top-trim Touring model powered by the optional 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine, delivered a surprisingly premium driving experience.

With 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, this flat-four delivers smooth, robust acceleration that makes highway merging and passing effortless. It’s genuinely quick when pushed.

Subaru’s continuously variable transmission does an admirable job mimicking a traditional automatic, with eight simulated gear ratios accessible via paddle shifters. I rarely felt the “rubber-band” sensation that plagues many CVTs.

Inside, the Touring model impresses with Nappa leather upholstery and an open, airy cabin. The front seats are both heated and ventilated, with the heated steering wheel proving its worth on chilly mornings.

Rear passengers enjoy heated outboard seats and generous legroom.

The 2025 Subaru Outback combines rugged styling with practical wagon proportions, sitting lower than typical crossovers for improved handling while maintaining 8.7 inches of ground clearance.

Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance suite comes standard, enhanced in the Touring model with a 180-degree front camera and DriverFocus system that uses facial recognition to detect driver distraction or drowsiness.

The technology works well even if the attention system feels overly intrusive at times.

Cargo capacity stands at 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, expanding to 75.6 cubic feet with the seats folded, figures that shame some larger SUVs.

The Outback’s 8.7-inch ground clearance strikes an ideal balance between off-road capability and on-road dynamics.

Road noise is well controlled at highway speeds, though the boxer engine does emit a distinctive growl under hard acceleration. The suspension tuning skillfully balances comfort and handling, absorbing bumps without feeling floaty or disconnected.

Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats and an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system give the Outback Touring a premium feel that belies its practical nature.

Fuel economy in the turbocharged model is reasonable at 22 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. Those seeking better efficiency can opt for the standard 2.5-liter non-turbo engine, though its 182 horsepower feels inadequate for a vehicle of this size.

While the Outback’s styling won’t turn heads, its purposeful, rugged appearance has an honest appeal. The plastic body cladding — once controversial — now feels appropriate for its adventure-ready character.

At $44,331 as tested, including floor mats and destination charge, the Outback Touring represents a compelling value compared to luxury-branded crossovers with similar features. Those willing to forego the turbo engine and some premium touches can get into a base Outback for under $30,000.

For families seeking practicality without sacrificing driving pleasure, or outdoor enthusiasts who need all-weather capability without compromising fuel economy, the 2025 Subaru Outback hits a sweet spot that few competitors can match.

It’s the thinking person’s alternative to the cookie-cutter crossover.

At A Glance

WHAT WAS TESTED?

2025 Subaru Outback Touring ($42,795). Options: All-weather floor liners ($141). Price as tested (including $1,395 destination charge): $44,331

BY THE NUMBERS

Wheelbase: 108.1 in.
Length: 191.1 in.
Width: 82 in.
Height: 66.1 in.
Engine: Turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer four cylinder (260 hp, 277 lbs. ft.)
Transmission: Continuously variable
Fuel Economy: 22 city, 29 highway

RATINGS

Style: 7
Performance: 7
Price: 8
Handling: 8
Ride: 7
Comfort: 7
Quality: 8
Overall: 8

WHY BUY IT?

The Outback delivers wagon-like handling with SUV capability, creating a versatile all-weather vehicle that’s equally comfortable on daily commutes and weekend adventures.