2025 Subaru WRX RS Review – Still the Aussie Rally Hero?

For decades, the Subaru WRX has stood as a symbol of raw performance, rally heritage, and all-wheel-drive confidence. In Australia, it’s more than just a car—it’s a cult classic. The WRX’s presence on winding mountain roads, backroad rallies, and urban car meets has defined a generation of petrolheads.

Fast-forward to 2025, and we have the WRX RS—Subaru’s latest take on its legendary badge. With its turbocharged punch, rally-inspired handling, and upgraded interior, the RS trim aims to prove that the WRX hasn’t lost its edge. But is it still the affordable performance hero Aussies crave, or has it mellowed out in an era of hybrids, electric SUVs, and CVTs?

Let’s put the 2025 WRX RS to the test—on city streets, highways, and twisty roads—to find out.

2025 Subaru WRX RS Overview: What’s New?

Subaru’s latest WRX RS doesn’t attempt to reinvent the wheel, but it refines the package in key areas. Highlights for the 2025 model include:

• Turbocharged 2.4L Flat-Four with 202 kW and 350 Nm
• 6-speed manual gearbox standard on RS
• Symmetrical AWD system with improved torque distribution
• Upgraded cabin tech with 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen
• More aggressive suspension tuning for RS
• Premium interior touches including heated seats and Harman Kardon sound

Subaru has clearly positioned the WRX RS as the sweet spot in the lineup—more refined than the base variant but not as hardcore (or pricey) as the tS performance model.

Exterior Design: Muscular, Modern, but Familiar

The WRX RS carries the muscular, wide-body stance that fans expect. But compared to older WRX generations, the 2025 model has a more mature look—less boy racer, more grown-up sports sedan.

Key design elements:

• Aggressive LED headlights with signature C-shape
• Black mesh grille with RS badging
• Functional hood scoop feeding the turbo
• Plastic wheel arch cladding (a controversial carryover)
• 18-inch gunmetal alloy wheels
• Twin exhaust outlets and subtle rear spoiler

In person, it looks purposeful and planted, but fans may still debate the cladding on the arches—it adds toughness but divides opinions. The RS strikes a nice balance between sporty and sophisticated.

Interior & Features: A Big Leap Forward

Step inside the 2025 WRX RS and it’s clear Subaru wanted to close the cabin quality gap to rivals like the Hyundai i30 N and VW Golf GTI. The materials feel more upscale, and tech is finally up to modern standards.

Highlights inside the RS trim:

• 11.6-inch vertical infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Heated Ultrasuede sports seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• Harman Kardon 10-speaker premium audio
• Aluminium pedals and red stitching
• Digital driver display with rally-style graphics

Ergonomics are solid, visibility is great, and the tech feels faster and more responsive than in past Subarus. The seats hold you snug in tight corners without being too firm for daily driving.

Driving Experience: WRX DNA Intact

So how does it drive? In short: still thrilling.

Engine and Performance:

The 2.4-litre turbocharged boxer engine pushes out 202 kW and 350 Nm, which doesn’t sound earth-shattering on paper, but real-world performance is strong. The torque spread is linear, and turbo lag is minimal. It pulls eagerly from 2500 RPM up to the 6000 RPM redline.

Manual Transmission:

The 6-speed manual is a joy—slick shifts, well-spaced gears, and a light clutch. Purists will appreciate that Subaru stuck to its guns by offering this manual option. It transforms the car.

Handling:

Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system shines in tight corners and loose gravel. The RS trim adds a sportier suspension tune that tightens body roll without becoming harsh. Grip levels are outstanding—it’s a car you can throw into corners with confidence.

Ride Comfort:

Despite the stiffer setup, the RS is surprisingly compliant on rough Aussie roads. It’s not plush like a Camry, but it absorbs bumps well for a car tuned for fun.

Real-World Fuel Efficiency:

• Subaru claims 9.9L/100km combined, but real-world figures hover closer to 10.5–11L/100km in spirited driving. It's no eco car, but owners won't expect it to be.

Technology & Safety

Subaru has packed the WRX RS with useful, not gimmicky, tech. All the essentials are there, and safety is a clear focus.

Infotainment:

• Subaru's Starlink system is improved
• Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Navigation, voice commands, and customizable display themes

Safety Tech:

• Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist with adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and AEB
• Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Driver attention monitor and rear seat reminder

ANCAP has not crash-tested the 2025 WRX yet, but given Subaru’s record, expect a 5-star rating.

Everyday Practicality: Not Just for Thrills

Unlike many performance cars, the WRX RS offers a good dose of practicality.

Boot Space:

• 411 litres in the boot—plenty for a week’s groceries or a road trip suitcase

Rear Seats:

• Adult-friendly head and legroom
• 60/40 split-fold for extra cargo flexibility

Comfort:

• Dual-zone climate, heated seats, and smart key make daily driving easy
• Cabin insulation is much improved compared to older WRX models

This is a car that can handle commuting, school runs, and Sunday drives with equal poise.

WRX RS vs Rivals in 2025: How Does It Stack Up?

Subaru’s AWD advantage gives it a unique edge in poor conditions and twisty terrain. While the i30 N offers slightly more power, the WRX RS counters with real rally DNA and AWD traction.

Ownership Costs & Warranty

Servicing:

• Subaru offers capped-price servicing for 5 years
• Average service cost: $450–$600 annually

Warranty:

• 5-year/unlimited km warranty
• 12-month roadside assist included (renewed with servicing)

Insurance:

Expect to pay around $1,800–$2,200 per year for comprehensive insurance, depending on driver profile and location.

Who Should Buy the 2025 WRX RS?

This isn’t just a car for boy racers anymore. The WRX RS is:

• Ideal for performance lovers who still need daily practicality
• A great fit for manual driving purists
• Perfect for Aussies who drive in variable weather and terrain
• Still a hit for those who want a performance badge without breaking $60K

It’s not the wildest or flashiest choice, but it’s one of the most balanced and rewarding performance sedans under $60K.

Final Verdict: Still a Rally Hero at Heart?

Yes—just a more refined one.

The 2025 Subaru WRX RS may have softened a little in its styling and comfort, but it still embodies what made the WRX a cult car in Australia: all-wheel-drive confidence, turbocharged punch, and driver engagement.

It’s matured into a car that you can enjoy on back roads and still drive to work in every day. For Aussie enthusiasts who want real performance with a side of practicality, the WRX RS remains one of the best-balanced choices out there.

If you want drama, go for the GR Corolla. If you want front-drive sharpness, the i30 N is a riot. But if you want real-world rally roots with everyday livability, the WRX RS still wears the crown.