The Harsh Truth.. // 2025 Subaru WRX tS Review

[@TheIndulgers]

They decided to put more STI badges than actual STI parts in the car.

[@SarahnTuned]

Yeah, go to the STi Japan site and look at all the stuff they have in the catalog for the VB WRX, they could have added a ton more!

[@jjacob25101]

If I wanted a performance sedan, I would love this car as is, with those accessories mentioned here. It would be all I would need and want, plus nicely tinted windows. 👍 😎 Great video!

[@Spartan_Pope]

Thank you for providing such great content! You’re part of the reason I purchased a Miata RF and Bronco 2dr! 😁👍

[@betteheadbettehead4800]

Love both of those. Great choices

[@jetsons101]

Best way to "gauge the brakes" is by the forward movement of Sarah's hair....

[@malteserwfj]

*gauge

[@jetsons101]

@@malteserwfj OOP's Made change, my only excuse is that a went to a taxpayer funded government public school.....

[@Xale-yt]

Subaru really loves edging the STI.

[@SarahnTuned]

Lol

[@MistrMcGill]

@@SarahnTunedright! Just “bust” out a real one already 😂

[@tonygiraldes7848]

Happy Holidays! 🙂

[@akronorka]

Sarah you summed it up perfectly when you said it’s a parts catalog car. I felt it when you threw your hands up in disgust and said “minus the drivetrain and transmission”. I’ve got a 24 base (discontinued for 25’), my first and probably last Subaru. I’ve wanted a wrx since I was a kid. I can’t believe it’s 15k more for this.

[@SarahnTuned]

Yeah, the interior adds up fast. I paid $3k just for a used set of STi Recaros from a wrecked car. About the same to do the Brembo conversion as well on top of that… and this was 4 years ago before rampant inflation.

[@awesomearizona-dino]

Merry Christmas to Sarah and All

[@adalba7702]

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you as well! :)

[@AllOutNoobHater]

$45K for a performance car with no LSD is criminal.

[@tyhyhh]

people pay almost that much for a fully loaded mazda 3 turbo

[@07wrxtr1]

You can thank the federal reserve.

[@RichKent]

@@tyhyhh where do you get that? New Mazda3 Turbos go for $35K or less. Easy to get 3 grand off msrp on a Mazda. Doubt this will have any discounts.

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

@@07wrxtr1 what?

[@shiloh5199]

You hit it right on the money, no LSD for 45k.

[@Paulo_Bressan]

The Sarah's reviews shows what the car enthusiast want to know about the cars.

[@Maplecook]

NGL: I'm just here for Sarah. I don't give the first sh*t about Subarus. hahaha

[@phatgringo2.0]

cars, yep that's why i'm here 😍

[@jb5nf]

Thanks!

[@802Garage]

Well at least it actually has Brembo brakes! Also sounds decent, if a bit quiet. Still not Subie rumble, of course. The FA24 is a great powerplant. I think it's a good car, great car even. I'm just sad we don't get the STI. I'm still glad Subaru makes the WRX at all. Glad you enjoyed it so much and approve of the handling. Killer outfit this vid.

[@Nah_no_thanks]

They are trying to move the car from performance class to something more like the legacy, I'm afraid. Rip legacy.

[@stefaneinz]

My favourite car reviewer! Merry Christmas Sarah and thank you for another year of fantastic content - informative, fun and inspiring!

[@rhekman]

5:56 The A/M32-60B, aka "dash sixty" is a portable generator set used to supply air and electrical power to USAF jets like the F-16, A-10, and T-38. Often referred to as a "start cart" or "power unit" it's both for maintenance and engine start capability.

[@gregsheppard1457]

As a Greg, I feel flattered and a tiny bit uncomfortable. So glad this is a six speed manual. Thanks for another great review, you seem happier and more chirpy than recently.

[@MrDomhnall]

I concur

[@wantsmoreinkwork]

Always appreciate your videos, but ill keep my 2021 WRX STI

[@zigmeisterful]

Yep newer doesn't always mean better. Those infotainment screens are getting ridiculous in these newer cars as well.

[@erichinkle8522]

My first Subaru was a DL wagon. 45 years later I own a Legacy. Actually my 3rd Subaru over my lifetime. I also worked in a garage for several years so I can truly say. Subies love to be revved.. without a doubt the cars will last much longer (as if they do t already last forever) but yes yes. If you have a manual ..Wind them out at least 700 rpm over recommended shift points. If auto. Stay in the gas to hold the shift points longer. (Like entering on an on ramp or from a stop)

[@AKcess_Dnied]

Yeah I noticed my '17 Forester needs to be revved out higher anyway. I just wish the difference between 5th and 6th gears were more than 400rpm.

[@StirlingLighthouse]

Merry Christmas 🎄 Thank you Sarah 🙏 ❤

[@richardgraham1167]

Winter solstice Subaru review. Days will get sunnier from here on. Thx Sarah!

[@manifestSD]

The magic of cherry blossom red -- gone with the wind, but not forgotten.

[@SarahnTuned]

The seat embroidery had it still

[@gableclerc9350]

Last year i was thorn between this and a gr corolla. I went with the gr and never regreted it!

[@thetv2122]

Happy Holidays Sarah , thank you for all your hard work, great channel!!!! 🎄🎄🎄

[@phlodel]

I like that you give measurements in metric without giving the conversion to bananas.

[@SteveM-426]

No One Rocks Car Reviews Like Sarah! Awesome Work Bella!

[@gpalmerify]

Sarah's experience with Subaru really shines through in this rewiew. Provided a really accurate and complete idea of cost/value.

[@bubba966]

Deer hoof on a cheese grater?... LMAO I dunno where the randomness comes from Sarah, but it's hilarious

[@maso2466]

I like your accurate review! ZF damper settings are; comfort mode = comfort normal mode = normal sport mode = normal sport plus mode = sport normal and sport are same setting as you felt😊

[@kentalanlee]

Definitely have to drive one. Anytime Sarah gets into the 9's on a vehicle, pay attention.

[@dylangolden30]

Is there, or has there ever been, a better car reviewer? Your details and style - not to mention your metaphors - are beyond reproach. You're a whole vibe. I feel like I actually have a grasp of what the car is by the time you're done. Keep it up! 'Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@tonygiraldes7848]

Just the greatest and hardest working KZbin content creator! So much respect! ✊ Hope you get a chance to take a few hours off to enjoy the holidays 🙏

[@thatGRprick]

😂

[@RumblesBettr]

Pathetic bro comments like this still wont get u a handy

[@josephpanozzo4815]

I wish Subaru made a hatchback version of the WRX, and a sedan version of the Impreza based off the current WRX body.

[@SarahnTuned]

They do, it’s called the Levorg in Japan.

[@louisbabycos106]

I wish they would bring it here . I wish I could afford it .

[@GRIZZDOGG01]

@@SarahnTuned We have the Levorg in Australia too.

[@axiomic]

I wish they made a WRX Crosstrek ….

[@hilmarpaschold7512]

Merry Christmas Sarah Keep the reviews coming

[@raynerussell7998]

I have a 2020 VA WRX and got it right where I wanted it before the VB came out. I personally still dont like the looks of the VB. Gonna hold onto my VA and snag a blob eye. I love that raw mechanical feel in the car. maybe an FA24 swap and sti drivetrain is in my VA's future.

[@guyh954]

Sarah cant hide disappointment nor excitement! ❤

[@12gaugefun]

Finally! I’ve been waiting for this review since you teased the car in the construction update video. Made my whole morning, love the vids

[@davesayers5809]

Merry Christmas Sarah and I love the -60 joke!! 13 years pushing them around and loved every minute!!🇺🇸💪🇺🇸💯

[@lew3057]

Subaru make great cars but they need to ditch the 'hairy cardboard'. No car or truck needs that stuff. Great video.

[@SarahnTuned]

Agree

[@joegug4751]

Love your channel, hope you have happy holidays and relax a little.

[@deltavee2]

Love all your the reviews and this one is on one of my favourite rides sans rubber band transmission. Merry Christmas to my favourite tomboy!

[@johntotten4872]

The little penguin is the voice of reason in Sarah's videos.

[@Arfonfree]

I had a 2002 WRX. It was yellow. I put in a yellow leather interior. I wish I'd never sold it. Now I'm sad.

[@SarahnTuned]

Blaze yellow was the best color! It was a carry over from the GC model.

[@Gergm7991]

Great vid as always, thanks Sarah! Great point about inflation. I’m 60 and am tired of people saying cars and things are so expensive now, when in fact they are mostly less expensive now relative to the value of money and average incomes. Also, I believe younger people expect to buy things that many in my generation waited until 40 or 50 for.

[@louisbabycos106]

I honestly feel I had substantially more overall purchasing power ,when wages and prices of vehicles were taken into account ,when I was younger.

[@Gergm7991]

@@louisbabycos106I’m mostly wrong. I researched this topic further and in fact cars are relatively more expensive than 30-40 years ago. Of course there has been significant tech and safety advances, such that you get more for your money, but the price has indeed increased and outpaced inflation. There are many factors but one point I’ve read is that people’s willingness to finance a car more and more, instead of paying cash like people used to, has allowed car manufacturers to increase prices further. If hardly anyone was willing to buy a $70K+ car, there would not be many of those available to buy 😊

[@ryanhall3689]

​@@louisbabycos106I bought my 09 STI brand new for $33k. This thing is $12k more and it's got some nostalgia bits and new technology.

[@leftcoaster67]

Merry Christmas Sarah. Go Forward, Move Ahead. You got to Whip It!

[@gleng6812]

Even if that was a Metallic Blue P1 with Gold wheels you would make the car look boring Sarah, you are looking amazing 🔥

[@subdu3dcha0s35]

-60s went away with the STI. We’re all stuck with the Hobart now. We in the vaping community appreciate your endorsement!!

[@SarahnTuned]

The Hobart started getting phased out for the B809 in the early 2000s.

[@subdu3dcha0s35]

@ -86 it is! Lessons learned and applied! Merry Christmas

[@ChetJang]

My 2013 Subaru WRX STI has been nothing but trouble. It has since new eats oil like a 2-stroke. At 16K miles, it threw its cam belt and needed a new motor. Recently, it hasn't run well. I found the MAP sensor was loose and broken. It then was down on power and making a weird knocking noise at idle. I finally noticed the front passenger side ignition coil was loose and broken, dangling down next to the head. It didn't have much power, but I was surprised how well it ran on 3 cylinders.

[@patricknarlok1770]

This model is great, from the snoring to the power. but you need great preventive maintenance and fix chronic problems by purchasing parts from IAG, that's all. I'm from Brazil and I have a Subaru WRX 2014 (shark eye) five-speed manual

[@dave3657]

I like the fact that it has a built in theft deterrent system - a manual transmission. 😁 Happy Holidays! 🎅🏻🤶🏻

[@theamazinggoldfish8713]

I have an Slowburu (Impreza) 5 speed. The first thing I did to it was replace the shifter knob with an "Non marked" illuminated shifter ball.

[@nea4266]

Maybe in America, but everywhere else not so much

[@BPGalvin]

Sarah, I just wanted to take a second and thank you for everything you do ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ya also wishing you a happy Christmas a little early😂😂😂😂- Brian G in Myrtle Beach

[@bk8230]

So it is an almost sti. Interior looks cool.

[@HashTheGrappler]

an ‘almost sti’ with max STI trim pricing. lol

[@joecutro7318]

Great review. I was awed by your detailed knowledge of the WRX product line, here and overseas. Amazing. Happy Festivus.

[@rickflare6736]

Sarah Great Work! Merry Christmas! I look forward to watching throughout 2025. Rick.

[@CatmanToxoplasmosis]

Your nails are always on point

[@williamtahau38]

As you mentioned all those missing STI add on parts would have been appealing to the hard-core buyers who look for that sort of thing... Bet you liked the 6 -speed. Manual .. Yayy !!!

[@kevinhill5531]

I'd take gump over that... wagons rule 🤘... one love ❤

[@shannonfontaine4796]

Well thank you. And hello Sarah ☺, haven't been on the innerwebs for some time now! Glad to see you still kicking ass tho.

[@housepianist]

Probably the only review on the internet for this vehicle that was authentic to the true meaning of “tuned by STi”. Sooooo many other reviewers - and their commenters - seem to think that “tuned by STi” should mean an actual STi vehicle. They all whine about this car not having the EJ25 with 345hp or the very specific mechanical pieces that makes it a true STi, and some will go as far as complaining about the lack of 19” wheels or a boy-racer spoiler. Sarah got it right - it’s an enhanced WRX “tuned” by engineers who have worked on STi builds in the past, nothing more - nothing less. Thanks for keeping it real, Sarah! 👍

[@ryanhall3689]

Bud, for $45k or more it should be an STI

[@housepianist]

@ 5 years ago perhaps but if Subaru ever does bring the STI back, I'll bet anything it’ll be a hybrid putting out close to 400hp with a starting price of at least $52k….$60k with markups.

[@neoanderson7]

Perfect in depth review on the Subi. A shame they don’t make an actual STi version anymore. I bet Greg is long gone by now. 🤷🏻‍♂️👏🏻

[@jeffk412]

I really like the roads you drive in your handling reviews, I would love to try those out in a proper sports car. Looks like they are lightly traveled too.

[@JohnDarwin7]

Sarah I truly want to wish you a Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Year...🌹💗🌹🖖

[@2A-FreeCali]

♥Favorite robot girl car show - Sarah keeping it real.👍 Just lashing out due to butt-hurtedness intended for Subaru. I finally have the chips for one and they snatched it off the table.

[@tannerschwanke9058]

A Greg score would have been funnier than a penguin score

[@stephensangalli]

Merry Christmas, Sarah! ❤

[@davidwashbourne2286]

Merry Christmas and happy New Year from Down Under. 🎄 Thanks for all your hard work and great videos. 🎉💥🍸

[@mrlister2000]

Your techno spec knowledge is second to none when it comes to car reviews.

[@IronmanV5]

This review gets 10.0 🐧 Also, that penguin should be called Scooby. Scooby in the Subie. Merry Christmas🎄

[@freshelfpie]

I beg to differ. Deer hoof on a cheese grater is an OUTSTANDING analogy.

[@titanicsauce2152]

I'm not a subaru fanboy but I loved your review Sarah.

[@サムロン-y7p]

サラさん日本仕様のVB型WRXはブレンボブレーキも６速MTも無いです。シングルキャリパーとCVTのみなのです。残念でなりません。

[@3dandyrandy3]

Nihon wa doko kara?

[@サムロン-y7p]

@3dandyrandy3 愛知県です

[@3dandyrandy3]

@@サムロン-y7p conji wakada neiyo.

[@davidvincent2051]

Merry Christmas Sarah 🎉❤

[@manganvbg90]

people watching car reviews in internet? im here for you and your humor…. car reviews is just a bonus 😅

[@mijgreco3914]

I see Sarah in high boots I watch.

[@mantarayal]

Deer hooves on a cheese grater. Merry Christmas Sarah, you bloody genius. Love from New Zealand. 💙

[@jasonmattner9312]

Hey, Sarah, my kids and I really enjoy your videos and watch them all the time. We just purchased a 2024 Subaru Ascent onyx limited edition and was wondering if you could do a review on one of those. Thank you for your time. We look forward to your next video. Take care.

[@mightydeku]

I would love to see an infomercial-style vid on how to use your products. :)

[@jb5nf]

yes

[@quicknickdriver8510]

Loved the DEVO reference. Crack that whip!

[@JohnBaker-ki8vw]

13:12 Name the penguin "Harry Cardboard"

[@Blackrage916]

like your content and style! straight to the point source and not "try hard" Subbed! keep em coming :)

[@jinsvi]

So happy it's a manual. Wish they offered it in all models

[@TyphoonJetPilotMeteb]

First car review in the new shop 💜💜💜💜

[@dannyzuehlsdorf3697]

Nissan should bring back the 510 when they merge with Honda. Happy Holidays, Sarah

[@Poltergeist41]

Yes I agree Japan has the best cars and Technology. However the states has something that they don't and that is you❤❤❤. Merry Christmas and happy New Year

[@gladdy02]

So what exactly does STi do when they aren't tweaking the suspension?

[@damieneg0n762]

Happy xmas sarah. Love your car projects. Looking forward to new ones in the new year hopefully ❤

[@edSTI18]

Thank you very much for the review is what a true subaru fan wants to see in a video, sub and like

[@paulb354]

Im not a Subie expert, so I dunno if this is old news, but those tail lights are gorgeous 🤩

[@Kiss__Kiss]

4:46 You said it perfectly but the numbers on the video are backwards.

[@aaronjessome1032]

Bump

[@COURTESY-FLUSHH]

Tbh the homage to the older sti’s is kinda neat, the bronze caliper and baby blue interior is really clean. I’m a fan of nostalgia.

[@roymurray6374]

Happy Satuhday Sarah!!! I like the color combo of that car and the manual only option. Off subject, but did you have another run in with a cow in a press car? Was wondering about what looks like a Genesis with a rearranged front end that has been sitting next to the shop the last couple weeks, if so, glad you're ok. High5 to Angel and the Crown Vic for the cool rolling shots on the highway! Stay excellent!!!😎

[@KCadbyRacing]

Even though I hate hearing people unnecessarily running their engine up on the rev-limiter, I like it when you sound check vehicles all the way up to just 'tagging' it 😎

[@Kryojenix]

That's a very precise pronunciation of 'internet'. Bravo!

[@tagchristopher]

Baseball analogy was on point 💯

[@JoeGlenn-w9b]

Happy holidays to you and yours and keep up the great reviews.

[@stucook8622]

Thanks Sarah and have a gr8 Xmas!🌻🐧

[@SpaceEngineerErich]

You are just the best. 😊

[@t23001]

Excellent review. Very detailed, informative, and entertaining.

[@sonalmalhotra07]

When you grate deer hoofs on a cheese grater use the powder that comes from that in your coffee- just had to say it. Extra protein

[@CrossKnight]

oh my gosh, I love the opening melody!

[@dustup2249]

Schports Plus mode. Schports Plush you mean?

[@chrisparr7476]

Id agree the biggest downfall of the new wrx in manual at least is the redline is way too low.! Especially combined with the tight manual gearing. Needs to be increased to at least 6,500rpm

[@7dragongames]

Looks like a lot of fun! We currently have a VA WRX and one of my gripes is how noisy the interior is. Do you think the NVH is better in the VB without compromising driver feedback?

[@Tetsujin-28]

Did the Ford dealership ever replace the roof panels for the Bronco?

[@SarahnTuned]

Yep, had a new top literally 5 days later