Introduction
The Subaru BRZ is a compact sports car that has won over driving enthusiasts with its lightweight build, sharp handling, and rear-wheel-drive fun. Designed for pure driving enjoyment, it offers a low center of gravity and precise steering that make every twist and turn feel rewarding. Affordable yet thrilling, the BRZ proves that you don’t need big power to have a great time behind the wheel.
Key Specs
| Generation | Engine | Power Output | Transmission | Dimensions |
| 1st Generation (2013-2020) | 2.0L naturally aspirated flat-four | ~200–205 hp (manual, post-2017) | 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic | 4240 x 1775 x 1285 mm |
| 2nd Generation (2022-present) | 2.4L naturally aspirated flat-four | 228 hp | 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic | 4265 x 1775 x 1310 mm |
Best Suited for
The Subaru BRZ is built for drivers who prefer a sporty, fun-to-drive car without sacrificing daily comfort or practicality. It’s especially popular among younger enthusiasts, thanks to its affordable price, sharp handling, and clean, lightweight design. Whether you’re carving through corners on a spirited weekend drive or taking it to a track day, the BRZ delivers a connected, rewarding experience that’s hard to find at its price point.
Ideal for those who value precision and driving feel over raw horsepower, the BRZ stands out among sporty coupes. It shares its spirit with the Toyota GR86 but leans more toward balance and control than outright speed. For those curious about how it compares to more powerful legends, this Ford Mustang review offers insights into a very different kind of performance legacy. Still, for many, the BRZ hits a sweet spot: pure, honest driving fun wrapped in a usable, everyday package.
Prices
| 2014 Subaru BRZ | US $ 5,700 – US $ 18,100 |
| 2017 Subaru BRZ | US $ 9,350 – US $ 24,810 |
| 2024 Subaru BRZ | US $ 15,920 – US $ 30,790 |
Fuel Consumption & Engine
The Subaru BRZ comes with a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. Although it does not have a turbocharger, this engine delivers its smooth, linear power output and eager throttle response, qualities that suit the BRZ’s lightweight and rear-wheel-drive configuration. It’s not about overwhelming speed but rather a pure, connected driving feel that rewards those who love to stay engaged behind the wheel.
Fuel efficiency is solid for a sports coupe. The BRZ gets an estimated 20–21 mpg in the city and 27–30 mpg on the highway, depending on the transmission choice, a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. This makes it practical enough for daily use without compromising its fun-driving character.
While the BRZ may lack high horsepower numbers, it more than makes up for it with sharp responsiveness and a balanced, driver-focused experience. It’s a car that thrives on twisty roads and spirited drives, ideal for those who value feel and feedback over straight-line speed.
Interior
The Subaru BRZ’s cabin is all about keeping the focus on driving. Its layout is clean and purposeful, with minimal distractions and controls that are easy to reach and understand. The sport seats are firm and supportive, perfect for spirited drives. The low seating position and excellent visibility help you feel connected to the road. A digital-analog binnacle offers clear, useful info without overloading you with data.
Materials are a mix of durable plastics and soft-touch accents, giving the interior a functional and refined feel. It’s not flashy, but thoughtfully put together. The infotainment system features a 7.0- or 8.0-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth, enough to keep things connected without overshadowing the car’s driving focus.
For a coupe, the BRZ offers decent front-seat space and usability for daily driving, but the rear seats are more practical as extra cargo space than for passengers.
The cabin strikes a great balance between form and function. For a different take on practicality with a performance edge, this Volkswagen Golf review shows how another driver’s favorite approaches interior design across generations.
Safety Features
The Subaru BRZ is all about driving fun, but that doesn’t mean it forgets about safety. Every model comes with key features like front, side, curtain, and knee airbags, plus a strong, reinforced chassis that’s built to absorb impact and help keep everyone inside protected in case the unexpected occurs.
To help keep things under control, the BRZ includes electronic stability control, traction control, and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution. These systems quietly work in the background to support you during quick maneuvers or in slippery conditions.
If you opt for the automatic transmission, you’ll also get Subaru’s EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. This adds helpful features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking—all designed to reduce the risk of accidents and give you added confidence, especially in daily traffic.
The car’s handling, performance and safety features are just as thoughtfully integrated. It’s a reassuring reminder that fun behind the wheel doesn’t have to come at the cost of smart protection.
Manual or Automatic: What’s the Better Option?
Choosing between the Subaru BRZ’s 6-speed manual or automatic transmission depends on your driving style and daily needs.
The manual is the clear favorite for enthusiasts. It delivers a more connected, hands-on experience, with crisp, satisfying shifts that make the most of the BRZ’s responsive engine and lightweight feel. If you enjoy backroad drives or occasional track days, the manual truly brings the car to life.
That said, it’s not for everyone. In heavy traffic or daily commutes, the manual can feel tiring. It’s also slightly less fuel-efficient, rated at around 20 mpg city/27 mpg highway.
The automatic offers more convenience for everyday use. It’s smooth in traffic and comes with paddle shifters and a rev-matching sport mode, giving you a taste of control when you want it. It also outperforms the manual in fuel economy at about 21 mpg city/30 mpg highway.
If you’re all about driving engagement, go for the manual. If comfort, convenience, and efficiency are high on your list, the automatic is a smart pick. Either way, the BRZ stays true to its fun, balanced character, just in slightly different flavors.
FAQ
What is the Subaru BRZ Top Speed?
The Subaru BRZ has an electronically limited top speed of 140 mph (225 km/h).
Are Subaru BRZ Reliable?
The Subaru BRZ is generally reliable, particularly the newer models, though some owners of older versions have reported engine and oil consumption issues that prospective buyers should keep in mind.
Is the Subaru BRZ AWD?
No, the Subaru BRZ is not AWD; it’s rear-wheel drive, designed for sporty handling and driver engagement.
Writer’s Perspective
Driving the Subaru BRZ feels totally different! It reconnects you with what originally made us love cars. It’s light, sharp, and completely focused on the road ahead. The steering is precise, the chassis feels alive beneath you, and the naturally-aspirated engine delivers its power in a way that invites you to stay engaged. It’s not about raw numbers, it’s about the experience.
Stylistically, the BRZ hits a sweet spot. It looks sporty without being overdone, with clean lines and just enough edge to make heads turn. And while it’s built for fun, it’s surprisingly livable day to day. The ride is firm but never harsh, the cabin is simple and functional, and it’s practical enough to handle grocery runs or weekend getaways.
For anyone looking for affordable sports coupes, the BRZ stands out as a true driver’s car. It reminds you that joy behind the wheel doesn’t have to come with a massive price tag, or massive horsepower. If you’re curious how Subaru channels performance into something more aggressive, this piece on the WRX STI’s legacy is a great read:
Final Verdict
The Subaru BRZ remains a rare gem in today’s market, a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe that puts pure driving enjoyment front and center. Its precise steering, agile handling, and low center of gravity make it incredibly rewarding behind the wheel, especially for those who appreciate finesse over brute force. It’s fun without trying too hard, and that’s a big part of its charm.
Of course, the BRZ isn’t perfect. Rear seats are more symbolic than practical, cargo space is limited, and some drivers may wish for more power, especially compared to turbocharged rivals. But if you value connection, balance, and honest performance, these trade-offs are easy to accept.
The 2017 BRZ hits a sweet spot in the first-gen lineup, offering better handling and interior refinement than earlier years while staying affordable on the used market. It’s a great entry point for enthusiasts looking for a pure, unfiltered sports car experience.
For something newer, the second-gen BRZ (2022 and up) builds on the same spirit with more power and modern touches. Or, if you’re after all-weather grip and turbocharged punch, the WRX or WRX STI are worthy alternatives that carry the Subaru performance legacy in a different direction.
