Subaru BRZ

Overview: Is the Subaru BRZ a Good Sports Car?

The Subaru BRZ blends balanced handling with an affordable price point for an engaging sport coupe formula. Offered only as a rear-wheel drive 2+2 model, the BRZ employs a naturally aspirated flat-four boxer engine routing power through a manual or automatic transmission. Co-developed with Toyota alongside the mechanically similar GR86, Subaru's only two-door focuses on nimble driving manners over outright speed or surplus space. Subaru launched the BRZ for the 2013 model year and introduced a second generation for 2022. There was no BRZ for the 2021 model year. The BRZ sport car is the twin of the Toyota GR86.

Note: Equipment, features, and trims can vary by model year. Always confirm these details when looking for used Subaru BRZ cars for sale.

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Related: How Long Do Subaru BRZs Last? The Scoop on Vehicle Lifespan

Key Features

The Subaru BRZ specs:

• Two-door fastback coupe body style
• 2.0-liter (first generation) or 2.4-liter (second generation) horizontally opposed four-cylinder Boxer engine
• Six-speed manual or automatic transmission
• Rear wheel drive
• BRZ horsepower: 200-228 hp
• BRZ torque: 151-184 lb ft

Trims

Most Subaru BRZs come in either a Premium or Limited trim. From 2015 through 2018 and for 2019, Subaru offered a top-tier, color-focused “Series” grade, such as the Series.Yellow in 2017. A limited-run BRZ tS was sold in 2018. The second-generation BRZ also features the Premium and Limited trims, marked by the return of the tS for 2024.

Comfort, Technology & Cargo

Even though the BRZ has a 2+2 interior, the front row is the place to be. The rear seats are tiny and challenging to access. Standard equipment on newer BRZs includes automatic climate control, keyless access with push-button start, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Available upgrades range from heated Alcantara and Ultrasuede upholstery to blind-spot detection, but the focus stays on driving over luxury trappings. Folding rear seats expand space beyond the coupe's minuscule 6.3 cubic foot trunk.

Review: Here Are The Subaru BRZ Years To Avoid

How It Drives

With four-cylinder power and rear wheel drive, the BRZ is a throwback to Japanese coupes of the 80s and 90s. It may not be the quickest sports car on the street, but it's fast enough to put smiles on faces, especially when there’s a manual transmission involved. The newest BRZ can hit 60 mph from a standstill in about six seconds with an automatic transmission. The BRZ is more akin to the Mazda Miata than the new Subaru Solterra, an all-electric crossover.

Safety

The first-generation Subaru BRZ received a top five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA has yet to evaluate the second-generation BRZ.

Reviews

According to Kelley Blue Book, first-generation Subaru BRZ reviews average 4.6 out of 5 stars. Owners praise the performance, reliability, and value. Yet, consumers take a much dimmer view of the second generation, rating these newer BRZs a lowly 3.2. Numerous traits, like comfort, reliability, and value, rank well below average.

Learn More: Do Subarus Hold Their Value? What To Know About Resale & Depreciation

FAQs

Is the Subaru BRZ fast?

The second-generation Subaru BRZ accelerates from 0-60 mph in about 6 seconds, quick but not blistering. It balances approachable limits with driving fun over outright speed.

Is the Subaru BRZ Premium or Limited better?

Limited mainly adds interior niceties and larger wheels over the base Premium, so enthusiasts may prefer the Premium for its lower price and weight when modding.

Does the Subaru BRZ have a turbocharger?

No. Unlike the related Subaru WRX sedan, the BRZ uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter or 2.4-liter flat four-cylinder engine without forced induction for less complexity.

Which is better, the Subaru BRZ or the Scion FR-S?

The Subaru BRZ and former Scion FR-S (now Toyota GR86) are essentially twins, co-developed to provide accessible rear-wheel drive excitement. Minor nuances in suspension tuning and styling differentiate them.

Does the Subaru BRZ use the EJ engine?

No. For its second generation, the Subaru BRZ uses the naturally aspirated FA24 2.4-liter flat-four, replacing the smaller 2.0-liter FA20 used previously. No EJ-series engines are used in the BRZ.

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