The Subaru BRZ reminds us all that you don't need to spend a fortune to have a great drive. Whether you're an inexperienced driver or a seasoned pro, the BRZ offers enjoyment for every skill level. If we were picky, we'd ask for a better audio system and a sweeter-sounding engine, but for the money, there's nothing better.
Subaru BRZ Review
Pros
- Precise handling and steering
- Simple and driver-friendly control layout
- Ride quality is pretty agreeable for a sports car
- Excellent fun-to-dollar ratio
Cons
- Cramped back seats and tight storage
- Elevated noise levels on the highway
What's new
- New performance-focused tS trim tops the lineup
- More advanced driver aids are now standard, including on BRZs with the manual transmission
- Part of the second BRZ generation introduced for 2022
Overview
In recent years, the selection of sports cars has dwindled as carmakers chase after more lucrative SUV models and pave the way for an electric transition. If you're looking for an affordable sports car, there are even fewer to choose from. That's why we're glad the Subaru BRZ still carries the torch for having fun behind the wheel at an accessible price. Simplicity is the key to the 2024 BRZ, as it focuses on driver engagement over more typical shopper concerns of practicality, comfort and technology. It's not particularly powerful, but the engine output is well matched to the BRZ's spritely curb weight.
What’s it like to live with?
Edmunds added a 2022 Subaru BRZ to its long-term test fleet to get a more complete ownership experience. Over a year and 20,000 miles, we cover everything we like as well as a few points where the BRZ could use some improvement.
Edmunds Expert Rating
The Subaru BRZ reminds us all that you don't need to spend a fortune to have a great drive. Whether you're an inexperienced driver or a seasoned pro, the BRZ offers enjoyment for every skill level. If we were picky, we'd ask for a better audio system and a sweeter-sounding engine, but for the money, there's nothing better.
Performance
9.0/10
How does the BRZ drive? The BRZ's steering and handling are sublime. The quick and highly accurate steering allows you to place the car exactly where you want it through a turn, and the well-tuned suspension and overall balance are great for any kind of driving. Feeling brave and want a little playful tail-out behavior? The BRZ is happy to do it. Or what if you want to carry a mild drift all the way through a corner on a racetrack? No problem here either. The BRZ is light, but not overly so, and fun and grippy when you want it to be.
The larger engine in this generation BRZ pays dividends from idle all the way to redline. There's no slump of power at midrange rpm like there was in the previous-generation car. At our test track, our manual-equipped BRZ Limited sprinted to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. That's almost a second quicker than the previous version and similar to the acceleration of the latest Golf GTI (5.9 seconds) and Mazda Miata (6.0 seconds).
The six-speed manual transmission's shifter feels positive and precise in your hand as you move through the gates. Opting for the automatic transmission results in slower acceleration (6.9 seconds) but it's easier to live with in heavy traffic. It also comes with paddle shifters and provides quick downshifts when you select Track mode.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the BRZ? The BRZ has a somewhat firm ride but with good compliance and it's able to soak up most road imperfections, especially at higher speeds. This is a car built for the back road and the open highway. Simple manually adjustable seats feature improve bolstering for your upper back and manage to hold you in place without being restrictive. Dual-zone climate control for such a small car seems like overkill, but it does the job.
Unfortunately, the BRZ is a bit on the noisy side. Road and tire noise is near constant and very loud. And engine noise, never a strength for the BRZ, is more annoying than evocative.
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? Basic, straightforward and easy to use, the interior of the BRZ allows the driver to focus on driving. The BRZ's compact dimensions don't give it an abundance of interior room, but front passengers will find it more than comfortable, especially if they're on the taller side. Taller drivers will also appreciate the added space and room for adjustment, especially when compared to the much more cramped Miata. The rear seats, however, are better used as interior storage space than for passengers.
The BRZ's low dashboard is made possible by a well-integrated infotainment touchscreen mounted out of the way to enhance forward visibility. The Subaru's low-profile engine also gives the BRZ a low hood line, further enhancing visibility for back roads and racetracks. Be aware that the BRZ's low ride height and long doors can make getting in and out a bit difficult.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The BRZ comes with a modicum of modern tech. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, though you can't get an integrated navigation system in the BRZ. Two quick-charging USB ports in the center armrest allow for your device to be truly out of the way while driving. And while the BRZ's infotainment interface isn't going to win any design awards, it works well thanks to its quick response times and easy-to-understand graphics.
Far less impressive is the audio system. While that's likely not a priority for a sports car, the system can't really keep up with inteior noise levels and is easily taxed by moderate volume. We think there's room for improvement here.
For its price, the BRZ is available with a decent number of advanced driver aids. Most of them are tied to the optional automatic transmission, but automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking are certainly nice to have as an option. Special mention needs to go to the BRZ's various traction and stability systems. They're well calibrated for daily driving, and Track mode allows for a good amount of extra fun. There's also the option to turn them all off and let the tail hang out should you be a professional driver on a closed course.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? Small coupes aren't the most practical, but the BRZ is more than up to the daily grind. Its relatively small 6.3 cubic feet of trunk space is hampered by its short height, but when the seats are folded (you can't do that in a Miata), Subaru says the BRZ will hold four wheels with tires. For reference, the Miata's trunk can swallow 4.6 cubes, while the substantially larger Mustang holds 13.5 cubes.
Inside, the BRZ offers a small but practical amount of storage. The cupholders reside well behind the driver's right arm, so you're never at risk of bumping them while driving, and the rear seats excel at holding bags, jackets and other items you don't want rolling around in the trunk. Anchor points for car seats exist, but getting them in or out is unlikely to be easy.
Fuel Economy
8.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? Thanks to its light weight and relatively small engine, the BRZ is capable of fairly decent fuel economy for a sports car. The EPA says to expect an estimated 22 mpg (20 city/27 highway), and we were pleasantly surprised to see 28 mpg on our real-world evaluation route. Our test car was equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. The BRZ with the automatic gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg (21 city/30 highway).
Value
8.0/10
Is the BRZ a good value? The BRZ is a relative bargain even when you get the top Limited trim. While we wouldn't go so far as to call the interior premium, it is solidly constructed. To get a similar amount of equipment, most competitors would ask for thousands more, if they even offer it.
Warranties for the BRZ are fairly standard, with three years/36,000 miles and five years/50,000 miles offered for bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage. Subaru also includes three years/36,000 miles for roadside assistance. It should be noted that Toyota's version of the BRZ, the GR86, also includes two years of free maintenance.
Wildcard
9.5/10
If you can't have fun driving the BRZ, then maybe sports cars just aren't your thing. As sports cars, and all vehicles for that matter, become more complex and expensive, it's refreshing to see a truly back-to-basics sport coupe with true ability. The steering, handling and balance of the BRZ exist in very few production cars regardless of price, and the car caters to every level of enthusiast. As a bonus, its friendly demeanor and accessible limits make the BRZ an instant and eager companion. While the engine sound isn't going to win any awards, its gruff tones do grow on you over time. No driver will ever outgrow the fun that can be had with the BRZ.
Which BRZ does Edmunds recommend?
We recommend the BRZ's Limited trim. It gets a bit more dressed up with larger wheels and upgraded interior upholstery, along with added safety and tech features. The tS is tempting, but the performance of the standard variants is so impressive that it'll be satisfying to most (if not all). We also suggest getting the manual transmission for improved driver engagement, but the automatic won't disappoint either.
Subaru BRZ models
The 2024 Subaru BRZ is available in three trim levels: Premium, Limited and tS. The only engine option is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (228 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic (only available on the Limited trim). All BRZs are rear-wheel-drive. Keep reading for our rundown of the significant features you get on each trim.