Subaru BRZ: A Lightweight Coupe That Prioritizes Driving Feel Over Peak Power

The Subaru BRZ sits in a small but durable niche: a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that uses a compact naturally aspirated engine and a low curb weight instead of forced induction to deliver accessible performance. It shares its platform with the Toyota GR86, and its most direct rival is the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The BRZ differs from both by offering a fixed roof, a usable trunk, and a price near $31,000 before options. That combination makes it one of the few genuinely affordable ways into an RWD coupe in 2025. Car and Driver has placed the BRZ on its 10Best list, and independent track testing from MotorTrend and Road & Track consistently highlights its balance, shifter feel, and steering response rather than raw straight-line speed.

Why Consider the Subaru BRZ

The BRZ stands out because of how it delivers performance. Its 2.4-liter boxer four-cylinder produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, which sounds modest next to the 310-hp Ford Mustang EcoBoost. But the BRZ weighs about 2,800 pounds, so the power-to-weight ratio stays competitive, and the engine's flat layout lowers the center of gravity in a way turbocharged rivals do not match.

Compared with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the BRZ offers more interior room, a larger trunk, and a quieter cabin at highway speeds, while remaining within a few hundred pounds of the Miata's curb weight. Versus its Toyota GR86 twin, the BRZ ships with slightly different suspension tuning and trim-level standard equipment, which matters to buyers who value small detail differences.

• Naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four with 228 hp and a broad torque plateau
• Standard 6-speed manual on the base trim; 6-speed automatic available
• Rear-wheel drive with a Torsen limited-slip differential on Limited trim
• Low center of gravity from the boxer engine layout
• Large trunk opening for a sports coupe, with folding rear seats

Specifications and Powertrains

Fuel type — The BRZ is offered solely with a gasoline engine. There are no hybrid, plug-in, or electric variants in the US lineup.

Engine — The sole US-market powertrain is a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder producing 228 hp at 7,000 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque at 3,700 rpm. Power reaches the rear wheels through a 6-speed manual gearbox or an optional 6-speed automatic with rev-matching on downshifts.

Fuel economy — EPA estimates for the 2025 model year are 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway with the manual transmission, and 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the automatic. Premium-grade gasoline is recommended, which affects real-world running costs.

Emissions — Because the BRZ is lightweight and naturally aspirated, its fuel consumption and associated CO2 output run below heavier turbocharged or V8 coupes, though still above compact hatchbacks. No electrified options exist to change that profile.

Dimensions and body — The BRZ measures about 168 inches long, rides on a 101.4-inch wheelbase, and weighs between approximately 2,840 and 2,900 lb depending on transmission and trim. Trunk capacity is 6.3 cubic feet with the rear seats up.

Payment Reality

The 2025 BRZ starts at $31,095 for the Premium trim with a manual transmission, plus a destination charge of about $1,120. Limited trim adds roughly $4,900. Monthly payments depend heavily on APR, term, down payment, and trade-in value, so the payment calculator on this page is the most direct tool for your specific numbers. Depreciation also matters: BRZs hold value reasonably well because supply is limited and enthusiast demand stays steady, but lease residuals tend to reflect the fact that this is a seasonal weekend car rather than a high-mileage daily. Lease shoppers should compare residual terms against the GR86 and Miata, since factory-subsidized money factors shift from month to month.

Warranty and Maintenance

Subaru covers the BRZ with a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. Rust-through protection lasts 5 years with no mileage limit. Subaru does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance, so oil changes and inspections are out-of-pocket; the recommended interval is 6,000 miles or every 6 months, whichever comes first. Parts availability is strong in the US because the BRZ shares many components with the Toyota GR86 and draws on Subaru's broader parts network.

Owners can use either Subaru or Toyota dealers for many service items, though warranty work should stay at a Subaru dealer. Independent shops that specialize in Subaru or Toyota sports cars handle routine service without issue, and aftermarket support is extensive.

Who the Subaru BRZ Suits

The BRZ fits buyers who want an affordable rear-wheel-drive coupe for weekend drives, track days, or twisty commutes, and who are willing to sacrifice passenger room and rear-seat practicality for a light, communicative chassis. It works as a second car or as a daily driver for someone without a family-car need; the trunk fits a set of golf clubs or two carry-on bags with the rear seats folded.

If open-air motoring matters, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is the natural alternative. If you want a similar platform but prefer the Toyota ownership experience, the GR86 is mechanically close. For buyers who need more power, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost adds significant torque but also more than 600 pounds of weight and a higher price.