The 2025 Subaru BRZ is a sporty two-door coupe designed for driving enthusiasts. It competes in the compact sports car class, going head-to-head with the Ford Mustang, Mazda MX-5 Miata, and Toyota GR86. New features for 2025 include a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a shark fin antenna.
The 2025 Subaru BRZ offers two trim levels: the BRZ and the BRZ tS. Both trims are powered by a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat, four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. The BRZ can be equipped with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. The BRZ tS features STI-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
Pricing for the 2025 Subaru BRZ starts at $30,095 for the base model and $33,095 for the BRZ tS. Standard safety features include lane departure warning, pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and seven airbags. Optional equipment includes multi-level heated seats, LED headlights, and a rear spoiler. The BRZ also comes with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology for added safety.
The BRZ "boxer" engine produces just enough power to make the diminutive sports coupe feel quick. Most peg the 0 to 60 MPH time at about 6 seconds, which is appropriate given the price point. The engine isn't the smoothest or quickest to rev, but it gets the job done and provides an proper exhaust note.
Thankfully, Subaru still offers a manual transmission in the BRZ, though the shifter is a bit notchy and the clutch heavy. Still, it's so much more fun to manually row through the gears in a car like the BRZ that it would be a shame if it was automatic only.
Like a true sports car, the BRZ is offered only with rear-wheel drive. That can make the tiny 2800-lb coupe a bit of a liability on slippery roads. Traction control and a rear limited-slip differential are standard, but a set of winter tires are a must if the BRZ is to be a 4-season driver.
Fuel economy isn't as impressive as you might think, given the coupe's low curb weight and modest horsepower rating. The EPA numbers for the manual transmission are 20 MPG city and 27 MPG highway. And that's on premium-grade fuel as well. The automatic does a little better with EPA ratings of 21/30 MPG. In routine suburban commuting expect to average close to 25 MPG overall, perhaps as high as 30 MPG with a light throttle foot and some relaxed highway cruising.
From behind the wheel, drivers will immediately appreciate the delightfully heavy and direct steering. It provides tons of feedback and has a natural feeling that's uncommon among today's electric-boosted systems. Combine the direct steering with the BRZ's svelte curb weight, firm suspension and a standard limited-slip differential and you have all the ingredients for a proper-handling sports coupe. While the ride may be a bit firm for gentrified folk, the suspension does a great job of keeping the BRZ planted on the road over the bumpy stuff.
Interior noise levels are quite high, especially on the new tS trim. There's almost no sound insulation, resulting in lots of engine and wind noise and the tires kick up quite a racket on rough concrete roads.
Perhaps the only let down, from an enthusiast perspective, is the BRZ's down-market interior. Hard plastic dominates nearly every surface and there's a budget feel in the way some of the switchgear operates.
One area where added technology is welcome is in the digital gauge cluster. Though a traditional twin-dial setup might be preferred by some, its design is very readable and can be configured to provide lots of information.
Compare that with the "add-on" infotainment screen, which seems out of place and a tack-on afterthought. It supports Android Auto and Apple Car Play but responds slowly to touch and muddles radio control. Thankfully, there's still traditional knobs and buttons for HVAC and other controls.
The front seats provide amble support without being overly bolstered. And the BRZ might just be the roomiest sports coupe on the market. There's ample front-seat leg room and good head room. It's worth mentioning the rear seats, though there's absolutely no leg room unless the front seats are pushed well forward. With its low build, the BRZ presents an entry/exit challenge to those that don't bend as easily as a gymnast.
Offering only 6.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, BRZ's trunk is quite small. In addition, the opening is quite small and makes loading larger items difficult. The rear seatbacks do fold to extend cargo space. Interior storage is limited to just a few open and covered bins.
Bottom Line -- Thank you Subaru for still offering an honest-to-goodness sports coupe in today's video-game altered reality. While other brands are adding gadgets, weight, and complexity, the BRZ, its Toyota companion and Mazda MX-5 Miata remain true to the sports car ethos. No, the BRZ and its ilk aren't for everyone. The ride is absurdly hard on rough pavement, interior noise levels car reach rock-concert levels, and there's almost no point in the back seat. But for the purist, the driving enthusiast, the BRZ is a refreshing breath of fresh air in an industry that's lost its way in an effort to offer everything in every car. Long live the BRZ!
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