Affordability and sports cars are not commonly combined in today’s automotive landscape, but there are a pair of vehicles that embody the basic elements of an affordable sports car. The Subaru BRZ is a 2+2 sports car that is jointly developed with the Toyota GR86. They have been on the market since 2012 and are currently in their second generation. The two models look and handle similarly as they are built side by side.
The BRZ is available in three grades, Premium, Limited, and tS. All models come with a naturally aspirated 2.4L flat-four engine that generates 228 horsepower and 184-pound feet of torque. It's available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed electronically controlled automatic. For 2025, prices go up $900 over 2024 with prices starting at $31,210 for the Premium, $33,860 for the Limited and . $36,360 for the tS. Opting for the automatic will be an $850 price bump and is only available on the Limited. New to the Subaru BRZ this year is a dedicated “Sport” mode for coupes equipped with a manual transmission for sharper throttle response during spirited driving. On the Limited trim level, standard black Ultrasuede upholstery with red leather-appointed bolsters and contrast stitching has been revised with a deeper hue and added accents in the cabin.
Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard across the 2025 BRZ lineup, including models equipped with a manual transmission. The advanced safety system includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.
Sports car competition includes its Toyota GR86 twin along with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Honda Civic Si, Ford Mustang, Nissan Z, Toyota GR Supra, and Volkswagen GTI. I spent a week in the BRZ tS with a manual transmission that checked in at $36,465 and here's what stood out...
Exterior Style (+)
The overall shape and style have remained relatively similar since its launch. The BRZ was slightly refreshed in 2022 with updated front and rear fascias, new wheels, and lighting. Introduced last year was the tS which I spent time in and is externally distinguished by tS badging in the front grille and on the rear decklid. The exterior foldable mirrors and roof-mounted shark fin antenna come in a Crystal Black Silica finish. It's available in seven exterior color choices that include WR Blue Pearl, Crystal Black Silica, Magnetite Gray Metallic, Ignitiona Red, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, and Sapphire Blue Pear. New for 2025, Subaru debuts the Series.Purple Special Edition, which is limited to 500 units finished in purple.
Up front the headlights house L-shaped LED lights while a larger grille and functional air intakes cools the engine and look aggressive. On the side, its front fender and large rocker molding form side sill spoilers with integrated and functional air outlets. The lower rocker panel draws attention up to the rear fender for fluid design.
At the rear of the car, the large rear fenders and wide track flow into dual exhausts for a low and wide stance. This visual heft is lightened by a narrow greenhouse and rear hatch that flows into a dramatic upturned “ducktail” rear spoiler. Three-dimensional rear taillights wrap around the rear deck and blend into trim molding along the trunk line to form a wide, connected rear. Reverse lights are incorporated into the lower fascia and overall proportions are great with minimal overhangs, a wider stance, and appropriate height. This car looks sporty and ready to move
Wheels (+/-)
Premium models ride on 17-inch high-luster gray finished 10-spoke aluminum alloys. Limited models come with 18-inch 10-spoke matte dark gray aluminum alloy wheels that are supposed to represent a Japanese-sword-inspired look. And tS models get 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels in Dark Gray Metallic Finish that are mounted on 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires for superior grip and quicker turn-in. All wheels fill the arches well and look fine on the BRZ, but I'd like to see something with more character and design available. These wheels have carried over for a few years now.
Performance- Power (+)
Subaru made appropriate tweaks to give the BRZ an 18% boost when it was last refreshed to deliver 228 horsepower and 184-pound feet of torque. While it may not seem like a huge jump from 205, it is a noticeable one as the car feels more refined and zippier. The naturally aspirated 2.4-liter, horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine is tuned so the peak torque arrives far earlier in the powerband at 3700 RPM, versus 6600 RPM on the previous generation, making for a responsive and powerful driving experience.The BRZ tS accelerates from 0-60 in approximately 5.5 seconds in the manual transmission and slightly slower at 6.3 seconds in the automatic. Keeping the manual is a big win for enthusiasts as it's easy to shift through the gears and is engaging. The shape of the shift lever is also optimized for smooth, enjoyable shifting.
With the push of a button, MT drivers can engage a new Sport Mode to enhance the driving experience, but this feature is exclusive to models equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. Activating the Sport Mode sharpens throttle response, providing more immediate acceleration and a more dynamic driving feel. Additionally, the Active Sound Control system amplifies the engine's artificial noise within the cabin, creating more engaging sounds.The new Sport Mode changes the tach's display and brings important info like rpm and gear into focus. Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) is also dialed back to help you reach the limits of grip, while Full-Off Mode prevents the VSC from kicking in, putting you in full control. While I haven't driven the automatic, many have stated that it tends to downshift slowly. Automatic models are available with different drive modes that include normal, sport, snow, or track. Passing power is sufficient on the highway.
Performance- Handling (+)
I had nearly as much fun driving the BRZ tS as I did more powerful sports cars like the Nissan Z or Toyota GR Supra. It certainly has less power, but the car is nimble, agile, and responsive. This is truly a fun-to-drive sports car as it hugs turns tightly with little body lean. Steering is well-weighted and responsive to direct the car exactly where you want to go. Regardless of speed and road conditions, it feels grounded to the pavement. It's a relatively light weight car at 2,851 pounds and maintains a low center of gravity.
It has a bit of a go-kart feel, but with much more stability and safety. I have been fortunate to take this on an autocross track as well, and it was an absolute blast zipping around turns. This is the type of car that begs to be driven and Subaru has given it all of the right components to engage both a novice or experienced driver. BRZ tS models come equipped with STI-tuned front and rear Hitachi dampers to maximize its light weight, ultra-low center of gravity, and precision handling, resulting in greater flexibility and better control and stability. A high-performance Brembo braking system, including gold-painted 4-piston front calipers, gold-painted 2-piston rear calipers and larger pads and rotors, enhances stopping power, fade resistance and pedal feel. Sport-tuned independent MacPherson front struts feature refined damping performance and gain new rebound springs to enhance handling characteristics. A double-wishbone style, multi-link rear suspension features a Torsen limited-slip rear differential for improved traction while cornering. And sport-tuned rear shock absorbers feature stiffer springs to provide planted, predictable handling for the front-engine, rear-wheel drive coupe.
I took the BRZ tS up north to Road America and never tired while driving. It was engaging from start to finish and exciting to navigate through traffic. When the roads opened up, so did the BRZ. This is no-nonsense driver’s car that is sure to put a smile on your face while shifting gears.
Exhaust (+)
This little 4-cylinder sounds pretty good thanks to an available dual cat-back exhaust system that features dual chrome tips. Constructed from high-grade, corrosion-resistant materials, this cat-back exhaust system features mandrel bends for smoother airflow, helping heighten BRZ’s engine performance and make an impression at every block. The natural growl is satisfying, and an active sound control system augments the engine sound in the cabin.
Fuel Economy (+/-)
The GR86 arrived with a full 13.2-gallon fuel tank that offered a range of around 273 miles. Fuel economy is rated at 20/27/22 MPG city/highway/combined which is average for the class. It runs on premium gasoline and after a week of primarily suburban driving I averaged 25 MPG.
Interior Fit & Finish (+/-)
The interior is very driver-centric with a horizontally configured 7-inch digital instrument cluster. The display content varies with each drive mode (normal, sport, snow, or track). A sport-inspired leather-trimmed steering wheel includes audio controls and a 3-spoke design. Materials are a mix of soft and hard plastics which aligns with the vehicle's low price. The dash layout features an 8-inch touch screen flanked by push button controls for audio. The screen surrounding and buttons feel on the cheaper side, but directly below that are three dials for climate control and five toggle switches for other functions. As expected, space is limited overall. There's two cup holders within the center console, but they require the driver to reach back. As an alternative, there is room for a standard cup/water bottle in the driver's door for a taller drink. The overall feel inside is sporty, but on a more basic level.
Premium models feature black cloth upholstery while Limited models upgrade to black/red Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed seating with red contrast stitching. The BRZ tS cabin is wrapped in black upholstery with tS-only contrasting blue stitching on the front seat bolsters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter boot and parking brake boot. Standard performance-design front seats with height-adjustable head restraints feature a blue leather accent down the middle. The iconic STI logo is displayed on the red starter button and customizable 7-inch digital instrument cluster, also updated with tS-exclusive red accents.
Technology (+/-)
The BRZ focuses more on style and performance rather than tech. Overall technology fulfills all the basics without much more. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen offers wireless integration with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Functionality is simple and easy to use. A 6-speaker sound system is standard on the premium model while higher trims come with an 8-speaker system. While the interface may feel dated compared to competitors, it remains functional and user-friendly.
Starlink safety and security is available on limited and tS models which includes emergency SOS, remote engine start with climate control, stolen vehicle recovery, vehicle health reports, and remote door lock/unlock.
Interior Seats (+/-)
The 2+2 design accommodates four passengers in the BRZ, barely. The rear seats are extremely small and tight for even kids. My 9-year-old was the only one who could really manage to get back there comfortably, and it required the passenger seat to be pushed forward. Front seats easily slide forward via a handle at the top of the seatback. Nonetheless, it does have the extra space and seats when needed.
Front passengers fare much better as the bucket seats offer reasonable support and bolstering to snuggly accommodate the driver and passenger. Head and leg room is also sufficient for even taller adults. Cloth and manually adjusted seats are standard on the base, while heated leather seats and Ultrasuede inserts are standard on higher trims. The seats are comfortable, and the car is easier to get in and out of than some competitors.
Cargo (-)
Open the trunk and you'll find only 6.2 cubic feet of trunk space which is below average compared to most sports cars. Even the Toyota GR Supra offered more space at 10.2 cubic feet. As a bonus though, the rear seatback does fold down for access to the trunk and the rear seats themselves can be utilized for cargo.
Safety (+)
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on all trims which including manual transmission models. EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, lead vehicle start assist, and lane keep assist. Additional features available on the Limited and tS include blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking. The BRZ scores good/superior in IIHS safety ratings and gets a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
First Impression Summary:
Final Statement (+)
I have been a fan of the BRZ / GR86 twins since they first launched and they have only gotten better. This car is built to be driven and is the type of car you just want to go for a cruise in. While the interior is basic and lacking in some higher quality materials you might find in a Mazda, remember that the BRZ maintains a low starting price just over $30k. It would make a great second vehicle for any car enthusiast to have in their personal fleet without a huge expense. It looks the part with tasteful styling and performs the part with a zippy powertrain. The addition of the tS trim adds to the BRZ portfolio by paying homage to some STI heritage and adding a little more driving engagement to the car. This is definitely worth a drive if you want something fun and affordable.
Pros: Engaging to drive, Manual Transmission, Standard Safety, Responsive Handling, Affordable
Cons: Basic Interior Materials, Limited Cargo Space, Cramped Rear Seat
Test Vehicle: 2025 Subaru BRZ tS
Exterior Color: WR Blue Pearl
Interior Color: Black/Blue Leather/Ultrasuede
Notable Options: None
MSRP as tested (including delivery & processing fees): $36,465
