Does the BRZ have a Subaru engine?
Yes. The current BRZ uses a Subaru-built 2.4-liter flat-four engine (FA24D) developed with Toyota; the first-generation BRZ used a 2.0-liter FA20D engine, also co-developed with Toyota.
The BRZ today: 2.4-liter FA24D
The second-generation BRZ, introduced for the 2022 model year, is powered by Subaru’s FA24D engine—a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder developed in collaboration with Toyota. In the BRZ, it delivers about 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, with exact figures varying by transmission and market. This engine is part of Subaru’s FA family and reflects the automaker’s signature lightweight, balanced-design philosophy that suits the BRZ’s handling characteristics.
Engine history at a glance
Key engine configurations across the BRZ generations are summarized below.
- FA20D (Gen 1 BRZ, 2012–2020): 2.0 L flat-four, roughly 200 hp and about 151 lb-ft of torque, co-developed with Toyota.
- FA24D (Gen 2 BRZ, 2022–present): 2.4 L flat-four, 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, co-developed with Toyota, shared with the Toyota GR86.
Both generations reflect Subaru’s boxer-engine design and the ongoing collaboration with Toyota, with the newer engine offering more displacement and torque while preserving the BRZ’s driving character.
How the collaboration with Toyota shapes the BRZ
Subaru and Toyota entered into a joint development program to create the BRZ/GR86 platform and its powertrain. Toyota shares in the engine’s tuning and calibration for its GR86, while Subaru supplies the core engine architecture and supports the collaboration across both models. This partnership ensures that the BRZ and GR86 offer closely matched performance, with branding and slight market-tuning differences.
What this means for performance and ownership
For enthusiasts, the BRZ’s Subaru-engine lineage means a characteristic boxer configuration with a responsive delivery and a distinct exhaust note. The transition from the 2.0 L FA20D to the 2.4 L FA24D brought more torque and higher peak output, contributing to stronger real-world acceleration while maintaining the BRZ’s renowned handling balance. Maintenance and parts follow Subaru’s FA engine guidelines, with Toyota involvement reflected in tuning and market-specific specifications.
Summary
In short, the BRZ is powered by a Subaru-engine family. The current car uses the 2.4-liter FA24D engine developed with Toyota, while the first-generation BRZ used the 2.0-liter FA20D engine, also co-developed with Toyota. The two generations share a common engineering partnership and boxer-engine heritage that underpins the BRZ’s performance-oriented identity.
Is the BRZ engine the same as the WRX engine?
No, while the BRZ and WRX share the same 2.4-liter engine block, the WRX's engine is turbocharged and significantly more powerful, while the BRZ's is naturally aspirated and tuned for a different driving experience. The WRX engine produces 271271271 horsepower and 258258258 lb-ft of torque, whereas the BRZ engine produces 228228228 horsepower and 184184184 lb-ft of torque.
Engine differences
- WRX: Uses a turbocharged version of the engine, resulting in higher horsepower and torque.
- BRZ: Uses the naturally aspirated version of the engine, with a different compression ratio, and is tuned for responsive, naturally aspirated performance.
Key takeaways
- Power: The WRX's turbocharged engine provides more power and torque for a more aggressive performance feel.
- Handling: The BRZ is a rear-wheel drive, lightweight coupe designed for agile handling, while the WRX is an all-wheel drive performance sedan with a stiffer suspension and higher grip limits.
- Application: The engine differences are a result of each car's intended purpose: the WRX as a rally-inspired performance sedan and the BRZ as a driver-focused sports coupe.
What engine does a Subaru BRZ use?
The Subaru BRZ is equipped with a 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder engine, which produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This engine is designed to be low-profile, which helps improve the car's handling and balance.
This video explains the differences between the 2014 and 2022 Subaru BRZ engines: 51sTheTopherYouTube · Mar 16, 2024
- Engine type: 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder, horizontally opposed (BOXER) engine
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- Torque: 184 lb-ft
- Aspiration: Naturally aspirated (no turbocharger)
- Design: The engine's low and rearward placement helps lower the vehicle's center of gravity for better handling.
This video shows how to turbocharge the Subaru BRZ: 59sThatDudeinBlueYouTube · Sep 15, 2024
Do the BRZ and GR86 have the same engine?
Yes, the BRZ and GR86 share the exact same engine, a 2.4-liter, 228-horsepower Subaru Boxer four-cylinder. They are mechanical twins built on the same platform and share most components, though they have slight differences in suspension tuning and other styling cues that create a different driving experience between them.
- Engine: Both cars are powered by a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine.
- Horsepower and Torque: The engine produces 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque in both vehicles.
- Shared Platform: They are produced on the same assembly line and share a great deal of their underlying structure.
- Differentiation: Subtle differences in their suspension tuning and other small details are what give them their distinct driving characteristics.
Is the BRZ a real Subaru?
The 2022 Subaru BRZ Sports car purity. Subaru DNA. The all-new, completely redesigned 2022 Subaru BRZ features a new, more powerful 2.4-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine, re-tuned suspension, a more rigid chassis, and an upgraded transmission.
