Is a BRZ a small car?
Yes. The BRZ is a compact, two‑door sports coupe with a small footprint and nimble handling, designed for driving enjoyment rather than family practicality.
What is the BRZ?
The BRZ—a collaboration between Subaru and Toyota—comes to markets as the Subaru BRZ and the Toyota GR 86. It uses a 2.4-liter flat-four engine, producing roughly 228 horsepower, and is built around a lightweight, rear‑wheel‑drive chassis. The body style is a low, two‑door coupe with seating for up to four in a pinch, though the rear seats are best suited for small passengers or extra cargo rather than full-time use.
Is the BRZ a small car?
In common automotive terms, yes. It carries a compact footprint relative to mainstream sedans and SUVs, with a short wheelbase and slim exterior dimensions that emphasize agility and balance. It is larger than microcars and subcompact hatchbacks, but it sits squarely in the compact sport coupe category rather than the largest car classes.
Dimensions that define its size
To understand its small footprint, here are typical exterior measurements for current BRZ models:
- Length: about 4,265 mm (168 in)
- Width: about 1,775 mm (69.9 in)
- Height: about 1,320 mm (52 in)
- Wheelbase: about 2,570 mm (101.2 in)
These dimensions place the BRZ in the compact range and contribute to its nimble handling characteristics, especially in urban and twisty-road driving contexts.
How it compares with other small sports cars
In the market, the BRZ competes with the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Toyota GR86 as a compact, rear‑wheel‑drive sports coupe. While all three emphasize driver engagement, each has its own character: the Miata often emphasizes a light, communicative feel; the BRZ/GR86 emphasizes a balanced chassis with strong straight‑line performance for a similar price class. All of them are notably smaller and lighter than typical four‑seat sports sedans or performance coupes.
- Similar footprint to rivals like the Mazda MX-5 Miata and Toyota GR86
- Designed as a practical, affordable sports car rather than a family vehicle
- Classified as a compact sport coupe, not a subcompact or large car
Taken together, these factors confirm that the BRZ is a small car in the sense of size and category, positioned for nimble handling rather than interior space or cargo capacity.
Practicality and performance
Beyond its size, the BRZ prioritizes driver involvement: a low center of gravity, balanced weight distribution, and a responsive chassis. It offers a 2.4-liter engine around 228 horsepower, available with a manual or automatic transmission in various markets. The tradeoff is limited cargo space and restrained rear-seat practicality compared with more mainstream hatchbacks or family cars.
Summary
The BRZ is a compact, small-footprint sports car. It sits in the compact sport coupe segment, smaller than most sedans and SUVs but larger than microcars. Its emphasis on lightweight structure, rear‑wheel drive, and driver engagement makes it a pleasure for enthusiasts, while its practicality is constrained by limited rear seating and trunk space.
