Is a Subaru BRZ good on gas?
For many buyers, fuel economy matters, but the BRZ is primarily focused on handling and driving enjoyment rather than maximum efficiency. In typical mixed driving, you’ll likely see mpg in the low-to-mid 20s, with highway stretches offering better efficiency than city trips.
Since its 2022 refresh, the BRZ uses a 2.4-liter flat-four engine paired with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Official EPA estimates place the manual around 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway (about 23 mpg combined) and the automatic around 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway (roughly 23–24 mpg combined). Real-world results vary with driving style, conditions, and tire setup, so your actual numbers may differ.
Official figures by transmission
Below are typical EPA numbers reported for recent BRZ models, split by how you choose to shift gears.
Note: These numbers reflect factory estimates and can differ slightly by year and testing cycle.
- Manual transmission: approximately 20 mpg in the city, 27 mpg on the highway, about 23 mpg combined.
- Automatic transmission: approximately 21 mpg in the city, 28 mpg on the highway, about 23–24 mpg combined.
While the manual offers the traditional sports-car feel, the automatic is usually a touch more convenient in daily driving and can edge slightly better fuel economy on highway runs.
Real-world performance and how it compares
In everyday use, factors like terrain, weather, driving behavior, and tire choice have a larger impact on mpg than in many economy-focused cars. The BRZ’s fuel economy tends to cluster in the low-to-mid 20s mpg for mixed driving. When compared with its close cousin, the Toyota GR86, and with lightweight roadsters like the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the BRZ sits in a similar range—trading some efficiency for engaging handling and acceleration.
Here’s what to expect in typical daily driving:
- City driving with stops and starts tends to push mpg toward the lower end of the range.
- Highway cruising at steady speeds tends to push mpg toward the higher end.
- Sporty, spirited driving will generally reduce mpg compared with steady-state highway numbers.
For those prioritizing fuel costs, it’s worth comparing the BRZ with its rivals or considering models with hybrid options, though you’ll trade some driving engagement in the process.
Tips to maximize fuel economy
Even as a performance-focused car, there are practical steps to eke out better efficiency without sacrificing handling:
Strategies to improve efficiency include:
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure to minimize rolling resistance.
- Practice smooth throttle application and anticipate stops to reduce unnecessary acceleration and braking.
- Use cruise control on highways when appropriate to maintain a steady speed.
- Keep up with regular maintenance (oil changes, air filters, spark plugs) to sustain engine efficiency.
- Follow the manufacturer’s fuel recommendations and avoid unnecessary revving or aggressive short trips.
With mindful driving, you can stay toward the upper end of the BRZ’s mpg range on longer trips while still enjoying the car’s dynamic personality.
Summary
The Subaru BRZ offers spirited performance and precise handling, but its fuel economy is modest for a modern non-hybrid sports car. Official EPA figures place manual versions around 20 mpg city / 27 mpg highway (about 23 mpg combined) and automatic versions around 21 mpg city / 28 mpg highway (roughly 23–24 mpg combined). Real-world mileage depends heavily on driving style, conditions, and tire setup. If fuel efficiency is a primary concern, weigh the BRZ against rivals and consider how you’ll use the car—if driving enjoyment is the priority, the BRZ remains a compelling option with predictable, club-level track-ready behavior.
