Is the BRZ a good sports car?
The Subaru BRZ remains a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts, offering precise handling and a pure rear-wheel-drive experience at a reasonable price. It isn’t the most powerful or plush option in its class, and its practicality is limited, but its driving character makes it stand out on twisty roads. Below is a detailed look at what makes the BRZ good—as well as where it falls short—in today’s market.
What makes the BRZ stand out
Overview: The BRZ emphasizes driver involvement, balance, and value. The following lists summarize its core strengths.
Performance and handling highlights
The BRZ thrives where it matters most for enthusiasts: cornering, steering feedback, and a light, balanced chassis that rewards precise inputs.
- Rear-wheel drive with a low center of gravity and balanced weight distribution for sharp, predictable handling.
- 2.4-liter flat-four engine delivering about 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque (introduced in 2022 and carried forward in recent model years).
- Standard six-speed manual transmission with an engaging, communicative shifter; a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is also available.
- Well-sorted suspension and steering tuning that favor driver involvement over ride softness, especially on winding roads.
Overall, the BRZ offers a pure, driver-focused experience that appeals to those who value tactile feedback and chassis balance over straight-line bragging rights.
Practicality and ownership costs
Beyond performance, buyers should weigh daily usability and ownership expenses in relation to rival sports cars.
- Cabin is snug but reasonably comfortable for a sports coupe; cargo space is limited, and rear-seat practicality is modest.
- Starting price is competitive for a new sports car; running costs are moderate for its class, with typical maintenance and insurance considerations similar to peers.
- Reliability is generally solid, aided by Subaru/Toyota engineering collaboration and proven powertrains.
In short, the BRZ delivers strong value for enthusiasts who want a focused driving experience without paying premium for luxury or power—but it isn’t the pick for buyers prioritizing space or ultra-luxury touches.
What to know before buying
To help potential buyers evaluate the BRZ, here are the key trade-offs and what to compare against across the segment.
- Performance vs. straight-line speed: The 228-hp engine is ample for fun on public roads and track days, but rivals with more power or lighter weight can deliver faster acceleration or a different driving character.
- Comfort and daily use: The ride can be firm, and interior materials are functional rather than luxurious; practicality is limited by the trunk size and cabin packaging.
- Cost of ownership: The BRZ’s price is appealing for a new sports car; maintenance and insurance costs are reasonable for the class, though depreciation will vary by year and market.
For buyers who prize a focused, engaging drive over plush interiors or blistering speeds, the BRZ remains a strong contender. Those seeking everyday comfort or maximum performance may want to weigh alternatives more heavily.
Performance and market context (2020s)
Updates over the current generation have kept the BRZ relevant while preserving its core ethos as a driver’s car. The 2.4-liter engine and continued manual option preserve the brand’s emphasis on involvement, with styling and interior updates helping to keep it current in a competitive segment.
- Second-generation BRZ introduced with a 2.4-liter engine producing 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, improving mid-range responsiveness over the prior 2.0-liter model.
- Styling refreshes and interior refinements in later years helped modernize the look and user experience while maintaining the same fundamental chassis and drivetrain philosophy.
- All trims offer a manual transmission as the traditional enthusiast pick; automatics provide convenience without sacrificing the fundamental driving character.
In practice, the BRZ sits among affordable, engaging sport coupes that emphasize driver involvement rather than raw horsepower. It shares many core traits with its twin, the Toyota GR86, and competes with light, nimble rivals like the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Competitors and pairing considerations
Context matters when considering the BRZ against close rivals and alternatives in its class.
- Mazda MX-5 Miata: Typically lighter and more agile, with a purist, convertible experience; the BRZ offers more interior space, additional power, and a coupe body style.
- Twin rival Toyota GR86: Shares the same platform and powertrain; differences mainly lie in styling and interior appointments and sometimes regional pricing or incentives.
- Other sports coupes (e.g., certain Honda/European options): Often deliver more power or comfort, but can lack the BRZ’s balance, steering feel, and driver engagement.
Ultimately, the BRZ stands out for buyers who want a focused, rear-wheel-drive sports car with a strong emphasis on handling and engagement, and who don’t require maximum horsepower or plush daily comfort.
Summary
In today’s market, the BRZ remains a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts who value chassis balance, steering feedback, and a purist rear-drive experience at a reasonable price. It delivers on engagement and reliability but compromises on space, luxury, and straight-line speed. If you prioritize a connected, enjoyable drive on winding roads and are comfortable with a modest amount of practicality, the BRZ is a strong pick. If you want more power or a more luxurious daily ride, consider rivals like the Miata, a GR86, or other sport coupes in the segment. A test drive is the best way to determine if the BRZ fits your driving priorities.
