What is the braking distance of the BRZ?
In dry conditions with good performance tires, a BRZ typically needs about 110–125 feet (34–38 meters) to stop from 60 mph; exact distances vary with speed, tire condition, and weather.
The BRZ is a lightweight, rear-drive sports coupe developed by Subaru in collaboration with Toyota. Its braking distance is shaped by tire grip, road surface, weight distribution, and how aggressively the brakes are used. Drivers should consider conditions and tires when assessing stopping performance.
Braking distances at common road speeds
To give drivers a practical sense of stopping capability, here are typical dry-weather distances for the BRZ at common speeds. Distances assume well-maintained performance tires and no unusual loading or weather effects.
- From 60 mph (97 km/h): 110–125 ft (34–38 m)
- From 70 mph (113 km/h): 150–165 ft (46–50 m)
- From 100 km/h (62 mph): 125–140 ft (38–43 m)
These figures illustrate how quickly distance grows with speed, even when braking deceleration remains within a typical range for a compact sports car. Real-world results can vary by tire, weather, and vehicle condition.
What factors influence braking distance?
Several variables can shorten or lengthen the BRZ’s stopping distance. Consider the following:
- Tire condition and type (summer performance vs. all-season vs. worn tires).
- Road surface and grip (dry, wet, ice, debris).
- Brake system condition, including pad wear, rotor health, and ABS functionality.
- Vehicle weight and cargo/occupant load, which affect inertia.
- Ambient temperature and whether the brakes are heat-softened from prior stops.
- Driver technique, including threshold braking and steering input during braking.
Maintaining tires and brakes and driving to the conditions can help ensure braking distances are within the expected ranges.
Braking hardware and how it helps the BRZ
The BRZ uses a modern braking system with ventilated discs on both axles and an ABS-assisted setup. Key hardware elements include:
- Front brakes: ventilated discs with calipers (caliper count and size vary by trim)
- Rear brakes: ventilated discs with calipers
- ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) to optimize stopping performance
With well-maintained tires and braking components, the BRZ can achieve the upper end of the dry-weather stopping distances listed above, while performance tires and favorable weather can reduce distances further.
Tips for BRZ owners to maximize braking performance
Practical steps can help you get the most from your BRZ’s braking system:
- Check tires regularly for tread depth and even wear; use high-grip summer tires if you drive aggressively in dry conditions.
- Inspect brake pads and rotors for wear; replace as needed to avoid reduced stopping power.
- Practice safe threshold braking in a controlled environment to understand your car’s grip and ABS response.
- Avoid excessive heat buildup by moderating long, repeated braking on steep descents; use engine braking where appropriate.
Summary
The BRZ’s braking distance depends on speed, tires, road conditions, and overall vehicle health. In dry conditions with good tires, you can expect roughly 110–125 feet to stop from 60 mph, with longer distances at higher speeds or in less favorable conditions. Maintaining tires and brakes and adapting driving to conditions will help ensure the stopping performance remains within these practical ranges.
