“If you want a car that is for fun and will put a smile on your face every time you get behind the wheel, this is the car. I always hear, "That's a Subaru?'. Yes it is! Subaru knows performance.”
2017 Subaru BRZ: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2017 Subaru BRZ gets a major mid-cycle refresh, led by retuned handling, updated styling, and a new Track mode. Manual-transmission cars also gain a modest increase in power and torque.
About the 2017 Subaru BRZ
1st generation BRZ (2013-2020), major 2017 refresh year.
Subaru positions the BRZ as a pure, lightweight rear-drive sports coupe built around balance, steering feel, and a very low center of gravity rather than outright straight-line speed. The BRZ’s appeal is simple: it is a small, affordable driver’s car with sharp responses, a manual gearbox at the core of the range, and enough everyday usability from its 2+2 layout and fold-down rear seat to serve as more than just a weekend toy.
The Premium is the focused entry model, pairing rear-wheel drive and a sport-tuned suspension with LED lighting and a 6.2-inch touchscreen. The Limited adds heated seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless start, and a new 4.2-inch performance display. The 500-unit Series.Yellow combines Limited comfort features with Brembo brakes, SACHS performance dampers, and yellow-specific cabin trim.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
Manual-transmission cars rise from 200 to 205 horsepower and from 151 to 156 lb-ft of torque. They also get a shorter 4.3:1 final-drive ratio for quicker response.
Styling
Every BRZ gets a redesigned front end, standard LED headlights and taillights, and an aluminum rear spoiler. The 500-unit Series.Yellow joins the lineup with yellow paint and matching interior details, while the Series.HyperBlue leaves.
Safety
The stability-control system is recalibrated, and a new Track mode replaces the previous Sport setting. Hill-start assist becomes standard across the lineup.
Tech
The Limited gains a 4.2-inch color display in the gauge cluster with performance information.
Structural
Subaru retunes the suspension with revised springs and dampers, fits a larger rear stabilizer bar, and adds chassis bracing to sharpen handling.
2017 Subaru BRZ specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd | Manual, 6-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 34 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 205 hp | 205 hp | 205 hp |
| Torque | 156 lb-ft | 156 lb-ft | 156 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2700 lb | ||
| Trunk/Cargo | 6.9 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft | 6.9 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 29.9 in | 29.9 in | 29.9 in |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| 4-Wheel Disc Brakes | |||
| Alarm System | |||
| Rear View Camera | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| LED Headlights | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest difference between the 2017 Subaru BRZ and the 2016 model?
The biggest difference is the 2017 model’s broad chassis refresh. It has revised suspension parts, added body bracing, a larger rear stabilizer bar, updated stability control with Track mode, and new front-end styling.
Does the 2017 Subaru BRZ have more power than the 2016 model?
Yes, 2017 BRZ models with the six-speed manual rise from 200 to 205 horsepower and from 151 to 156 lb-ft of torque. Manual cars also use a shorter final-drive ratio for quicker response.
How did Subaru change the 2017 BRZ’s handling?
Subaru revised the springs and dampers, fitted a larger rear stabilizer bar, added chassis bracing, and recalibrated the stability-control system. A new Track mode also replaces the previous Sport setting.
What is the 2017 Subaru BRZ Series.Yellow?
The Series.Yellow is a 500-unit special edition based on the Limited trim. It has a manual transmission, Brembo brakes, SACHS performance dampers, and yellow-specific upholstery and trim.
Is the 2017 Subaru BRZ a major change from the prior year?
Yes, the 2017 BRZ is the major refresh year of the first generation rather than a simple carryover. The changes cover the chassis, styling, driving controls, lighting, and manual powertrain.
2017 Subaru BRZ Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Subaru BRZ.
4.7
2017 Subaru BRZ
(79 reviews)
“Be aware of stiff suspension and lack of power in the mid-range of rpm. Otherwise exceptional cornering and feedback through steering wheel and pedals. Rev happy engine with a fun and engaging feel.”
“This car is for driving. It is minimally practical. It's hard to get in and out of. But once you find a nice curvy road without too much traffic, it can't be beaten by anything near its price range. Oh, and the exhaust sound is wonderful.”