“The Subaru BRZ is a great vehicle for sports car enthusiasts on a budget. Although it doesn't have a high peak, this car handles and performs in the turns better than any sports vehicle with less than or equal to twice its hp. There are many different aftermarket body kits to personalize this car.”
2018 Subaru BRZ: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2018 Subaru BRZ is a light-update model led by the new 500-unit tS special edition. It brings STI-tuned handling hardware, stronger Brembo brakes, added body bracing, and unique aerodynamic details rather than more power.
About the 2018 Subaru BRZ
1st generation BRZ (2013-2020), second year after the 2017 refresh.
Subaru positioned the BRZ as a lightweight rear-drive sports coupe built around balance, a very low center of gravity, and precise handling rather than big straight-line power. It was also sold as a sports car you could live with every day, thanks to 2+2 seating, a fold-down rear seatback, and a usable trunk. In this class, the BRZ’s main appeal is steering feel, chassis balance, and a simple, driver-focused layout.
The Premium is the straightforward sports-car version, with rear-wheel drive, a 205-hp engine, a six-speed manual, and a limited-slip differential that helps put power down in turns. The Limited adds daily-use comforts such as heated seats, keyless start, dual-zone climate control, and a 7-inch navigation touchscreen. The rare tS is the most track-focused version, with STI-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, extra bracing, and a carbon-fiber rear spoiler.
What changed, by category
Structural
The new tS adds STI-tuned springs and SACHS dampers, extra chassis bracing, and Brembo brakes with four-piston front and two-piston rear calipers.
Styling
The tS receives a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, STI spoilers around the lower body, and exclusive red-accented interior trim. The previous Series.Yellow special edition leaves the lineup, and all BRZ models gain a leather shift handle.
Tech
Limited and tS models receive a 7-inch navigation touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Every trim adds welcome lighting, headlights that turn on with the wipers, and one-touch lane-change turn signals.
2018 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 | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 27 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 | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Satellite Radio | |||
| Smartphone Interface | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2018 Subaru BRZ compared with the 2017 model?
The main change is the arrival of the 500-unit BRZ tS, a track-focused trim with STI-tuned suspension, added body bracing, Brembo brakes, and unique aerodynamic parts. Limited and tS models also have a 7-inch navigation touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while all trims add several small convenience features. The Series.Yellow special edition was dropped.
What is special about the 2018 Subaru BRZ tS?
The 2018 BRZ tS is a 500-unit special edition focused on sharper handling rather than extra power. It has STI-tuned springs and SACHS dampers, added chassis bracing, Brembo brakes, a carbon-fiber rear spoiler, lower-body spoilers, and an exclusive red-accented interior.
Does the 2018 Subaru BRZ have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?
Yes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included with the 7-inch navigation touchscreen in the 2018 BRZ Limited and tS. The Premium instead has a 6.2-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and a USB input.
Was the Subaru BRZ Series.Yellow offered for 2018?
No, the Series.Yellow was dropped after the 2017 model year. For 2018, the limited-production tS joined the lineup as a separate track-focused special edition.
Did the 2018 Subaru BRZ tS get more power?
No, the tS was developed around handling rather than added engine power. Its meaningful upgrades are the STI-tuned suspension, extra chassis bracing, stronger Brembo brakes, and aerodynamic parts.
2018 Subaru BRZ Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Subaru BRZ.
4.4
2018 Subaru BRZ
(65 reviews)