“Is a driver focused car that is fun to drive but lacks a good sound system and cup holder placements could be better.”
Subaru BRZ: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Subaru BRZ is a compact rear-wheel-drive sports coupe known for low weight, balanced handling, and quick steering. It favors driver involvement and cornering feel over maximum horsepower.
Since its 2013 debut, the BRZ has stayed focused on a simple idea: make driving fun through balance and direct control rather than brute force. Both generations use a naturally aspirated engine, rear-wheel drive, and a low seating position to keep the driver connected to the car. A fixed roof, folding rear seat, and usable trunk give it more everyday practicality than a two-seat roadster.
Strengths
- Its light, balanced rear-wheel-drive layout makes it responsive and easy to place in corners.
- Quick steering and a low seating position help the driver feel closely connected to the road.
- A manual transmission and limited-slip differential support the direct, hands-on driving experience.
- Its folding rear seat and usable trunk make it more practical than many small two-seat sports cars.
- The second-generation car adds useful power without abandoning the BRZ’s focus on balance, with 228 horsepower in 2027.
Who it's for
The BRZ fits someone who enjoys winding roads, precise steering, and the involvement of a manual transmission more than straight-line speed. It also makes sense for a shopper who wants a small sports car for regular use and only occasionally needs its tiny rear seats or extra cargo room.
Subaru BRZ lineup
Across much of the BRZ’s history, Premium has been the straightforward core trim, while Limited has added comfort and convenience without changing the car’s basic character. Pick Limited if you want the more fully equipped version for regular use. The tS is the sharper choice, with factory-tuned suspension and stronger Brembo brakes aimed at drivers who care more about hard cornering and track use. Limited-run Series editions have generally added distinctive colors, trim, or selected performance hardware rather than creating a separate long-term branch of the lineup.
Subaru BRZ generations
From 2013 to 2027, the BRZ spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2022, following the 1st Generation (2013–2020).
2nd Generation (2022–Present)
The second-generation BRZ keeps the compact rear-wheel-drive coupe layout but adds a larger 228-hp 2.4-liter engine, a stiffer body, and a more modern cabin. It remains focused on low weight and responsive handling.
21 In Stock
2027Trim changes
The safety suite gets a new wide-angle camera on every trim, including cars with the manual transmission. The tS also gains rear parking sensors.
2026Trim changes
The Premium trim is dropped, making Limited the starting trim. The limited-run Series.Yellow joins above the tS.
2025Trim changes
The 500-unit Series.Purple special edition joins the lineup. Limited models get darker red interior accents.
2024Trim changes
The tS performance trim joins with upgraded suspension and Brembo brakes. The EyeSight safety suite becomes standard on every BRZ, including manual-transmission cars.
2023
The redesigned BRZ carries over with the same two trims, 228-hp engine, and manual or automatic transmissions.
2022New generation
A full redesign brings a larger 228-hp 2.4-liter engine, a stiffer body, digital gauges, and an 8-inch touchscreen.
1st Generation (2013–2020)
The original BRZ introduced Subaru’s lightweight rear-wheel-drive sports coupe on a dedicated platform. It uses a 200-hp 2.0-liter flat-four engine and emphasizes a low center of gravity and direct handling.
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2020Trim changes
The limited-run tS returns with upgraded suspension, extra body bracing, and Brembo brakes. The Premium trim leaves the lineup.
2019Trim changes
The 250-unit Series.Gray special edition joins with Brembo brakes and upgraded dampers. Dual USB ports are added across the lineup.
2018Trim changes
The limited-run tS joins with STI-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, and unique styling details. Limited and tS models also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
2017Mid-cycle update
A broad refresh updates the styling, suspension, body bracing, and stability control. Manual-transmission cars also get a small power increase.
2016Trim changes
The limited-run Series.HyperBlue joins the lineup. Every BRZ also gets a 6.2-inch touchscreen and a rearview camera.
2015Trim changes
The Series.Blue special edition joins, while every BRZ gets retuned suspension dampers and small styling updates.
2014
The BRZ carries over with only small cabin and touchscreen-system tweaks.
2013New generation
The all-new BRZ launches as a lightweight rear-wheel-drive coupe with a 200-hp 2.0-liter engine.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Subaru BRZ.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Subaru BRZ all-wheel drive?
No. The BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive sports coupe, unlike most other Subarus. That layout, along with its low weight and limited-slip differential, is central to its balanced feel in corners.
Does the Subaru BRZ come as a hybrid?
No. The BRZ uses a gasoline engine without hybrid assistance. Second-generation cars have a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 228 horsepower; first-generation cars use a 2.0-liter engine.
Is the Subaru BRZ known more for speed or handling?
Handling is the main attraction. The BRZ emphasizes low weight, quick steering, rear-wheel-drive balance, and direct driver control rather than maximum horsepower. It is built to feel responsive in corners.
Is the Subaru BRZ practical enough for daily driving?
It can be, if you do not need much passenger space. The fixed roof, folding rear seat, and usable trunk make it more practical than a two-seat roadster, but the low cabin and tiny back seat still require compromise.
Does the Subaru BRZ have a back seat?
Yes. The BRZ is a four-seat 2+2 coupe, but the rear seats are small and better suited to short trips, children, or extra storage. The latest specifications show 29.9 inches of rear legroom and a 6.3-cubic-foot trunk.
What is the main difference between first- and second-generation BRZ models?
The second generation, introduced for 2022, has a larger 2.4-liter engine with 228 horsepower, a stiffer body, and a more modern cabin. First-generation cars use a 2.0-liter engine and follow the original lighter, simpler formula.
Does the Subaru BRZ come with a manual or an automatic?
Used BRZ models include both six-speed manual and six-speed automatic versions, depending on year and trim. The manual is central to the car’s driver-focused character, while the Limited has also been produced with an automatic.
Subaru BRZ Reviews
What owners are saying about the Subaru BRZ.
4.5
Subaru BRZ
(665 reviews)
“Doesn't get much better than this. Light, nimble, and great back road driving performance.”
“At the price point it would be hard to find another new vehicle with the quality and handling of this car.”
“Excellent street car with very minor mods, it becomes a stellar performer that you can drive daily and not eat a hole in your pocket.”
“Very good new, entry level, “affordable" sports car. Not perfect but very good. You can definitely feel the revisions made to the chassis and of course the power from the engine”
“The BRZ offers better driving dynamics than a Mazda MX-5 Miata. The handling is sharp and precise. The car feels more planted and in control than the MX-5. You get a feeling of solidity and quality when driving this car.”
Sources
- subaru.com — Brz / 2026 / Specs Trim
- subaru.com — Brz / 2026 / Features
- subaru.com — Vehicles / Brz / 2026
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2026 / BRZ
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2025 / BRZ
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2025 / 2025 BRZ Brochure 032425
- subaru.com — 2022 / Brz / 2022 BRZ Brochure Final 02
- subaru.com — 2023 / Brz / MY23 BRZ Brochure
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2023 / BRZ
- subaru.com — Brochures / 2024 / 2024 BRZ Brochure 121423
- subaru.com — trimComparison / 2024 / BRZ
- subaru.com — Consumer Reports / 2025 / 2025 BRZ Consumer Reports v2