Textual content by Tom Appel
2024 Subaru BRZ tS
Specs
Class: Sporty/Efficiency Automobile
Shade: Blue Pearl
Seating Capability: 4
Miles pushed: 193
Actual-world gasoline economic system: 31.4 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Consolation | C |
| Energy and Efficiency | B |
| Match and End | B- |
| Gasoline Financial system | A |
| Worth | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different autos in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and will not mirror Client Information’s impressions of your entire mannequin lineup. | |
| Huge & Tall Consolation | |
| Huge Man | C- |
| Tall Man | C |
| Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” ranking based mostly on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” ranking based mostly on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 228-horsepower 2.4-liter |
| Engine Kind | 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed handbook |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-wheel drive |
Driving combine: 65% metropolis, 35% freeway
EPA-estimated gasoline economic system: 20/27/22 (metropolis, freeway, mixed)
Gasoline sort: Premium Fuel
Base value: $35,345 (not together with $1120 vacation spot cost)
Choices on take a look at car: None
Value as examined: $36,465
Professionals and Cons
The good: Participating to drive, basically sporty
The great: Straightforward on the fuel, easy controls
The not so good: Agency trip, loads of cabin noise
Overview
There was a time, and I’m sufficiently old to recollect it, that commuting to and from work was enjoyable—a minimum of in some locations. I’m positive nobody alive recollects a pre-congestion journey to the workplace in Los Angeles, and New York Metropolis has all the time been famously tough to navigate throughout the week. However Chicago, effectively, plainly Second Metropolis received unhealthy solely 30 years in the past, or so.
However enjoyable is the place you discover it—and for those who’re up for the problem, your commute may be upgraded to “pleasure” standing by the suitable set of wheels. And that proper arrange wheels would possibly simply be the pleasant Subaru BRZ.
New for the 2012 mannequin yr, and considerably up to date for 2021, the BRZ, and its Toyota clone the GR86, are rolling proof that driving can nonetheless be enjoyable, and a variety of enjoyable at that.
A small coupe that includes rear-wheel drive and customary 6-manual transmission, the BRZ is a throwback to the Eighties and Nineties, when automobiles just like the Nissan 240 SX, Toyota Celica, and Volkswagen Scirocco have been frequent sights on American roadways.
And whereas the BRZ and its Toyota cousin don’t promote in vital quantity, each benefit from the adoration of householders and would-be house owners. And, for good purpose, the BRZ is an absolute pleasure to drive, and we envy the driving force in a position to match one in every of these dynamic little Subarus into their life.
Our take a look at automobile was a 2024 instance, however because the automobile has modified little for 2025, we’ll focus on the latter. Be aware although, that the costs above are for our 2024 tester.
For ’25, the BRZ is obtainable in 4 trim ranges: base Premium ($32,265), Restricted ($34,915), Collection.Purple ($36,615), and extra-sporty tS ($$37,414.)
Restricted to simply 500 examples, the Collection.Purple is obtainable solely with a manual-transmission and in Galaxy Purple Pearl. Solely the Restricted may be had with the accessible 6-speed automated transmission, different trim ranges are fitted solely with a 6-speed handbook trans. All however the Premium are fitted with 18-inch wheels and tires; Premiums include 17s.
The highest-tier tS provides to BRZ sporty character with upgraded Brembo-brand brakes, firmer suspension, and distinctive cabin trim components.
Client Information not too long ago spent per week behind the wheel od a 2024 BRZ tS in Blue Pearl. Together with vacation spot cost, our take a look at automobile got here to $36,465.
Learn a number of BRZ evaluations which made be aware of the BRZ’s lack of “tech.” I might argue that the authors of these missives have missed the purpose right here solely. In contrast to most automobile accessible in 2025, the BRZ just isn’t a rolling workplace, it’s a reliable sports activities automobile, and the cabin serves that mission effectively. Sure, the contact display screen is on the small facet, however you may nonetheless Bluetooth join your cellular system for each music and telephone calls, so, it’s not such as you’re being stranded in 1990.
Really, the cabin is comfortable and cockpit like, and is a snug place from which to conduct the enterprise of driving. The shifter falls readily at hand, and the clutch is effectively positioned for driver consolation and straightforward use.
This huge driver discovered getting into and exiting the BRZ problematic, however youthful and fitter of us will probably not have an issue. The cabin itself is fitted in decent-quality supplies—nothing particular, however serviceable, and construct high quality is outwardly glorious.
Below hood lies Subaru’s 2.4-liter horizontally opposed “flat” four-cylinder engine. The keen energy plant produces 228 horsepower and requires premium-grade gasoline. That is the one engine supplied within the BRZ.
Underway, the large feels as if it all the time “on cam,” producing good energy throughout the rev vary, and keen to drag from any velocity. The shifter just isn’t precisely easy, however exact and notchy is the very best method. Likewise, the clutch is mild and straightforward modulate. Whereas the BRZ doesn’t serve up an particularly great amount of energy by up to date requirements, it’s response, and makes nice noise when labored exhausting. For folk actually seeking to discover the enjoyable throughout a workday commute, That is key. And as a shock bonus, we averaged over 30 mpg in principally metropolis driving. That is effectively above the EPA estimates for the BRZ, and welcome information, if this isn’t an anomaly.
Dealing with is great, and we’d argue that the BRZ, a minimum of in tS trim, boasts one of the best steering of any reasonably priced sporty providing. The agency trip gives glorious road-surface suggestions, and helps to maintain issues fascinating on on-ramps and curvy roads. And, if street noise—and street really feel—aren’t actually your factor, your trying on the fallacious automobile.
There’s truthful quantity of noise filtering into the cabin, particularly at freeway velocity. Know this for those who plan to take the BRZ on prolonged street journeys.
The Subaru lineup is blessed with two glorious sporty rides. Along with the BRZ, the Japanese maker additionally sells the WRX small sedan. Although shut in value, the WRX is the upper efficiency mannequin, with its turbocharged engine and customary AWD. For driver’s on the lookout for most efficiency, the WRX is the higher selection. People on the lookout for a purer expertise will recognize the BRZ’s rear-wheel drive and usually aspirated (not turbocharged) engine. Be aware: The WRX is far simpler to get out and in of.
We’re grateful to Subaru for retaining the slow-selling BRZ in its lineup. The sporty coupe is as near an reasonably priced sporty coupe as an7 maker provides on the market within the U.S. As a result of it’s mechanically comparable, BRZ consumers will wish to take a look at the Toyota GR86 as effectively. Although the ’86 shares a lot with the BRZ, it does take pleasure in particular suspension tuning and distinctive trim ranges and value factors. Both automobile is able to making a driver smile, and bringing some pleasure again right into a day by day commute.
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2024 Subaru BRZ tS Photos
Click on beneath for enlarged pictures
