Subaru BRZ:Review the specs, features and pros & cons
Overview of the Subaru BRZ
Learn about the Subaru BRZSubaru BRZ Summary
Introduced in 2013, the Subaru BRZ is one of the Japanese brand's top-performing sports cars. Ditching the four-wheel drive system found in the rest of the lineup, the BRZ is a fun drive, thanks to a light curb weight and confidence-inspiring handling. And what's more, it does this at an accessible price.
It's not a family car due to tight rear seats and a small trunk. But if you're looking for a sharply styled coupe (two-door) that prioritizes exciting driving, with a manual or automatic transmission, the Subaru BRZ is a strong contender.
Subaru BRZ Safety
The Subaru BRZ doesn't sacrifice safety for fun. Every model comes with a wealth of safety features, including dual front airbags, front side-impact airbags, and side curtain airbags. All BRZs also include:
- Hill Start Assist, which automatically applies the brakes at a stop on inclines to avoid roll-back
- Traction Control System (TCS), which monitors tire grip and applies the brakes at any corner if it senses a loss of grip
- A multi-mode Vehicle Stability Control system with Track Mode (VSC), which will also apply the brakes if the driver loses control
The 2019 also comes with brake assist, which automatically applies the brakes when it senses an urgent stop, as well as side-curtain airbags for added head protection in both rows.
Subaru BRZ Interior
The Subaru BRZ interior takes the classic sports car approach. It's driver-focused, with all the controls falling easily to hand, like the push-button start. The interior always comes in black—the choice is then between cloth or leather seats. Both are sporty designs, with ample bolstering to keep you in place during cornering.
Opt for any model other than the base version, and the Subaru BRZ comes with the following interior features:
- Six-way adjustable driver's seat
- Four-way adjustable passenger seat
- Dual-zone electronic automatic climate control
Subaru BRZ Technology
Across model years, Subaru BRZ comes equipped with an eight-speaker sound system with integrated amplifier. Also standard is a touchscreen infotainment system, measuring 6.1-inches in 2013–2016 cars, and 7-inches from 2017 onwards. This includes AM/FM radio, GPS Navigation, dual USB/iPod control, and Bluetooth. Newer models also added SiriusXM radio support and Apple CarPlay. 2019 models even include wireless updates to the infotainment system. Although, even with this improvement, some drivers report the BRZ's infotainment system lags behind others in the industry.
Subaru BRZ Space
The Subaru BRZ's tidy footprint and two-door coupe shape make it an ideal sports car platform. But a family sedan this is not—adults will find the back seats uncomfortable for longer journeys. Front seating is better, providing ample space for the driver and passenger.
Trunk space is limited at 196 L. The rear seats do fold flat, opening up the amount of room for cargo—although the rear window base makes the opening smaller.
Subaru BRZ Comfort
Subaru built the BRZ for carving corners. Thanks to its four-wheel fully independent suspension and low centre of gravity, the BRZ is a popular choice for car enthusiasts. The fact that it comes with a slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission as well as an automatic transmission with paddle shifters (optional) helps, too.
Only one engine is available: Subaru's 2.0 L boxer four-cylinder engine, producing 200–205 horsepower depending on the trim. This is less than its bigger engined competition, like the Ford Mustang. On the flip side, its smaller engine and big 50 L fuel tank give the BRZ impressive gas mileage.
Pros and cons of the Subaru BRZ
- Fastback 2+2 sport coupe
- Manual or automatic transmission
- Responsive sports car handling
- Limited space in rear seats
- Four-cylinder Boxer engine lacks power
- Limited visibility due to low roofline
Safety ratings of the Subaru BRZ
Safety ratings provided by NHTSA
- Frontal crash rating
- Side crash rating
- Rollover rating
- Number of airbags6
Specifications of the Subaru BRZ
Key specifications available across all trim levels- Seats4
- Doors2
- Fuel typeGas
- TransmissionManual or Automatic
- City consumption8.3 - 11.6 L/100km
- Highway consumption5.9 - 8.6 L/100km
- Width1775 mm
- Length4235 - 4260 mm
- Trunk space196 L
- Cargo space196 L
Trims available with the Subaru BRZ
What is a trim? Trims are different options of the same car with different features and equipment. The specs depend on the trim you choose.This variant of the Subaru BRZ 2013 - 2020 is available in 9 trims:Basic trim features and specs
Available with the Basic trim:
- Multifunction steering wheel (optional)
- Paddle shifters (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Power steering
- Sport seats in the front
Available with the Basic trim:
- Bi-Xenon headlights (optional)
- LED headlights (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- LED daytime running lights
- Short wheel base
Available with the Basic trim:
- Emergency call system
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Basic trim:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- CD player (optional)
- Hill start assist (optional)
- MP3-CD player (optional)
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- WiFi (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Aozora Edition trim features and specs
Available with the Aozora Edition trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Heated front seats
Available across all trims:
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Power steering
- Sport seats in the front
Available with the Aozora Edition trim:
- Bi-Xenon headlights
- Fog lights
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- LED daytime running lights
- Short wheel base
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Aozora Edition trim:
- CD player
- Keyless entry
- MP3-CD player
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Hikari Edition trim features and specs
Available with the Hikari Edition trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Heated front seats
Available across all trims:
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Power steering
- Sport seats in the front
Available with the Hikari Edition trim:
- Bi-Xenon headlights
- Fog lights
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- LED daytime running lights
- Short wheel base
Available with the Hikari Edition trim:
- Dimming interior mirror
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Hikari Edition trim:
- CD player
- Keyless entry
- MP3-CD player
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Inazuma Edition trim features and specs
Available with the Inazuma Edition trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Heated front seats
- Multifunction steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Power steering
- Sport seats in the front
Available with the Inazuma Edition trim:
- Fog lights
- LED headlights
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- LED daytime running lights
- Short wheel base
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Inazuma Edition trim:
- CD player
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry
- MP3-CD player
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Raiu Edition trim features and specs
Available with the Raiu Edition trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Heated front seats
- Multifunction steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Power steering
- Sport seats in the front
Available with the Raiu Edition trim:
- Fog lights
- LED headlights
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- LED daytime running lights
- Short wheel base
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Raiu Edition trim:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Sport-tech Package trim features and specs
Available with the Sport-tech Package trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Heated front seats
- Multifunction steering wheel (optional)
- Paddle shifters (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Power steering
- Sport seats in the front
Available with the Sport-tech Package trim:
- Bi-Xenon headlights (optional)
- Fog lights
- LED headlights (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- LED daytime running lights
- Short wheel base
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Sport-tech Package trim:
- CD player
- Hill start assist (optional)
- Keyless entry
- MP3-CD player
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Sport-tech RS trim features and specs
Available with the Sport-tech RS trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Heated front seats
- Multifunction steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Power steering
- Sport seats in the front
Available with the Sport-tech RS trim:
- Fog lights
- LED headlights
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- LED daytime running lights
- Short wheel base
Available with the Sport-tech RS trim:
- Emergency call system
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Sport-tech RS trim:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- WiFi (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
tS trim features and specs
Available with the tS trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Heated front seats
- Multifunction steering wheel
Available across all trims:
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Power steering
- Sport seats in the front
Available with the tS trim:
- Fog lights (optional)
- LED headlights
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- LED daytime running lights
- Short wheel base
Available with the tS trim:
- Emergency call system
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the tS trim:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- WiFi (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Sport-tech trim features and specs
Available with the Sport-tech trim:
- 2 climate zones
- Air conditioning (automatic)
- Heated front seats
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Paddle shifters
Available across all trims:
- Electric windows
- Emergency wheel
- ISOFIX installation points
- Leather steering wheel
- Power steering
- Sport seats in the front
Available with the Sport-tech trim:
- Fog lights
- LED headlights
Available across all trims:
- Alloy wheels
- Daytime running lights
- Door mirrors electrically adjustable
- LED daytime running lights
- Short wheel base
Available with the Sport-tech trim:
- Emergency call system
Available across all trims:
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Brake assist system
- Disc brakes
- Dusk sensor
- Electronic traction control
- Front-driver airbag
- Front-passenger airbag
- Rear-wheel drive
- Side airbag
- Side curtain airbag
- Stability control
- Tire pressure indicator
Available with the Sport-tech trim:
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Hill start assist
- Keyless entry
- Rear sensors
- Rear view camera
- WiFi (optional)
Available across all trims:
- Bluetooth
- Computer
- Cruise control
- Navigation system
- Power door locks
- Radio
- Touchscreen
- USB port for front passengers
Frequently asked questions about the Subaru BRZ
No, the Subaru BRZ is rear-wheel drive. This keeps its curb weight low, which is ideal for a sports car.
BRZ stands for “Boxer”, “Rear-wheel drive” and “Zenith”—the latter of which means “the peak of something.” In the BRZ's case, that means driving enjoyment.
No, the Subaru BRZ relies on a high-revving engine to produce its power. Newer manual models feature 205 hp, while automatics and older models have around 200 hp.
The Subaru BRZ is a two-door sports car. It trades the four-wheel drive and four-door shape of the rest of the Subaru line for a sportier drive.
The Subaru BRZ is capable of a 215 km/h top speed. This is higher than any road limit, so if you want to explore its top speed, we recommend taking it to a track!
Dimensions of the Subaru BRZ
Year | Height from | Width from | Length from |
---|---|---|---|
Exact values depend on trim choices. | |||
2020 | 1320 mm | 1775 mm | 4235 mm |
2019 | 1320 mm | 1775 mm | 4235 mm |
2018 | 1320 mm | 1775 mm | 4235 mm |
2017 | 1320 mm | 1775 mm | 4235 mm |
2016 | 1425 mm | 1775 mm | 4235 mm |
2015 | 1425 mm | 1775 mm | 4235 mm |
2014 | 1285 mm | 1775 mm | 4235 mm |
2013 | 1285 mm | 1775 mm | 4235 mm |