Text by Tom Appel
2024 Subaru BRZ tS
Specs
Class: Sporty/Performance Car
Color: Blue Pearl
Seating Capacity: 4
Miles driven: 193
Real-world fuel economy: 31.4 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | C |
| Power and Performance | B |
| Fit and Finish | B- |
| Fuel Economy | A |
| Value | B+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | C- |
| Tall Guy | C |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 228-horsepower 2.4-liter |
| Engine Type | 4-cylinder |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| Drive Wheels | Rear-wheel drive |
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 20/27/22 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Premium Gas
Base price: $35,345 (not including $1120 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: None
Price as tested: $36,465
Pros and Cons
The great: Engaging to drive, fundamentally sporty
The good: Easy on the gas, simple controls
The not so good: Firm ride, plenty of cabin noise
Review
There was a time, and I am old enough to recall it, that commuting to and from work was fun—at least in some places. I’m sure no one alive recalls a pre-congestion trip to the office in Los Angeles, and New York City has always been famously difficult to navigate during the week. But Chicago, well, it seems that Second City got bad only 30 years ago, or so.
But fun is where you find it—and if you’re up for the challenge, your commute can be upgraded to “excitement” status by the right set of wheels. And that right set up wheels might just be the delightful Subaru BRZ.
New for the 2012 model year, and significantly updated for 2021, the BRZ, and its Toyota clone the GR86, are rolling proof that driving can still be fun, and a lot of fun at that.
A small coupe featuring rear-wheel drive and standard 6-manual transmission, the BRZ is a throwback to the Eighties and Nineties, when cars like the Nissan 240 SX, Toyota Celica, and Volkswagen Scirocco were common sights on American roadways.
And while the BRZ and its Toyota cousin don’t sell in significant volume, both enjoy the adoration of owners and would-be owners. And, for good reason, the BRZ is an absolute joy to drive, and we envy the driver able to fit one of these dynamic little Subarus into their life.
Our test car was a 2024 example, but as the car has changed little for 2025, we will discuss the latter. Note though, that the prices above are for our 2024 tester.
For ’25, the BRZ is offered in four trim levels: base Premium ($32,265), Limited ($34,915), Series.Purple ($36,615), and extra-sporty tS ($$37,414.)
Limited to just 500 examples, the Series.Purple is offered only with a manual-transmission and in Galaxy Purple Pearl. Only the Limited can be had with the available 6-speed automatic transmission, other trim levels are fitted only with a 6-speed manual trans. All but the Premium are fitted with 18-inch wheels and tires; Premiums come with 17s.
The top-tier tS adds to BRZ sporty character with upgraded Brembo-brand brakes, firmer suspension, and unique cabin trim elements.
Consumer Guide recently spent a week behind the wheel od a 2024 BRZ tS in Blue Pearl. Including destination charge, our test car came to $36,465.
Read several BRZ reviews which made note of the BRZ’s lack of “tech.” I would argue that the authors of those missives have missed the point here entirely. Unlike most car available in 2025, the BRZ is not a rolling office, it is a legitimate sports car, and the cabin serves that mission well. Yes, the touch screen is on the small side, but you can still Bluetooth connect your mobile device for both music and phone calls, so, it’s not like you’re being stranded in 1990.
Actually, the cabin is snug and cockpit like, and is a comfortable place from which to conduct the business of driving. The shifter falls readily to hand, and the clutch is well placed for driver comfort and easy use.
This large driver found entering and exiting the BRZ problematic, but younger and fitter folks will likely not have a problem. The cabin itself is fitted in decent-quality materials—nothing special, but serviceable, and build quality is apparently excellent.
Under hood lies Subaru’s 2.4-liter horizontally opposed “flat” four-cylinder engine. The willing power plant produces 228 horsepower and requires premium-grade gasoline. This is the only engine offered in the BRZ.
Underway, the big feels as if it always “on cam,” producing good power across the rev range, and willing to pull from any speed. The shifter is not exactly smooth, but precise and notchy is the best possible way. Likewise, the clutch is light and easy modulate. While the BRZ does not serve up an especially large amount of power by contemporary standards, it is response, and makes great noise when worked hard. For folks really looking to find the fun during a workday commute, This is key. And as a surprise bonus, we averaged over 30 mpg in mostly city driving. This is well above the EPA estimates for the BRZ, and welcome news, if this isn’t an anomaly.
Handling is excellent, and we might argue that the BRZ, at least in tS trim, boasts the best steering of any affordable sporty offering. The firm ride provides excellent road-surface feedback, and helps to keep things interesting on on-ramps and curvy roads. And, if road noise—and road feel—aren’t really your thing, your looking at the wrong car.
There is fair amount of noise filtering into the cabin, especially at highway speed. Know this if you plan to take the BRZ on extended road trips.
The Subaru lineup is blessed with two excellent sporty rides. In addition to the BRZ, the Japanese maker also sells the WRX small sedan. Though close in price, the WRX is the higher performance model, with its turbocharged engine and standard AWD. For driver’s looking for maximum performance, the WRX is the better choice. Folks looking for a purer experience will appreciate the BRZ’s rear-wheel drive and normally aspirated (not turbocharged) engine. Note: The WRX is much easier to get in and out of.
We’re grateful to Subaru for keeping the slow-selling BRZ in its lineup. The sporty coupe is as close to an affordable sporty coupe as an7 maker offers for sale in the U.S. Because it is mechanically similar, BRZ shoppers will want to check out the Toyota GR86 as well. Though the ’86 shares much with the BRZ, it does enjoy specific suspension tuning and unique trim levels and price points. Either car is capable of making a driver smile, and bringing some joy back into a daily commute.
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2024 Subaru BRZ tS Pictures
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