2025 Subaru BRZ Review

2025 Subaru BRZ – Overview

The 2025 Subaru BRZ, along with its close sibling, the Toyota GR86, has been celebrated as the revival of the affordable sporty coupe — and rightfully so. Both models have earned their place on our prestigious 2025 10Best list, highlighting their status as top choices for driving enthusiasts. These cars deliver everything a true sports machine should: sharp, communicative steering, a balanced and forgiving chassis, and a standard manual transmission that invites engagement.

While Subaru markets the BRZ as a 2+2, the rear seats are better suited for extra cargo space rather than passengers. The interior, although not luxurious or extravagant, is functional and comfortable enough for daily driving—after all, your focus behind the wheel should be on the road, not the décor.

Outside of the Toyota GR86, the BRZ stands almost alone as a fixed-roof sports car at this price point. The closest competitor is the Mazda MX-5 Miata, which offers a convertible soft top or a retractable hardtop with the RF model, but it falls short in terms of interior room and cargo capacity compared to the BRZ and GR86.

Given its engaging driving dynamics and practicality, the Subaru BRZ continues to be a favorite in the affordable sports car segment and has also secured a spot on our Editors’ Choice list for 2025.

When Is The 2025 Subaru BRZ Coming Out?

The 2025 Subaru BRZ is expected to hit dealerships by early fall of 2024, maintaining Subaru’s typical yearly refresh cycle. This timing allows Subaru to build momentum through the fall and holiday seasons, capitalizing on the BRZ’s appeal as an affordable sports coupe for driving enthusiasts. Dealers are already taking pre-orders, and availability should be widespread in most markets by late 2024.

Subaru has hinted at continuing the current generation’s momentum rather than overhauling the car drastically, which means expect mostly evolutionary changes rather than revolutionary ones.

What’s New for the 2025 Subaru BRZ?

For 2025, the BRZ lineup sees some notable updates. Sport mode, which was previously exclusive to automatic transmission models, is now available on manual versions as well. In manual BRZs, activating Sport mode enhances throttle response for a more engaging drive.

Inside the Limited trim, the black microsuede seats are refreshed with striking red leather accents, complemented by deeper red contrast stitching. Additional red detailing has also been added throughout the Limited’s cabin to elevate its sporty appeal.

Moreover, the Active Sound Control system, which channels engine noise into the interior, has been refined with some adjustments, though specific details have not been disclosed.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

The 2025 Subaru BRZ starts at $34,380, with prices rising to $39,530 depending on the chosen trim level and options.

Our top pick is the Limited trim, which comes equipped with valuable upgrades like 18-inch aluminum wheels, summer tires, and blind-spot monitoring for added safety. The six-speed manual transmission, standard across the lineup, remains the ideal match for the BRZ’s sporty character. However, if you prefer an automatic, it’s available on the Limited trim for an additional $760.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 2025 BRZ is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine delivering 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. This power is sent to the rear wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission, with an optional six-speed automatic available. Our test model weighed in at 2,843 pounds, slightly heavier than its predecessor but still lightweight compared to many modern sports cars.

Driving the BRZ offers excellent steering feedback and confident cornering, along with the ability to break traction and slide the rear when desired. Its ride leans toward the firm side, enhancing the car’s engaging and playful character. A limited-slip rear differential is standard across all trims. The Premium trim features 17-inch wheels, while the sportier Limited model rolls on larger 18-inch wheels. At the top, the tS trim boasts a specially tuned suspension and upgraded brakes, both of which enhance handling and overall road manners.

0–60 MPH Acceleration

The 2.4-liter engine offers a noticeable boost in responsiveness compared to the previous 2.0-liter unit, even if the BRZ isn’t the fastest car in its class. This upgrade translates into a significant improvement in acceleration. In our testing, the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS with a manual transmission hit 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds—markedly quicker than the earlier-generation BRZ tS.

Fuel Economy and Real-World Mileage

EPA ratings show that the BRZ equipped with the automatic transmission is the most fuel-efficient, achieving 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Manual-transmission models see a slight drop in efficiency, with estimates of 20 mpg city and 27 mpg highway.

In real-world testing on our 75-mph highway route, the manual BRZ returned a solid 32 mpg, while the automatic model impressed with 37 mpg. For more detailed fuel economy information, you can check the EPA’s official website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The BRZ features a driver-focused cabin with a 2+2 seating layout and a sporty, modern design. At the center of the driver’s view is a 7.0-inch fully digital gauge cluster, highlighting the tachometer as the main feature. In Track mode, the circular tachometer even transforms into a linear graph for better precision.

The front seats are heavily bolstered to keep occupants firmly planted during spirited driving. Practicality hasn’t been forgotten either—a generous cargo space behind the rear seats can accommodate up to four tires, making it perfect for track day gear and everyday use.

Infotainment and Connectivity

All BRZ models come equipped with an 8.0-inch touchscreen positioned prominently in the center of the dashboard, serving as the command center for the infotainment system. Unlike some competitors, the BRZ offers physical knobs for volume and tuning alongside the touchscreen, plus dedicated hard buttons for easier control.

The system includes standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, as well as access to SiriusXM satellite radio, keeping drivers connected and entertained on the road.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every 2025 BRZ comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance system, which includes forward-collision warning, front automated emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. Models with the automatic transmission benefit from additional features like adaptive cruise control and rear automated braking.

For detailed crash-test results, you can visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Key safety highlights include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and front automated emergency braking

• Standard lane-departure warning, with lane-keeping assist available

• Available adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Subaru offers competitive—but fairly standard—limited and powertrain warranties for the BRZ. However, unlike its close cousin, the Toyota GR86, the BRZ does not include complimentary scheduled maintenance.

• Limited warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

• Powertrain warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

• Complimentary scheduled maintenance: Not included

2025 Subaru BRZ – Full Specifications

Final Verdict

The 2025 Subaru BRZ remains a top pick for anyone seeking an affordable, thrilling sports coupe with pure driving dynamics. Its combination of sharp handling, engaging manual transmission, and reasonable price make it a rare gem in today’s market.

While it doesn’t offer the outright power of some rivals, it compensates with balanced chassis, driver involvement, and a fun-to-drive personality. The minor updates for 2025 improve comfort and tech without diluting its sports car essence.

2025 Subaru BRZ Videos