2023 Subaru BRZ: Costs, Facts, And Figures
The highly reviewed second generation BRZ enters it's second year, here's how Subaru is crushing the entry level sports car game.
via Suabru
Subaru is coming hot off the release of a totally redesigned, second generation BRZ in 2022. Featuring a new 2.4 liter boxer engine, 50% more torsional stiffness, and a completely redesigned interior, there isn't much to improve on for the 2023 BRZ and it's badge engineered sibling the Toyota 86. The only notable change for this year is a modest price increase. But, we're still going to go over all the highlights of the BRZ, so you can get an idea of just what you get when you purchase Subaru's lightweight rear-wheel drive sports car.
Key Features
- Lightweight, RWD layout
- Aggressive looks
- 184 lb.-ft. of naturally aspirated torque
Specifications
- Model: BRZ
- Engine/Motor: 2.4 liter 4cyl boxer
- Horsepower: 228 hp
- Torque: 184 lb.-ft.
- Drivetrain: Front-engine, RWD
- Transmission: 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
Pros
- Playful chassis
- Lightweight by modern car standards
- More power than first generation BRZ
- Optional Subaru EyeSight
Cons
- Tiny backseat
- Still no turbo option
via Subaru
2023 Subaru BRZ Overview
We already covered the elephant in the room: there are no significant changes for the 2023 Subaru BRZ. Instead, let's look at the things that make the BRZ such a great platform to start with. The recipe is one that's followed by many manufacturers over many generations. The BRZ is lightweight, rear-wheel drive, has a manual transmission and a limited slip differential. In a time when cars are getting heavier and heavier with hybrid tech, it's refreshing to see Subaru keep the BRZ simple and light. It's a simple formula that leads to a playful, engaging, and usually [relatively] cheap car.
In that way, the second generation BRZ is a natural progression from the first generation car. The upgrades in power and chassis rigidity compliment the already nimble car. The styling is a major step forward, not only bringing the car a more modern look, but also contributing to drag coefficient and even some down force for track duty. The interior of the new BRZ is simple, refined, and not lacking in features.
Power and Drivetrain
When looking at past reviews of the BRZ and 86, the overwhelming thing that you’ll notice is the complaints about a lack of power. Most would quickly mention that the saving grace of the first generation BRZ was the sharp, lightweight chassis. Rumors spiraled about a turbo, STI version of the BRZ for many years. So much so, that many people were certain that Subaru would introduce a turbocharged variant with the second generation of the BRZ. So far, that's not the case.
For 2022, Subaru introduced a new, naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter version of their Boxer engine design in the BRZ. The engine carries over for 2023, and even though the numbers aren't all that impressive on paper, the 2023 BRZ is quite a bit quicker than it used to be. The Boxer's 228 hp is enough to move it's 2815 lbs from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds, almost a second quicker than the 2019 BRZ. Torque is up 15% over the first generation car, to 184 ft.-lb. in the 2023 model. That 15% increase in torque is also available much sooner, coming in at 3700 rpm vs. 5600 rpm in the old car. By all accounts, the new BRZ feels more powerful, most reviewers seem to be calling this car adequate at the very least. The flat four power comes through your choice of six-speed manual transmission or a paddle shifted automatic transmission, also with 6 gears. Both the auto and manual trans come standard with a standard limited slip differential.
Comfort And Quality
via Subaru
No doubt that the previous generation BRZ was a bit long in the tooth, especially when it came to interior design. The 2022 update brought a completely redesigned interior, bringing the car up to modern day standards. No one is calling the BRZ luxurious, but the microfiber inserts in the seats of the limited model, complete with red stripe and stitching to match the steering wheel and shift boot, are a welcome addition to a relatively basic interior.
The BRZ also comes standard with an 8-inch touchscreen that has all the features you would expect in a modern car, as well as a clever all digital gauge cluster. The cluster is a 7-inch display that is user configurable, with a tachometer front and center, complete with optional gauges that include a g-meter. BRZ customers that opt for an automatic transmission get an upgrade over the sportier manual cars in the form of Subaru's EyeSight drivers aid system. Although all limited trim BRZ's get lane keep assist, the automatic transmission cars also receive adaptive cruise control as well as pre-collision braking and throttle control.
Pricing And Availability
via Subaru
No need to wait on this one, as of writing, the 2023 Subaru BRZ is already available for purchase. According to Subaru, prices start at $28,595. That base price is for a manual transmission equipped Premium trim car. If you're looking for an automatic Premium trim car with standard Subaru EyeSight, expect a $30,095 sticker price. Buyers that opt for the Limited trim level get model specific 18" wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, a premium audio system, heated mirrors, steering responsive headlights, and Subaru's Starlink safety system as added features. Limited trim cars come in at $31,095 for manual transmission and $32,795 for the automatic.