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2018 Subaru BRZ review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Subaru BRZ highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Balanced and forgiving handling make for an easy and fun drive
  • Excellent steering feel and response
  • Comfortable and supportive front seats
  • Better tech than what's offered by its Toyota 86 twin

Cons

  • Modest acceleration with no available engine upgrade
  • Significant highway noise

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 27 highway, 23 combined

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The 2018 Subaru BRZ is the go-to sports car for those on a budget

Many cars try to be all things to all buyers, but some, like the 2018 Subaru BRZ, have a singular focus. In the case of the BRZ, it’s a sports car targeting those on a budget, and it does this exceptionally well. The four-cylinder engine powering the rear wheels puts out modest power, so the BRZ isn’t fast in a straight line. But the steering, suspension and braking are all wonderfully balanced, making the BRZ a delight to drive on a twisting canyon road. The limited edition tS trim introduced for 2018 features enhanced suspension, brakes and body structure. Limited and tS trims get an audio system that incorporates Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for the 2018 model year.

Visibility is outstanding, and the driver and passenger seat are both surprisingly comfortable. Granted, the BRZ is noisy on the road, and it doesn’t have sports-car acceleration. But if you’re looking for a fun-to-drive coupe with an almost-usable rear seat, the BRZ is tough to beat.

All Subaru BRZ years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru BRZ generation from 2013 to 2025

What is new for the 2018 Subaru BRZ?

  • New trim level added for enhanced features and options.
  • Previous mid-level trim discontinued, affecting pricing structure.
  • All models now come standard with advanced safety features.
  • Performance upgrades implemented across all trims.

2018 Subaru BRZ trims

Curious how Subaru BRZ trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Premium:

Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the Premium
  • 200-hp, 151-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Smart Key
  • Navigation System
  • 8508
  • Automatic Transmission
  • View our Subaru BRZ Limited inventory

TS:

Subaru BRZ photos

What We Like:

Steering and handling: The steering is quick and razor sharp, and the suspension for the BRZ strikes an excellent balance between sporty handling and a compliant ride around town. If you don’t mind a little extra road noise, the BRZ is the kind of car that you can enjoy driving to the grocery store and work every day, but also enjoy wringing out on your favorite canyon roads on the weekends.

Practicality: Part of the BRZ’s mission is to be a weekend track car, and to that end the rear seats fold down to expand the cargo area to accommodate a full set of wheels and tires, plus a tool kit. Of course, you can also put a week’s worth of groceries back there, or other large items. The takeaway is that despite its compact exterior dimensions, the BRZ is surprisingly practical.

Manual transmission: Driving enthusiasts will always gravitate towards a manual transmission, and the stick in the BRZ doesn’t disappoint. With quick throws and excellent gearing, it enhances the driving pleasure without being a chore to drive in traffic.

What Needs Improvement

Power: Since day one, the BRZ’s achilles heel has been its modest power output. With 205 horsepower it’s not exactly slow, but it’s not as quick as you’d expect from the extroverted styling.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

1 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Subaru BRZ an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru BRZ 24th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru BRZ

Subaru BRZ features and specs

Curious how Subaru BRZ trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

TS 2D Coupe 2WD

Standard Features

  • Power Locks
  • Power Windows
  • Air Conditioning
  • Rear Defroster
  • Cruise Control
  • ABS Brakes
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • Parking Sensors
  • Smart Key
  • Alloy Wheels
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Manual Transmission
  • Android Auto
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • CD Audio
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Navigation System
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Apple CarPlay

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

205

Torque (ft-lbs)

156

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

101.2"

Overall length

166.7"

Width

69.9"

Height

50.6"

Leg room

F 41.9"/R 29.9"

Head room

F 37.1"/R 35"

Front tires

P215/40YR18

Rear tires

P215/40YR18

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Manual 6

2018 Subaru BRZ FAQ

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