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2023 Subaru BRZ review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Subaru BRZ highlights

Customer rating

(not yet rated)

Pros

  • Extremely fun to drive, excellent steering
  • Peppy and frugal four-cylinder engine
  • Precise six-speed manual transmission

Cons

  • Cramped rear seats
  • Automatic saps some acceleration
  • Gets noisy inside at highway speeds

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 27 highway, 22 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

6 photos
Price
Year

The BRZ proves you don’t need to spend tons of money to have a car that’s an absolute joy to drive.

The 2023 Subaru BRZ is a riot to drive and an excellent value for car shoppers who prioritize superb steering and razor-sharp reflexes. With its rear-wheel-drive layout and standard six-speed manual transmission, the BRZ is as feisty and fun as a playful puppy. A mechanical twin to the Toyota GR86 coupe, the BRZ rolls into the 2023 model year with no notable changes.

Under this Subaru’s pert hood is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 228 horsepower. Granted, it’s not tire-scorching fast, but the BRZ is plenty peppy and returns reasonable fuel mileage when equipped with either its manual gearbox or optional six-speed automatic. Space up front is fine for average-size adults, though the teeny-tiny second row is best considered as an extension of the trunk.

Available in two trims, Premium and Limited, the BRZ comes standard with LED headlights, a limited-slip differential, an eight-inch touchscreen, and wired smartphone connectivity. Rivals include the similarly spunky Mazda Miata and Nissan 370Z.

All Subaru BRZ years

What is new for the 2023 Subaru BRZ?

  • Rear Spoiler features are now available as options on select trims.

2023 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
  • Parking Sensors
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Navigation System
  • View our Subaru BRZ Limited inventory

Subaru BRZ photos

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Subaru BRZ

What We Like

Handling responses: Life is good when you’re behind the wheel of the BRZ and zipping this 2+2 sport coupe down twisty roads. A number of factors dial up the driving fun, including its low stance, rear-wheel-drive configuration, feelsome steering, and road grip. Few cars get around curves as well as the BRZ does.

User-friendly cabin layout: Sure, the BRZ is a blast to drive. What’s also nice is the no-nonsense layout of the interior. It’s not cutting-edge in how it operates, but everything is within easy reach and the eight-inch infotainment system comes standard with Apple CarPlay®, Android Auto, and satellite radio.

Energetic four-cylinder engine: This second generation of the BRZ received a slightly bigger 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (versus a 2.0-liter used previously) and a modest bump in horsepower. With the BRZ weighing in at a relatively lithe 2,800 pounds, the 228 horsepower on tap is more than enough for energetic driving. It’s also good on gas for a sports car.

What Needs Improvement

More horsepower would be fun: Since we were just talking horsepower, let’s stay on the subject a moment longer. The BRZ feels so nicely engineered, some enthusiasts might wish it had more punch when hitting the gas pedal. An optional turbocharged variant would make a good thing even better, and quicker.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2023 Subaru BRZ is not yet rated. Help future customers learn about a car you've owned and write a review.

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

Premium 2WD 2D Coupe

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Cloth Seats
  • Cruise Control
  • Manual Transmission
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • Rear Spoiler

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.4L

Horsepower

228

Torque (ft-lbs)

184

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

101.4"

Overall length

167.9"

Width

69.9"

Height

51.6"

Leg room

F 41.5"/R 29.9"

Head room

F 37"/R 33.5"

Front tires

P215/45WR17

Rear tires

P215/45WR17

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Manual 6

2023 Subaru BRZ FAQ

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* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

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