The 2023 Subaru BRZ is a lightweight 2+2 sports coupe with a cozy cockpit, an available 6-speed manual transmission, and a talent for taming twisting mountain roads. Sharing its basic architecture with the Toyota GR86, the rear-wheel-drive BRZ is the only Subaru not including all-wheel drive (AWD), even as an option. Though not lightning fast, the BRZ can scoot to 60 mph in about 6 seconds, and its firm suspension, responsive steering, and snug sport seats make it a blast to drive.
Equipment-wise, the BRZ Premium has everything a driving enthusiast needs, and in the Limited trim, a few extras. Both trims use a 228-horsepower 2.4-liter boxer engine, with a 6-speed manual transmission standard or 6-speed automatic optional.
2023 Subaru BRZ Premium (starting at $28,595)
The 2023 Subaru BRZ Premium starts at $28,595.
The 2023 Subaru BRZ Premium comes standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, 2.4-liter boxer engine, and a Torsen limited-slip differential. An available 6-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel paddle shifters adds another $1,500 to the bottom line.
The Premium trim features 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, 215/45R-17 summer performance tires, a sport suspension, power side mirrors, keyless access with push-button start, LED headlights with automatic height adjustment, and variable front wipers that adjust the wiper cycle depending on the speed of the vehicle.
Other features of note include welcome lighting and a V-shaped strut-tower bar.
Safety systems for the BRZ with the manual transmission are pretty basic. They include front, front side-impact, side-curtain, and driver’s knee airbags. The BRZ’s handbrake is manual, not electric, a feature drifting fans will appreciate.
The BRZ’s electronic traction and stability control system includes a Track Mode that dials back the system, allowing for a bit more wheelspin and sliding before stepping in to bring things under control. This feature is particularly appreciated when drifting or wanting more driver control when out on the track.
Also standard is incline start assist that keeps the car from rolling backward on an incline while working the clutch. The BRZ’s tire-pressure monitoring system allows ID for two sets of wheels, thus making it easier to swap between summer and winter tires.
The driver aids in Subaru’s EyeSight system are only available when ordering the automatic transmission. Doing so brings pre-collision braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and lead vehicle alert that lets you know when the vehicle ahead begins moving.
Moving to the BRZ Premium’s interior reveals well-bolstered manually-adjustable sport front seats clad in black cloth with red stitching, and leather wrapping for the steering wheel and shifter.
The driver gets a tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio, Bluetooth, and cruise controls. They also enjoy a 7-inch configurable digital instrument cluster with a large central tachometer and digital speedometer flanked by your choice of gauges or information screens. The circular tachometer changes to a color bar graph when set to Track Mode.
Other amenities include auto up/down power windows, dual-zone automatic climate control, fold-down rear seatbacks, aluminum-alloy pedal covers, an illuminated ignition switch ring, and a center storage console with a bi-fold lid.
The BRZ’s entertainment setup consists of an 8-inch color touchscreen equipped with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, Bluetooth streaming, and a 6-speaker AM/FM audio system. There are dual USB data/charge ports in the front console, an auxiliary input jack, and a glove box 12-volt power outlet.
With the $1,020 destination charge, the 2023 Subaru BRZ Premium costs $29,615. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $532. See 2023 Subaru BRZ Premium models for sale
2023 Subaru BRZ Premium includes:
- Keyless entry and start – With the key fob in your purse or pocket, you need only touch the door handle to unlock the doors and push a button to start the car.
- Dual-zone automatic climate control – This fully automated system allows driver and passenger to maintain their temperature zones.
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – Permits mirroring a smartphone to the car’s infotainment system, granting access and control of your favorite apps, music, messages, and navigation.
- LED headlights – You’ll get a brighter light pattern for better nighttime vision with LEDs for high and low beams.
2023 Subaru BRZ Limited (starting at $31,095)
The 2023 Subaru BRZ Limited starts at $31,095.
The Limited has the same mechanical equipment as the Premium, meaning it also comes standard with a 6-speed manual but offers a 6-speed automatic transmission for an additional $1,700. The added cost over the Premium’s automatic is due to the Limited’s additional safety systems, including reverse automatic braking (RAB).
Moving to the Limited brings 18-inch alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires, steering-responsive headlights, heated front seats, and Ultrasuede upholstery with leather bolsters.
Subaru includes Starlink connected services, a blind-spot monitor with lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert. Brin Naub nubuck-like trim covers the doors and instrument cluster visor. Lighted visor vanity mirrors, door courtesy lights, and an audio amplifier with two additional speakers round out the Limited’s standard features.
With the $1,020 destination charge, the 2023 Subaru BRZ Limited costs $32,115. On a 60-month loan at 3% financing and zero down, the monthly payment comes to about $577. See 2023 Subaru BRZ Limited models for sale
2023 Subaru BRZ Limited includes:
- Heated front seats – Help keep driver and passenger warm when the outside temperature drops.
- Blind-spot monitor – Detects vehicles in the car’s blind spot and alerts the driver. If signaling a lane change, the system will flash a warning light to let you know it’s not safe.
- Upgraded audio – Adds a two-channel amplifier with two additional speakers for better audio reproduction and clarity.
- Reverse automatic braking – This system, standard on the Limited automatic, uses rear parking sensors to detect objects in the car’s path and alerts the driver. If the driver fails to take action, the system will slow or stop the vehicle before a collision occurs.
