2020 Subaru BRZ Review

　　

2020 Subaru BRZ Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　Since its introduction in 2013, the Subaru BRZ has been one of the few cars that have prioritized driving purity over most everything else. So good and rewarding was the way the BRZ gulped down a good road, the true enthusiast could easily overlook the stiff ride, elevated interior noise levels and lack of sophisticated infotainment. But over the years, the BRZ hasn't really progressed. And its initial shortcomings, such as the anemic engine, are now glaring and frustrating, even to the bluest-blooded enthusiasts.

　　Even so, the driving experience is difficult to dismiss, and the BRZ possesses a beautiful simplicity and an exploitable balance that's nearly impossible to match, no matter the price. Combining that experience with everyday practicality, its small size and relatively low price, the BRZ continues to make a compelling argument for owning a car built solely for the purpose of driving enjoyment.

　　But the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the car that reintroduced the concept of a simple, lightweight sports car is still around and better than ever. Combined with its impressive new engine and featherweight chassis, it still defines the class. But if you yearn for more creature comforts and refinement, the scrappy Hyundai Veloster is a quirky yet attractive option as is the evergreen Volkswagen GTI. Even the Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang offer affordable fun. Despite its flaws, the Subaru BRZ is still nearly as compelling as it was on its introduction in 2013.

　　Notably, the 2020 Subaru BRZ is a featured vehicle in our Cheapest New Cars article and we picked the 2020 Subaru BRZ as one of zzdcar' Cheapest New Cars for 2020.

　　

What's it like to live with the BRZ?

Learn about day-to-day ownership of the Subaru BRZ from our editorial experts' Cheapest New Cars. We know it is fun and relatively affordable. How comfortable was the ride? How was the fuel economy? Was the cargo room big enough for everyday use? Learn this and more from our test. Note that the 2020 BRZ differs slightly from the 2013 model we tested — the manual-transmission version gained more power in 2017, and the performance-oriented tS trim debuted in 2020 — but our coverage is otherwise applicable.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.6

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the BRZ drive? When it comes to feel, precision and handling, the BRZ is near the top of the class. It's an absolute blast to drive this car down a good road, and its quick but communicative steering rewards smooth and minimal inputs. The brakes feel great and are easy to modulate, both around town and at higher speeds. But they can't take too much abuse before the pedal starts to lose most of its feel.

　　Engine performance is the low point, and the BRZ was only able to hit 60 mph in a rather unimpressive 6.9 seconds. Longer grades can't even be pulled in sixth gear, and the thrashy sound made by the engine simply adds to the disappointment. It's absolutely the weakest link.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the BRZ? There are two sides to every coin and the BRZ is no exception. If performance and sheer driving pleasure are what you're all about, the BRZ offers almost no downsides. The seats are supportive, and though the ride is stiff, it manages to take the harshness out of less-than-perfect roads all while maintaining excellent body control.

　　To the more casual driver, though, the Subaru might seem a little noisy, rough riding and confining. The supportive seats simply don't breathe well, and the climate controls can be obstructed by the gear lever. Interior noise levels might be too much as well, with tire and road noise prevalent at all speeds.

　　

Interior

7.5/10

　　How’s the interior? The Subaru isn't going to win any interior design awards, but with plenty of space and most every control at your fingertips, the BRZ is a comfortable companion through during spirited driving. Visibility is quite good for a sport coupe too. The driving position is also difficult to fault, although it might take a bit of time to adjust to the more upright seating position.

　　Though it's quite low to the ground, the BRZ isn't that difficult to get in and out of, with the exception of the back seats. They should function merely as interior storage since even children will find sitting there uncomfortable. It's a shame the layout isn't less cluttered, and Subaru has somehow managed to pack the BRZ with too many buttons.

　　

Technology

6.5/10

　　How’s the tech? The BRZ's technology package is like the car itself, but at least it offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Navigation is also standard in the BRZ, unlike its twin, the Toyota 86. But the touchscreen is difficult to see during the day, and the entire unit looks like a low-end aftermarket piece. Audio quality is also lacking and simply couldn't keep up with road noise at highway speeds.

　　Thanks to the compact cockpit and elevated interior noise, the voice controls are almost unnecessary. We do like the ease with which the stability control system can be relaxed or simply defeated to enjoy the modest limits of the BRZ without interference.

　　

Storage

7.5/10

　　How’s the storage? No one will ever accuse the BRZ of sacrificing performance for practicality, but that doesn't mean it's not capable of carrying its fair share. On its own, the trunk is decently sized at 6.9 cubic feet, which is larger than the Miata's 4.6 cubic feet but smaller than the 11.2 cubic feet offered by the Civic Si. But once you fold the rear seats, the BRZ can hold a full set of wheels and tires and a small tool set, perfect for a weekend track event.

　　The BRZ's small cabin doesn't present a lot of storage options, but what's available manages to hold most small personal items. As a bonus, nothing stored in the cupholders will prevent you from driving as vigorously as you like.

　　

Fuel Economy

7.5/10

　　How’s the fuel economy? With an EPA-rated 24 mpg combined (21city/29 highway), the BRZ can return some decent mileage so long as you have a light foot. Our mixed-driving test loop returned just over 30 mpg, while the rest of our driving returned over 21 mpg, even with a fair number of enthusiastic miles. Subaru does recommend premium unleaded for the BRZ.

　　

Value

7.5/10

　　Is the BRZ a good value? It's tough to assign value to an emotional machine like a sports car, but if simple rear-wheel-drive excitement is what you're after, the BRZ is right in the mix. It offers more protection and insulation than a convertible like the Miata, but it's smaller and more fun than an entry-level Camaro or Mustang. With the exception of the head unit, build quality is good. The BRZ was free of squeaks and rattles and the panel gaps were small and consistent. Warranty coverage is comparable to what other cars in the segment offer.

　　

Wildcard

8.5/10

　　To the casual driver, there are more than enough reasons to not buy a BRZ. But to the true enthusiast, the Subaru resonates in ways that all but a handful of cars can. If driving feel, fun and purity are all that matter, the BRZ is tough to top. But after seven years with minimal performance upgrades to the engine, the 2.0-liter powerplant is more annoyingly deficient than ever. Its bizarre power delivery and uninspiring sound sap the thrill from the BRZ almost as quickly as a flat tire.

　　

Which BRZ does zzdcar recommend?

Though basic is usually best when it comes to sports cars, we think the BRZ tS is worth the extra money since it contains nearly every modification the enthusiast buyer would likely seek out through the aftermarket. The tS comes with larger wheels and true high-performance tires, uprated shock absorbers and chassis bracing. There are also interior upgrades, such as faux suede upholstery and red stitching.

　　

2020 Subaru BRZ models

Echoing its purity as a sports car, the 2020 Subaru BRZ is offered in only two trim levels: the Limited and the tS. Only one engine is available, a 2.0-liter flat-four making 205 horsepower and 156 lb-ft of torque. Those are the numbers for the six-speed manual transmission, with the optional six-speed automatic at 200 hp and 151 lb-ft.

　　The Limited is fairly basic but still comes equipped with dual-zone climate control, keyless entry with push-button start, LED foglights, an aluminum trunk-mounted spoiler, and a 7-inch touchscreen with an eight-speaker stereo system. The automatic transmission is optional. The only option package available for the Limited, when equipped with the manual transmission, is the Performance package, which includes dark gray-painted wheels, Brembo brakes and Sachs shock absorbers.

　　The tS trim is almost completely performance-based, offering uprated shock absorbers, 18-inch wheels with high-performance tires, and numerous chassis upgrades. Exterior upgrades are limited to black-painted trim, special badging and red accent stripes. Only the manual transmission is available in this trim.

　　

2020 BRZ Highlights

Trim: LimitedtSLimited

　　

Base MSRP	$28,845
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	24 MPG
Cost to Drive	$192/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	6.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles