Subaru BRZ

Core summary

The second-generation BRZ keeps a naturally aspirated flat-four and rear-wheel drive. The 2026 US tS changes chassis equipment rather than engine output.

The second-generation BRZ is a compact rear-wheel-drive coupe with a naturally aspirated boxer engine. The reference here is the 2026 US range, while the gallery shows international second-generation examples.

Cariary would approach it as a car chosen for its layout and interaction. Its small rear seats and low body are compromises to evaluate honestly, not drawbacks that disappear because a test drive is entertaining.

History & generations

The second generation entered production in 2021 and the US market for model year 2022. It succeeded the original 2.0-litre car with a larger 2.4-litre engine.

Do not combine first-generation specifications with a newer photograph. Used listings also need careful identification: a body kit or aftermarket wheel set does not establish that a car is a factory tS.

Body, platform & design

The gallery includes Japanese-market S front and rear views and a separate red manual example. These illustrate the second-generation body, not the exact equipment of a US tS.

Try the low seating position and long doors in a realistic parking space. The coupe roof and short rear accommodation are part of the packaging decision, so assess them before deciding that four seatbelts make it a regular four-adult car.

Engine & drivetrain

Subaru lists 228 hp and 184 lb-ft from the 2.4-litre flat-four in the 2026 US car. Rear-wheel drive and a Torsen limited-slip differential define the basic arrangement.

A six-speed manual is standard; a six-speed automatic is available on Limited, while tS is manual in this range. It is incorrect to describe every 2026 BRZ as manual-only or to assign a turbocharger to tS.

Trim differences

Limited is the relevant starting point when deciding between manual and automatic. The tS adds STI-tuned suspension and Brembo braking hardware rather than a higher-output engine.

Choose that equipment because it fits your intended use and budget. Road conditions, replacement tyre costs and comfort deserve attention alongside the attraction of a more focused chassis specification.

Interior & seating

Treat the rear seats as occasional accommodation until you have tried them with real passengers. For two people, their usefulness may lie as much in carrying small bags as in carrying adults.

Check steering-wheel and pedal reach with your normal shoes, then test phone integration and storage. A sports car used for commuting must still accommodate the unglamorous items that travel with you every day.

Efficiency & range

The 2026 US table lists 20 city/27 highway mpg for manual versions and 21/30 for the automatic. These ratings do not predict every driver's consumption.

Include fuel grade, tyres and insurance in the running-cost comparison. A lightly used second car and a high-mileage commuter can produce very different value calculations even when the purchase price is identical.

Safety & equipment

EyeSight is listed for the 2026 US manual as well as automatic range. Do not assume that a newer manual car has the same assistance specification as an early second-generation example.

For used purchases, inspect modifications, accident history and evidence of track use. Ask a qualified inspector to assess any nonstandard suspension or engine work rather than treating modifications as automatically beneficial.

Strengths

BRZ keeps an accessible, compact sports-coupe format with a clear mechanical identity. Buyers who actively want rear-wheel drive and a manual can evaluate it without searching through a large SUV-style option ladder.

The naturally aspirated engine also distinguishes it from turbocharged hot hatchbacks. Whether that response suits you is best tested directly rather than reduced to a comparison of peak torque figures.

Considerations

The rear seats and low access are genuine limits. If the car is the only household vehicle, run through shopping, commuting and passenger duties before accepting those compromises.

A used car with attractive aftermarket parts may require more investigation, not less. Verify insurance implications, maintenance and the quality of installation before valuing modifications as upgrades.

Recommended use

BRZ suits a driver who wants a compact coupe first and can live with occasional rear seating. Manual buyers should test clutch and shift operation in ordinary traffic as well as on an open road.

The automatic is a legitimate alternative where offered, but availability must be checked against trim and model year. If rear passengers are routine, a sporty hatchback may serve the job better.

Rivals & related

Toyota GR86 is the closest comparison and deserves its own test drive and equipment check. Mazda MX-5 offers a lighter-duty two-seat roadster alternative with different luggage and weather considerations.

Honda Prelude takes a front-drive hybrid-coupe approach. A Volkswagen Golf GTI exchanges the BRZ's coupe layout for greater everyday access and hatchback flexibility.

FAQ

Is tS turbocharged? No.

Are all 2026 US BRZs manual-only? No; Limited offers an automatic.

Does the manual have EyeSight? The referenced 2026 US range does.

Are the gallery cars US tS examples? No; their individual regional captions identify them.

Sources & updates

Manufacturer references identify the dated specifications used here. Cariary buying assessments are editorial analysis, not a claimed first-hand road test or a diagnosis of an individual vehicle. Photographs carry individual source and licence credits. Confirm the exact build, market and equipment before purchase; photographs of another trim do not establish your car’s specification.

• Subaru 2026 BRZ specifications and trims →
• Subaru 2026 BRZ features →
• Subaru Canada 2026 BRZ transmission background →

Last editorial review: September 20, 2026. Specifications remain market- and model-year-specific.