2024 Subaru BRZ tS Test Drive Review: The Most Fun For Under $40k

Boxer engine, Rear-wheel-drive, Zenith: that is what the 2024 Subaru BRZ stands for. This can be a two-door sports activities automotive from Subaru, inbuilt collaboration with Toyota (offered because the GR86), which is now in its second technology as of the 2021 mannequin yr. Subaru and Toyota have every launched varied “sportier” variations of their respective sports activities vehicles, although neither has launched extra energy by way of pressured induction, like a turbocharger.

Following within the pattern of creating the BRZ extra track-focused with out making it sooner in a straight line, Subaru has launched a brand new tS (Tuned by STI) trim stage that sits above the usual mannequin. The tS provides dealing with upgrades corresponding to Brembo brakes and Hitachi dampers, which ought to enhance dealing with past the BRZ’s already wonderful athleticism. DrivingOnRoad spent per week with the 2024 BRZ tS to seek out out if it is well worth the improve over a lesser mannequin, or when you ought to save a number of grand to get a decrease trim. Subaru has already revealed pricing for the 2025 BRZ, which incorporates the tS as a carryover mannequin.

Exterior: STI-Ish

There aren’t any adjustments to the 2024 BRZ’s exterior, besides with the addition of a brand new tS trim stage. 17-inch darkish grey alloy wheels come commonplace, whereas the Restricted upgrades to an 18-inch wheel with a matte grey end. You’ll be able to spot a tS by way of entrance and rear badges, gold-painted Brembo brake calipers, and Crystal Black Silica accents (mirrors and shark fin antenna). Subaru didn’t restrict your shade selection on the tS, providing the total spectrum of World Rally Blue, Crystal Black Silica, Magnetite Grey Metallic, Ignition Crimson, Ice Silver Metallic, Crystal White Pearl, and Sapphire Blue Pearl. In case you watch for the 2025 mannequin, Subaru will add a Sequence.Purple mannequin that is available in a brand new hue referred to as Galaxy Purple Pearl, which can be obtainable on the WRX tS.

The unique Tuned by STI BRZ featured an enormous rear wing, although it was later changed by a smaller spoiler. It looks like Subaru wished this new tS to enchantment to a wider viewers who may at all times add boy-racer upgrades on the aftermarket in the event that they so select.

Inside: Hold It Easy, Silly

For the value, the BRZ includes a easy however sporty cabin that does not overwhelm with luxurious or premium supplies. You get black fabric seats with purple stitching on the Premium trim, whereas the Restricted steps as much as a leather-based/suede mixture with heated entrance seats and extra purple accents. The tS is usually the identical because the Premium inside, however it swaps all of the purple accents and stitching for blue ones. There may be additionally a purple STI starter button and a small STI emblem on the seven-inch digital gauge cluster. We’d have preferred to see a particular STI shift knob, which can be included within the aforementioned Sequence.Purple particular version.

Driving the BRZ for per week reminded us how fashionable infotainment has ruined many sports activities vehicles. This automotive simply retains it easy – in one of the best ways. An eight-inch touchscreen consists of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with loads of buttons and knobs to regulate quantity and tuning. No process is greater than a fast click on or two away, which is refreshing in a world filled with menus and annoying contact controls.

Practicality: It is Small, Duh

In case you completely want a automotive with a again seat, the BRZ does technically have one. Subaru says there’s 29.9 inches of rear legroom, but when your passengers have legs, they are going to battle to suit again there until they sit crisscross applesauce model. Extra importantly, these seats may be folded as one piece to create extra storage. The trunk matches 6.3 cubic ft, which is not large, however it’s considerably bigger than a Mazda MX-5 Miata. With the seats dropped, the BRZ can swallow up 4 tires on your subsequent monitor day. We would not name the BRZ sensible, however it makes one of the best use of its restricted house.

Efficiency: Enjoyable Does not (All the time) Require Velocity

Each BRZ will get a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four engine, which produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. That energy goes out to the rear wheels solely with a Torsen limited-slip differential by way of a six-speed handbook transmission or an elective (Restricted trim solely) six-speed computerized with paddle shifters. We have pushed the automated earlier than, and it is among the many greatest we have pushed lately. With so few gears, the transmission by no means feels caught off guard, and it shifts rapidly throughout spirited driving. That being stated, the handbook transmission is among the many slickest available on the market with a light-weight clutch that is straightforward to make use of in visitors – and it is the choice we would suggest for the BRZ.

This can be a gentle automotive (based mostly on fashionable requirements), tipping the scales at round 2,820 kilos (2,883 kilos max). Some exams have clocked the BRZ beneath six seconds to 60 mph, which is plausible contemplating we measured the dash in 6.01 seconds. There are faster vehicles on the market, however the BRZ makes its mark with stellar dealing with and driver engagement. Because it’s gentle with a small engine, gas financial system is spectacular, too, at 20/27/22 mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed.

Driving Impressions: They Do not Make ‘Em Like This Anymore

Except for the Mazda Miata, the Subaru BRZ (and its Toyota twin) represents probably the most enjoyable you’ll be able to have for lower than $40,000. In actual fact, now we have pushed many automobiles that value over $100,000, and might confidently say that the BRZ is extra entertaining than most of them. Subaru’s steering is ideal, and lots of firms may be taught from this setup. The electrical power-assisted system is tuned to really feel like an old-school hydraulic unit, a trick that even BMW and Porsche (in some configurations) battle to execute completely. The driving force will get suggestions from the street with lightning-quick response. It is magical.

At sluggish speeds, the boxer engine can emit some tough sounds, however it begins to make extra nice noises increased within the rev vary. Simple resolution: simply drive it tougher. As you strategy the redline, the four-cylinder buzzes like a hive of offended bees, a fairly thrilling sound that does profit from some speaker enhancement. Rowing via the gears on the six-speed handbook transmission is a holy expertise with completely positioned gears, a light-weight clutch, and a shifter that falls properly into hand. This can be a sports activities automotive you could truly drive at full throttle with out risking a jail sentence.

The Subaru BRZ tS comes with the next upgrades over the common mannequin:

• STI-tuned suspension
• Excessive-performance Brembo braking system
• Mannequin-specific inside and exterior components

Although the tS is not faster in a straight line, the entrance and rear Hitachi dampers get STI tuning that helps it deal with higher than a decrease trim. Subaru left a little bit of lean within the suspension, which means the automotive nonetheless feels playful mid-corner. We’re glad Subaru did not go too aggressive with the suspension, which means the BRZ tS nonetheless rides properly on tough roads and capabilities as a each day driver. In case you do plan to trace your BRZ, the Brembo brakes (four-piston entrance and two-piston rear) assist cease the automotive with extra immediacy and a agency pedal. Would extra energy have been appreciated? Positive, however it would possibly go in opposition to the light-weight and easy nature of this automotive.

Pricing & Verdict: Attainable Thrills

The 2024 BRZ is among the many final attainable sports activities vehicles, beginning at $30,195. Upgrading to the Restricted brings the value to $32,695 or $33,645 with the automated. Do not get the automated. As for the tS, it is the priciest at $35,345, which is a good value given the upgraded suspension and brakes. In case you fancy your self a automotive fanatic, the tS is the superior model of the BRZ in its present technology.

In case you’re seeking to cross-shop, the Toyota GR86 is the obvious comparability, because it’s primarily the identical automotive. It is barely cheaper, beginning at $29,300, whereas the comparable Trueno Version is $34,720. The 2025 mannequin yr will reintroduce the Hakone Version, a inexperienced exterior with a tan inside, priced equally to the tS at $35,270. Decide whichever one you will get a greater deal on or when you desire Toyota’s shade choices. Convertible followers would possibly select the Mazda MX-5 Miata, however it’s much less sensible than the BRZ. Lastly, there’s the Ford Mustang EcoBoost, which is faster, extra powefu, and extra livable than the Subaru, however much less partaking to drive.

It is easy to learn concerning the BRZ’s specs and resolve if it is too sluggish or too impractical. Maybe these folks have by no means piloted one on a curvy street, as a result of specs do not make smiles, good vehicles do. In case you cease worrying about 0-60 occasions and simply concentrate on enjoyment, there aren’t many vehicles that outshine the Subaru BRZ tS.