2022 Subaru BRZ

Just about every Subaru these days is an all-wheel-drive SUV, but not the Subaru BRZ. This is the company's low-slung, rear-wheel-drive sport coupe co-developed with Toyota, and now it has a fresh lease on life for 2022 thanks to a full redesign.

The 2022 BRZ still has the same key attributes that made the first-generation 2013-2020 car so appealing, such as its light weight, back-to-basics rear-wheel-drive architecture and affordable-for-the-masses pricing. But it also has some key improvements, including a more powerful engine, fresh exterior styling and some updated tech on the inside.

Replacing the previous 2.0-liter engine is a 2.4-liter flat-four making 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft, an increase of 23 hp and 28 lb-ft over the previous model. This engine is smoother, sounds better, and delivers a much more satisfying midrange punch of power. Handling has improved too, thanks in large part to optional grippy summer tires, as well as minor but important tweaks to the chassis and suspension. Subaru has even added a suite of advanced aids, known as EyeSight, to BRZs equipped with automatic transmissions.

Overall, we're impressed with the new BRZ and find it to be a great pick for a low-priced performance car. Read our Expert Rating to get our test team's full analysis of its performance, comfort and more.

The Subaru BRZ reminds us all that you don't need to spend a fortune to have a great drive. Whether you're an inexperienced driver or a seasoned pro, the BRZ offers enjoyment for every skill level. If we were picky, we'd ask for a better audio system and a sweeter-sounding engine, but for the money, there's nothing better.

How does the BRZ drive? The BRZ's steering and handling are sublime. The quick and highly accurate steering allows you to place the car exactly where you want it through a turn, and the well-tuned suspension and overall balance are great for any kind of driving. Feeling brave and want a little playful tail-out behavior? The BRZ is happy to do it. Or what if you want to carry a mild drift all the way through a corner on a racetrack? No problem here either. The BRZ is light, but not overly so, and fun and grippy when you want it to be.

The brakes would likely benefit from more aggressive pads for prolonged hard use — like at a track day event — but otherwise they provide solid stopping power. Our BRZ Limited test car with high-performance summer tires stopped from 60 mph in 106 feet, which is a respectably short distance. The brakes are easy to use around town too, stopping smoothly in day-to-day traffic.

The larger engine in this generation BRZ pays dividends from idle all the way to redline. There's no slump of power at midrange rpm like there was in the previous-generation car. At our test track, our manual-equipped BRZ Limited sprinted to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. That's almost a second quicker than the previous version and similar to the acceleration of the latest Golf GTI (5.9 seconds) and Mazda Miata (6.0 seconds).

The six-speed manual transmission's shifter feels positive and precise in your hand as you move through the gates. Opting for the automatic transmission results in slower acceleration (6.9 seconds) but is easier to live with in heavy traffic. It also comes with paddle shifters and provides quick downshifts when you select Track mode.

How comfortable is the BRZ? The BRZ has a somewhat firm ride but with good compliance and it's able to soak up most road imperfections, especially at higher speeds. This is a car built for the back road and the open highway. Simple manually adjustable seats feature improve bolstering for your upper back and manage to hold you in place without being restrictive. Dual-zone climate control for such a small car seems like overkill, but it does the job.

Unfortunately, the BRZ is a bit on the noisy side. Road and tire noise is near constant and very loud. And engine noise, never a strength for the BRZ, is more annoying than evocative.

How’s the interior? Basic, straightforward and easy to use, the interior of the BRZ allows the driver to focus on driving. The BRZ's compact dimensions don't give it an abundance of interior room, but front passengers will find it more than comfortable, especially if they're on the taller side. Taller drivers will also appreciate the added space and room for adjustment, especially when compared to the much more cramped Miata. The rear seats, however, are better used as interior storage space than for passengers.

The BRZ's low dashboard is made possible by a well-integrated infotainment touchscreen mounted out of the way to enhance forward visibility. The Subaru's low-profile engine also gives the BRZ a low hood line, further enhancing visibility for back roads and racetracks. Be aware that the BRZ's low ride height and long doors can make getting in and out a bit difficult.

How’s the tech? The BRZ comes with a modicum of modern tech. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, though you can't get an integrated navigation system in the BRZ. Two quick-charging USB ports in the center armrest allow for your device to be truly out of the way while driving. And while the BRZ's infotainment interface isn't going to win any design awards, it works well thanks to its quick response times and easy-to-understand graphics.

Far less impressive is the audio system. While that's likely not a priority for a sports car, the system can't really keep up with interior noise levels and is easily taxed by moderate volume. We think there's room for improvement here.

For its price, the BRZ is available with a decent number of advanced driver aids. Most of them are tied to the optional automatic transmission, but automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking are certainly nice to have as an option. Special mention needs to go to the BRZ's various traction and stability systems. They're well calibrated for daily driving, and Track mode allows for a good amount of extra fun. There's also the option to turn them all off and let the tail hang out, should you be a professional driver on a closed course.

How’s the storage? Small coupes aren't the most practical, but the BRZ is more than up to the daily grind. Its relatively small 6.3 cubic feet of trunk space is hampered by its short height, but when the seats are folded (you can't do that in a Miata) Subaru claims the BRZ will hold four wheels with tires. For reference, the Miata's trunk can swallow 4.6 cubes, while the substantially larger Mustang holds 13.5 cubes.

Inside, the BRZ offers a small but practical amount of storage. The cupholders reside well behind the driver's right arm, so you're never at risk of bumping them while driving, and the rear seats excel at holding bags, jackets and other items you don't want rolling around in the trunk. Anchor points for car seats exist, but getting them in or out is unlikely to be easy.