2025 Subaru BRZ tS Review: An Exciting Experience for the Youthful and the Young at Heart | Carscoops

      Forget about lap times and supercars, and simply enjoy the experience in Subaru's sole performance car.

      by Stephen Rivers

      PROS ›› Engaging driving experience, appealing design, strong safety features

      CONS ›› Steering feel, unconventional interior choices, could benefit from more power

      Cheering for the underdog is nearly a national tradition. In the automotive scene, the Subaru BRZ represents such an underdog, though it doesn’t quite have the enchanting Cinderella narrative – yet. It holds a unique place for several reasons. Firstly, it’s among the dwindling options in its segment, and it’s Subaru’s only rear-wheel-drive vehicle, as well as its only two-door model.

      However, rarity alone doesn’t guarantee success. What truly matters is its performance on the road and, more significantly, the feelings it evokes when you’re behind the wheel.

      Review: New Nissan Z Nismo Turns Every Day Into A Track Day

      So, can a car that generates merely 228 horsepower (170 kW) and 184 lb-ft (249 Nm) of torque make you fall in love with driving? After spending a week testing this car on winding roads, in urban settings, and across long highways, we can confidently say… yes. This might be the ideal car for young drivers just starting out. Yet, it remains a thrilling option for drivers of any age when in the right environment.

      Our test vehicle is a BRZ tS, which represents the pinnacle of the BRZ lineup with a total cost of $36,465, including destination and delivery. While that price is high for a first car, many qualities that make it a great choice are also present in the lower trims, such as the base model priced at $32,380 after d&d. Given the $4,000 price difference, you can choose whichever trim suits your preferences.

      All models come with the same engine and power specifications. They feature rear-wheel drive and offer either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Our BRZ tS is rated for 20 mpg in the city, 27 on the highway, and 22 overall. It also includes several enhancements from Subaru’s STI performance division, including larger Brembo brakes upfront, 18-inch dark gray wheels, and a refined suspension with Hitachi dampers.

      Quick Facts

      While we drove a 2024 model, the 2025 version remains largely similar. The key updates for 2025 include a sport button for manual-equipped versions, minor tweaks to the interior accents in the Limited trim, and a reworked synthetic exhaust sound in the cabin. Although these changes might appeal to some, they don’t fundamentally change the driving experience.

      It is also important to note that the North American market won’t receive the suspension improvements found in the Japanese BRZ for 2025. As the design and performance characteristics are closely similar to the 2024 model, this review effectively previews what to expect for those considering the purchase or lease of a BRZ.

      Styling

      The BRZ has an appealing exterior, appearing small and compact in a manner seldom seen today. It exhibits intricate styling, as nearly every surface features creases, ducts, or lines that dispel the dullness of a flat panel. The tail lights are particularly eye-catching, with the upper outer edges extending away from the body, contributing to the air curtain flowing around the car's rear.

      Overall, the design looks great in person, offering visual appeal without being excessively styled or bland. The front end maintains a playful mindset, avoiding overly aggressive aesthetics. This playful character embodies the essence of the BRZ; it invites you to enjoy it without taking it too seriously.

      A Cozy Cabin

      The BRZ’s interior is snug and focused, though it has some unconventional design choices. The steering wheel appears somewhat mismatched, and its leather finish doesn’t feel as satisfying as an Alcantara or faux suede.

      That said, any minor grievances can be overlooked in such a well-laid-out car. The shift knob is well-placed, the pedals feel natural to use, and the seats strike a great balance—not too firm and not overly flat. They are also well-cushioned, making long drives comfortable.

      The dashboard design is commendable, although it’s puzzling why Subaru chose to use Alcantara solely on the gauge cluster, or why the glove box proportions seem odd. Regardless, the controls are logically situated and easy to familiarize yourself with.

      Subaru’s 8-inch infotainment system is a bit bulky and sluggish, appearing quite outdated; however, this car isn’t primarily about cutting-edge tech. It does support Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

      Physical buttons and knobs constitute the climate control system and look appealing while functioning effectively. We appreciate their responsiveness. Subaru also includes physical buttons for volume control, track selection, and some navigation within the infotainment system.

      The gauge cluster stands out for its multiple useful modes and clear graphics, avoiding excessive complexity. Though it