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Subaru BRZ

Subaru

Subaru BRZ: Subaru's affordable RWD sport coupe (2012+). FA20/FA24 boxer engine, manual transmission. Co-developed with To
Photo: Elise240SX / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

Subaru's affordable RWD sport coupe (2012+). FA20/FA24 boxer engine, manual transmission. Co-developed with Toyota (sold as 86/GR86).

The Subaru BRZ is a rear-wheel drive sport coupe produced from 2012 onward across two generations. The BRZ is the Subaru-badged version of the Toyota 86 / GR86 / Scion FR-S; the cars share platform, engine, transmission, and most major components. Subaru does the engine; Toyota does the styling and interior; the cars are built in Gunma, Japan. The first-generation BRZ (ZN6, 2012-2020) used the FA20 naturally aspirated boxer 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 200-205 horsepower. The second-generation BRZ (ZN8, 2022+) uses the FA24 boxer 2.4-liter four-cylinder making 228 horsepower. Both generations come with six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions. Rear-wheel drive only. The BRZ is the only Subaru product without standard AWD. The model represents Subaru attempt to enter the affordable sport coupe segment, which it has not historically participated in. The car competes with the Mazda Miata, Toyota 86, and various other affordable sport coupes. Reviews consistently praise the chassis dynamics, the manual transmission, and the overall package. The BRZ has been one of the most popular tuner platforms of the modern era. Engine swaps (K20, LS V8) are common. Forced induction (turbo conversions) is popular. The platform supports a strong tuner community. On WhipJury, BRZ submissions are common. First generation ZN6 cars and second generation ZN8 cars both appear regularly. Modified BRZs with engine swaps, turbo conversions, and aero kits are common.

BRZ generations

First-generation (2012-2020). ZN6 chassis. FA20 engine making 200-205 horsepower. Manual or automatic.

Second-generation (2022+). ZN8 chassis. FA24 engine making 228 horsepower. Refined chassis dynamics.

BRZ vs Toyota 86 / GR86

Same car, different badges. Subaru does the engine; Toyota does final styling. Suspension tuning differs slightly between the two; minor cosmetic differences. The cars are essentially equivalent for most purposes.

BRZ on WhipJury

Stock and modified BRZs submit regularly. K20 swaps, LS swaps, turbo conversions, and aero kits are common modifications. The community recognizes the BRZ as one of the most accessible RWD sport coupes available.

Frequently asked questions about Subaru BRZ

What is the difference between BRZ and Toyota 86?
Same car, different badges. Subaru BRZ has Subaru-specific suspension tuning, exterior design, and minor trim. Toyota 86 (or GR86) has Toyota-specific tuning. Both cars share platform, engine, transmission, and most major components. Built in the same factory.
Is the BRZ AWD?
No, RWD only. The BRZ is one of the few non-AWD Subaru products. The decision was specifically to keep the car affordable and to provide RWD-focused chassis dynamics. AWD would add complexity, weight, and cost; RWD provides better handling balance for sport coupe use.
Is the BRZ reliable?
Yes, generally. The FA20 had occasional issues with oil consumption on early production years; the FA24 has been more reliable. The chassis is robust. With proper maintenance, BRZs are reliable for daily driving and track use.
How much does a BRZ cost?
New 2024 BRZ: starts around $30,000. Used BRZ cars: project cars $10,000-$15,000, driver-quality $15,000-$25,000, clean low-mile $25,000-$32,000. The BRZ is among the most affordable RWD sport coupes.
Can I track a BRZ?
Excellent for track use. The chassis dynamics, weight distribution, and steering feel are well-suited to track driving. Common track-day modifications include sticky tires, big brake kit, and roll cage. The BRZ has been a popular track day car since launch in 2012.

More on the Subaru BRZ

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The cheapest manual sports cars you can still buy new, ranked by how expensive they look

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