Subaru BRZ tS Review (2024/2025): A Pure Driver’s Car in a Tech-Obsessed World
Rooting for the underdog has always been part of car culture, and in today’s automotive landscape, the Subaru BRZ may be one of the last true underdogs. With the 2024 BRZ tS—and the nearly identical 2025 model—Subaru proves that you don’t need excessive horsepower, hybrid trickery, or over-the-top luxury tech to create an unforgettable driving experience.
Why the BRZ Matters in 2025
The BRZ is a rare species in today’s market:
- Subaru’s only rear-wheel-drive car
- Its only two-door coupe
- A true lightweight sports car with real-world usability
With just 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque, it may look modest on paper compared to turbocharged hot hatches or muscle cars, but spend a few minutes behind the wheel and it’s clear: this car was built for engagement, balance, and fun.
Driving Impressions : More Than Just Numbers
During a week of testing on back roads, highways, and city streets, the BRZ tS showed its true personality:
- Sharp manual gearbox that’s forgiving yet rewarding.
- Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires delivering outstanding grip.
- Brembo brakes and STI-tuned suspension for confidence in corners.
- Enough power to feel alive, but not so much that you’ll instantly lose your license.
Even with “only” 228 horsepower, the BRZ invites you to push it to the limit—and that’s the magic. Unlike many modern sports cars, you can explore the performance envelope without entering reckless speeds.
The 2024 vs 2025 BRZ tS
The 2025 model is nearly identical to the 2024 car, with only small changes:
- New sport button on manual versions
- Retuned synthetic exhaust sound
- Minor interior accent updates
Unfortunately, North America won’t get the suspension upgrades reserved for the Japanese-market BRZ. Still, the core recipe remains untouched—and that’s a good thing.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the BRZ balances focus and practicality:
- Supportive yet comfortable sport seats
- Logical dash layout with physical buttons
- Standard Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- Tight back seats, but useful for extra storage when folded
The cabin isn’t perfect—outdated infotainment graphics and some odd design choices (like Alcantara only on the gauge cluster)—but nothing distracts from the driving fun.
Fuel Economy and Usability
Despite being a sports car, the BRZ is surprisingly livable:
- 24.3 mpg average during our week of testing
- Light, compact dimensions make it easy to daily drive
- Small trunk, but expandable thanks to folding rear seats
Competitors : MX-5, GR86, Mustang EcoBoost
In this segment, the BRZ faces just a few rivals:
- Mazda MX-5 Miata : iconic, but pricier and less practical.
- Toyota GR86 : its twin, slightly cheaper, with a similar personality.
- Ford Mustang EcoBoost : more power, but no manual option.
Each brings something unique, but at around $36,000 for the BRZ tS, Subaru offers an unbeatable blend of affordability, performance, and engagement.
Final Verdict : A True Driver’s Car
The Subaru BRZ tS may not have the raw power of a muscle car or the flashy luxury of European sports coupes, but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s accessible, playful, and engaging in a way that many modern cars simply aren’t.
For young drivers, it’s the perfect introduction to performance cars. For seasoned enthusiasts, it’s a refreshing reminder that driving enjoyment doesn’t require six-figure budgets.
In a world where cars are increasingly about screens and autonomy, the BRZ stands out as a car for people who still love to drive.
