In a sea of familiar automotive flavors, the Subaru BRZ and its Toyota counterpart are defiantly distinct. Even before their 2022 redesigns, these lightweight, fun, and most importantly, affordable sports cars delighted everyday enthusiasts. And the 2022 BRZ doesn’t just give the Miata a run for its money: it can stand up to more expensive models, too. Unfortunately, the 2023 Subaru BRZ is getting a bit more expensive—but its price jump isn’t unjustified.

The 2023 Subaru BRZ has a slightly higher price, but slightly more equipment, too

Fully loaded, the 2022 Subaru BRZ topped out at just under $40,000. But you could get a base manual BRZ Premium for $27,995; $28,955 after destination. The 2023 model, though, is going to crest the $29K mark. Fortunately, it won’t be by much.

For 2023, Subaru is raising the BRZ Premium’s and Limited’s base price to the following amounts:

• Premium manual: $28,595 ($29,615 after destination)
• Premium automatic: $30,095 ($31,115 after destination)
• Limited manual: $31,095 ($32,115 after destination)
• Limited automatic: $32,795 ($33,815 after destination)

It’s worth noting that Subaru increased its destination charges slightly as well as the BRZ models’ prices. In 2022 destination added $960, while in 2023 it’s up to $1020. If you ignore the destination increase, though, the manual and automatic 2023 BRZ cost $600 and $500 more than their 2022 versions, respectively.

So, why did the MSRP increase? Firstly, all 2023 BRZs get “speed-sensing mist features” for their windshield wipers. From the sound of it, these seem like upgraded rain-sensing wipers. In addition, automatic 2023 BRZs receive “new adaptive control and steering wheel paddle-shift control switches.” Basically, Subaru redesigned the paddle shifters and the adaptive cruise control, uh, controls.

Admittedly, these seem like fairly minor changes even for the relatively small price increase. However, Subaru likely didn’t bump the 2023 BRZ price up just because it could, The Drive says. Instead, the higher MSRPs probably stem from rising inflation as well as supply chain issues. The raised destination fees further support this notion.

Does the 2023 Subaru BRZ’s price increase affect the Toyota GR86?

While it might seem odd that Subaru announced 2023 BRZ prices midway through Q2, keep in mind that the 2022 BRZ is sold out. So, if you want the latest version of Subaru’s boxer-powered sports car, you must get the 2023 model. And that should hit dealerships this summer.

Alternatively, you could get Toyota’s version, the GR86. As of this writing, Toyota hasn’t indicated that it’s shutting down 2022 GR86 orders. And while the BRZ and GR86 drive slightly differently, their interiors and equipment levels are essentially identical. Their 2022 starting prices are, too.

But will that change in 2023? As of this writing, it’s too early to tell. But it’s worth noting that Toyota slightly raised the GR86’s price after it announced the pricing structure initially. Back in October 2021, a base 2022 GR86 manual started at $27,700 before destination, The Drive notes. Now, though, it starts at $27,900. And a 2022 GR86 Premium automatic starts at $32,000 before destination and options.

However, Toyota likely won’t raise the 2023 GR86’s price significantly. And if it raises it at all, it will likely only be to match the 2023 Subaru BRZ price structure. You know, for parity’s sake.

Even at its new price, it’s still a sports car bargain

Although the 2023 Subaru BRZ has a slightly higher price, it’s still one of the best values in the sports car world. For example, it and the GR86 were contenders for Road & Track’s Performance Car of the Year. And the contender list included high-price segment heavy-hitters like the 911 GT3, AMG GT Black Series, and CT5-V Blackwing.

Furthermore, the BRZ can keep up with the likes of the Miata and Supra 2.0, both of which cost more. And while the more expensive Mustang Mach 1 beats it in a straight line, the Subaru is nimbler, more communicative, and more fun on a racetrack.

In short, in terms of thrills per dollar, the 2023 BRZ remains a great value.

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