When it comes to affordable sports cars, the 2023 Subaru BRZ offers a lot of value for the money. Like its Toyota-badged sibling, the GR86, the Subaru sports car packs front-engine, rear-wheel drive (RWD), and manual magic into a budget-friendly package. Check out five reasons why the BRZ and its cheapest Premium trim are worth every penny. 

The 2023 Subaru BRZ puts the ‘fun’ in ‘fundamentals’

Subaru’s BRZ sports car is back for the 2023 model year. Moreover, it ticks many boxes for fans of affordable performance with these five redeeming qualities:

• Sharp handling
• A rev-happy naturally aspirated 2.4L engine
• Six-speed manual transmission
• Generous standard features for a budget-friendly sports coupe
• Affordable price tag

While the 2023 Subaru BRZ doesn’t have an opulent badge like a three-pointed star or Porsche badge, it punches well above its weight. In fact, it’s sharper, more powerful, and more of a commuter than its closest non-familial competitor, the Mazda MX-5 Miata. 

Does the BRZ have good handling?

The Subaru BRZ’s party piece is its taut, sharp handling. The sports coupe model has enthusiastic cornering characteristics and standard RWD that can induce tail-happy slides on command. Moreover, the manual Subaru sports car’s 2,843-lb curb weight makes for an agile, athletic experience. 

Pair those qualities with a Torsen limited-slip rear differential, and even the entry-level BRZ Premium is a performance bargain. 

Is the Subaru BRZ turbocharged?

Fortunately, the 2023 Subaru BRZ goes without a turbocharger. Before you tout the merit of “boosty bois,” hear me out. The Subaru sports car model revs happily with natural aspiration, making for a responsive, albeit noisy, powerplant. It’s a back-to-the-basics sports coupe application. 

Moreover, the BRZ’s 228 horsepower is eager and readily accessible but also commute-friendly. Better yet, it’s in a sweet spot; the Subaru sports car has a commendable power-to-weight ratio, with just enough horsepower to be a fun track-day toy, as well as a dependable commuter. 

What transmission is in the 2023 Subaru BRZ?

Continuing the trend of fundamental fun, the 2023 BRZ Premium comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Of course, fans who don’t want to row through the gears can opt for the six-speed automatic transmission instead. However, ditching the stick compromises its driver’s car credentials. 

What standard features does the BRZ have?

The 2023 Subaru BRZ Premium comes with an eight-inch touchscreen, as well as standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. A comparably priced base-model Ford Mustang EcoBoost has a 4.2-inch LCD screen. As a result, the BRZ is space-age compared to the pony car’s setup. 

Moreover, the entry-level BRZ Premium offers dual-zone climate control, push-button start, and a digital instrument cluster, per TrueCar.   

Is a Subaru BRZ worth buying?

The BRZ boasts taut, track-ready sports car credentials without a Porsche Cayman price tag. Specifically, the BRZ Premium starts at around $29,615; it’s a wallet-friendly sports coupe with fun to spare. 

What do you think of the little Subaru sports car? Would you take it over a Toyota GR86 or Mazda MX-5 Miata? Tell us in the comments below!