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The Subaru BRZ does one thing better than most cars on the market: affordable driver’s car appeal. From a rev-happy engine to its agile handling, the BRZ’s simple sports car formula doesn’t disappoint. However, many fans wanted forced induction to come into the picture with the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS to match its arguably unnecessary handling upgrades. Unfortunately, turbo-touting enthusiasts won’t get what they want in the new BRZ model.

The 2024 Subaru BRZ tS goes without a turbo

A 2024 Subaru BRZ tS shows off its front-end styling.
Subaru BRZ tS | Subaru

In keeping with the Subaru BRZ’s stripped-back, no-frills sports car appeal, the range-topping tS model does without a turbocharger. Instead, the new BRZ tS develops the same 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque as the lower-trim Premium and Limited models.

Power is courtesy of the BRZ’s 2.4L Boxer four-cylinder engine, a mill it shares with the Toyota GR86. While some ears find the Boxer motor noisy, it’s more than potent enough to instigate slides and smiles in the 2,846-lb sports coupe. Still, the tS does improve the BRZ in one category: handling. But we have to question whether or not it’s necessary. 

The BRZ tS adds larger 12.8 and 12.4-inch Brembo brakes and suspension tweaks to further sharpen the little Subaru. However, the Premium and Limited trims are already fun, flickable, and compliant cars. Frankly, the upgrades make it trickier to drive the BRZ on the bleeding edge of its handling and traction limitations– where the little sports coupe is the most fun. 

Further, at $36,465, the BRZ tS is around $2,650 more than the mid-tier Limited trim. Unless drivers are hell-bent on tracking their BRZ, the tS is unnecessary for most. Had Subaru added a turbo, finding the BRZ tS’s limits would be more of an event.

Even without a turbo, the BRZ offers budget-friendly fun 

With entry-level prices at right around the $30,000 mark, the Toyota GR86 and Subaru BRZ are a couple of the cheapest new sports cars on the market. What’s more, the Toyota-Subaru twins’ only real competition is the Mazda MX-5, which is much less of a razor-sharp driver’s car. Better yet, the BRZ continues to offer a manual transmission, a must-have for peak driver engagement. 

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).