Cars are rarely perfect, if ever. The Mk8 Golf is spectacular to drive in any spec but has a difficult-to-use infotainment interface. The GR Corolla is a perfect little hot-hatch, but dealer markups make buying a Porsche 997 911 Turbo more affordable. Even in the Subaru family, the WRX exists as possibly the ultimate all-weather enthusiast daily, but many find the styling to be somewhat offensive to the eyes. The 2023 Subaru BRZ isn’t perfect either, but when a car’s faults amount to minor nitpicks, you know it’s a heck of a machine. 

The 2023 BRZ does have a few flaws, says Edmunds

In their review of the BRZ, Edmunds noted that a better audio system is in short order. It’s not even that it’s a flawed system, but according to Edmunds, it doesn’t have the power to keep up with the road noise and struggles with clarity at high volume levels. Thankfully, an inadequate sound system can be remedied in the aftermarket, but it would certainly be nice to see an upgraded system offered by the factory.

Edmunds’ other primary complaint was also sound related, but this time with the engine. Though they thought the new 2.4L FA24D was a major improvement over the previous generation’s engine, they cited the sound as annoying. Many enthusiasts want to hear a joy-bringing sound from under the hood of their sports cars. The howl of a Porsche flat-6, the scream of a Ferrari V12, and even the familiar rumble of a Chevy LS can make all the difference when deciding whether or not a car provides your desired experience.

A four-cylinder-–even a Subaru boxer-four— may not do it for everyone, but plenty of fantastic exhaust upgrades exist that can go a long way in eliminating this issue. 

The Subaru BRZ’s flaws are only nitpicks

The 2023 Subaru BRZ has some elements that could be improved. Some are simply because it’s a sports car, like its lack of storage space and noisy interior, and some are BRZ-specific flaws, like its less-than-evocative engine.

That said, Edmunds had almost entirely positive comments for the BRZ. It’s surprisingly rare for a car to get such high praise without serious caveats. The things Edmunds and others have pointed out as negative are inconsequential. Not that they aren’t worth pointing out, but they don’t change the final verdict in any meaningful way.

The 2023 BRZ best category was Edmunds’ “wildcard”

The 2023 Subaru BRZ earned a 9.5/10 in Edmunds’ wildcard category. What is the wildcard? Edmunds defines the wildcard as a vehicle that is fun to drive and offers a unique personality with respect to driving and design.

For Edmunds, the BRZ is an endlessly entertaining road companion that provides performance worthy of a higher price tag. They praise its simple “back-to-basics” style as unique in a sea of modern complexity. They also expressly point out its balance and accessible limits. We can probably all remember Jeremy Clarkson driving the first-generation 86/BRZ around the Top Gear test track and drifting at 30 mph—talk about accessible limits.

It may not have the most beautiful singing voice, but it’s always been a car built with the express purpose of putting a smile on the driver’s face. And in that mission, the 2023 BRZ has most definitely succeeded.