Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 200 hp 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 200 hp 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Premium 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 200 hp 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
Premium 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Premium 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 200 hp 6A)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
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Find all cars near me?tS 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 200 hp 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 200 hp 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6A)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 200 hp 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 200 hp 6A)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Premium 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
tS 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Overall Rating
The 2019 model year, prices of the BRZ two-door coupe start at a little over $25,000. It faces competition from another such antiquated coupe, Nissan 370Z, and recently refreshed Chevrolet Camaro.
The 2019 Subaru BRZ carries over from its outgoing model without any major change. Let alone the updated Starlink navigation system with over-the-air updates. Not a bad thing at all since the Subaru BRZ still knows very well, where it needs to be. What ended up Subaru and Toyota's quest to deliver an extremely fun to drive two-door coupe, is still plenty enjoyable if nothing else.
All that the BRZ has ever been is a fun sports car that's also fairly practical and is more accessible. With a starting MSRP of $25,795, the 2019 Subaru BRZ today promises more fun and flash than something like a similarly priced Subaru Crosstrek. However, it's not the only kid in the school and faces tough competition from the likes of Toyota 86 and Nissan 370z.Â
Subaru BRZ tS makes a comback for model year 2020
What's new in 2020 Subaru BRZ?
The performance and practicality of the 2019 Subaru BRZ remains unchanged across its range. The only things that vary are the standard features. That way, the mid-level Limited trim makes most sense. It also offers the choice of a manual and automatic gearbox which is missing from other variants.
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 200 hp 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 200 hp 6M)
tS 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 6M)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 200 hp 6A)
Limited 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl 200 hp 6M)
The 2019 model year, prices of the BRZ two-door coupe start at a little over $25,000. It faces competition from another such antiquated coupe, Nissan 370Z, and recently refreshed Chevrolet Camaro.
The 2019 Subaru BRZ carries over from its outgoing model without any major change. Let alone the updated Starlink navigation system with over-the-air updates. Not a bad thing at all since the Subaru BRZ still knows very well, where it needs to be. What ended up Subaru and Toyota's quest to deliver an extremely fun to drive two-door coupe, is still plenty enjoyable if nothing else.
All that the BRZ has ever been is a fun sports car that's also fairly practical and is more accessible. With a starting MSRP of $25,795, the 2019 Subaru BRZ today promises more fun and flash than something like a similarly priced Subaru Crosstrek. However, it's not the only kid in the school and faces tough competition from the likes of Toyota 86 and Nissan 370z.Â
Subaru BRZ tS makes a comback for model year 2020
What's new in 2020 Subaru BRZ?
This time, the 2019 model year of Subaru BRZ witnesses yet another nimble modification of its trim-structure. The top-of-the line tS model from last year has been swapped with a Series.Gray edition. Other than that, both the Premium and Limited trims continue to exist as earlier. Prices for the base "Premium" model start at an MSRP of $25,795 and go all the way up to $30,140 for the new Series.Gray variant.
All variants are powered by the same old 2.0-liter Boxer-4 engine and unlike other Subaru's, come as RWD only. Also, the BRZ Limited with the six-speed manual can be had with an available $1,195 Performance Package. This package includes high-performance upgrades like bigger Brembo brakes, STI-tuned Sachs suspension and wider summer tires. However, these features are available as standard on 2019 Subaru BRZ Series.Gray.
Model |
Premium |
Limited |
Series.Gray |
---|---|---|---|
MSRP (RWD Manual) |
$25,795 |
$28,645 |
$30,140 |
MSRP (RWD Automatic) |
N/A |
$29,745 |
N/A |
Key Features | Leather multi-functional steering | Adds/upgrades to Premium - | Adds/upgrades to Limited - |
|
17-inch wheels |
Dual-zone automatic climate control |
Sachs performance dampers |
LED headlights |
LED foglights |
Frameless rearview mirror |
|
Trunk spoiler |
Heated front seats |
Unique cabin trim and badges |
|
6.2-inch touchscreen |
7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
Brembo brakes |
|
8-speaker audio | Navigation | Gray-painted alloy wheels | |
Cloth upholstery | Simulated suede upholstery with heated front seats | Exclusive Limited Edition optional wheels |
Which trim should you buy?
The performance and practicality of the 2019 Subaru BRZ remains unchanged across its range. The only things that vary are the standard features. That way, the mid-level Limited trim makes most sense. It also offers the choice of a manual and automatic gearbox which is missing from other variants.
The 2019 Subaru BRZ continues to be powered by the same 2.0-liter Boxer-4 engine that makes 205 hp and 161 lb.-ft torque. Allowing you to take control of all that power is a standard six-speed manual transmission. You can also pair your 2019 Subaru BRZ with a six-speed automatic unit but that is an option available only on the Limited trim. However, if you pair this two-door coupe with the six-speed automatic, both power and torque are reduced to 200 hp and 151 lb-ft torque.
The BRZ is one rare Subaru for sure. It does not come equipped with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive setup as its rivals do. So don't expect much comfort or confidence under inclement weather conditions. However, its efficient rear-wheel-drive powertrain along with its well-proportioned body, low center-of -gravity and an effective weight distribution doesn't leave much of a grouse. To enthusiast's delight, power-delivery from the engine is very linear and instantaneous and the engine feels very responsive and capable at all times.
Models |
Subaru BRZ Series.Gray |
Toyota 86 TRD |
Nissan 370Z 2dr |
Chevrolet Camaro 3LT |
---|---|---|---|---|
MSRP |
$30,140 |
$32,420 |
$30,090 |
$31,000 |
Engine |
2.0-liter Subaru Boxer-4 |
2.0-liter Subaru Boxer-4 |
3.7-liter V6 |
3.6-liter V6 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
RWD |
RWD |
RWD |
Transmission |
6-speed manual |
6-speed manual |
6-speed manual |
6-speed manual |
Power (hp @ rpm) |
205 @ 7000 |
205 @ 7000 |
332 @ 7000 |
335 @ 6800 |
Torque (ft-lbs @ rpm) |
156 @ 6400 |
156 @ 6400 |
270 @ 5200 |
284 @ 5300 |
Even the slick 6-speed manual is smooth and precise and the available 6-speed automatic never feels in the wrong gear either. Undoubtedly, the BRZ's 2.0-liter engine is one of the best Boxer engines you can get today. Also, this is the very same powertrain which also pumps up the Toyota 86 Coupe. Among the competition here though, both the Nissan 370Z and Chevrolet Camaro get a meaty V6 engine. So they are obviously more powerful than the 2019 Subaru BRZ and its corporate twin, the Toyota 86.
The 2.0-liter naturally aspirated motor is nothing less than a pocket rocket. Power comes in nice and quick and flooring down the pedal harder makes the BRZ sprint from 0-60 MPH in 6.3 seconds. For something its and size with a 205 hp flat-4, this number is surely impressive.
That engine is quite lively and as there is no waiting for turbos to spool up, response is also instant. So much so that as you set foot on the throttle, you get pushed, if not pinned, into your seat. However, that thrust fades as you start to shift up as power is mostly in the mid-ranges of the rev-band.
Models |
Subaru BRZ Series.Gray |
Toyota 86 TRD |
Nissan 370Z 2dr |
Chevrolet Camaro 3LT |
---|---|---|---|---|
0-60 MPH |
6.3 s |
6.4 s |
5.0 s |
5.4 s |
Quarter Mile |
14.7 s |
14.8 s |
13.6 s |
14.0 s |
Top Speed |
143 MPH |
140 MPH |
155 MPH |
155 MPH |
Engine |
2.0L Boxer-4 |
2.0L Boxer-4 |
3.7L V6 |
3.6 L V6 |
Despite that, the 2019 Subaru BRZ does better than Toyota 86 to finish first behind the other two V6 powered coupes when accelerating to the 60 MPH mark and even past the quarter mile line. Its top speed of 143 MPH is also more than that of the 86. Both the V6 powered Nissan 370 Z and Chevrolet Camaro 3LT are not only the quicker duo but at a top speed of 155 MPH, they are also faster.
The Subaru BRZ may not be the hardest-accelerating two-door coupe but the way this car handles will definitely leave you awestruck. The chassis is underpinned by a modified Impreza platform. So it is stiff and responsive. Pair that with a lowered ride height and a steering wheel that returns instant feedback and watch the fun unfold. What you get is a car that can best others that cost thrice as much when it comes to diving in and out of corners.
Compensating for its sportiness, the ride quality is undeniably on the stiffer side. The sport-tuned suspension, 17-inch wheels and low-rise floor, all translate to an enhanced feel of the surface beneath. While that works wonders for drivers on a race track, over undulating surfaces and broken roads be sure to experience some discomfort. The Performance Package adds stiffer Sachs suspension and wider tires. They make the ride all the more sporty and harsh. Otherwise, the linear and uninterrupted power delivery makes for quite a controlled ride overall.
The 2019 Subaru BRZ is a tightly wound coupe. Its chassis is purpose-built to give you that feel of being behind the wheel of a genuine sports car. So it brakes equally well too. In fact, response from the brakes is very proportional to the input from the pedal. The brake pedal has a good sharp bite into it and the BRZ's tighter proportion make the braking experienced extremely poised and confident.
So in an emergency stopping situation, 2019 Subaru BRZ manages to stop from 60-0 MPH in about 120 feet. When equipped with the 12.8-inch front and 12.4-inch rear Brembo disc brakes included as part of the optional Performance Package, stopping distance of Subaru BRZ Limited with the six-speed manual reduces to 109 feet. The long hood and lowered height make sure that nose-dive is also well contained. It does become a bit difficult to modulate the brake pedal during aggressive driving as pedal travel is limited and response is immediate.
Models |
Subaru BRZ Series.Gray |
Toyota 86 TRD |
Nissan 370Z 2dr |
Chevrolet Camaro 3LT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Brake Rotors Front |
12.8” |
12.8” |
12.6” |
12.6” |
Brake Rotors Rear |
12.4” |
12.4” |
12.1” |
12.4” |
Curb Weight |
2842 lbs |
2817 lbs |
3333 lbs |
3448 lbs |
60-0 MPH |
109 ft |
109 ft |
121 ft |
124 ft |
Opting for the limited-edition Series.Gray variant of 2019 Subaru BRZ equips the car with standard Brembo brakes. They come as part of the Performance Package but it is offered as standard on the Series.Gray edition. Those Brembo brakes improve the braking performance of Subaru BRZ considerably but the pedal becomes a bit sensitive. Among its competitors, only the Toyota 86, which is the exact same car as that BRZ, is able to match its stopping precision. Both other 370Z and Camaro coupes are bigger and heavier and are hence stand behind in terms of 60-0 MPH stopping distance.
The barely $30,000 BRZ two-door coupe's humble 2.0-liter Boxer-4 engine is not only punchy but also offers good economy. Since the powertrain doesn't derive assistance from a turbo or supercharger, it returns a healthy economy without compromising on its lag-free accleration. That practicality only increases when you pair your Subaru BRZ with the automatic gearbox. With the manual box, a 2019 Subaru BRZ Limited model promises 24 MPG combined economy and with the 6-speed automatic, that numbers surges up to 27.
Models |
Subaru BRZ Series.Gray |
Toyota 86 TRD |
Nissan 370Z 2dr |
Chevrolet Camaro 3LT |
---|---|---|---|---|
MPG (City) |
21 |
21 |
17 |
16 |
MPG (Highway) |
29 |
29 |
26 |
27 |
MPG (Combined) |
24 |
24 |
20 |
20 |
Fuel Capacity (gallons) |
13.2 |
13.2 |
19.0 |
19.0 |
Range (City/Hwy/Combined; in miles) |
277/383/317 |
277/383/717 |
323/494/380 |
304/513/380 |
The BRZ also gets a fairly large 13.2 gallons fuel tank which further helps in ensuring minimal stops for refills. Be that as it may, its competitors, Nissan 370Z and Camaro 3LT, both get 19.0 gallons fuel tanks which are the biggest in this segment. So while they may not be as fuel efficient, the massive fuel tank ensures longer hours of driving without visiting gas stations.
How reliable is Subaru BRZ?
How has Subaru BRZ performed in its crash tests?
Owing to their form and character, you don't generally expect much comfort and flexibility inside the cabin of a popular two-door coupe which costs around $30,000. In that regard, the 2019 Subaru BRZ still does well to be as comfortable as possible. Since it mostly appeals to the purists, special attention has been paid to comfort in the first row. The deep bucket seats are supportive and firm and offer good adjustability for adults. The overall build-quality seems good and sturdy while the cabin layout is clean and thoughtful.Â
As far as the second row is concerned, it is suited best only for toddlers or luggage. Thanks to the compressed proportions at the back which don't leave enough knee or legroom in the back. Even its coupe-like design takes away some of the romminess on the inside. Being in the back for longer hours is definitely a task. Also, if you own a 2019 Subaru BRZ, make sure to always travel light because with only so much space on the inside, you can’t really expect to have a cavernous trunk. The BRZ's 6.9 cu-ft of cargo space can hardly fit a large suitcase.Â
Models |
Subaru BRZ Series.Gray |
Toyota 86 TRD |
Nissan 370Z 2dr |
Chevrolet Camaro 3LT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seating Capacity |
4 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
First Row(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
37.1/54.5/41.9 |
37.1/54.5/41.9 |
38.2/54.4/42.9 |
38.5/55.0/43.9 |
Second Row(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in) |
35.0/51.7/29.9 |
35.0/51.7/29.9 |
N/A |
35.6/50.3/29.9 |
Trunk Capacity |
6.9 cu-ft |
6.9 cu-ft |
6.9 cu-ft |
9.1 cu-ft |
Another thing that might irk you about 2019 Subaru BRZ’s interior is the amount of noise that keeps creeping in. In order to keep BRZ light, the level of insulation on the inside has been kept to a minimum. This allows for all sorts of wind, road and engine noises to make their way into the cabin. No extreme assumptions though and the fit and finish of the cabin, including dash and doors feels quite premium for the price.
The Series.Gray variant of 2019 Subaru BRZ gets visors and door trims wrapped in Grand Luxe synthetic suede with red stitching. There's also a frameless rearview mirror. Other upside seems to be its commanding outward visibility. Despite the lowered stance and long hood, it is fairly easy for the driver to see what lies ahead and even around corner.
Just like any other modern-day car, the 2019 Subaru BRZ comes with just about enough gadgets to keep you indulged in your daily travels. In the base 2019 Subaru BRZ you will find a 6.2-inch touchscreen unit which can be replaced by a 7.0-inch setup in the Limited and higher variants. Although the screen is not the sharpest, its clutter-free menu and larger icons make it quite easy to use.Â
That 7.0-inch unit comes with Tom Tom navigation integration besides Android Auto and Apple Carplay. Also, for the 2019 model year, Subaru has added over-the-air updates to the navigation system. On the base model though, you do get Bluetooth, dual-USB ports, auxiliary input, satellite radio and a CD player with an 8-speaker audio. Some of the other highlighted infotainment features are listed below for reference:
Infotainment Features
Ever since its inception in 2013, Subaru BRZ has seen little to no changes in its design. While there’s no denying that the car looks just as sporty as it drives and the design is just as functional as it is enticing. However, it has now started showing its signs of age. Up front, you get LED headlights as standard but LED fog lights can be had only with the Limited and higher variants. The hood kinks downwards to maximize uninterrupted airflow and there are minimal sculpts and creases.
A wide hexagonal grille does add some aggression on its face but at the sides things are not so engaging. The side profile is that of a typical coupe and while the two-door setup does look cool, it makes for compromised accessibility of the second row. Then you have a gently sloping roofline which merges seamlessly with the slightly flared fenders which give this coupe a meaner appearance.
Models |
Subaru BRZ Series.Gray |
Toyota 86 TRD |
Nissan 370Z 2dr |
Chevrolet Camaro 3LT |
---|---|---|---|---|
Curb Weight |
2842 lbs |
2817 lbs |
3333 lbs |
3448 lbs |
Length |
166.7” |
168.8” |
167.5” |
188.3” |
Width |
69.9” |
69.9” |
72.6” |
74.7” |
Height |
52.0” |
50.6” |
51.8” |
53.1” |
Ground Clearance |
4.9” |
4.9” |
4.8” |
3.5” |
Wheelbase |
101.2” |
101.2” |
100.4” |
110.7” |
Moving on the back you will notice a dual-exhaust setup complete with a trunk spoiler, as should be of a sports coupe. The top-tier Series.Gray model comes in unique Cool Gray Khaki paint finish. It also gets foldable exterior power mirrors with Crystal Black Silica trim. Among the competition though, while the Subaru and Toyota carry the exact same form and shape and both of them do look nimble yet spirited. The Chevrolet Camaro on the other hand not only looks more meaner but is also larger in proportions than the Japanese duo here.
While driving a BRZ, it’s nimble handling and compact dimensions will prove enough usefulness in getting you out of tough situations. However, it doesn't seem to compromise on its safety skills either. Official authorities like NHTSA and IIHS have also rated the Subaru BRZ with credible crash-test scores. Though not as rich as a Subaru Ascent or Legacy but it gets a healthy dose of safety features for something its price and size.
Also, the 2019 Subaru BRZ received a “Good” overall rating from IIHS in their test. As far as the NHTSA is concerned, they have only tested the car for side-impact and rollover protection, in which it scored 4 and 5 stars respectively. With that being said, some of the highlighted safety features of the 2019 Subaru BRZ are listed below:
With a brawny V6 under its hood, the Nissan 370Z definitely comes at the top in terms of power and performance. In this case, it is the practicality aspect where the BRZ takes the lead. It is more spacious and accommodating in comparison, and that is saying something. Both handle extremely well and are also quite reliable. But it is the Subaru BRZ which feels more premium.
The Chevrolet Camaro is everything the Subaru isn't; large and in your face. That said, they have a lot of similarities too. The base model Camaro 1LT or 2LT are still muscle cars but with less power. While the BRZ is a proper sports coupe also with less power. The only problem with buying a BRZ is that you can't have the option of a more powerful V6 which is available on the Camaro.
There’s no denying the fact that the BRZ does what it was intended to do perfectly. It is still plenty of fun to drive and really worth the money it costs. Still, it has not received any updates which creates a huge setback for it when we compare it with other such cars in the market. In this case, it is probably best to wait for the next generation of Subaru BRZ.
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