Subaru BRZ

Just about every Subaru these days is an all-wheel-drive SUV, but not the Subaru BRZ. This is the company's low-slung, rear-wheel-drive sport coupe co-developed with Toyota, and now it has a fresh lease on life for 2022 thanks to a full redesign.

The 2022 BRZ still has the same key attributes that made the first-generation 2013-2020 car so appealing, such as its light weight, back-to-basics rear-wheel-drive architecture and affordable-for-the-masses pricing. But it also has some key improvements, including a more powerful engine, fresh exterior styling and some updated tech on the inside.

Replacing the previous 2.0-liter engine is a 2.4-liter flat-four making 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft, an increase of 23 hp and 28 lb-ft over the previous model. This engine is smoother, sounds better, and delivers a much more satisfying midrange punch of power. Handling has improved too, thanks in large part to optional grippy summer tires, as well as minor but important tweaks to the chassis and suspension. Subaru has even added a suite of advanced aids, known as EyeSight, to BRZs equipped with automatic transmissions.

Overall, we're impressed with the new BRZ and find it to be a great pick for a low-priced performance car. Read our Expert Rating to get our test team's full analysis of its performance, comfort and more.

Which BRZ does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Subaru BRZ is a small sport coupe available in two trim levels: Premium and Limited. Powering the rear wheels of the BRZ is a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine (228 horsepower, 184 lb-ft) through your choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Highlighted features include:

Premium Comes well equipped with features, such as:

• 17-inch alloy wheels with summer tires
• Limited-slip rear differential (helps maximize available traction during hard acceleration)
• LED headlights
• Dual-zone climate control
• 8-inch infotainment touchscreen
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Keyless proximity entry with push-button start

Selecting the optional automatic transmission also adds:

• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Subaru and the car in front)
• Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
• Automatic high-beam headlights
• Steering wheel-mounted shift paddles for the transmission

Limited Adds a few features and improves handling, with:

• 18-inch wheels with high-performance summer tires
• Heated front seats
• Simulated suede and leather upholstery
• Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot)
• Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
• Subaru's Starlink communication services
• Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle; automatic transmission only)