Subaru has become increasingly popular with millennials in recent years as the brand continues to roll out off-road savvy and all-weather capable models like the Forester, Crosstrek, WRX and Ascent. The purchase of one of these models likely means you’re an adventure seeker who loves the outdoors— and there’s no better vehicle equipped for ski trips, overnight camping, or a drive up into the mountains than a Subaru.
But what if there was another type of adventure you’ve been missing out on? Though Subaru is best known for enabling 4x4 outdoor fun, imagine the thrill of hitting the apex of a corner at your local racetrack with a white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel. With the 2020 Subaru BRZ, your imagination will soon become reality.
The BRZ aspires to be the ultimate utilitarian sports car at an affordable price. No longer will you have to flip through the latest issue of Car and Driver or Motor Trend filled with envy as sports cars you’ll never realistically be able to afford carve up a mountain road. You want to experience a similar adrenaline rush without the egregious price tag—and that’s understandable.
Lighter Chassis = More Fun
Most performance cars weigh somewhere in the range of 3500 to 4500 lbs. Their heavy curb weight is often a result of massive engines, unnecessary 20+ inch wheels and manufacturers believing the false narrative that “more horsepower = more fun.”
Subaru took a different approach entirely amid the development of the BRZ. While these other competitors may excel in terms of straight-line speed, their heavy curb weight is inherently noticeable each time you push through a corner.
The RWD 2020 Subaru BRZ is among the lightest and fuel-efficient sports cars on the market today—tipping the scales at only 2,798 lbs. and delivering up to 33-mpg highway. So while the 205-hp from the BRZ’s 2.0L flat-4 cylinder engine might not seem like sports-car territory, it certainly feels as such.
Built for Cornering
The BRZ’s low center of gravity, quick ratio steering and sport-tuned suspension make it an absolute blast to drive on a winding, curvy road where the BRZ’s deft, agile handling really shines. Heavily bolstered leather and Alcantara-trimmed sport seats hold you securely in place too, as there’s nothing more frustrating than sliding into the door panel and center console repeatedly during quick steering maneuvers.
To enthusiasts’ delight, the BRZ Limited comes standard with a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission with a short-throw shifter. For those that prefer to have the transmission do the shifting for them, a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is also available.
A performance package featuring Brembo brake calipers, Sachs performance shock absorbers and 17” 10-spoke gray finish aluminum wheels is available for only $1195—an absolute bargain for all three upgrades combined.
BRZ tS Delivers Track-Ready Performance
For those that want the highest level of BRZ performance and sophistication, the new tS trim is the clear answer. The tS features a unique STI-tuned suspension, front strut tower v-bar and front crossmember draw stiffener to provide drivers with an added sense of confidence and control.
The upgraded performance package’s Brembo brakes and Sachs shocks are now equipped standard, while the tS takes it a step even further with bronze 18” STI wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport summer performance tires. Inside, the BRZ features unique red upholstery accents, seatbelts and contrast stitching to further distinguish its exclusivity.
Pricing and Trims
The 2020 Subaru BRZ Limited starts at $28,845, and the BRZ tS starts at $31,495 ($900 destination and delivery fee extra). You’ve already experienced how far Subaru can take you off-road—now let the BRZ show you an entirely new adventure.