The 2023 Subaru BRZ reminds us all that you don't need to spend a fortune to have a great drive. Whether you're an inexperienced driver or a seasoned pro, the BRZ offers enjoyment for every skill level. If we were picky, we'd ask for a better audio system and a sweeter-sounding engine, but for the money, there's nothing better.
There are very few vehicles left that seemingly exist only to create joy. The 2023 Subaru BRZ is one such car, and it enters the second year of its latest generation. Along with its fraternal twin, the Toyota GR86, BRZ harkens back to a simpler time, when all you needed to have fun was a spunky four-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive and three pedals on the floor. Yet buyers will still find the technology and comfort we expect from a modern car. If you want to Marie Kondo your driving life, the BRZ is a fairly cost-effective way to do it.
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AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
22 Combined MPG (20 City/27 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: JF1ZDBE10P9706289 Stock: BV1582 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 10-07-2025
Given that it was fully redesigned last year, it's not a surprise that the BRZ steps into 2023 unchanged. We don't consider that a bad thing at all — in fact, we named the BRZ our Edmunds Top Rated Sports Car for 2022. Read our test team's Expert Rating below to get our full report on the BRZ's pros and cons.
What’s it like to live with?
Edmunds' car experts are evaluating a manual-equipped BRZ as part of their long-term test program. Read our 2022 BRZ long-term test to learn all about their experiences over the course of a year and 20,000 miles.
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
Driven, tested, rated by automotive expert Kurt Niebuhr
Great
8.3
out of 10
We drove the 2023 Subaru BRZ on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
9/10
How does the BRZ drive? The BRZ's steering and handling are sublime. The quick and highly accurate steering allows you to place the car exactly where you want it through a turn, and the well-tuned suspension and overall balance are great for any kind of driving. Feeling brave and want a little playful tail-out behavior? The BRZ is happy to do it. Or what if you want to carry a mild drift all the way through a corner on a racetrack? No problem here either. The BRZ is light, but not overly so, and fun and grippy when you want it to be.
The brakes would likely benefit from more aggressive pads for prolonged hard use — like at a track day event — but otherwise they provide solid stopping power. Our BRZ Limited test car with high-performance summer tires stopped from 60 mph in 106 feet, which is a respectably short distance. The brakes are easy to use around town too, stopping smoothly in day-to-day traffic.
The larger engine in this generation BRZ pays dividends from idle all the way to redline. There's no slump of power at midrange rpm like there was in the previous-generation car. At our test track, our manual-equipped BRZ Limited sprinted to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. That's almost a second quicker than the previous version and similar to the acceleration of the latest Golf GTI (5.9 seconds) and Mazda Miata (6.0 seconds).
The six-speed manual transmission's shifter feels positive and precise in your hand as you move through the gates. Opting for the automatic transmission results in slower acceleration (6.9 seconds) but it's easier to live with in heavy traffic. It also comes with paddle shifters and provides quick downshifts when you select Track mode.
Comfort
8/10
How comfortable is the BRZ? The BRZ has a somewhat firm ride but with good compliance and it's able to soak up most road imperfections, especially at higher speeds. This is a car built for the back road and the open highway. Simple manually adjustable seats feature improve bolstering for your upper back and manage to hold you in place without being restrictive. Dual-zone climate control for such a small car seems like overkill, but it does the job.
Unfortunately, the BRZ is a bit on the noisy side. Road and tire noise is near constant and very loud. And engine noise, never a strength for the BRZ, is more annoying than evocative.
Interior
8.5/10
How’s the interior? Basic, straightforward and easy to use, the interior of the BRZ allows the driver to focus on driving. The BRZ's compact dimensions don't give it an abundance of interior room, but front passengers will find it more than comfortable, especially if they're on the taller side. Taller drivers will also appreciate the added space and room for adjustment, especially when compared to the much more cramped Miata. The rear seats, however, are better used as interior storage space than for passengers.
The BRZ's low dashboard is made possible by a well-integrated infotainment touchscreen mounted out of the way to enhance forward visibility. The Subaru's low-profile engine also gives the BRZ a low hood line, further enhancing visibility for back roads and racetracks. Be aware that the BRZ's low ride height and long doors can make getting in and out a bit difficult.
Technology
7.5/10
How’s the tech? The BRZ comes with a modicum of modern tech. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is standard, though you can't get an integrated navigation system in the BRZ. Two quick-charging USB ports in the center armrest allow for your device to be truly out of the way while driving. And while the BRZ's infotainment interface isn't going to win any design awards, it works well thanks to its quick response times and easy-to-understand graphics.
Far less impressive is the audio system. While that's likely not a priority for a sports car, the system can't really keep up with interior noise levels and is easily taxed by moderate volume. We think there's room for improvement here.
For its price, the BRZ is available with a decent number of advanced driver aids. Most of them are tied to the optional automatic transmission, but automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and rear emergency braking are certainly nice to have as an option. Special mention needs to go to the BRZ's various traction and stability systems. They're well calibrated for daily driving, and Track mode allows for a good amount of extra fun. There's also the option to turn them all off and let the tail hang out, should you be a professional driver on a closed course.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? Small coupes aren't the most practical, but the BRZ is more than up to the daily grind. Its relatively small 6.3 cubic feet of trunk space is hampered by its short height, but when the seats are folded (you can't do that in a Miata) Subaru says the BRZ will hold four wheels with tires. For reference, the Miata's trunk can swallow 4.6 cubes, while the substantially larger Mustang holds 13.5 cubes.
Inside, the BRZ offers a small but practical amount of storage. The cupholders reside well behind the driver's right arm, so you're never at risk of bumping them while driving, and the rear seats excel at holding bags, jackets and other items you don't want rolling around in the trunk. Anchor points for car seats exist, but getting them in or out is unlikely to be easy.
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? Thanks to its light weight and relatively small engine, the BRZ is capable of fairly decent fuel economy for a sports car. The EPA says to expect an estimated 22 mpg (20 city/27 highway), and we were pleasantly surprised to see 28 mpg on our real-world evaluation route. Our test car was equipped with the six-speed manual transmission. The BRZ with the automatic gets an EPA-estimated 25 mpg (21 city/30 highway).
Value
8/10
Is the BRZ a good value? The BRZ is a relative bargain even when you get the top Limited trim. While we wouldn't go so far as to call the interior premium, it is solidly constructed. To get a similar amount of equipment, most competitors would ask for thousands more, if they even offer it.
Warranties for the BRZ are fairly standard, with three years/36,000 miles and five years/50,000 miles offered for bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage. Subaru also includes three years/36,000 miles for roadside assistance. It should be noted that Toyota's version of the BRZ, the GR86, also includes two years of free maintenance.
Wildcard
9.5/10
If you can't have fun driving the BRZ, then maybe sports cars just aren't your thing. As sports cars, and all vehicles for that matter, become more complex and expensive, it's refreshing to see a truly back-to-basics sport coupe with true ability. The steering, handling and balance of the BRZ exist in very few production cars regardless of price, and the car caters to every level of enthusiast. As a bonus, its friendly demeanor and accessible limits make the BRZ an instant and eager companion. While the engine sound isn't going to win any awards, its gruff tones do grow on you over time. No driver will ever outgrow the fun that can be had with the BRZ.
2023 Subaru BRZ trim level differences
The 2023 Subaru BRZ is available in two trim levels: Premium and Limited. The only engine option is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (228 horsepower, 184 lb-ft of torque) mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. All models are rear-wheel-drive. Compare the 2023 Subaru BRZ trim levels in-depth.
Which BRZ trim does Edmunds recommend?
Our choice is the Limited trim for its heated seats and more premium upholstery. The Limited's blind-spot monitoring system is also a worthy upgrade. The harder decision will be which transmission to pick. The BRZ is at its best with the manual, but the automatic works well enough that it's worth considering if you do a lot of driving in heavy traffic.
The 2023 Subaru BRZ has no recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5, ranks it #24 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#24 out of 27 among Subcompact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
I'm an old guy and have owned everything from VW bugs to Ferrari. Hands down the new BRZ is the best value most fun of any car I have owned, and I've owned a lot. Absolutely no buyers remorse, the car makes you smile every time you get in it. I'm mid 60's and got the manual it's sooo much fun. You can't go wrong with this little car. Auto or manual you will enjoy every moment your … driving it.
UPDATE: I'm 64 born in Detroit and have owned everything from VW bugs to Ferrari and everything in between. Muscle cars Detroit iron to MG midgets. The BRZ is absolutely the best most fun car I've owned yet. Yes no Tech. but a back up camera manual transmission. I'm regressing back to how driving was for drivers. Man controlling machine I smile everytime I fire up that little flat four, So much fun!! 3 years in 0 problems, best car I've ever owned
Awesome Car!
5 out of 5 stars
DJC Boatdad, 01/13/2023
2023 Subaru BRZ Limited 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
I have had it for almost a year and it is every thing I thought it was going to be. With winter tires I have been doing fine in my snowy climate. For a sports car it has a nice storage space in the trunk & rear seat. If you want more get an SUV. It’s old school fun, tech is not overdone, display panels show just what I need with the reliability of a car made in Japan.
FUN FUN FUN!!
5 out of 5 stars
Rabbitbill. Otsego, MI, 11/19/2023
2023 Subaru BRZ Limited 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 6A)
Nothing but smiles for my first three months and 1000 miles. I got the Limited AT which gives all the Subie eye sight safety features which I am very comfortable with. It’s a joy to drive. Fit and finish are perfect as one would expect from a Japanese car. Ride is better than expected considering it’s a sports car. Road noise is noticeable, but not surprising. Not the most powerful, … but still quick. Superb handling and cornering. Rear seats are a joke. Not for a big guy, I’m 5’7” and just fit comfortably. I couldn’t be happier with this car.
Impractical car that demands attentiveness
5 out of 5 stars
Jon, 11/14/2023
2023 Subaru BRZ Limited 2dr Coupe (2.4L 4cyl 6M)
Do not buy this car if you love practicality or thrive on utilitarianism or like to “multi-task” while driving. This car will not let you eat your Big Mac while driving. It wants your full attention. You will want to give it your full attention. It is smooth, responsive and sublime. I don’t need to be eating Big Macs, anyway.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 Subaru BRZ, so we've included reviews for other years of the BRZ since its last redesign.
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