Used 2023 Subaru BRZ

The 2023 Subaru BRZ is not especially powerful, but not every boxer has to be a heavyweight. And it’s way more affordable than a Porsche.

This second generation of BRZ debuted last year with a bigger engine and a firmer suspension than its predecessor. As before, this is a joint project between Subaru and Toyota, the Toyota GR86 being the other side of this special coin.

As long as buyers’ wishes are in sync with the particular attributes the BRZ offers, this car can either ignite the flame of driving thrills, or keep it burning bright.

Available solely as a coupe, Subaru’s intention has been to keep the 2023 BRZ small. If it was bigger, it would weigh more, and that’s not what this car is about. The portliest 2023 BRZ is only 2,881 pounds.

A nimble, rear-drive car doesn’t need a lot of muscle. So although the chassis can deal with more than the 228 horsepower available, it all feels controllable.

Peak power comes in at a high 7,000 rpm, which is a good thing, allowing for fine throttle modulations through fast corners (preferably on a track). It wouldn’t be so easy if there was a turbocharger on board. The 184 lb-ft of maximum torque, meanwhile, makes its presence felt in low-end punch.

Every new BRZ comes with a mechanical Torsen (torque-sensing) limited-slip differential for optimum traction. And there’s plenty of information coming up through the steering wheel. As perhaps someone’s first car with rear-wheel drive, the BRZ is ideal.

It also works as an affordable track-day toy. One cool little feature is that the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can recognize two sets of wheels. Owners can drive to the track on their normal wheels and tires, swap those for a racing set, and trundle back home on the originals. Folding down the rear seats creates enough space for that other wheel/tire set, plus a few tools.

A front strut tower brace enhances the current BRZ’s firmer ride. Enthusiasts will be happy because it feels so precise, passengers not so much. At least the front seats are well-shaped, supportive, and comfortable over a long trip.

The cabin works well for two people, even though the seating is known euphemistically as 2+2. It never equals four. Two adults and two hobbits, maybe. Rear legroom is tight at 29.9 inches, and the coupe’s roofline leaves little headroom. This is all fine, though. The 2023 BRZ isn’t trying to be a Toyota Corolla.

A set of sporty aluminum pedals in the driver’s footwell provides a better indication of the BRZ’s character. So does the digital instrument cluster, with a design inspired by the flat-4 engine configuration.

Weight is kept in check by using aluminum for the roof, hood, and front fenders. The 2023 BRZ also stays nice and low, all the better to feel what’s going on.

The shape is classic coupe, with the long hood, small cabin, and short tail, completed here by a cool little rear spoiler. Overall, the BRZ looks more expensive than it really is.

Premium trim comes with 17-inch alloy wheels in dark gray. Limited trim’s 18-inch alloy wheels have a matte gray finish.

AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
If ever there was a car crying out for a manual transmission, it’s the 2023 BRZ sports car. And it’s a great 6-speed unit, with a nice shift action. We wouldn’t deter anyone from going down this route. But the optional 6-speed automatic transmission does make life easier and potentially safer when driving on public roads. And it has shift paddles, so drivers can still choose when to change gears if they want, plus it has automatic rev-matching.

TRACK MODE
In its wisdom, Subaru gave the new BRZ sports car a track setting in the traction control system. It affords the driver some leeway to get the tail out and counter-steer into the slide before the system kicks in. In this mode, the driver information display turns the rev counter into a bar graph, like real race cars. You can also turn traction control off completely.

The 2023 BRZ coupe comes in Premium and Limited versions. Premium trim has 17-inch alloy wheels, full LED headlights, keyless entry/ignition, configurable digital driver information display, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, sport front seats, and cloth upholstery.

The infotainment system includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration, two USB ports, satellite radio, Bluetooth, and six speakers.

Safety features don’t go far beyond the mandatory, at least when the manual transmission is in the picture. But there are disc brakes at each wheel, so that’s good.

The Limited trim swaps in 18-inch alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport tires, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, steering-responsive headlights, upgraded audio system, two more speakers, plus heated front seats covered with simulated suede and leather bolsters.

Both trim levels are eligible for a 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters mounted beneath the steering wheel. With the automatic, the 2023 BRZ also brings forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Reverse automatic braking is added to the Limited trim as well.

Limited trim also offers the Subaru Starlink connected services package. This includes emergency services and roadside assistance notification, stolen vehicle recovery, remote lock/unlock, remote start, remote climate settings, speed alert, curfew alert, concierge services, and Wi-Fi. A subscription is required.

A flat-4 engine graces the space beneath the BRZ’s hood. The difference between a flat-4 and the vastly more common inline-4 is that the latter unit’s cylinders are all, um, in a line. The former has two pairs of cylinders opposed horizontally. It’s a Subaru specialty and helps keep the car’s center of gravity nice and low.

Displacement is 2.4 liters, with no turbochargers or the like. Output is 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, going solely to the rear wheels through a standard 6-speed manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic. Premium gasoline is recommended.

2.4-liter flat-4
228 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
184 lb-ft of torque @ 3,700 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 20/27 mpg (manual), 21/30 mpg (auto)