Subaru’s BRZ performer launches a new generation. And we are smitten.
The 2022 Subaru BRZ is all-new, a compact touring car with few direct competitors. Sister to the Toyota 86 and soon perhaps to yield a Lexus variant, the BRZ remains one of the few affordable sport coupes of our day.
Subaru prices the 2022 BRZ from $27,995, plus a $960 destination charge.
Here’s What We Know About the New Subaru
Two trim levels.
Subaru keeps things simple with the 2022 BRZ. Indeed, this model is offered in just two trims: Premium ($28,955) and Limited ($31,455). These prices include the $960 and are for models equipped with the manual transmission. Choose the automatic and the price increases $1,600 and $1,800, respectively.
A long list of standard features.
Subaru equips every BRZ with a TORSEN limited-slip differential. Other standard features include LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels with a dark grey finish, and heated side mirrors.
Further, keyless entry with push-button start, full power accessories, dual-zone climate control, and a rear center console with USB ports. Choose the Limited trim and this model gains 18-inch alloy wheels.
New flat-four engine.
BRZ lovers who have been clamoring for more performance got their wish. However, the new engine is not turbocharged, as some wished. Instead, Subaru plants a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine under the hood.
This one makes 228 horsepower (at 7,000 rpm) and 184 pound-feet of torque (3,700 rpm). This is an improvement on the 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque for the previous 2.0-liter flat-four.
Your choice of transmissions.
The BRZ is one of the few models available where customers have a choice of a standard manual gearbox and an automatic transmission. The base transmission is a 6-speed close-ratio gearbox.
Also available is a performance-tuned six-speed automatic transmission. Few manufacturers are offering manual transmissions these days. Certainly, the BRZ is a welcome difference.
New cockpit design.
While the exterior changes are less noticeable, but still apparent, the interior is updated. Notably, Subaru says the cockpit supplies “an even tighter focus on the driver.” It does this without sacrificing passenger comfort.
This model features a fully customizable 7-inch digital instrument panel with the tachometer in the middle. And that is just where it should be. The speed readout is all digital. A programmable meter flanks the tachometer on the left.
Here, the display includes Lateral-G, amps, and coolant temperature. Move into Track Mode and the tachometer transitions to a linear graph with color display from its usual circular form.
Upgraded in-cabin technologies.
On the tech front, Subaru equips the BRZ with an 8-inch touch-screen display. The brand’s infotainment interface, Starlink, includes an integrated center information display. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android smartphone compatibility, and two USB ports come standard.
There are a few things we still do not know, including the type of speaker system, available navigation, and possible wireless charging.
Handsome cabin design.
The cabin comes dressed in black upholstery with red stitching found on the front seat bolsters. The red highlights also dress the leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter boot, and the parking brake boot.
The BRZ comes with performance-design front seats. They are wrapped with Ultrasuede with the red leather accents on the Limited trim. Dual-mode seat heater controls are included.
Upgraded safety features.
Models equipped with the automatic transmission will now include the Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This package bundles several features, including adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking.
Also, lane departure warning, sway warning, lead vehicle alert come standard. Lastly, choose the automatic transmission and Subaru adds high beam assist. Moreover, the Limited trim offers a rear automatic emergency braking option.
Arrives Fall 2021
The 2022 BRZ comes to Subaru dealerships this fall. We think it will continue to pull in loyal buyers and perhaps win over a new generation of drivers who want something besides an all-pervasive crossover.
All in all, we are pleased that the BRZ remains a solid competitor to the Mazda MX-5 Miata, even if a drop-top option remains elusive.
See Also – What’s Next for the Subaru BRZ?
Photos courtesy of Subaru of America, Inc.
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