What's New
The 2020 Subaru BRZ returns with only one change, but it’s a big one. The BRZ tS is back in the lineup. Although it doesn’t get a power boost, the tS is as close to a BRZ STI as we’re likely to see, and it includes a good number of performance upgrades. For 2020, that includes Brembo brakes among a variety of other perks.
The tS comes back at the cost of the former Premium trim, which won’t be available for 2020. The BRZ will likely see a new generation within a year or two, which should bring some welcome updates.
Choosing Your Subaru BRZ
The Subaru BRZ still comes in two trims: Limited and tS. Pricing starts at $29,745 including destination for the Limited and climbs to $32,395 for the tS.
Engine Choices
The BRZ comes with just one engine, but it’s a feisty one. The 2.0-liter flat four-cylinder engine produces 205 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque, all of which is sent directly to the rear wheels. The engine is set low in the body to lower the car’s center of gravity. The 0-60 mph time is respectable at just over six seconds, but the real joy is in the handling.
The default six-speed manual transmission is a lovable and old-school choice for this affordable sports car, but a six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available for $1,100 on the Limited trim. It actually decreases power to 200 hp and 151 lb-ft of torque
However, the automatic gets better fuel economy. While the manual setup earns an EPA-estimated 21 miles per gallon city, 29 mpg highway, and 24 combined, the automatic ups this to 24/33/27 mpg (city/highway/combined). The tS model earns ratings of 20/27/23 mpg.
Passenger and Cargo Capacity
Carrying things isn't the Subaru BRZ’s forte. The front seats are low-slung sport seats, and while the rear seats mean that it technically seats four, we wouldn’t try to squeeze anyone we like back there.
Cargo space is another afterthought, offering just 6.9 cubic feet in the trunk. Folding the rear seats for extra storage space helps, but hauling baggage was never the point of the BRZ.
Safety Features
The BRZ is lacking on modern safety tech, but it does offer stability control and a brake assist system that can automatically apply maximum brake pressure when emergency braking is detected. Dedicated sports cars tend to lag in this arena, but some rivals like the Honda Civic Si do include more active safety tech.
Connectivity
The standard connectivity features on the BRZ are strong. Every BRZ gets a 7-inch infotainment touchscreen with navigation, Bluetooth, voice commands, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. An eight-speaker sound system handles audio.
Limited - From $29,745
The Limited was last year’s top trim, so it comes fairly well equipped. Heated front seats are trimmed in leather, and the exterior gets LED headlights, heated mirrors, and 17-inch alloy rims. Dual-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry, and push button start come standard.
Some of the tS trim’s performance upgrades are available in the $1,195 Performance Package. Brembo brakes and high-performance shock absorbers join exclusive 10-spoke wheels.
tS - From $32,395
Back for 2020 in a limited run of 300 units, the tS is the racer of the BRZ lineup. Along with the Brembo brakes and performance shock absorbers, the tS gets STI sourced dampers, coil springs, and a flexible V-brace in the engine compartment.
The suspension is stiffened and rides on 18-inch matte-bronze wheels with high-performance rubber. The tS gets some aesthetic upgrades as well, including black side mirrors and red accents on the leather upholstery and shifter handle.
With the tS, what you see is what you get. It’s available in a single color (Ceramic White), with only one interior trim (black leather and alcantara) and no packages. To fit the tS’s track-ready personality, the manual is the only available transmission.
Compare BRZ Trims Side-By-Side
The loss of the base trim bumps up the starting price of the 2020 Subaru BRZ, but the included standard features soften the blow. The revival of the tS trim may be a tribute for the final year of this generation of BRZ – stay tuned for a redesign soon.