While other automakers have completely ditched the affordable sports car segment, Subaru decided to give the BRZ an update for 2022. The new sports car has a more aggressive design, improved technology, and a more powerful engine. The last part means the 2022 BRZ won’t be as fuel-efficient as the outgoing 2020 model.
According to the EPA, the 2022 BRZ can get up to 21 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, and 25 mpg combined when equipped with the available six-speed automatic transmission. With the six-speed manual transmission, the BRZ has a combined rating of 22 mpg. The 2020 BRZ is rated at up to 27 mpg combined with the automatic and 24 mpg combined with the manual.
These figures aren’t too big of a hit, especially since the 2022 BRZ is more powerful than before thanks to a new 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The engine is rated at 228 horsepower, which is a bump of 23 horsepower over the previous model.
For drivers, the EPA says the decrease in fuel economy means paying an extra $1,000 with the manual and an additional $750 more in fuel annually with the 2022 model. Those figures include driving 15,000 miles annually with 55% of the miles being driven on the highway.
The 2022 BRZ is just as efficient as its rivals. The Mazda MX-5 Miata (30 mpg combined), Ford Mustang with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine (25 mpg combined), and Chevrolet Camaro with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine (25 mpg combined) are in the same ballpark as the BRZ when equipped with an automatic transmission.
We don’t see the decrease in fuel economy being a deciding factor for consumers. The 2022 BRZ is a massive upgrade over the outgoing model and even costs $800 less than the 2020 model with a starting price tag of $28,955 with destination. Few consumers purchase a sports car and expect to save money on fuel. Plus, consumers have been asking Subaru to increase the BRZ’s output since the vehicle came out. So, we’re sure the majority of shoppers will take the hit in fuel economy to get more power.
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