The first-generation BRZ was in production for 12 whole years between 2009 and 2021. This is an eon in car-time and during every single one of those years, commenters and reviewers complained about the BRZ’s horsepower. Notably, the lack of it. Praise was near unanimous for the prowess of the chassis, the sharpness of the steering, and the accessible pricing — but the thorn remained the 200-ish hp that every model shipped with.
The new 2022 Subaru BRZ has 20 per cent more horsepower going from 205 to 228. Its 2.4L boxer engine is 20 per cent larger than its predecessors and this helps it generate 30 lb-ft more torque. Subaru also claims the chassis has 50 per cent greater torsional rigidity than before and all these changes have added 18 kg of weight to the BRZ. The new BRZ basically has more of everything. But is it more fun?
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Clayton Seams
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Clayton Seams
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Clayton Seams
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Clayton Seams
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Clayton Seams
Sliding behind the wheel, the driving position and the location of the controls are still excellent. This is to be expected because it essentially uses the same chassis as before, but it’s worth mentioning that Subaru has driving ergonomics absolutely nailed. The interior has been nicely updated as well, the dash no longer contains a parts-store double-DIN head unit and instead there is a nice standard Subaru touchscreen above the gearshift. This single change has gone a long way to making the BRZ interior feel more grown-up. Otherwise, the interior is all that we liked and disliked about it before: the front seats are supportive and comfortable, the rears are fine for short trips, and the trunk can fit a surprising amount of luggage. It’s worth noting that the BRZ had perhaps the most disappointing stereo of any car I’ve driven recently. It’s not up to par for this kind of car and it can barely be heard over the din of highway driving. This stereo needs work.
Not that you’ll care when you throw the BRZ into a curve. Everything we loved about the BRZ all these years is still there in spades. The tires are still dinky 215-section units, which means grip is still playfully minimal. And traction control off in the BRZ really turns everything off so you can slide around to your heart’s content. The springing is on the firm side of comfortable and the entire experience feels very “sports car.” The previous BRZ also felt sporty, but the largest difference is now the car has power!
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Clayton Seams
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Clayton Seams
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Clayton Seams
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Clayton Seams
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Clayton Seams
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Clayton Seams
The previous-gen BRZ engine had an infamous “torque dip” that killed mid-range response. Ladies and gentlemen, there is no dip to be found here. The BRZ zips out of corners with power and confidence the car never had before. Because though the horsepower is the headline, it’s the extra 30 lb-ft of torque that makes the most difference in how the car feels to drive. You don’t need to rev the car out to keep up with traffic anymore but it sure is fun. There’s also a lot of amplified engine sounds in the cabin, you hear a lot of engine intake noise and the result is pleasant if not entirely genuine.
Many new sports cars are almost too fast. You zip right past the speed limit and up to jail speeds in just a few shifts. But with the BRZ you get to savour the speed. The gears on the six-speed manual transmission are closely spaced and you can enjoy several of them on your way up to highway speed from any on-ramp. The shifter feel is good but not on par with the best in the business like the Mazda MX-5 and Honda Civic Type-R. The BRZ remains a great car in which to learn to drive stick and a rewarding car for those that have been enjoying three pedal driving for years.
2022 Subaru BRZ Photo by Clayton Seams
All the BRZ’s numbers are slightly pumped up for this new version and one of those is the base price; but not by much! The new 2022 Subaru BRZ has a starting price of $30,495 which is $2,500 more than a base BRZ cost in 2020. Our Sport Tech test car lists for $33,495 and includes 18″ wheels, LED adaptive headlights, heated seats, and leather/suede upholstery. Freight costs $1,900 extra in Ontario.
Sometimes a refresh can miss the mark and lose the original idea of what made a car so good in the first place. But the engineers and designers at Subaru have nailed the BRZ. The new BRZ has more of all the stuff you liked about the first one and less of the things that you disliked. The price point remains aggressive and the car is faster and more enjoyable than ever. The most affordable RWD sports car you can buy new is a very good one.
Keyword: Car Review: 2022 Subaru BRZ