2025 Subaru BRZ tS

Full Review available at www.DriveChicago.com

2025 Subaru BRZ tS
Pure fun with a manual transmission at an affordable price

Affordability and sports cars are not commonly combined in today’s automotive landscape, but there are a pair of vehicles that embody the basic elements of an affordable sports car. The Subaru BRZ is a 2+2 sports car that is jointly developed with the Toyota GR86. They have been on the market since 2012 and are currently in their second generation. The two models look and handle similarly as they are built side by side.

The BRZ is available in three grades, Premium, Limited, and tS. All models come with a naturally aspirated 2.4L flat-four engine that generates 228 horsepower and 184-pound feet of torque. It's available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed electronically controlled automatic. For 2025, prices go up $900 over 2024 with prices starting at $31,210 for the Premium, $33,860 for the Limited and . $36,360 for the tS. Opting for the automatic will be an $850 price bump and is only available on the Limited. New to the Subaru BRZ this year is a dedicated “Sport” mode for coupes equipped with a manual transmission for sharper throttle response during spirited driving. On the Limited trim level, standard black Ultrasuede upholstery with red leather-appointed bolsters and contrast stitching has been revised with a deeper hue and added accents in the cabin.

Subaru’s award-winning EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard across the 2025 BRZ lineup, including models equipped with a manual transmission. The advanced safety system includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert.

Sports car competition includes its Toyota GR86 twin along with the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Honda Civic Si, Ford Mustang, Nissan Z, Toyota GR Supra, and Volkswagen GTI.

I have been a fan of the BRZ / GR86 twins since they first launched, and they have only gotten better. This car is built to be driven and is the type of car you just want to go for a cruise in. While the interior is basic and lacking in some higher quality materials you might find in a Mazda, remember that the BRZ maintains a low starting price just over $30k. It would make a great second vehicle for any car enthusiast to have in their personal fleet without a huge expense. It looks the part with tasteful styling and performs the part with a zippy powertrain. The addition of the tS trim adds to the BRZ portfolio by paying homage to some STI heritage and adding a little more driving engagement to the car. This is definitely worth a drive if you want something fun and affordable.

Pros: Engaging to drive, Manual Transmission, Standard Safety, Responsive Handling, Affordable
Cons: Basic Interior Materials, Limited Cargo Space, Cramped Rear Seat

First Impression Summary:
Test Vehicle: 2025 Subaru BRZ tS
Exterior Color: WR Blue Pearl
Interior Color: Black/Blue Leather/Ultrasuede
Notable Options: None
MSRP as tested (including delivery & processing fees): $36,465