Latest news with #BRZ
Auto Blog
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
I Test Drove the 2025 Subaru BRZ tS: Here's the Real Verdict
With rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and just enough power to keep things interesting, the BRZ tS delivers an old-school kind of fun. A purist's delight in a crossover world In a car market dominated by bloated crossovers and increasingly complex performance machines, the 2025 Subaru BRZ tS feels like a throwback. It's not fast by today's horsepower standards, it doesn't have torque-vectoring all-wheel drive or a trick hybrid system, and it doesn't even come with adaptive suspension or a head-up display. But after a week of driving this light, low, two-door coupe on back roads, highways, and city streets, one thing is clear: it doesn't need any of that to be a blast. The BRZ tS is all about the joy of driving. It's Subaru's only rear-wheel-drive car, and the only one built specifically with performance in mind. Even with just 228 horsepower, it has the kind of balance and feedback that make you want to drive just for the hell of it — and that's exactly what makes it such a gem. What the tS trim brings to the table The version we tested was the top-of-the-line BRZ tS, which costs $36,465 including destination. While that price might seem steep for a car with modest output, most of what makes this car great is shared with the base model, which starts at just over $32,000. You're paying a premium for a few key enhancements, including bigger Brembo brakes, revised suspension with Hitachi dampers, and stylish 18-inch wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. 2025 Subaru BRZ tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer There are no changes to the powertrain — it's the same 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four making 228 hp and 184 lb-ft of torque. Subaru pairs it with either a six-speed manual or automatic, though the manual is undoubtedly the better match. Fuel economy is acceptable for a sports car, with 20 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. Not that fuel economy is much of a consideration with a car like the BRZ. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Looks that don't take themselves too seriously The BRZ's exterior is compact, low-slung, and full of character. It's not trying too hard to be angry or aggressive, and that's part of the charm. Sharp creases, active-looking tail lights, and clean proportions give it a sporty stance without tipping into embarrassingly boy-racer territory. 2025 Subaru BRZ tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer It's a refreshing contrast to some of the more overwrought sports cars on the market today. There's an honesty in its design — an acknowledgment that it's here to have fun, not to win a drag race. Inside: quirky, but thoughtfully laid out Slide into the BRZ and you'll find a cabin that's tight but not cramped. The front seats strike a great balance between comfort and support, the pedals and shifter are perfectly placed, and visibility is surprisingly good for such a low car. 2025 Subaru BRZ tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer The mix of analog and digital controls is deeply satisfying, and a much-needed relief from the invasion of flat-screen TVs installed in most cars today. That said, the infotainment screen is small and dated-looking. It does the job, though, and at least it comes with physical climate knobs and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Rear seats exist, technically, but they're more useful as extra cargo space than for actual passengers. Still, the trunk pass-through adds some practicality, and the BRZ's small size doesn't come at the cost of front-seat comfort. Even tall drivers should feel at home. Driving it is the whole point What really sets the BRZ apart is how it drives. It's light (just 2,815 pounds), balanced, and endlessly engaging. The manual transmission is easy to learn and rewarding to master. The feedback through the pedals is excellent, and the BRZ encourages you to push it without punishing your mistakes. 2025 Subaru BRZ tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer That's what makes it ideal for new drivers learning performance driving, or older enthusiasts who want to feel connected to the road again. Sure, it could use more power. Everyone agrees on that, but part of the fun is how accessible it is. You can rev it out and drive it hard without breaking the law. That's something you just can't do in a 500-horsepower muscle car. 2025 Subaru BRZ tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer The only real downside is the steering. While turn-in is sharp and the car rotates beautifully through corners, the steering doesn't offer quite as much feel as the rest of the car. It's good, just not great. For buyers considering the Subaru as a daily driver, it's also worth pointing out that the BRZ rides well at speed. You'll hear more road noise than in a heavier car, but the trade-off is a sense of nimbleness and immediacy that's hard to find elsewhere. A shrinking pool of competitors The BRZ tS's most direct rivals are the Toyota GR86 (its mechanical twin) and the Mazda MX-5 Miata. The GR86 offers nearly identical performance for a bit less money and has the same pros and cons, though styling and small tuning differences might sway buyers one way or the other (it's hard to beat the GR86's ducktail spoiler). Mazda MX-5 — Source: Kyle Edward The MX-5 is lighter and offers a true convertible experience, but it can get more expensive and has even less practicality. You might also consider the Ford Mustang EcoBoost, but it's not available with a manual anymore, and at over 3,500 pounds, it's a very different animal. In this price range, your choices are limited, but all of them are fun, and none blend usability, engagement, and value quite as effectively as the BRZ. Final thoughts The 2025 Subaru BRZ tS isn't trying to be the fastest or flashiest sports car out there. Instead, it focuses on the stuff that really matters to enthusiasts: a great chassis, a fun manual gearbox, and feedback that rewards skill and confidence. 2025 Subaru BRZ tS — Source: Elijah Nicholson-Messmer It's not perfect. It could use a bit more power, a sharper steering rack, and a high-quality infotainment screen, but none of that takes away from how fun it is to just get behind the wheel and drive. Whether you're 17 or 57, the BRZ invites you to pay attention, be present, and enjoy the simple act of piloting a great little car. In an era where more cars drive themselves, the BRZ remains one of the few still made for people who want to do the driving. And for that, it's something special. About the Author Elijah Nicholson-Messmer View Profile
Auto Blog
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
BRZ Sales Are Way Up Amid Subaru Sales Slide
Subaru at large faced a correction last month, but the sports car market didn't get the memo Subaru, among other automakers, has been enjoying month after month of record sales figures, in part thanks to the threat/eventuality of tariffs. While the brand remains up year over year, May 2025 saw Subaru move almost 6,000 fewer vehicles than in May 2024. It's a mixed bag across models, but there were a handful of winners. Arguably, the most surprising performance is by the brand's lone sports car offering, the Subaru BRZ. 0:08 / 0:09 2025 Ford Maverick: 4 reasons to love it, 2 reasons to think twice Watch More Sporty offerings were the biggest winners and losers for Subaru's May sales Diving into the numbers, Subaru's performance offerings are both a point of unexpected pride and a huge drag on the brand. The Subaru WRX tumbled 71.2 percent year-over-year, with the brand moving less than 500 examples off the lot last month. Year over year, the car is down 23.6 percent, the largest decline among the brand's lineup. On a positive note, the Subaru BRZ saw tremendous growth. A 43.6 percent gain compared to May 2024 helped the BRZ enjoy a 24.6 percent gain year-over-year. It's the second biggest gain for the brand, sitting aside the Solterra EV, another surprise, which saw a healthy 28.4 percent increase in volume year over year. There's a bit of a catch to that BRZ statistic, though. You see, Subaru only moved 227 BRZ coupes in May of 2024, so a 43.6 percent increase moves the needle to 326 units. That's hardly the volume needed to save the brand, and remarkably still fewer overall units than the WRX. At the current pace, Subaru is on track to sell nearly exactly 3,000 units over the entire year. Assuming the car stays in play for 10 years, that'll put BRZ production considerably under historically desirable and collectible models like the E46 BMW M3. Per year, BRZ sales are less than a quarter of what Porsche achieves with the 911. Subaru WRX 2025 Subaru BRZ It's complicated across the rest of the Subaru lineup, with sales fluctuating wildly The biggest drag on Subaru's May sales was the Outback. The brand moved just 11,214 examples compared to 16,506 last year, a drop of 32.1 percent and over 5,000 units. The Ascent, too, suffered a 32.8 percent decline, with 3,547 SUVs finding their way into customer hands as opposed to 5,277 in May 2024. There were some winners in May, though. The Crosstrek and Legacy both saw double-digit gains over the previous May and remain up year-to-date, with the former increasing by 15.5 percent and the latter by 24.4 percent. In fact, only the WRX, Outback, and Ascent are down year-to-date, where Subaru stays 3 percent ahead year to date compared to last year. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 2026 Subaru Outback Wilderness — Source: Subaru Final thoughts Other than rekindling my desire to own a BRZ — it's rarer than a Porsche 911, you see — Subaru's sales numbers for May only really paint a bleak picture for the WRX. We're not sure what's going on there, although there's speculation that a new STI model may be on the way. Perhaps would-be buyers are waiting to see where that thread leads. Either way, the next time an automaker starts whinging that sports cars don't sell, we have exactly one data point to rub in their face. Hopefully, they don't look too far into it. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
Motor 1
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Motor 1
Subaru WRX Sales Have Fallen Off a Cliff
Subaru released its May sales results this week, and things weren't rosy. The entire brand is down 10.4 percent for the month, with some models seeing sharp decreases compared to May 2024. However, it was the WRX that saw the biggest decline, with sales down a whopping 71.2 percent last month. The automaker sold just 482 WRXs in May, and sales are also down 23.6 percent for the year. This continues a trend from 2024, when WRX sales fell 24.7 percent. The company sold 18,587 WRXs last year, and has sold 6,081 through the first five months of the year—and this is before any price increases hit Subaru's lineup. Model May 2025 Sales May 2024 Sales % Change YTD 2025 Sales YTD 2024 Sales % Change Ascent 3,547 5,277 -32.8% 18,384 22,935 -19.8% BRZ 326 227 43.6% 1,459 1,171 24.6% Crosstrek 15,793 13,836 14.1% 74,340 64,368 15.5% Forester 15,434 15,345 0.6% 84,629 81,741 3.5% Impreza 2,457 2,419 1.6% 12,923 12,428 3.9% Legacy 1,792 1,527 17.4% 9,469 7,610 24.4% Outback 11,214 16,506 -32.1% 62,649 64,850 -3.4% Solterra 1,246 1,546 -19.4% 5,326 4,149 28.4% WRX 482 1,673 -71.2% 6,081 7,962 -23.6% TOTAL 52,292 58,365 -10.4% 275,260 267,215 3.0% Meanwhile, on the other side of the brand's performance lineup, BRZ sales are up for the month and the year. Subaru sold 326 BRZs in May, up 43.6 percent, bringing the total sold for the year so far to 1,459. That's not much, but the coupe's sales are up 24.6 percent for the year. Legacy and Crosstrek also saw sales increase by 17.4 and 14.1 percent, respectively. Those weren't enough to counter the 32.8 percent drop in Ascent sales or the 32.1 percent decrease in Outback sales. Solterra sales also fell 18.4 percent. Despite all the declines, Subarus sales are still positive for the year, but just barely. The company is up 3.0 percent for the year through May. Subaru has sold 275,260 vehicles in 2025. Read More Subaru News: The Subaru Trailseeker Will Dust Your STi Subaru's STI Plans Ditch Gas Engines Altogether Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Subaru Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
SUBARU OF AMERICA REPORTS MAY 2025 SALES RESULTS
Best-ever May for Crosstrek Year-to-date sales up three (3) percent CAMDEN, N.J., June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) today reported 52,292 vehicle sales for May 2025, a decrease of 10.4 percent compared with May 2024 (58,356). SOA also reported year-to-date sales of 275,260, a three (3) percent increase compared with the same period in 2024. Jeff Walters, President and Chief Operating Officer, Subaru of America, Inc.: "Subaru retailers made May a best-ever sales month for Crosstrek, and delivered another strong month for Forester, which has been receiving exceptional rankings as a top choice for younger drivers. We know customers appreciate our commitment to safety and reliability, whether they are first-time owners or returning members of the Subaru family. This, along with being recognized as the No. 1 automotive brand on Forbes' Best Brands for Social Impact list for the third year in a row, makes it clear how deeply our efforts to be More Than a Car Company® are resonating with customers and beyond." Crosstrek took the position as the top seller and achieved its best May ever with 15,793 vehicles sold, a 14.1 percent increase over the same month in 2024, and Forester was close behind with 15,434 vehicles sold. Outback sales reached 11,214 vehicles sold, while BRZ, Impreza, and Legacy saw positive sales growth over the previous year. Troy Poston, Senior Vice President of Sales, Subaru of America, Inc.: "Our hardworking retailer network remains essential to our brand's success, especially as we work to address current low inventory on popular models like Forester. They are making sure the relationship doesn't end after purchase, whether it's taking the time to educate new owners about important features and technology, providing exceptional service, or their ongoing dedication to supporting local Subaru Love Promise® initiatives, our retailers always put in the extra effort." Carline May-25 May-24 % Chg May-25 May-24 % ChgMTD MTD MTD YTD YTD YTD Ascent 3,547 5,277 -32.8 % 18,384 22,935 -19.8 % BRZ 326 227 43.6 % 1,459 1,171 24.6 % Crosstrek 15,793 13,836 14.1 % 74,340 64,368 15.5 % Forester 15,434 15,345 0.6 % 84,629 81,741 3.5 % Impreza 2,457 2,419 1.6 % 12,923 12,428 3.9 % Legacy 1,793 1,527 17.4 % 9,469 7,610 24.4 % Outback 11,214 16,506 -32.1 % 62,649 64,850 -3.4 % Solterra 1,246 1,546 -19.4 % 5,326 4,149 28.4 % WRX 482 1,673 -71.2 % 6,081 7,963 -23.6 % TOTAL 52,292 58,356 -10.4 % 275,260 267,215 3 % About Subaru of America, of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company® and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube. Dominick InfanteDirector, Corporate Communications(856) 488-8615dinfante@ Diane AntonCorporate Communications Manager(856) 488-5093danton@ Adam LeiterCorporate Communications Specialist(856) 488-8668aleiter@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Subaru is Offering a Killer 2025 BRZ Lease Deal
The Subaru BRZ has always been a bit of an outlier. In an era dominated by all-wheel-drive crossovers and high-horsepower muscle cars, the BRZ doubles down on simplicity: rear-wheel drive, a manual transmission, and a lightweight chassis built for handling, not straight-line bragging rights. Now in its second generation, the BRZ continues to appeal to drivers who care more about cornering precision and driving feel than raw numbers. It doesn't try to be everything to everyone, and that's exactly why people love it. If you've ever dreamed of owning a small, rear-drive sports car, Subaru just made it a lot easier to get behind the wheel. Subaru is currently offering a lease deal on the 2025 BRZ Premium, making it one of the most accessible sports cars on the market. With relatively low upfront costs and monthly payments that won't crush your budget, this lease is a standout. The deal, available through June 2, 2025, costs $419 a month on a 36-month lease. With $1,419 due at signing, that comes out to an average of $458 a month. Taxes and fees are extra, and availability may vary by region, but it appears that Subaru offers the same lease deal in major markets across the country. Powering the BRZ is a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine making 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. That may not sound like much in today's era of turbocharged everything, but the BRZ's strength lies in its balance. Weighing under 2,900 pounds and featuring a low center of gravity, the BRZ carves corners with the confidence of a much more expensive car. You can choose between a 6-speed manual - the enthusiast favorite - or a 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Either way, power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels via a Torsen limited-slip differential, giving the car a playful, rear-biased handling character that's rare at this price point. The Premium trim, which Subaru is offering as part of the lease deal, comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a digital gauge cluster. Inside, you'll find sport seats, dual-zone climate control, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the interior is on the simpler side, that's part of the BRZ's appeal. It's a driver-first layout, with well-placed controls and clear visibility - nothing unnecessary, nothing flashy, just everything you need to enjoy the road ahead. Subaru's latest BRZ lease deal gives buyers an affordable route to one of the last true analog sports cars on the market. The combination of lightweight, rear-wheel drive, and a naturally aspirated engine is increasingly rare, and for driving enthusiasts, that makes the BRZ a gem. If you've been waiting for the right time to try something fun and rear-drive, this might just be your moment. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
