3 days ago
2025 Subaru BRZ tS: Is It Worth $36,465? My In-Depth Guide to Its Upsides & Downsides
At a time when most new vehicles are big, heavy, and more closely resemble a home theater than a car, the 2025 Subaru BRZ tS is refreshingly simple. It's a small, lightweight, rear-wheel-drive coupe with a manual transmission and no interest in keeping up with the horsepower arms race. That might sound like a niche formula-and it is-but for enthusiasts who want a real connection behind the wheel, the BRZ tS might be exactly what they're looking for. But the question is: at $36,465, does it deliver enough to justify the price?
Let's be clear: most of the magic of the BRZ tS is already baked into the base model, which starts just north of $32,000. Both versions use the same naturally aspirated 2.4-liter flat-four engine, putting out 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. That might not seem like much in an era of 400-hp family SUVs, but the BRZ's secret lies in its light curb weight (just over 2,800 pounds) and nimble chassis.
What you get with the tS trim is a sharper, more focused version of that same recipe. It brings upgraded Brembo brakes, a Hitachi suspension setup tuned by Subaru's STI division for flatter cornering, 18-inch wheels wrapped in sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, and some subtle styling touches. The powertrain stays the same, and so does the philosophy: it's about balance, not brute force.
The BRZ's exterior design is sporty but restrained. It's low-slung, neatly proportioned, and avoids the overstyled aggression that plagues many modern sports cars. There are no fake vents, no massive wings, and no angry grilles trying too hard to look tough.
Instead, the BRZ tS looks like what it is: a car built to be driven hard and enjoyed, not just shown off. It's approachable and unpretentious, which makes it all the more charming. Subaru didn't try to reinvent the sports coupe-they just refined it.
Inside, the BRZ tS keeps things simple. The front seats are supportive and well-bolstered for spirited driving, and the driving position is excellent, low and centered, with perfectly placed pedals and a short-throw shifter that begs to be used. Visibility is surprisingly good for a coupe this low, which makes it easier to daily drive than you might expect.
The dashboard features a mix of analog controls and a small, somewhat outdated touchscreen. There's Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but don't expect flashy tech. Instead, you get real knobs for climate control and a driver-focused layout. It's not luxurious, but it works-and it reinforces the BRZ's mission: minimize distractions, maximize engagement.
Yes, there are rear seats-but they're really just extra storage space or emergency kid haulers. If you regularly carry passengers (ones you like anyway), this isn't your car. But if you want to toss a couple of tires or a backpack back there? It's surprisingly usable.
None of the BRZ's spec sheet numbers can really convey how it feels to drive. The steering is quick and responsive (though not quite as communicative as the rest of the car), the chassis is beautifully balanced, and the manual gearbox is an absolute joy. There's a level of confidence and connection here that's rare at any price-and nearly nonexistent under $40,000.
You can push the BRZ hard, and it rewards you without being intimidating. The limits are approachable, the tires communicate clearly, and the whole car feels like it wants to work with you, not against you. Whether you're on a twisty road or a track day, it's a car that constantly encourages you to be a better driver. Even better? You can drive it hard without breaking the law. That's increasingly rare in today's world of overpowered machines.
There are a few downsides. The cabin can get noisy, due in part to the car's relatively stiff suspension. Some interior materials feel a little low-rent, and the infotainment system is several years behind the times. And yes, it could use a bit more power-there's always that moment when you wish it had just 40 more horses coming out of a corner.
The steering, while precise, lacks some of the tactile feedback found in cars like the Mazda MX-5 Miata. And if you're looking for everyday comfort or lots of tech, you'll probably be happier in something like a Volkswagen GTI or even a lightly used BMW 2 Series. But if your goal is pure, unfiltered driving joy? The BRZ still delivers.
The BRZ's closest rival is the Toyota GR86, which is nearly identical under the skin. In fact, the two are jointly developed, and your decision might come down to styling or dealer preference. The GR86 often comes in slightly cheaper, especially in its Premium trim, and has its own tS equivalent in the GR86 Trueno Edition.
Then there's the Mazda MX-5 Miata, a perennial favorite among purists. It's lighter, has an even better shifter, and offers the option of open-air motoring. However, it also has less cargo space, less practicality, and a higher starting price when compared to similarly equipped models.
Other options like the Ford Mustang EcoBoost offer more power on paper, but with more weight, less balance, and (as of 2025) no manual transmission. The BRZ might not win a spec sheet battle, but it's one of the few still designed with enthusiasts in mind from the start.
If you just want the BRZ driving experience, you don't need to spend $36,465. The base model already delivers 90% of what makes the car great. But if you plan to hit the back roads or track regularly, the tS's better brakes, upgraded suspension, and grippier tires do make a noticeable difference.
The BRZ tS isn't trying to impress with 0–60 times or touchscreen sizes. Instead, it focuses on what matters: sharp handling, a playful chassis, and a sense of analog engagement that's rapidly disappearing. It's not for everyone, but for the people it is for, it might be one of the last truly satisfying new cars under $40K.
So, is it worth it? If driving fun is your priority and you want something that still feels made for you (not just for the masses), the answer is yes. Just be ready to explain to your SUV-driving friends why 228 horsepower is more than enough.
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