The Subaru BRZ is one of the last affordable rear-wheel-drive sports cars you can buy new — a car designed from the ground up with one priority: to be as involving and rewarding to drive as possible without costing a fortune. Co-developed with Toyota (which sells the GR86), the BRZ delivers a 228-horsepower naturally aspirated flat-four engine, a rear-wheel-drive platform, and a chassis tuned by engineers who understood that feel matters as much as numbers. For Nassau County drivers who want something that makes every road feel like a back road, the BRZ is a rare find in an era dominated by SUVs and crossovers. This guide covers every 2026 BRZ trim, the powertrain and transmission choices, how it compares to alternatives, and what ownership looks like on Long Island.
Bottom Line: The Subaru BRZ is the most driver-focused car at its price point — a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe that rewards skill and involvement in a way that turbocharged crossovers simply cannot replicate.
- 228 hp naturally aspirated FA24 flat-four with linear, rev-happy power delivery
- Rear-wheel drive — rare at this price point, and the right choice for enthusiasts
- Available 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters
- Two-seat practicality only: minimal back seat, small trunk; not a family car
What’s in This Guide
- BRZ Overview and Heritage
- Trim Levels at a Glance
- Powertrain: FA24 Naturally Aspirated
- Manual vs. Automatic: Which Is Right for You?
- BRZ Trim Levels: Base to tS Explained
- BRZ vs. Toyota GR86 vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata
- BRZ on Long Island: Daily Driving Reality
- Track Days and Driving Events
- Total Cost of Ownership
- Certified Pre-Owned BRZ on Long Island
- Why Nassau County Drivers Choose the BRZ
- Why Buy at Grand Prix Subaru
- FAQ
BRZ Overview and Heritage
The second-generation BRZ (ZD8 platform) launched for 2022 and addressed the main criticism of the original: not enough power. The FA24 engine — the same displacement as the WRX’s turbocharged unit, but naturally aspirated here — produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, compared to the first-gen’s 205 hp. More importantly, the new engine delivers its power higher in the rev range, encouraging drivers to use the full 7,500 RPM redline and creating an experience that turbocharged alternatives at this price can’t replicate.
The BRZ’s development philosophy was captured in a simple engineering brief: a sports car with a low center of gravity, neutral handling balance, and a mechanical feel that rewards driver input. The flat-four BOXER engine sits low in the chassis — lower than any comparable inline-four could be placed — giving the BRZ a center of gravity that’s competitive with dedicated sports cars costing far more. The result is a car that rotates willingly through corners, communicates road surface through the steering wheel, and lets drivers of all skill levels feel what’s happening underneath them.
The BRZ and Toyota GR86 share a platform and powertrain but are tuned differently — the BRZ emphasizes stability and everyday usability slightly more, while the GR86 is tuned marginally stiffer. Both represent the same fundamental value proposition: the most accessible entry point into legitimate rear-wheel-drive sports car driving.
Trim Levels at a Glance
| Trim | MSRP | Key Additions |
|---|---|---|
| BRZ | $30,190 | FA24 NA engine, 6-speed manual, Torsen limited-slip diff, 7-inch touchscreen |
| Premium | ✓ $32,690 | 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, blind-spot monitoring |
| Limited | $35,190 | Brembo front brakes, Sachs performance dampers, 18-inch Michelin Pilot Sport tires, leather seats |
| tS | ~$37,000 | STI-tuned suspension, Brembo 4-piston brakes, exclusive exterior treatment (limited production) |
The Premium is the right trim for most Nassau County BRZ buyers. It adds the 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay — essential for daily navigation on Long Island — heated seats for winter commutes, and blind-spot monitoring. The base BRZ is the purest driver’s trim, with no driver-assistance systems to get in the way of the experience, but it gives up modern conveniences that make the car livable every day.
The Limited’s Sachs dampers and Michelin Pilot Sport tires are a meaningful upgrade for drivers who prioritize handling over daily comfort. The Sachs units are significantly better than the base Bilsteins for both ride quality and body control simultaneously — an uncommon combination. If you plan to take the BRZ to a track day or mountain drive, the Limited is worth the extra cost.
Powertrain: FA24 Naturally Aspirated
The FA24 NA engine is the heart of what makes the BRZ special. Unlike the turbocharged engines that dominate this price bracket, the FA24 delivers its 228 horsepower with a linear, predictable power curve that builds smoothly to a 7,500 RPM redline. There’s no turbo lag, no sudden surge of boost — just a throttle response that’s proportional to your inputs from idle to redline.
The Torsen limited-slip differential is standard on all BRZ trims — an unusual inclusion at this price that most competitors at $30,000 don’t offer. The Torsen LSD distributes torque between the rear wheels mechanically, without electronic intervention, creating a more natural and consistent rotation behavior that’s appreciated at both the limit on a track and in everyday cornering.
Manual vs. Automatic: Which Is Right for You?
The 6-speed manual is the obvious choice for BRZ buyers who care about the driving experience. The shift action is precise, the throws are short, and the clutch pedal feel is well-weighted — better than many sports cars costing twice as much. Driving a manual BRZ is a complete sensory experience; the gearbox is part of the engagement, not an obstacle to it.
The 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters is a legitimate option for Nassau County commuters who spend significant time in traffic on the LIE or Northern State. It doesn’t significantly hurt the BRZ’s character — the automatic responds quickly to paddle inputs, and the car’s chassis is rewarding regardless of how you shift. The automatic also produces slightly better 0–60 times (6.3 seconds vs. 6.6 for the manual) due to optimized gear ratios.
The honest answer is that the manual is the car most BRZ buyers want, and if you’re on the fence, test-drive both. The manual’s engagement is something you either want or you don’t — there’s no wrong answer if you’re realistic about how much time you spend in traffic.
BRZ Trim Levels: Base to tS Explained
The base BRZ is the driver’s purist choice. No driver-assistance systems, no touchscreen distraction beyond a small 7-inch unit, no heated seats. Just the FA24 engine, the Torsen LSD, the manual gearbox, and the chassis. For buyers who plan to take the car to track days and want the cleanest, lightest configuration, the base is correct.
The Premium is the BRZ for everyday use. The 8-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay makes navigating Nassau County roads usable. The heated seats matter in February. The blind-spot monitoring is useful in the BRZ’s low-slung seating position where rear visibility is limited compared to an SUV. You lose nothing of the driving experience by choosing Premium over base.
The Limited changes the character of the car meaningfully through hardware. Sachs dampers replace the standard Bilsteins and are noticeably better — more compliant over local road imperfections while simultaneously body control in corners. The Michelin Pilot Sport tires on 18-inch wheels provide substantially better grip than the base all-seasons, shortening braking distances and allowing higher cornering speeds. Brembo front brakes finish the package for drivers who push the car hard.
The tS is a limited-production special edition with STI-tuned suspension components and exclusive bodywork. Availability is limited; if you find one, it represents the most focused factory BRZ available.
BRZ vs. Toyota GR86 vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The GR86 and BRZ are mechanically identical at their core — same FA24 engine, same platform, same Torsen LSD. The differences are in tuning and style. The GR86 is slightly stiffer in suspension calibration and has different exterior styling and interior materials. The BRZ is marginally softer-riding and has Subaru dealer support. For Nassau County buyers, the choice is largely about brand preference and which dealer’s location and relationship you prefer.
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is rear-wheel-drive with a manual gearbox and represents the other direction: lighter, smaller, even more pure. The Miata’s 2.0L naturally aspirated engine produces 181 hp — less than the BRZ — but the car weighs approximately 400 lbs less, so power-to-weight is competitive. The Miata is a convertible (or RF retractable hardtop), giving it an open-air experience the BRZ coupe doesn’t offer. The BRZ wins on practicality: more power, two back seats, and a larger trunk. The Miata wins on pure lightness and the convertible experience.
For Nassau County buyers choosing between them, the BRZ’s extra power, available AWD-capable dealer network at Grand Prix Subaru (for winter tire swaps and service), and slightly more daily-livable package makes it the broader appeal choice.
BRZ on Long Island: Daily Driving Reality
The BRZ is more livable as a daily driver than its sports-car reputation suggests — with honest expectations. The ride is firm but not punishing on Nassau County roads; the second-generation improved ride quality over the original through revised suspension geometry and better-calibrated dampers. The cabin is tight for four adults, with the back seats essentially usable only for children or short trips.
Fuel economy of 21 city / 30 highway is genuinely good for a sports car. Mixed Nassau County driving — some LIE highway, some local roads — returns approximately 24–26 mpg. Premium fuel is recommended (the FA24 is designed for it), but unlike a turbocharged engine, detonation on regular unleaded is less of an acute concern — the NA engine is forgiving of occasional regular-grade fill-ups.
Cargo space is 6.3 cubic feet, which is enough for a weekend bag and groceries but not much more. The BRZ is a car you drive, not a car you haul things in. If you regularly need to carry gear, a Forester or Outback serves that need — the BRZ is a second car or a car for someone whose driving experience is the priority.
Track Days and Driving Events
The BRZ is arguably the best track-day car under $40,000 available new. Its light weight, Torsen LSD, near-50/50 weight distribution, and neutral chassis make it forgiving enough for beginners learning car control and rewarding enough for experienced drivers pushing the limits. The FA24’s naturally aspirated power delivery gives consistent lap-to-lap performance without the heat management concerns of turbocharged competitors.
For Nassau County drivers, Lime Rock Park in Connecticut and Watkins Glen in the Finger Lakes are the closest track options. Both have open lapping events accessible to street cars; the BRZ with its factory setup needs minimal preparation — appropriate brake fluid (the factory fluid is borderline for sustained track use), track tires if available, and the right tire pressures.
The BRZ aftermarket is deep and well-developed. Coilover suspension kits, brake upgrades, limited-slip differential enhancements, and naturally aspirated performance tuning all have established providers and community knowledge. The BRZ/GR86 community is one of the most active enthusiast groups in the sports car segment.
Total Cost of Ownership
The BRZ’s total cost of ownership is reasonable for a sports car. Insurance rates are moderate — younger drivers pay more, but experienced drivers find the BRZ’s rates comparable to a performance-oriented sedan. Rear-wheel drive means you’ll want winter tires on a separate set of wheels for Nassau County winters; Grand Prix Subaru can set up a winter wheel-and-tire package to keep the car usable year-round.
Maintenance is standard Subaru: oil changes every 6,000 miles, spark plugs at 60,000 miles, transmission fluid at 30,000 miles for the manual. The FA24 naturally aspirated engine is inherently less stressed than a turbocharged unit — no turbo to worry about, simpler thermal management, straightforward maintenance requirements.
Resale value for the BRZ is strong in the used market. Clean second-generation examples hold their value well because demand from enthusiast buyers is consistent and the pool of available used cars is limited by the BRZ’s lower production volume compared to mass-market vehicles.
Buying a Certified Pre-Owned BRZ on Long Island
A certified pre-owned second-generation BRZ is one of the better used sports car values available. The ZD8 generation launched in 2022, so 2022–2024 examples offer the full FA24 power upgrade and modern chassis improvements at a discount from new pricing. CPO coverage through Subaru’s program provides a 7-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty from the original sale date.
When inspecting a CPO BRZ, check tire wear patterns carefully — aggressive owners use tires quickly and may replace with cheaper alternatives. Inspect brake pad thickness (the Brembo-equipped Limited models’ pads wear faster under track use). Manual-gearbox cars deserve a careful clutch inspection for slip or unusual engagement feel that might indicate high-stress use.
Avoid CPO examples with significant modifications unless you can verify the full history. Modified BRZ cars can be excellent performers, but unknown modification history complicates warranty coverage and resale.
Why Nassau County Drivers Choose the BRZ
The BRZ appeals to a specific type of Nassau County driver: someone who understands that the most engaging roads aren’t always highways, and who values the experience of getting to work as much as the efficiency of doing so. The Northern State Parkway, the back roads through Old Westbury and Brookville, and weekend runs up to the Catskills or Berkshires give the BRZ exactly the kind of roads it was designed for.
The car also represents an accessible entry into sports car ownership for buyers stepping up from a practical daily driver. The BRZ’s predictable rear-wheel-drive dynamics, forgiving limit behavior, and strong driver feedback make it one of the best cars available for developing driving skill — more educational than a powerful front-wheel-drive car, more accessible than an exotic.
Grand Prix Subaru’s Nassau County location in Hicksville serves the BRZ community with factory-trained technicians familiar with the car’s specific needs: the wheel alignment settings that optimize handling, winter tire swap logistics, and the maintenance schedule that keeps the FA24 healthy long-term.
Why Buy at Grand Prix Subaru
Grand Prix Subaru in Hicksville stocks BRZ inventory across trim levels and is familiar with the specific requirements of the sports car end of the Subaru lineup. The team understands the BRZ community — the questions about track preparation, winter tire options, and the manual vs. automatic decision are conversations they have regularly.
VIP+ membership at Grand Prix Subaru includes lifetime complimentary oil changes and tire rotations, free loaner vehicles during service, and Subaru-certified technicians. For a sports car where oil quality directly affects engine longevity and tire condition determines safety margin at the limit, reliable access to factory-trained service is meaningful.
Browse new BRZ inventory at Grand Prix Subaru or explore certified pre-owned options. Schedule a test drive — ask to drive both the manual and automatic to determine which suits your daily situation.
"BRZ buyers know exactly what they want — they've done their research, they want rear-wheel drive, and they want a manual. The conversation is really about trims and whether they'll track it. Once they drive it, there's no going back."
General Manager, Grand Prix Subaru
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subaru BRZ a practical daily driver? For one or two people, yes. The BRZ has a real trunk, comfortable front seats, and modern infotainment on Premium and above. The back seats are tight for adults on any trip longer than a few miles, and cargo space is limited. For a single driver or couple without regular need to carry rear passengers or large cargo, the BRZ is fully usable daily.
Does the BRZ require premium fuel? Premium (91 octane) is recommended but not required. Unlike a turbocharged engine where detonation on regular is an immediate concern, the FA24 naturally aspirated engine manages regular fuel without acute engine risk. That said, premium delivers the rated 228 hp; regular slightly reduces output and long-term fueling with regular below the recommended octane is not advised.
How does the BRZ handle Long Island winters? Honestly — with caution on the factory all-season tires. Rear-wheel drive in snow requires more driver attention than Subaru’s AWD lineup. With a dedicated set of winter tires (which Grand Prix Subaru can supply and store), the BRZ is manageable in Nassau County winter conditions. Many BRZ owners use their car as a three-season vehicle and have a second practical car for the worst winter months.
What’s the difference between the BRZ and the WRX? The BRZ and WRX are fundamentally different cars despite sharing the Subaru brand. The WRX uses a turbocharged FA24 with Symmetrical AWD optimized for all-weather performance. The BRZ uses a naturally aspirated FA24 with rear-wheel drive optimized for driving feel and handling. The BRZ is lighter and more focused as a sports car; the WRX is more powerful and more capable in adverse conditions.
Is the BRZ or GR86 the better buy? They’re mechanically near-identical. The choice comes down to brand preference, dealer relationship, and minor differences in interior trim and suspension tuning. If you prefer Subaru’s dealer network and service approach, the BRZ is the answer. Grand Prix Subaru in Hicksville offers the full Subaru service ecosystem for BRZ ownership.
What is the BRZ’s horsepower compared to the original? The second-generation BRZ (2022+) produces 228 hp, up from 205 hp in the first generation. The torque also increased from 156 to 184 lb-ft, and crucially, the torque curve is broader and available lower in the rev range.
Visit All Three Subaru Locations
- Grand Prix Subaru - Hicksville, NY
- South Shore Subaru - Lindenhurst, NY
- Mid Hudson Subaru - Wappingers Falls, NY
Ready to find your BRZ? Browse new inventory or explore certified pre-owned options at Grand Prix Subaru — and ask about VIP+ membership when you visit.