2023 Subaru BRZ Specs: 228 Horsepower Coupe Still Under $30K

Despite a small price bump for 2023, Subie's popular 2+2 sports coupe specs still impress.

As far as affordable sports coupes go, it’s tough to beat the Subaru BRZ – a 228-horsepower, naturally-aspirated sports car that can be had for under $30K. For 2023, the BRZ carries over from its 2022 second-generation update, and while not a whole lot has changed, expect more of the same with some refinements, all at a $28,595 starting price point. Here’s a look at the 2023 BRZ’s main features and full specs at the bottom.

Subaru BRZ Horsepower & Performance Remain Unchanged

Accessible in only two trim levels – Premium and Limited – both BRZ models carry the current 2.4-liter naturally aspirated Boxer-four mill, pumping out 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. It doesn’t seem like a big bump compared to the 197 hp and 151 lb-ft of the 2.0-liter powerplant in the first-generation BRZ.

2022 Subaru BRZ side profile
2023 Subaru BRZ. Photo: Subaru

Nevertheless, with the minor increase in power and torque and the removal of the previous model’s notorious torque dip, the new mill goes a long way to perk up the platform. All these increases occurred with the 2022 BRZ power and performance updates. The same goes for the 2022 Toyota GR 86.

The engine gets assistance from either a six-speed close-ratio manual transmission or a performance-tuned, six-speed, direct-control automatic transmission with adaptive control and steering wheel paddle-shift control switches.

Standard Features

The 2023 BRZ comes equipped with a range of standard amenities – conventional and high-end – to elevate its appeal. Undoubtedly, there is nothing fancy about keyless access with push-button, 17-inch alloy wheels in a dark gray finish, dual-zone automatic climate control, power fuel-door lock, power windows with auto up/down and pinch protection and the rear center console storage box with dual USB input/charge ports. 

2022 Subaru BRZ rear profile
2023 Subaru BRZ. Photo: Subaru

However, you would admire the standard TORSEN limited-slip differential, LED headlights (low and high beam) with automatic height adjustment, vehicle stability control with track mode, incline start assist, and variable intermittent windshield wipers with speed-sensing mist feature.

BRZ Interior for 2023

The cockpit design focuses primarily on the driver while not forgoing passenger comfort. Behind the steering wheel, we find a 7-inch digital instrument panel resembling Subaru’s Boxer engine showing the Tachometer. With the Tachometer on the left side, a programmable meter shows amps and coolant temperature. The Tachometer changes its circular shape to a linear grid in Track Mode.

subaru brz interior
Photo: Subaru

Another highly admirable feature of the new BRZ is the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), which lets you enlist two sets of wheels. It means you do not have to change seasonal tires on the original wheels; you can put on a new set of wheels. The BRZ also has standard active sound control to boost the engine sound inside the cabin for a more pleasing driving experience.

The more premium cabin inside the Subaru BRZ Limited trim

The interior gets black upholstery with opposing red stitching on the front seat bolsters, leather-wrapped steering wheel, shifter boot, and parking brake boot. The Limited variant is wrapped in Ultrasuede with red leather accents and includes dual-mode seat-heater controls and the leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Infotainment & Connectivity

Subaru has entrusted the entertainment duties to the STARLINK 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system, which boasts an integrated center information display and allows smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.

BRZ interior dimensions:

SpecMetric
Headroom (f/r)37.0 in. / 33.5 in.
Legroom (f/r)41.5 in. / 29.9 in.
Hip room (f/r)52.4 in. / 45.2 in.
Shoulder room (f/r)53.6 in. / 51.7 in.
EPA passenger volume77.2 cu. ft.
EPA trunk volume6.3 cu. ft. (additional carrying space with rear seatback folded)
Trunk liftover height27.1 in.

Safety

To make this fun-loving sports car safer, the Japanese automaker offers the award-winning Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Suite on the variants using the automatic transmission. The standard safety tech encompasses adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking system, lane departure and sway warning, lead vehicle start alert, and high beam assist.

2023 Subaru BRZ Price

For the 2023 model year, Subaru has increased the price by $625 for the manual and $560 for the automatic. The 2023 BRZ Premium costs $29,615 for the manual and $31,115 for the auto. In addition, the high-spec BRZ Limited starts at $32,115 for the manual and $33,815 for the auto.

Model/TrimTransmissionMSRP (U.S.)
BRZ Premium6MT$28,595
BRZ Premium6AT$30,095
BRZ Limited6MT$31,095
BRZ Limited6AT$32,795

The older 2020 BRZ Limited with 6MT started at $28,845. Still, even with these nominal price bumps (in our view), this remains arguably the best-valued sports car around. Same goes for its Toyota GR 86 cousin we compared here. Below, the coupe’s specs:

2023 BRZ Key Specs

SpecMetric
EngineFA24 4-cylinder, horizontally opposed (SUBARU BOXER), aluminum alloy cylinder block and cylinder heads
Power228 @ 7,000 rpm
Torque184 lb.-ft. @ 3,700 rpm
ValvetrainChain driven double overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, Subaru Dual Active Valve Control System variable valve timing on intake and exhaust camshafts.
DrivetrainRear-wheel drive with TORSEN limited-slip differential
Transmission– Standard: 6-speed manual
– Optional: 6-speed automatic with Adaptive Control, manual shift mode, downshift blipping control and steering wheel paddle shift control switches
Stability/traction controlVehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control system (TCS); multi-mode switch with Track mode and TCS Off switch
Suspension4-wheel independent
Front:
MacPherson-type struts; lower L-arms, coil springs, stabilizer bar, strut tower brace, and anti-dive geometry
Rear: Double-wishbone type with coil springs, stabilizer bar, and anti-lift geometry
BrakesFront: 11.6 in. ventilated disc, dual-piston calipers
Rear: Limited – 11.4 in. ventilated disc, single-piston calipers
Quick-ratio rack-and-pinion with electric power assist
Wheelbase101.4 in.
Length167.9 in.
Width69.9 in.
Height51.6 in.
Track (front/rear)59.8 in./61.0 in.
Curb weight (lbs.)6-speed manual:
– Premium: 2,815
– Limited: 2,864
6-speed automatic
– Premium: 2,835
– Limited: 2,881

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Author:
Suhail Ajmal
Suhail Ajmal
As an automotive writer with a finger on the industry's pulse, I explore the latest trends, dissect cutting-edge technologies, and unearth the history that shapes the vehicles we love. From reviews that delve into the driving experience to insightful commentary on industry developments, my goal is to inform, entertain, and spark the passion that drives us all. Check out my new blog Motorsadvice.com.