beebs
Skip to main content

2018 Subaru BRZ review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Subaru BRZ highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Balanced and forgiving handling make for an easy and fun drive
  • Excellent steering feel and response
  • Comfortable and supportive front seats
  • Better tech than what's offered by its Toyota 86 twin

Cons

  • Modest acceleration with no available engine upgrade
  • Significant highway noise

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 27 highway, 23 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

View our Subaru BRZ inventory
Lighting bolt logo
Can an EV fit my lifestyle? Image of woman on smartphone while charging an EV

Does an EV fit my lifestyle?

On this page

6 photos

Find your BRZ
then buy online or in-store

Learn more about getting pre-qualified with no impact to your credit score
Price
Year
Search our BRZ inventorySearch for a different car

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Get Pre-qualified

The 2018 Subaru BRZ is the go-to sports car for those on a budget

Many cars try to be all things to all buyers, but some, like the 2018 Subaru BRZ, have a singular focus. In the case of the BRZ, it’s a sports car targeting those on a budget, and it does this exceptionally well. The four-cylinder engine powering the rear wheels puts out modest power, so the BRZ isn’t fast in a straight line. But the steering, suspension and braking are all wonderfully balanced, making the BRZ a delight to drive on a twisting canyon road. The limited edition tS trim introduced for 2018 features enhanced suspension, brakes and body structure. Limited and tS trims get an audio system that incorporates Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ for the 2018 model year.

Visibility is outstanding, and the driver and passenger seat are both surprisingly comfortable. Granted, the BRZ is noisy on the road, and it doesn’t have sports-car acceleration. But if you’re looking for a fun-to-drive coupe with an almost-usable rear seat, the BRZ is tough to beat.

All Subaru BRZ years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru BRZ generation from 2013 to 2025

What is new for the 2018 Subaru BRZ?

  • The BRZ is available in a new trim called the TS.
  • The Series.Yellow trim has been discontinued for 2018.
  • BRZ trims have been upgraded with Parking Sensors, Android Auto, Navigation System, Apple CarPlay, and 8508 as standard equipment this year.

2018 Subaru BRZ trims

Curious how Subaru BRZ trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Premium:

Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the Premium
  • 200-hp, 151-lb-ft of torque 2.0L
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Smart Key
  • Navigation System
  • 8508
  • Automatic Transmission
  • View our Subaru BRZ Limited inventory

TS:

Subaru BRZ photos

What We Like:

Steering and handling: The steering is quick and razor sharp, and the suspension for the BRZ strikes an excellent balance between sporty handling and a compliant ride around town. If you don’t mind a little extra road noise, the BRZ is the kind of car that you can enjoy driving to the grocery store and work every day, but also enjoy wringing out on your favorite canyon roads on the weekends.

Practicality: Part of the BRZ’s mission is to be a weekend track car, and to that end the rear seats fold down to expand the cargo area to accommodate a full set of wheels and tires, plus a tool kit. Of course, you can also put a week’s worth of groceries back there, or other large items. The takeaway is that despite its compact exterior dimensions, the BRZ is surprisingly practical.

Manual transmission: Driving enthusiasts will always gravitate towards a manual transmission, and the stick in the BRZ doesn’t disappoint. With quick throws and excellent gearing, it enhances the driving pleasure without being a chore to drive in traffic.

What Needs Improvement

Power: Since day one, the BRZ’s achilles heel has been its modest power output. With 205 horsepower it’s not exactly slow, but it’s not as quick as you’d expect from the extroverted styling.

Shop with your budget in mind

Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.

Get Pre-qualified

Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

5 out of 5

1 customer reviews

RepairPal reliability rating

3
1
2
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Subaru BRZ an overall reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru BRZ 24th out of 27 among Subcompact Cars.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru BRZ

Subaru BRZ features and specs

Curious how Subaru BRZ trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Limited 2WD 2D Coupe

Standard Features

  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Leather & Suede Seats
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

2.0L

Horsepower

200

Torque (ft-lbs)

151

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

13.2

Wheelbase

101.2"

Overall length

166.7"

Width

69.9"

Height

50.6"

Leg room

F 41.9"/R 29.9"

Head room

F 37.1"/R 35"

Front tires

P215/45WR17

Rear tires

P215/45WR17

Seating capacity

4

Transmission

Automatic

2018 Subaru BRZ FAQ

Research other vehicles


* Price excludes taxes, title, registration, and fees. Applicable transfer fees are due in advance of vehicle delivery and are separate from sales transactions.

We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.​

Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.

Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities.​ By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.

We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.