(Image Source: Subaru media)
There is something refreshingly old school about a compact sports coupe that does not try to be anything other than a compact sports coupe. The 2026 Subaru BRZ lands in that rare space where simplicity, balance, and driver involvement matter more than lap time bragging rights or power figures meant for posters rather than real roads. Subaru’s latest update is not a reinvention of the BRZ formula but a refinement of what enthusiasts already love. A new limited edition, a trimmed lineup, and small but meaningful improvements make this model-year update far more interesting than it first appears.
What Subaru Changed For 2026
Before diving into trims and performance details, here is a quick overview of what is new for 2026.
- Introduction of the BRZ Series Yellow, a limited run of 350 units with a Sunrise Yellow finish
- Discontinuation of the BRZ Premium trim due to low demand
- Identical pricing to the previous model-year despite upgraded safety tech
- Standard EyeSight Driver Assist on all versions including manuals
- Carryover of last year’s sharper throttle mapping and retuned electronic steering
Subaru says more than 90 percent of buyers opted for the Limited and tS models in 2025, so simplifying the lineup made sense. The result is a cleaner, more focused set of trims that reflect what BRZ customers genuinely want.
A First Look at How The 2026 BRZ Feels
This is not a driving review, but based on updates introduced last year, the 2026 BRZ promises a livelier steering response and clearer feedback through both the wheel and the chassis. Subaru’s two door still uses a naturally aspirated 2.4 litre boxer engine pushing 228 horsepower to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual as standard. The engine delivers a linear swell of power that encourages momentum driving rather than brute-force acceleration. Subaru kept the curb weight competitive for the segment, which helps the BRZ retain that playful, point-and-shoot feel that made the previous-generation car such a favourite.
The Lineup Explained
Below is a deeper look at each trim level, each introduced with a short explanation and broken into bullet points for clarity.
BRZ Limited: The Core Enthusiast Choice
The Limited sits at the heart of the lineup because it blends performance hardware with enough convenience tech to make it liveable every day.
- Starts at USD 35,860 for the manual model
- Option of a six-speed electronic direct control automatic for an additional USD 850
- 18-inch matte gray alloy wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tyres
- TORSEN rear differential for stronger corner exit traction
- Standard Sport mode that sharpens throttle mapping
- Ultrasuede interior with red leather bolsters
- Subaru 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity
- Dual zone climate control and push button start
Subaru also includes LED steering responsive headlights and heated mirrors, small but practical features that make the car more usable in daily traffic. The Limited’s cabin offers the cleanest balance of comfort and purpose, which makes sense considering this is the version buyers overwhelmingly gravitated to last year.
BRZ tS: The Purist’s Variant
The tS sits above the Limited and caters to drivers who care more about chassis precision than convenience features.
- Starts at USD 38,360
- STI tuned Hitachi dampers that add stability during quick direction changes
- Brembo brakes with four piston front and two piston rear calipers
- Larger rotors and uprated pads for stronger fade resistance
- 18-inch wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres
- Interior trimmed with blue stitching and STI branded accents
The tS is not about added straight line speed. It is about feel, confidence, and consistency. Subaru’s decision to bring back this trim reflects ongoing demand from enthusiasts who want a sharper BRZ but do not want the stiffness trade-offs that come with full track focused tuning.
BRZ Series Yellow: The Head Turner
Subaru’s new special edition stands out immediately thanks to its Sunrise Yellow paint, a colour historically reserved for rare models.
- Based on the tS trim
- Limited to 350 units in the first production batch
- Priced from USD 39,360
- Matte black 18 inch wheels
- Black badging on the grille and rear deck
- Yellow accent stitching and Ultrasuede upholstery
Think of the Series Yellow as Subaru’s modern interpretation of classic limited-edition coupes. It borrows suspension tuning from the tS but adds exclusive visual details that make it a future collectible.
Interior, Tech and Everyday Usability
(Image Source: Subaru media)
Subaru has refined the BRZ’s cabin to feel more focused, better built and more usable in day-to-day driving, without diluting the raw sports-car character that makes the BRZ appealing. Everything inside feels intentionally placed, supportive and simple to operate, which suits a car designed to be driven hard yet lived with comfortably.
Key highlights:
• Low, driver-centric seating position that improves connection with the chassis
• Clear sightlines for a compact coupe, making city use less stressful
• Ultrasuede and leather materials on higher trims for grip and comfort
• 8 inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Digital instrument cluster with clean, readable layouts
• Physical climate and volume controls that reduce distraction
• Thoughtful cabin ergonomics with well-placed cupholders and storage slots
• Folding rear seats that expand boot usability for weekend trips
The Lightweight Sports Car Problem
Modern performance cars are getting heavier and more complex. Even compact hatchbacks now exceed 1,500 kg due to hybrid systems and advanced safety modules.
Why It Matters
When weight climbs, engagement falls. Steering feedback becomes muted, body control becomes reliant on artificial damping adjustments, and the overall experience feels distant. Enthusiasts notice this more than anyone.
The BRZ Solution
Subaru’s BRZ remains one of the few cars that keeps weight down, steering direct, and power delivery predictable. There is no turbo surge to manage and no electric boost to interrupt the natural connection between throttle, gearbox, and rear axle. It delivers an experience that feels increasingly rare in the current automotive landscape.
How It Compares with Key Rivals
The BRZ faces competition from a few familiar names. Below is a straightforward comparison.
Rival Comparison Snapshot
| Model | Power | Layout | Curb Weight (approx) | Price (USD) |
| 2026 Subaru BRZ | 228 hp | RWD | approx 1,280 kg | 35,860 to 39,360 |
| Toyota GR86 | 228 hp | RWD | approx 1,275 kg | approx 30,000 to 34,500 |
| Mazda MX 5 Miata RF | 181 hp | RWD | approx 1,110 kg | approx 36,000 |
| Nissan Z (entry) | 400 hp | RWD | approx 1,630 kg | approx 42,000 |
The BRZ sits between the lightweight purity of the MX 5 and the bigger power approach of the Nissan Z. It is the most balanced option, offering usability, affordability, and predictability without sacrificing excitement.
Specification Sheet
Engine: 2.4 litre Subaru boxer engine
Output: 228 hp
Transmission: 6 speed manual or optional 6 speed automatic
Drive: Rear wheel drive
Tyres: Michelin Pilot Sport 4
Brakes: Optional Brembo on tS and Series Yellow
Suspension: MacPherson front, double wishbone rear
Curb Weight: approx 1,280 kg
Fuel Economy: Varies by trim and gearbox
Dimensions: Similar to 2025 model-year measurements
Key Technical Data Sheet
- Engine displacement: 2,387 cc
- Bore and stroke: 94 mm x 86 mm
- Compression ratio: 13.5:1
- Steering ratio: 13.5:1 (retuned)
- Fuel system: Direct injection
- Differential: TORSEN limited slip
- Ground clearance: approx 135 mm
- Seating: 2 plus 2
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the 2026 BRZ still come with a manual?
Yes. Subaru has kept the six-speed manual as standard across all trims, which should reassure purists who prefer the classic, connected driving feel.
Is the BRZ Premium gone for good?
It seems so. Subaru retired the Premium trim after noticing that most buyers were choosing the higher specification models anyway.
How limited is the Series Yellow?
Very limited. Subaru says the first run will include 350 units, making it one of the rarer BRZ variants you’ll see on the road.
Does EyeSight really work with manual transmission models now?
Yes. Subaru has finally engineered EyeSight to operate with the manual gearbox, offering the full safety suite without forcing buyers into the automatic.
Is the BRZ still practical enough to use every day?
For many drivers, yes. The Limited trim in particular strikes a solid balance between comfort, usability and the sense of engagement people buy the BRZ for.
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