Is Subaru BRZ a Good Daily Driver? (+Toyota 86, GT86, FRS)
While it offers first-rate steering and handling at an entry-level price, the Subaru BRZ is thoroughly operable as a daily driver with its composed ride, good visibility, and efficient engine.
The near-identical Toyota 86, FR-S, and GR86 aren’t far off either.
Subaru BRZ’s Positives as a Daily Driver
#1 Decent Fuel Economy on Paper (But Strong In Results)
The BRZ hits the sweet spot for driving enthusiasts with an exhilarating drive yet is affordable and economical at the pump.
EPA rated the first-generation Subaru BRZ to return between 24 and 25 mpg combined with the manual transmission – a couple mpg higher with the automatic.
The second-gen BRZ, which debuted in 2022 with a new and more powerful 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, can manage a 22-mpg average with the manual and mid-20s-mpg when optioned with the automatic.
These are respectable figures for a sports car.
Still, the BRZ’s real-world results are the real surprise, consistently achieving 25 mpg to 28 mpg in mixed city/highway driving, according to BRZ owners and test-drive results.
Only the even-lighter roadster Mazda Miata is more frugal; the VW Golf GTI is as fuel-efficient as the BRZ in real-world results, but it’s a sporty (not sports) car.
| Fuel Econ. (manual) | |
| Mazda Miata | 29 mpg combined |
| VW Golf GTI | 27 mpg combined |
| Subaru BRZ | 25 mpg combined |
| Ford Mustang | 24 mpg combined |
| Subaru WRX | 22 mpg combined |
| Nissan 370z | 22 mpg combined |
Subaru requires the use of premium fuel in the BRZ.
#2 Superior Sporty Handling Yet Sufficiently Comfortable
The best part of daily driving a BRZ is the sublime handling when pushed, and the firm yet composed ride in more civilized commutes.
Even though it’s a machine built for the twisty back road and the vast stretches of highway, driving around town isn’t punishing by sports car standards.
The suspension absorbs most bumps reasonably well while providing some degree of isolation, although road noise is noticeable in the cabin, albeit with low wind noise.
It has a quick, responsive, and well-weighted steering for agility and nimbleness in urban settings; you don’t have to drive the BRZ fast to have fun.
Co-developed by Subaru and Toyota, the BRZ and 86 (formerly Scion FR-S, now GR86) are 99% identical twins, with minor styling nuances and performance tuning separating them.
Opt for the BRZ for a more compliant daily ride, as Toyota gave the GR86 (and 86) slightly stiffer suspension settings for lower-speed driving excitement.
#3 High Resale Value (Among Entry-Level Sports Cars)
A vehicle that retains its value well gives you peace of mind that your actual ownership costs remain inexpensive.
The Subaru BRZ sheds merely 38% of its value after the initial five years and 59% after ten years – a strong showing rivaled only by the nimble Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Let’s see how it compares with other sports cars:
| 5-yr Depreciation | 10-yr Depreciation | |
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | 38% | 55% |
| Subaru BRZ | 38% | 59% |
| Dodge Challenger | 40% | 61% |
| Chevy Camaro | 40% | 62% |
| Subaru WRX | 40% | 70% |
| Nissan 370z | 42% | 58% |
| Ford Mustang | 43% | 66% |
| Dodge Charger | 48% | 75% |
The BRZ’s relatively low depreciation means buying new is less punishing cost-wise than other similarly-priced sports vehicles.
On that note, the Dodge Challenger and Chevrolet Camaro are worth a look.
Subaru BRZ’s Negatives as a Daily Driver
#4 Limited Cargo Capacity
Car buyers opt for small coupes and convertibles, knowing they aren’t getting much storage space.
If you keep this expectation in check, you won’t find the BRZ’s small backseat and trunk a disappointment.
You can’t haul as much as a Volkswagen Golf R or Honda Civic Type R hatchback, but still, the BRZ’s relatively small 6.3 cubic feet trunk is more than up to the daily grind compared to a Miata.
The Mazda Miata is a two-seater with an even smaller trunk, but the BRZ’s rear seatback can fold down for considerably more storage room.
| Cargo Capacity (seats in place) | |
| Mazada Miata (convertible) | 4.6 cubic ft. |
| Subaru BRZ (coupe) | 6.3 cubic ft. |
| Nissan 370z (coupe) | 6.9 cubic ft. |
| Chevy Camaro (coupe) | 9.1 cubic ft. (post-2016) 11.3 cubic ft. (pre-2016) |
| Ford Mustang (coupe) | 13.5 cubic ft. |
| Dodge Challenger (coupe) | 16.2 cubic ft. |
| Dodge Charger (sedan) | 16.5 cubic ft. |
The Ford Mustang (coupe) and Dodge Charger (sedan) have substantially higher cargo-carrying capacity – they may be muscle cars, but they are now refined sports automobiles capable of transporting their occupants in relative comfort.
#5 (Slightly) Costlier Upkeep Than Rivals
Subaru BRZs cost an average of $672 per year in repairs and maintenance, according to RepairPal.
Subcompact cars cost $456 per year, but they include non-sports vehicles, so the BRZ’s higher-than-average upkeep is reasonable for the performance return.
Its upkeep expense is in line with other entry-level sports rivals, and the sum is justifiable given the ultra-reliable and inexpensive Honda Civic isn’t considerably cheaper.
The BRZ’s year-to-year maintenance cost comparison with its competitors appears below:
| Year | Annual Costs (Ford Mustang) | Annual Costs (Subaru BRZ) | Annual Costs (Nissan 370z) | Annual Costs (Mazda Miata) | Annual Costs (Honda Civic) |
| 1 | $254 | $229 | $235 | $29 | $183 |
| 2 | $294 | $265 | $269 | $241 | $214 |
| 3 | $359 | $323 | $323 | $293 | $262 |
| 4 | $461 | $416 | $409 | $376 | $339 |
| 5 | $547 | $493 | $480 | $445 | $403 |
| 6 | $682 | $614 | $592 | $554 | $504 |
| 7 | $955 | $861 | $821 | $774 | $708 |
| 8 | $1,063 | $958 | $911 | $862 | $790 |
| 9 | $1,164 | $1,049 | $996 | $943 | $865 |
| 10 | $1,314 | $1,185 | $1,121 | $1,064 | $977 |
| 11 | $1,334 | $1,202 | $1,137 | $1,079 | $992 |
| 12 | $1,494 | $1,347 | $1,271 | $1,209 | $1,112 |
The BRZ shares many parts with the Toyota 86 (GR86 included), so it isn’t costly to run.
Subaru BRZ Comparison with Other Vehicles
Subaru BRZ vs. Nissan 370Z as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Subaru BRZ | 2.4L-flat-4-RWD (2022-present) 2.0L-flat-4-RWD (2013-2020) | 228-hp (2022-present) 200-205-hp (2013-2020) | 22-mpg (2022-present) 24-25-mpg (2013-2020) | Prem-ReQ | $672 | Good | Average |
| Nissan 370z | 3.7L-V6-RWD | 332-hp | 20-22-mpg | Prem-ReC (2009) Prem-ReQ (2010-2020) | $504 | Poor | Poor |
The ‘basic’ 370z delivers a pure driving experience, but it is no match for the BRZ in fulfilling daily driving duties.
The BRZ beats the 370z as the better everyday car due to its agreeable ride quality and superior steering and handling, albeit with less horsepower but lighter.
2020 was the final model year for the 370z, and it was a dated design then.
The BRZ will give you a purer experience behind the wheel, plus modern engineering, tech features, and 40% more interior volume than the 370z for an all-around daily driving machine.
Subaru BRZ vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Subaru BRZ | 2.4L-flat-4-RWD (2022-present) 2.0L-flat-4-RWD (2013-2020) | 228-hp (2022-present) 200-205-hp (2013-2020) | 22-mpg (2022-present) 24-25-mpg (2013-2020) | Prem-ReQ | $672 | Good | Average |
| Mazda Miata | 1.8L-2.0L-i4-RWD | 116-181-hp | 22-29-mpg | Prem-ReC | $429 | Average | Average |
Both are excellent lightweight sports machines, delivering plenty of thrills at an affordable price.
Although the MX-5 roadster is livable, the BRZ edges the Miata as the more comfortable and practical daily driver, offering a commendably compliant ride and more storage space to meet everyday needs.
But suppose you want a vehicle that’s easy to drive around town, the Miata’s diminutive size and small turning radius will come in handy, especially when parking.
Visibility in the Miata is excellent with the top folded down but less so when the retractable cover’s in place.
Subaru BRZ vs. Subaru WRX as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | |
| Subaru BRZ | 2.4L-flat-4-RWD (2022-present) 2.0L-flat-4-RWD (2013-2020) | 228-hp (2022-present) 200-205-hp (2013-2020) | 22-mpg (2022-present) 24-25-mpg (2013-2020) | Prem-ReQ | $672 | Good | Average |
| Subaru WRX | 2.4L-flat-4-T–AWD (2022-present) 2.0L-flat-4-T–AWD (2015-2021) | 271-hp (2022-present) 268-hp (2015-2021) | 22-mpg (2022-present) 23-24-mpg (2015-2021) | Prem-ReC (2022-present) Prem-ReQ (2019-2021) Prem-ReC (2015-2018) | $682 | Good | Average |
Even though engine size and fuel economy closely matched, the BRZ surpassed the Subaru WRX as an all-around better daily driver with superior handling and improved comfort.
The BRZ’s steering is accurate and the handling sublime, providing plenty of driving thrills while it ably soaks up road imperfections to deliver a compliant ride.
These advantages come at a few thousand dollars cheaper.
However, you could reasonably opt for the WRX if you need an AWD daily driver for added all-wheels traction.
Daily Driving BRZ’s Siblings:
Is the Toyota 86 or Scion FRS a Good Daily Driver?
The FR-S and BRZ were all-new, rear-wheel-drive sports coupes co-designed by Toyota and Subaru that made their debut in 2013.
In 2017, Toyota 86 replaced the Scion FR-S after Toyota discontinued its Scion sub-brand; they are essentially the same car, just renamed.
You find virtually all the pluses and minuses of the BRZ in the FR-S and 86, with one exception.
Apart from the restyled exterior and slight power increases over the model years, the Scion FR-S or Toyota 86 adopts a suspension tuning that’s a little too stiff but is still adequately comfortable for daily use.
The suspension conveys jolts and shocks from bumps and road imperfections into the cabin, making long journeys more tiring for the occupants.
Tire sound is noticeably loud, especially on coarse surfaces.
Still, its solid build quality, moderate fuel economy, and a pure, unadulterated driving experience at a bargain price make the FR-S and 86 reasonable choices for everyday use.
Is the Toyota GT86 a Good Daily Driver?
Stepping up to the GT gets you larger wheels, heated front seats, and leather upholstery with synthetic suede accents.
The Toyota GT86 suffers no drop in fuel economy while maintaining pretty much the strengths and drawbacks of the standard 86, making it an average daily driver with tolerable ride quality.
Its sweetly balanced chassis and communicative steering alone are worthy for enthusiasts to use a GT86 for their regular commute.
What About the new Toyota GR86 as a Daily Driver?
Like the BRZ, the second-generation 86 was launched in 2022 and named GR86 as a reference to its Gazoo Racing division.
The Toyota GR86 may be stiff-riding and relatively noisy at times, but it is fun to drive with plenty of outstanding attributes that make it an easy-to-live-with everyday car.
Crucially, its supreme handling capabilities are accessible by drivers of all skill levels, and the adequately-powerful engine is efficient, ensuring a broader base of drivers and use cases.
The GR86 is a competitive option for a high-performance everyday car next to these rear-wheel-drive alternatives:
For front-wheel-drive fun, the Volkswagen Golf Type R and Honda Civic Type R are refined daily drivers with plenty of performance on tap.
References:
https://www.subaru.com/vehicles/brz/index.html
https://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/brz
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/SUBARU/BRZ/2%252520DR/RWD
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymodel/2022_Subaru_BRZ.shtml
