2023 Subaru BRZ Sport-tech Video, Review And Pricing

By: Krish Persaud
February 7, 2023

If you were to ask any young person what Subaru meant to them, they might mention Subaru Tecnica International. Even though the Impreza WRX STI is no longer available, Subaru is no stranger to the performance game. With vehicles such as the Impreza WRX, Legacy GT, and BRZ, we can always foresee something interesting and fun to drive from the brand.

The subject of this review is the Subaru BRZ, a near-identical twin to the Toyota GR86. Both coupes were co-developed and helped renew interest in Subaru’s lineup alongside the WRX. Minor updates were made over the years but a redesign for the second-generation model was introduced in 2021.

2023 Subaru BRZ Sport-tech - Driveman.ca

We were able to get our hands on the keys to the 2023 Subaru BRZ Sport-tech thanks to our friends at Subaru Canada. Our BRZ test vehicle comes nicely equipped with18-inch alloy wheels, Ice Silver Metallic paint, eye-sight driving assistant technology, and an eight-speaker audio system.

The BRZ has a 2.4-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque at 3,700 RPM. The power dip we all complained about with the previous generation’s engine setup has undoubtedly been eliminated with the new engine because the maximum torque is now available at such a low RPM as opposed to the previous generation’s peak of 6,600 RPM. This engine sings effortlessly all the way to the redline and doesn’t sound out of place at all.

A 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions are both available options for the Subaru BRZ. Despite the fact that we always check the box for the manual transmission rather than the automatic, our BRZ Sport-tech had a 6-speed automatic transmission and we are very happy with how quickly it shifts through the gears making it a pleasure for everyone to drive.

The engineers did a fantastic job by adding sport-tuned front and rear suspension, increasing torsional rigidity by 50%, fitting sticky Michelin Pilot Sport tires, and reducing weight by using aluminum for the hood, fenders, and roof. It smoothes out the ride and helps the car stay relatively level in the turns. The electronic steering provides the ideal amount of feedback, effectively conversing with you without sacrificing any of the vehicle’s feel.

The front seats are positioned lower in the vehicle and are equipped with a 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat and a 4-way manually adjustable passenger’s seat. While base models receive premium sport fabric, our Sport-tech comes with leather and Ultrasuede® material, which are extremely supportive during those flat-out cornering sessions and have just enough padding to keep you comfortable during your leisurely 400 Series highway sprints. There is space for two more passengers in the back, but tall adults will find it extremely uncomfortable due to the limited legroom.

A large 8-inch color touchscreen is standard in the BRZ making it simple to use and is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The eight speakers included in the Sport-tech package do a good job of reproducing sound, although the low-end frequencies could use more precision to create a fuller sound.

Our 2023 Subaru BRZ Sport-tech tester was equipped with EyeSight technology. The system is a driver assistance technology available on most Subaru’s that uses cameras to detect potential road hazards and helps the driver avoid collisions. EyeSight’s key features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, collision mitigation braking, and lane keeping assist. After a long day, the beeping may seem annoying, but it will serve to keep you in check.

Increased power and torque over the previous generation means you’ll be using full throttle more often. However, you should monitor the fuel level as the 50-liter gas tank uses 91-octane fuel and will deplete rapidly.

While spending a week behind the wheel of the BRZ Sport-tech, we managed to achieve an average of 8.7L/100km through a mix of spirited and relaxed driving. According to NRCan, the BRZ consumes 11.0L/100km in the city and 7.7L/100km on the highway and 9.5L/100km combined.

Pricing for the 2023 BRZ begins at $30,495 for the base trim, $32,895 for the automatic transmission, $33,495 for the Sport-tech with a 6-speed manual, and $35,895 for the Sport-tech with the automatic transmission, which is how our test vehicle was equipped.

The BRZ Sport-tech is undoubtedly worth a test drive if you’re looking for a vehicle that can provide both comfort and excitement; you won’t be disappointed. There is much more to the 2023 Subaru BRZ Sport-tech than just horsepower and torque figures. The BRZ provides a ride and handling setup that is at home both on the track and in daily traffic. An incredibly satisfying driving experience is provided by its naturally aspirated flat-four engine, rear-wheel drive, and 6-speed automatic transmission.