2016 Subaru BRZ

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Rating7.6

Ranked #1 in 

Subcompact Coupe
Write Review
$25,395 - $28,495
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on September 26, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Frugal coupe

Constrained rear seats

Introduction of 2016 Subaru BRZ HyperBlue

Aplomb handling qualities

Restricted cargo space

Standard rearview camera

Pleasurable and comfortable cabin

Improved infotainment system

Specs & Features

$25,395

price

200 hp @ 7000 rpm

horsepower

151 lb.-ft. @ 6400 rpm

torque

6-Speed Manual

transmission

2.0L 4cyl RWD 6M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

Call it cutesy or a pocket rocket, the Subaru BRZ has risen to success meteorically. Sharing its underpinning with subcompact coupe from the house of Scion, Subaru has aimed at introducing a vehicle that is easy to maneuver, responsive to throttle input, and is a looker that garners abundant attention when on the go.

Buying Advice

To get the best value for the money, we recommend getting the 2016 Subaru BRZ Limited as it offers a great combination of both plush interiors and performance along with a great ride experience. While the HyperBlue is only diminutively expensive, it is specifically catered for those who want ultimate luxury.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

With a budget-friendly price tag, the car gives its riders a powerful 200 hp motor to play with. Given its price, performance potential, and features, it falls in a similar ballpark as the Scion FR-S, Ford Mustang, and the Chevrolet Camaro.

Features
8.0/10

The 2016 Subaru BRZ is offered in 3 trims, PREMIUM, LIMITED, and HYPER BLUE. The 2016 BRZ comes with a base price of $25,395 for the base model and goes up to $27, 690 for the HyperBlue version. It offers a punchy 2.0 Liter Inline 4-cylinder engine along with a 6-speed manual gearbox with all of the trims. It comes equipped with a standard 6.2-inch touchscreen, air conditioning, and cruise control.

Trim

Premium

Limited

HyperBlue

MSRP

25,395

$27,395

$27,690

Key features

Cloth upholstery

Limited adds to or replaces Premium features -

HyperBlue adds to or replaces Limited features -

 

SUBARU Starlink 6.2" Multimedia system

Fog lights

Alcantara and leather-trimmed upholstery with HyperBlue embroidered stitching and BRZ logo

 

High-resolution LCD touchscreen

Alcantara and leather-trimmed upholstery

Optional Performance Package

 

HID high and low beam headlights

Dual-zone digital climate control system with air filtration

Frameless rearview Camera

 

LED taillights

7-speed fan

Black Wheels

 

LED daytime running lamps

CFC-free air conditioning

Black Blue interior scheme

We Recommend

To get the best value for the money, we recommend getting the 2016 Subaru BRZ Limited as it offers a great combination of both plush interiors and performance along with a great ride experience. While the HyperBlue is only diminutively expensive, it is specifically catered for those who want ultimate luxury.

Engine and Performance
9.9/10

At its heart, the 2016 Subaru BRZ comes with a small but powerful 2-L engine that produces a decent 200hp and 151lb.-ft of torque, which gets the car rolling. The engine feels smooth, refined and utilizes its power very well. The snappy motor makes the car zip through city traffic like a charm and while on an interstate or a track, it performs really well.

It can be easily touted as a throttle-friendly car. The standard 6-speed manual gearbox feels natural while using and makes the rider feel connected to the car, while the optional 6-speed automatic transmission available only with the Limited trim aids efficiency. The 2016 Subaru BRZ sprints from 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds and can complete a quarter-mile run in 14.9 seconds, timings slower as segment standards.

Models

Subaru BRZ Premium

Scion FRS Base 2dr

Ford Mustang V6 Coupe

Chevrolet Camaro LT w/1LT

MSRP

$25,395

$25,305

$24,145

$25,700

Engine

2-L flat4

2L H4

3.7L V6

2L i4

Drivetrain

RWD

RWD

RWD

RWD

Transmission

6-speed manual

6-speed manual

6-speed manual

6-speed manual

Horsepower

200 hp

200 hp

300 hp

275 hp

Torque (lb.-ft)

151lb.-ft

151lb.-ft

280lb.-ft

295lb.-ft

0-60 MPH

6.4 sec

7.1 sec

5.2 sec

5.4 sec

Quarter mile

14.9 sec

15.4 sec

13.8 sec

14 sec

Top Speed (mph)

143 MPH

140 MPH

155 MPH

157 MPH

When compared to its rivals, the pony car, the 2016 Mustang, takes the pole position with 5.2 seconds to reach 60 mph, closely followed by the 2016 Challenger taking 5.4 seconds. The 2016 Scion FR-S shares a similar engine as the Subaru and both coupes fail to match the prowess of its competitors. The FR-S is the slowest vehicle in the segment taking 7.1 seconds in the acceleration test. Both the Ford and Dodge have the highest outputs in the segment, while the former leads in power-producing 300hp, the latter is the torquiest managing 295lb.-ft.

Fuel Economy
7.0/10

The 2016 Subaru BRZ is extremely conservative. It averages 22 MPG in the city, 30 MPG on the highway, and 25 MPG combined. With the available automatic transmission, efficiency further increases and by averaging 28 MPG, it assumes a prime position in the segment. It comes equipped with a standard 13.2-gallon fuel tank that when equated with the efficiency bestows a total range of 294 and 396 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

Models

Subaru BRZ Premium

Scion FRS Base 2dr

Ford Mustang V6 Coupe

Chevrolet Camaro LT w/1LT

MPG (city)

22

22

17

21

MPG (highway)

30

30

28

30

MPG (combined)

25

25

21

24

Fuel tank capacity (gal.)

13.2

13.2

16

19

Range (miles) (city/highway)

290/396 miles

290/396 miles

272/448 miles

399/570 miles

When compared to the competitors, the 2016 Scion FRS is similar to the BRZ. On the other hand, the 2016 Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro are marginally less efficient averaging 21 and 24 miles per gallon of fuel. However, they do feature larger fuel tanks. In the segment, it is the Chevrolet Camaro w/1LT that manages the highest range of 399 and 570 miles in the city and on the highway, respectively.

Interior
7.0/10

The 2016 Subaru BRZ's interiors are very simple without many fancy nit bits. Getting in and out feels slightly difficult but once inside, the seats are comfortable. The front seats are comfortable and roomy that can fit a 6ft person easily. However, it is the rear row that is a problem and feels constrained.

The interiors are not as stylish as some of its rivals but they provide enough comfort for a long drive. The cargo space is disappointingly small among its rivals and with a trunk volume of 6.9 cubic feet only, the rear seats are best used for cargo only.

Models

Subaru BRZ Premium

Scion FRS Base 2dr

Ford Mustang V6 Coupe

Chevrolet Camaro LT w/1LT

Passenger capacity

4

4

4

4

Front (head/shoulder/leg) (in.)

37.1/54.5/41.9

37.1/54.5/41.9

37.6/56.3/44.5

38.5/N/A/43.9

Second (head/shoulder/rear) (in.)

35/51.7/29.9

35/51.7/29.9

34.8/52.2/30.6

-/-/-

Cargo capacity (cu.-ft.)

6.9

6.9

13.5

9.1

Each coupe in the segment can seat four passengers only. While space upfront differs with each vehicle, a constrained rear seat that does compromise on head-, shoulder-, and legroom is a commonality amongst the competitors. But it is the Ford Mustang that provides maximum space to the driver and front passengers and also leads the segment in cargo capacity with a total trunk volume of 13.5 cubic feet, followed by the 2016 Camaro. The similarities between the 2016 FRS and 2016 BRZ also extend to its interior and cargo space.

Some of the salient interior features include:

  • Dual-zone Climate Control
  • Cloth/Suede/Leather Upholstery
  • Front Cupholders
  • Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel
  • Interior Air Filtration
  • Leather-wrapped Steering Wheel

How intuitive is the infotainment system of the 2016 Subaru BRZ?

Each trim of the Subaru BRZ comes equipped with the brand’s traditional Starlink 6.2-inch multimedia display screen. It is quick to respond and comes equipped with a large number of features as standard. On duty inside the cabin is an 8-speaker sound system and some other salient infotainment features include:

  • Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Pandora Internet Services
  • Voice Control
  • Navigation System
  • USB Connection
  • Auxiliary Audio Input

Exterior
8.0/10

With its aerodynamic exteriors and low stance, the BRZ looks way ahead of its time and places itself uniquely when on the road. All of its exterior features give the BRZ a very singular look and with the rear spoiler, the car becomes eye candy. It is immensely subtle in its design and reeks of innocence. It sits low from the ground at 4.9 inches to be precise and looks well-planted and like a proper sports coupe ready to prance.

Despite its smaller dimensions, it is an apt fit for the subcompact coupe segment. The 2016 Subaru BRZ weighs 2,764 lbs and is the lightest option on offer. It is the shortest in overall length and wheelbase, each measuring 166.7 and 101.2 inches, respectively. It is 69.9 inches wide and 50.6 inches tall.

Models

Subaru BRZ Premium

Scion FRS Base 2dr

Ford Mustang V6 Coupe

Chevrolet Camaro LT w/1LT

Curb Weight (lbs.)

2764

2758

3526

3685

Length (in.)

166.7

166.7

188.3

188.3

Width (in.)

69.9

69.9

75.4

74.7

Height (in.)

50.6

50.6

54.4

53.1

Ground clearance (in.)

4.9

4.9

5.9

3.5

Wheelbase (in)

101.2

101.2

107.1

110.7

There is very little to distinguish between the Subaru BRZ and Scion FRS as both share a similar skin. Both the 2016 Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro are larger coupes and share a similar length of 188.3 inches. While the latter sports a longer wheelbase of 110.7 inches, the former is wider and taller and has a better ground clearance of 5.9 inches.

Some of the salient exterior features include:

  • LED head and taillamps
  • Rear Spoiler
  • LED Fog Lamps
  • Rear Bumper with integrated diffuser
  • Black/Chrome Fender trim

Safety
8.0/10

The 2016 BRZ comes with a host of safety features. It has been tested by both the NHTSA and IIHS and scores top-notch ratings all across. It comes equipped with standard features like brake assist, 4-wheel ABS, and side-impact beams. Some of the other standout safety features include:

  • Antitheft security system
  • Vehicle stability control
  • Traction control system
  • Electronic Brake-force Distribution
  • Subaru advanced frontal airbag system with driver's and front passenger's front airbags
  • Rearview Camera

Final Verdict

The 2016 Subaru BRZ is a budget car. It adds a plethora of standard features that ease usability and add practicality to the ride. It is ideal for an amateur rider as it cohesively unifies power, a likable design, and an ergonomic cabin with affordability. It is a definite buy for those who are looking for something sporty without

Trims

    Premium
    $25,395 onwards
    • 17-inch machined aluminum Wheels
    • 1St row LCD monitor
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Manual front air conditioning
    Limited
    $27,395 onwards
    • Eight-inch touch infotainment display
    • Rear cupholders
    • Seven-inch touch infotainment display
    • Sport mesh grille
    HyperBlue Series
    $27,690 onwards
    • 17-inch black aluminum Wheels

Compare to similar cars

Price

$25,395- $28,495

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

7.59

Horsepower

200 hp @ 7000 rpm

Torque

151 lb.-ft. @ 6400 rpm

Capacity

4

Read Review

$41,650- $58,950

Gasoline

8.93

240 hp @ 5000 rpm

255 lb.-ft. @ 1250 rpm

4

Read Review

$32,850- $50,750

Gasoline

9.26

240 hp @ 5000 rpm

255 lb.-ft. @ 1450 rpm

4

Read Review

$25,700- $48,300

Gasoline

8.37

275 hp @ 5600 rpm

295 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm

4

Read Review

$87,895- $118,795

Gasoline

7.12

645 hp @ 6200 rpm

600 lb.-ft. @ 5000 rpm

2

Read Review

$26,995- $65,945

Gasoline

8.24

305 hp @ 6350 rpm

268 lb.-ft. @ 4800 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,145- $41,895

Gasoline

8.54

300 hp @ 6500 rpm

280 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

4

Read Review

$29,990- $49,400

Gasoline

7.82

332 hp @ 7000 rpm

270 lb.-ft. @ 5200 rpm

2

Read Review

$25,305- $30,610

Gasoline

7.47

200 hp @ 7000 rpm

151 lb.-ft. @ 6600 rpm

4

Read Review

2016 Subaru BRZ vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    6.8 sec-143 mph
    3.3 sec11.2 sec-
    5 sec13.4 sec-
    5.4 sec14.1 sec130 mph
    5.4 sec13.6 sec-
    5.5 sec14.1 sec142 mph

    2016 Subaru BRZ vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      22 mpg30 mpg25 mpg13.2 gal.290.4/396 mi.
      22 mpg35 mpg27 mpg13.7 gal.315.1/479.5 mi.
      22 mpg35 mpg27 mpg15.8 gal.363.4/553 mi.
      22 mpg30 mpg25 mpg13.2 gal.290.4/396 mi.
      22 mpg30 mpg24 mpg19 gal.399/570 mi.
      19 mpg30 mpg23 mpg18.5 gal.351.5/555 mi.

      2016 Subaru BRZ vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        166.7 in.69.9 in.50.6 in.4.9 in.101.2 in.
        197.9 in.75.7 in.57.5 in.5.2 in.116.2 in.
        188.3 in.75.4 in.54.4 in.5 in.107.1 in.
        188.3 in.74.7 in.53.1 in.4 in.110.7 in.
        182.6 in.71.9 in.54.2 in.5.1 in.110.6 in.
        175.7 in.76.4 in.49.1 in.5 in.98.8 in.

        2016 Subaru BRZ vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          6.9 cu.ft.76.5 cu.ft.147 cu.ft.
          13.5 cu.ft.84.5 cu.ft.65.5 cu.ft.
          9.1 cu.ft.81.4 cu.ft.7.1 cu.ft.
          16.2 cu.ft.93.9 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.
          13.8 cu.ft.125.3 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.
          11 cu.ft.125.3 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.

          2016 Subaru BRZ vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            147 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.147 cu.ft.-
            57.5 cu.ft.13.8 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.98 ft.
            14.5 cu.ft.6.9 cu.ft.14.5 cu.ft.-
            81.4 cu.ft.9.1 cu.ft.7.1 cu.ft.121 ft.
            83.1 cu.ft.13.5 cu.ft.65.5 cu.ft.-
            41 cu.ft.11 cu.ft.57.5 cu.ft.76 ft.

            2016 Subaru BRZ vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              --2764 lbs.
              1000 lbs.-3834 lbs.
              --3526 lbs.
              --3316 lbs.
              --2758 lbs.
              -785 lbs.3300 lbs.

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