The highly anticipated second-generation Subaru BRZ is finally here. It's a fresh take on Subaru's compact sports car recipe, but it doesn't stray too far from the old idea. It's only slightly heavier, notably more powerful, and packs more technology than ever. Is it a big improvement over the outgoing model? Let's find out.

The 2022 Subaru BRZ looks sharper, more aggressive

The second-generation BRZ is obviously a redesign styling-wise, but it remains a familiar sight. It sports the same proportions and classic sports car appearance with the long hood, rearward cabin, short rear deck, and sloping roofline. The layout remains familiar up front too, with a big grille in the bumper and headlamps mounted high in the fascia. However, both the headlamps and the nose are sharper than before, while the grille is mounted lower for a more aggressive look. The grille is flanked by new, vertical side vents, while the splitter below is sportier than before.

The front fenders aren't as muscular as the previous model, but the BRZ now boasts heavily sculpted side skirts highlighted by a character line that descends from the vertical vents mounted in the front fenders. The shape of the roof and the rear fenders seem about the same, although the latter appears to be a tad wider.

The rear fascia sports more significant changes, starting with a rather big spoiler integrated into the trunk lid. The taillights are slimmer and sharper and no longer protrude into the trunk lid, but that's only because the opening is smaller, which means a decreased loading area. The fascia is cleaner because Subaru moved the license plate recess into the bumper, but the latter looks more aggressive thanks to a new diffuser-like element that extends upward on each side of the plate.

The new BRZ features front fenders, front hood, and roof section made of aluminum to keep weight down. Size-wise, there are marginal changes, as the new BRZ is just over an inch longer and almost a half-inch lower than the outgoing model.

The 2022 Subaru BRZ boasts a fresh but still spartan interior

The interior layout of the 2022 BRZ is brand-new, but Subaru retained the simple and clean configuration of the first-gen model. The dashboard is as simple as they get on the passenger side, while the center stack is impressively clean with just an eight-inch infotainment display in the middle and A/C controls below. The screen is somewhat small for current standards but fitting for a no-frills sports car. The steering wheel seems identical to the old model, but a seven-inch display has replaced the analog instrument cluster behind it. When driven in Track mode, the screen shifts to linear graphics.

The eight-inch infotainment comes with the latest Subaru Starlink multimedia system, as well as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can order optional telematics while equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission also feature EyeSight Driver Assist Technology.

The BRZ is equipped with sporty front seats that offer plenty of lateral support for spirited driving. The seats can be ordered with contrast stitching and piping, like the red over black model showcased here. The rear seats are notably smaller, like in a Porsche 911, more suitable for small adults and children. The rear seats are foldable in order to create a bigger cargo area. Subaru says the BRZ can carry a mountain bike or even four race tires and tools for a day at the track.

The 2022 Subaru BRZ features a new boxer engine with extra oomph

Since its introduction in 2012, the Subaru BRZ has been powered by a 2.0-liter flat-four engine. The second-gen BRZ retains the naturally aspirated boxer layout, but displacement has been increased to 2.4 liters. This is actually a brand-new engine for the BRZ, and it packs more punch than the old unit. Specifically, it cranks out 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque, which is an increase of 23 horses and 28 pound-feet over the previous BRZ. The new engine also redlines at 7,000 rpm.

Power goes to the wheels through a six-speed manual transmission as standard, but you can also opt for a six-speed automatic. The latter comes with a new Sport mode for aggressive driving. The fact that the new BRZ boasts a 50 percent increase in torsional stiffness is also good news for track fun.

The second-gen BRZ tips the scales at 2,815 pounds in its lightest iteration, while the automatic version can weigh as much as 2,881 pounds. The manual version is only 17 pounds heavier than the outgoing model, which translates into a slightly better power to weight ratio given the extra power and torque.

The BRZ also features a revised suspension system with struts and coil springs in the front and a double-wishbone layout in the rear. The standard Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) traction and stability system includes five different settings and now allows more input from the driver before it activates the traction system.

2022 Subaru BRZ specifications

Is Toyota also launching a second-generation 86?

Yes, the partnership between Toyota and Subaru in this project continues, so the BRZ will be followed by a second-gen 86 model. The 86 will be identical to the BRZ in every aspect, save for the badges and some trim inside the cabin. The chassis setup could also be different, but don't expect massive changes.