The Subaru BRZ enters its second generation with a total redesign similar to what we have seen with its brother from another mother, the GR 86. They share the same heart and behave almost similarly but to find out which is better, make sure to stick around this in-depth review of the new 2022 Subaru BRZ.

Overview.

The BRZ has always been fun to drive coupe, and the second-gen model that launches for 2022 takes that to the next level. The new BRZ gets a ton of improvements but has the same flow of emotions once you get behind the wheel. Apart from the striking exterior and interior updates, there’s an all-new 2.4-liter engine which is slightly bigger than the engine it replaces and makes more power now. Thankfully, the new BRZ gets a rear-wheel drivetrain and you can choose between manual or automatic transmission. The safety-tech gets an update too and now it gets almost all the driver assistance features as standard. Overall, the 2022 Subaru BRZ brings many improvements, and with a starting price of $28,955, it is not only affordable but also appealing in a lot of ways.

Trims and Features.

The all-new 2022 Subaru BRZ will be available in two trims: Premium and Limited. Both the trims will feature the same engine with identical power figures, rear-wheel drive, and a limited rear-slip differential as standard. However, you can choose between a six-speed manual and a six-speed automatic.The base Premium trim will be priced at $28,955 and packs a whole lot of features like :

-* A 7-inch fully digital driver information display with an 8-inch touch-sensitive infotainment display.

-* Dual-zone automatic climate control.

-* A 6-speaker audio system.

-* A set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

-* A leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

-* Soft-touch door trims and dashboard.

Opting for the automatic transmission cost’s you an extra $1,600, but adds a couple of advanced safety features like forward and reverse sensing automated braking assist, adaptive cruise control, and high beam assist. The higher Limited trim is priced $2,500 higher than the Premium and boasts a few important features like heated front seats, an 8-speaker audio unit, and a few more extras.

2022 Subaru BRZ Trims And Features

Exterior: An age ahead.

Since its first launch back in 2012, the BRZ did not have any major exterior updates and the patience has led us to the newly designed BRZ which, not only looks sharp but also retains its heritage. The front gets newly designed all-LED headlights similar to the GR 86 and a lowered and widened intake grille that empowers its sharp looks. The body is about an inch longer and half an inch lower than its previous generation. It also has active side vents in the front and rear of the wheel arches for better brake cooling and aerodynamics.

The rear gets sharp LED taillights, complementing the front design. The rear spoiler and the quad exhaust system coupled with a large fender give the rear a low and powerful stance. The extensive use of aluminum on the exterior has reduced the curb weight, and now it weighs 2,815 pounds for the base trim with a manual transmission. The overall dimensions have a slighty increase over the earlier generation.

2022 Subaru BRZ Exterior Dimensions

Interior Attributes.

The redesigned interior looks and feels great, to be honest, and Subaru made sure to keep a minimalistic design with no overworking going on like some German coupes. The front has noticeable changes with a reworked dashboard, an 8.0-inch touchscreen display in the center, and the new full digital 7.0-inch driver information display as standard. The contemporary styling elements like the circular air vents on the sides and the rectangular ones on the middle retain the BRZ’s heritage. The steering wheel comes wrapped in leather along with the shift knob, has buttons to control the infotainment system, the digital instrument panel, and summon cruise control.

Coming to seats, they are cloth-covered as standard and offer manual adjustability for the front bucket seats. The Limited trim gets heated seats with leather upholstery. The driver-focused cabin offers good comfort and enough features to get you going. The front row has good legroom to offer comfy drives to the driver and passenger beside him. The rear seats are not for adults and can fit up to two minors or you can fold them to expand the cargo capacity. So in terms of practicality, you are pretty sorted - at least for two people, anyway. Main interior highlights include:

-* Dual-zone automatic climate control.

-* Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

-* 7.0-inch fully digital instrument panel.

-* Leather upholstery with manual adjustability.

-* Heated front seats.

2022 Subaru BRZ Interior Dimensions

The interior upgrades extend to the infotainment system too with a new 8.0-inch touchscreen display and the updated SUBARU STARLINK system which is very intuitive. The system comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard. Other features include a rear parking camera, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, and a 6-speaker audio system. A few of the important infotainment features of the 2022 Subaru BRZ are as follows:

-* 8.0-inch touchscreen display with SUBARU STARLINK system.

-* Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.

-* SiriusXM.

-* Rear parking camera.

-* 6 or 8-speaker audio unit.

-* Bluetooth connectivity.

Performance and Handling.

Replacing the earlier 2.0-liter engine, the new 2.4-liter Flat-4 makes its way to the new BRZ. It puts out 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque which is about 23 horsepower and 28 pound-feet more than the outgoing generation.

However, it is still a rear-wheel-drive coupe with a 6-speed manual transmission as standard. An optional 6-automatic transmission is available with paddle-shifter at $1,600 extra. In real-world performance, the new BRZ is expected to perform well with a knot to 60 timing of 5.8-7.0 seconds and a standing quarter-mile in about 14.3-15.3 seconds. The top speed is set to 140 miles per hour. The new engine feels decently refined and lively as you rev it hard but the lack of turbochargers may rub some the wrong way.

Besides the engine upgrade, the handling is improved too. Thanks to its re-tuned chassis and suspension. The front has the MacPherson custom-tuned struts for better cornering and straight-line stability. The rear has a double-fishbone setup that does a good job of dealing with speed breakers. The steering feels accurate with enough feedback on offer and does a great job in holding higher speeds while cornering with the help of stiffer suspension and rear LSD. The brakes are prompt when sensing input but lag a bit while hard braking.

2022 Subaru BRZ Performance Stats

Fuel Economy.

As of now, the efficiency figures are not yet out but it is expected that the new BRZ should be delivering around 22-25 miles per gallon in the city and a slightly higher at 27-30 miles per gallon on the highways. The combined economy would be somewhere around 20-22 miles per gallon and given a decently sized 13.2-gallon gas tank, the range would be 280 miles give or take.

2022 Subaru BRZ Expected Fuel Economy

Safety Convenience.

Subaru did not compromise on the safety front and has offered the in-house safety suite, EyeSight. Some safety features are only available with the automatic transmission, though. That said, a sturdy chassis with stronger body panels make the new BRZ stronger than the older generation. The full list of safety features include:

-* Blindspot-monitoring.

-* Lane-keeping assist.

-* Rear-view camera.

-* Rear cross-traffic alert.

-* Forward and reverse sensing automated braking assist. (automatic)

-* High-beam assist. (automatic)

-* Adaptive cruise control. (automatic)

Can the 2022 Subaru BRZ retain its existence in the US?

The earlier BRZ was a great car but it lost its charm with time as the company did not make it exciting for the present-day standards. The new 2022 BRZ is a much-awaited breakthrough in Subaru’s journey and offers great value for money. In case you are confused with the GR 86, the BRZ is a tad better in the handling aspects but the Toyota offers a few extra safety features with the automatic variants.