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2022 Subaru BRZ - Review by Larry Nutson


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Simplicity and fun

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
THE AUTO CHANNEL


Recently I had the rare experience to drive two very different sports cars within a couple weeks for each other. A near perfect back-to-back test.

Although it was winter I had been spending time in the more moderate climate of coastal Southeastern U.S. where weather conditions, less dense traffic and open roads make for very good driving. 

The first of my two sport car drives was in a 2022 Corvette Stingray Z51. Its very brutish 495-hp will get you to 60 mph in less than three seconds. The mid-engine Stingray is a two-seater with no interior space behind the seats. Two trunks, one in front and one behind the mid-mounted engine/transmission provide space for carrying things. Yes, the Corvette is very cool and treads in the supercar space.

What driving the Corvette did for me was to bring into the forefront the “adjustments” one needs to make in order to use a sports car as your daily driver.


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When I got into the 2022 Subaru BRZ with its 2+2 seating, a traditional rear trunk, and 228-hp I quickly began comparing it to my Corvette experience.

The all-new, rear-wheel drive 2022 Subaru BRZ is an affordable 2+2 with a freshly styled low and sleek body design. New design vehicles these days are benefiting from a wide choice of steel types to provide both increased safety and increased torsional stiffness that enhances ride, handling and overall driving comfort.

The BRZ has low vehicle weight with an ultra-low center of gravity that provides precision steering and handling. Under the hood is a 228-hp “BOXER” 2.4-L 4-cylinder. There’s either a standard equipped 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission or an optional 6-speed automatic to choose.

Aluminum roof, front fenders and hood help give the BRZ an estimated curb weight of just under 2,900 lbs. The light weight BRZ responds well when you push the throttle making use of the 228 horsepower and good bottom-end torque as you reach for the 7,000 RPM redline.

Subaru says the BRZ is lightest rear-wheel drive 2+2 production sports car in U.S. market.


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Entry and exit takes some dexterity and limberness to slide down and low into the seats. My wife and I found the deeply contoured bucket seats nicely supportive and comfortable. The rear seats are actually only suitable for young ones. However, they fold flat for carrying cargo. I found the rear seats very useful for bags of groceries, adult beverages and the like. The trunk easily accommodates two roll-aboard suitcases and is a nice place for your dry cleaning to lie flat.

The cabin design is contemporary and modular with an 8-inch infotainment touch screen located in the center stack. It features the latest SUBARU STARLINK multimedia systems, including standard smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, rear vision camera and SiriusXM service


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The 2022 BRZ is offered in both Premium and Limited trims. Limited trims feature telematics and vehicles equipped with the six-speed automatic transmission also feature Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. More details can be found at www.subau.com.

The BRZ was named Edmunds Top Rated Sports Car for 2022 and was included as a top vehicle in the Car and Driver 2022 10Best list. The 2022 BRZ has a starting price of $27,995 for the Premium. The Limited is priced at $30,495. The Limited features Leather/Ultrasuede-trimmed upholstery, 18-inch alloy wheels, Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, heated front seats, and LED Steering Responsive Headlights. Destination charge for both models is $995.


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True sports car looks and performance are what the BRZ is all about. It’s easy to live with since it has a decent amount of practicality. Plus, it won’t kill your bank account. Living with the BRZ in winter might present a challenge. In moderate-snow regions a good set of winter tires could make for year round driving.

Of note, Subaru co-developed the BRZ with Toyota, with their version badged as the GR 86. Jointly the two cars, Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR 86, are among three finalists to be named World Performance Car of the Year.

Subaru has received two awards in the 2022 Kelley Blue Book (KBB) Brand Image Awards. Subaru of America is named the most trusted brand and the best performance brand by KBB.

Happy motoring!

© 2022 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy