In a world where performance is increasingly filtered through screens, modes, and algorithms, the 2025 Subaru BRZ tS stands out like a sharp-edged relic from a purer time. This is Subaru’s most track-focused BRZ yet, sharpened with Brembo brakes, Hitachi-Astemo suspension and Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires. At $39,290 CAD, it promises to be one of the last affordable rear-wheel drive, manual-only sports cars on the market.
The question is: does it deliver the raw, connected experience enthusiasts crave?
Performance & Driving Dynamics
At the heart of the BRZ tS is Subaru’s 2.4-litre naturally aspirated BOXER engine, producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. No turbochargers here, and that’s deliberate. This is an engine that rewards commitment. The 7,000 rpm redline demands that you chase it high into the rev range, and when you do it responds with urgency that feels visceral rather than filtered.
The close-ratio 6-speed manual is a joy in itself: mechanical, deliberate and wonderfully analog. In an era of dual-clutch automatics, this gearbox reminds you why rowing your own gears is more than nostalgia; it’s pure engagement.
The tS-exclusive suspension upgrades transform the car. With Hitachi-Astemo front dampers and re-tuned rears, plus the sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4s, turn-in feels razor sharp. The BRZ communicates through every corner – weight shifts, grip limits, even imperfections in the road surface. It isn’t about brute force, it’s about precision.
And when it’s time to slow things down, the Brembo high-performance brakes bite hard and stay consistent, even after repeated stops.
Exterior
The 2025 BRZ tS wears its design with confidence. Compact and low-slung, it looks every bit the classic sports coupe without screaming for attention. Subaru has avoided the over-styled aggression that plagues many modern performance cars, and the result is a design that feels purposeful rather than pretentious. Sharp creases along the body, athletic proportions, and those distinctive, angular taillights give it a planted, ready-to-pounce stance. It’s clean, cohesive and unmistakably sporty. This is a car that turns heads not through flash, but through balance and restraint. I tip my hat to the designers – well done, chef’s kiss.
Interior Comfort & Tech
Step inside and the BRZ tS keeps its priorities straight. This is a driver-first cockpit, but one that still makes sense for everyday use with features like heated front seats that are especially welcome on chilly Canadian mornings. Meanwhile, the dual-zone automatic climate control ensures a perfect cabin environment for everyone.
The fit and finish of the car itself is a little noisy; a little more noise insulation would be nice. However, the 8-inch infotainment system supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a premium 8-speaker system and amplifier that delivers a surprisingly rich sound.
As for the rear seats, they’re best reserved for kids, bags, or folded down to expand the 201-litre trunk. Realistically, no adult over five feet tall will last long back there. The finishings are a step up from earlier BRZ models, though the cabin doesn’t aim for luxury.
Safety & Driver Assist
Here’s where Subaru breaks new ground. For the first time, EyeSight driver assist is available with the manual transmission. That means adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking – even in a car built for track days.
Add Rear/Side Vehicle Detection for blind spots and rear cross-traffic, and you’ve got peace of mind for daily driving. Meanwhile, multi-mode Vehicle Dynamics Control with Track Mode gives you the choice: safety net on, or loosened reins for spirited driving.
And, yes, it has a proper handbrake. For those who know, that matters.
Fuel Economy & Daily Usability
For a performance-focused coupe, the BRZ tS remains reasonably fuel-efficient. It achieves 10.5L/100 km combined with 12.0 L/100 km in the city and 8.8 L/100 km on the highway. The Subaru BRZ also requires premium unleaded gasoline (with an octane rating of 91 or higher) to maintain its peak performance.
Price, Value & Verdict
With a base MSRP of $37,195 CAD plus $2,095 freight and PDI, the total comes to $39,290. For that price, you’re getting rear-wheel drive purity, track-ready Brembo brakes with suspension tuning, a premium audio system paired with modern tech, and the reliability and safety Subaru is known for.
That’s strong value for what may be one of the last truly analog sports cars available under $40K.
Competitors: GR86, MX-5, Civic Type R
Toyota GR86: Mechanically identical but lacks the tS’s Brembo brakes and chassis upgrades. Subaru edges it here.
Mazda MX-5: Lighter and more playful, but far less practical. The BRZ’s rear seats and trunk give it the edge in versatility.
Honda Civic Type R: Quicker, more refined, but front-wheel drive. A different kind of thrill.
The BRZ tS doesn’t try to beat these cars in straight-line numbers. Instead, it doubles down on purity, balance and connection.
Final Word
The highs are precisely what you’d expect from a true sports car: sharp handling, steering that actually communicates, and just enough power to keep things exciting. The lows? Some interior materials still feel a bit budget, the cabin can get noisy, and the back seat is more of a package shelf than a place for passengers.
The 2025 Subaru BRZ tS is not a car for everyone, and that’s its genius. It’s a love letter to driving, built for those who still believe in manuals, cornering feel and the art of driving over the science of speed. If you get it, you get it. And if you do, this might be the most rewarding $39K you’ll ever spend.
Kay Layne is a dynamic automotive journalist with a passion for anything with a motor and wheels. Known for her sharp insights and compelling storytelling, she covers everything from industry news and vehicle reviews to the intersection of technology, policy and design. With a background in broadcast journalism, Kay wishes to bring a fresh voice to the world of automotive media. Her website is itskaylayne.com and her email address is [email protected].
