The Subaru BRZ has long been a favorite among driving enthusiasts. Known for its affordability, rear-wheel-drive layout, and exceptional handling, the BRZ has earned a reputation as one of the most engaging and fun-to-drive sports cars on the market. However, the upcoming 2025 Subaru BRZ has sparked a debate among car enthusiasts and industry experts, as the model’s price has surged significantly—despite the absence of any major improvements or groundbreaking upgrades.
The BRZ’s price hike has left many potential buyers and fans of the car scratching their heads, wondering why Subaru is charging more for what appears to be a largely unchanged vehicle. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons behind the price increase, analyze whether it is justified, and delve into the broader context of how rising car prices are affecting the sports car market as a whole.
A Brief History of the Subaru BRZ: Affordable Fun
When the Subaru BRZ was first introduced in 2012, it was heralded as a breath of fresh air in a market that seemed to be moving away from lightweight, affordable sports cars. Developed in partnership with Toyota, the BRZ and its sibling, the Toyota 86 (formerly known as the Scion FR-S in the U.S.), were designed with one goal in mind: to deliver a pure, driver-focused experience.
Unlike many modern sports cars that are loaded with excessive technology and luxury features, the BRZ embraced simplicity. It featured a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter flat-four engine, rear-wheel drive, and a low curb weight, making it an ideal choice for driving enthusiasts who valued balance and precision over brute power. The car’s nimble handling, playful character, and relatively low price tag made it an instant hit.
Over the years, Subaru made incremental improvements to the BRZ, such as increasing the engine’s power output and refining the interior. However, the car has remained true to its roots as a lightweight, affordable sports car. But with the release of the 2025 model, the BRZ’s price has climbed to a level that leaves many wondering if the value proposition is still there.
The 2025 Subaru BRZ: What Has Changed?
At first glance, the 2025 Subaru BRZ looks very similar to the previous model, which was redesigned in 2022. The sleek, low-slung coupe retains its attractive proportions and sporty stance, and the overall design is instantly recognizable as a BRZ. Under the hood, the 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine remains, producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque—adequate for a car that weighs just over 2,800 pounds.
So, what exactly has changed for 2025? Here’s a rundown of the key features and updates:
1. No Significant Performance Upgrades
One of the most significant complaints about the 2025 Subaru BRZ is the lack of any meaningful performance upgrades. The car still features the same 2.4-liter engine that debuted with the 2022 redesign, and there are no changes to the powertrain, transmission options, or suspension setup. While the BRZ remains a capable and engaging car to drive, it’s difficult to justify a price increase without any enhancements to the core driving experience.
2. Slight Interior Refinements
Inside the 2025 BRZ, buyers will find a few subtle improvements, such as updated materials and minor tweaks to the infotainment system. While the interior of the BRZ has always been functional and driver-focused, it’s not exactly a luxury space. The materials are mostly hard plastics, and while the seats are comfortable and supportive, the cabin lacks the premium feel that some competitors offer. The 2025 model includes a new digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, but these updates are relatively minor compared to the price hike.
3. Standard Safety Features
One area where the 2025 BRZ has seen some improvements is in safety. Subaru has made several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) standard on the new model, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and adaptive cruise control. While these features are certainly welcome additions, they are becoming increasingly common across the automotive industry, even in more affordable vehicles. As such, they don’t fully explain the significant price increase.
4. Inflation and Supply Chain Issues
It’s impossible to discuss rising car prices without acknowledging the broader economic factors at play. The automotive industry has been dealing with supply chain disruptions, semiconductor shortages, and inflationary pressures since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. These challenges have led to higher production costs for manufacturers, and many automakers have passed these costs on to consumers. However, while these factors may explain part of the price increase, they don’t account for the lack of substantial improvements in the 2025 BRZ.
How Much More Expensive Is the 2025 BRZ?
The price increase for the 2025 Subaru BRZ is not insignificant. The base model now starts at around $31,000, while higher trims, such as the BRZ Limited with additional features and options, can easily exceed $35,000. For comparison, the 2022 BRZ started at around $28,000, meaning that the price has increased by several thousand dollars in just a few years—despite the fact that the car’s fundamental design and performance remain largely unchanged.
For some context, the starting price for the 2025 BRZ is now closer to that of the Ford Mustang EcoBoost and the Mazda MX-5 Miata, both of which are also popular choices among driving enthusiasts. The Mustang offers more power and a broader range of configurations, while the Miata provides an open-top driving experience that the BRZ can’t match. This puts the BRZ in a more competitive position, where buyers may start to question whether it offers the best value for their money.
Is the Price Increase Justified?
The key question that many potential buyers are asking is whether the price increase for the 2025 BRZ is justified. After all, sports cars are often purchased not for their practicality, but for the emotional connection they provide to driving. The BRZ has always excelled in this regard, delivering a pure and engaging driving experience that’s hard to match at its price point.
However, without significant performance upgrades or new features, the 2025 BRZ may struggle to justify its higher price tag, especially when compared to its competitors. The car remains fun to drive, but buyers may start to wonder why they should pay more for what is essentially the same vehicle as before.
There are a few factors that could influence the perception of value for the 2025 BRZ:
1. Enthusiast Appeal
For many driving enthusiasts, the Subaru BRZ is more than just a car—it’s a passion project. The BRZ has a dedicated fan base that appreciates its lightweight design, rear-wheel-drive layout, and engaging handling characteristics. For these buyers, the price increase may be less of an issue, as they prioritize the driving experience over the cost. However, for those who are more budget-conscious, the higher price may push them toward other options.
2. Rising Costs Across the Industry
It’s important to note that the BRZ is not the only vehicle experiencing price increases. The entire automotive industry has seen rising prices due to inflation, supply chain issues, and increased demand for new cars. In this context, the BRZ’s price hike may not seem as egregious, but it still raises questions about whether the car offers the same level of value as it once did.
3. Resale Value and Long-Term Ownership
One factor that could work in the BRZ’s favor is its strong resale value. Sports cars like the BRZ tend to hold their value relatively well, especially when they are well-maintained. For buyers who plan to keep the car for several years and eventually sell it, the initial price increase may be offset by the car’s long-term value retention.
The Broader Context: Rising Car Prices in the Sports Car Segment
The 2025 Subaru BRZ’s price increase is part of a larger trend in the sports car segment. As automakers face rising production costs and increasingly stringent emissions regulations, the cost of building performance-oriented vehicles has gone up. At the same time, consumer demand for sports cars has remained relatively stable, which allows manufacturers to charge a premium for vehicles that offer an engaging driving experience.
However, the sports car market is also facing new challenges. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more prominent, and while most EVs are focused on efficiency and range, there is a growing number of performance-oriented EVs hitting the market. Tesla’s Model 3 Performance, for example, offers blistering acceleration and a high-tech driving experience, albeit at a higher price point than the BRZ. As EV technology continues to evolve, it’s possible that more affordable performance EVs could start to encroach on the territory currently occupied by traditional sports cars like the BRZ.
Conclusion: A Pricey Dilemma for the 2025 Subaru BRZ
The 2025 Subaru BRZ remains a fantastic sports car that delivers an engaging and enjoyable driving experience. Its lightweight design, rear-wheel-drive layout, and sharp handling make it a favorite among enthusiasts. However, the significant price increase for the 2025 model has raised eyebrows, especially given the lack of substantial improvements or new features.
While some buyers may be willing to pay a premium for the BRZ’s driving dynamics and enthusiast appeal, others may start to question whether the car still offers the same level of value that it once did. In a market where rising prices are becoming the norm, the 2025 Subaru BRZ’s price surge serves as a reminder that the cost of fun is going up—and buyers will need to decide if it’s worth the extra expense.