2014 Subaru BRZ Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Following its introduction in 2013, the award-winning Subaru BRZ rolls into 2014 essentially unchanged, although with a full head of steam behind it. Breaking out of the typical Subaru all-wheel-drive (AWD) family-friendly wagon profile, the BRZ 2-door sport coupe represents the automaker's willingness to take on high-profile street racers from Asia and Europe, and by most accounts it easily runs with the pack. Combining a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) platform, a 200-hp Boxer-style engine, seating for 4 and stylish exterior sheetmetal, the BRZ hits all the right notes. Add in decent fuel economy numbers of up to 34 mpg, a well-equipped interior and cargo versatility, and it's easy to see why the BRZ has become a strong seller for Subaru right out of the gate.
For 2014, the only update comes in the form of a new infotainment feature called Aha, which enables owners to integrate their smartphones with the BRZ's voice-activated GPS navigation system, which comes standard. Using the system, owners can access news, podcasts and social media networks through the car's radio. Subaru also boosts the 2014 BRZ's pricing by a relatively modest $100 over the previous year. As in its inaugural year, the BRZ comes again in Premium and Limited trim levels.
When it comes to its street cred, the BRZ has a lot going for it, starting with its low weight and low center of gravity, which give it that toss-about ability. At just 2,762 pounds, the BRZ weighs more than the Mazda Miata MX-5 (2,480 pounds) but less than competitors like the Hyundai Genesis Coupe (3,362) and the Honda Civic Si Coupe (2,943). The low-slung BRZ also sits close to the ground, with a center of gravity at 18.1 inches, besting such sport racers as the Porsche Cayman, the Ferrari 458 Italia and the BMW M3. The BRZ's low swept-back roofline, prominent front fenders, short overhangs and muscular rear haunches all combine to give it a lean, aerodynamic shape that helps it cut through the wind while staying firmly planted to the ground. HID headlights and daytime running lights come standard on both trims, while the Limited also gets foglights, heated side mirrors and a rear spoiler.
Some may say the BRZ's 200-hp engine isn't worth boasting about, especially when compared to the heavier Genesis Coupe's 274 hp, but it compares favorably to the Si's 201 hp and the Miata MX-5's 167 hp. The BRZ's 2.0-liter naturally aspirated aluminum-alloy 4-cylinder engine sits horizontally opposed and spits out 150 lb-ft of torque at a relatively low 2,800 rpm, which stays nearly flat up to 7,000. In its standard configuration, the engine links to a 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, although owners can opt for a 6-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode and paddle shifters in the Limited trim. Testers say both are big improvements over the typical Subaru shifters, and Subaru claims it changed 80 percent of the transmission architecture to improve feel and gear selection. However, some critics complain of a light pedal feel. With the manual shifter, the BRZ zooms to 60 mph in just 6 seconds, and it takes an extra second or two to reach that speed with the automatic. Fuel economy numbers check in at 22 mpg city/30 highway with the manual and 25/34 with the automatic. The engine requires premium fuel.
The BRZ's RWD platform helps it deliver that race-car feel, so it can run with the big dogs. The 4-wheel independent sport-tuned suspension features a strut-type front setup with a stabilizer bar and a double-wishbone configuration in the rear. A Torsen limited-slip rear differential also comes standard on both trims, helping to improve stability, although some testers have noted a bit of understeer at times. The automaker equips the BRZ with electric power-assisted steering rather than a hydraulic setup, but the system feels tight and responsive, due in part to the tiny 14.4-inch steering wheel, which makes it fun to whip the vehicle around. Dual-piston calipers up front help provide stopping power, while 17-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with high-performance tires on both trims ensure plenty of road grip.
Inside, the BRZ offers limited space, due in part to its short 101-inch wheelbase. Passenger volume measures just 76.5 cubic feet, for instance, which compares to the Civic Si's 82.6 cubic feet. Cargo space in the trunk checks in at 6.9 cubic feet, which is somewhat better than the Miata MX-5's minuscule 5.3 cubic feet, but still nothing to brag about. The BRZ seats 4 passengers in a 2+2 arrangement, though most reviewers say the rear seat remains tight for adults. However, the front seats are comfortable and supportive with good bolstering, and should provide enough legroom and headroom for most passengers.
As a big plus, the BRZ comes better equipped than many of its competitors. In addition to standard navigation with a 6.1-inch color touchscreen, the entry-level Premium trim includes such features as a leather-wrapped 3-spoke steering wheel with cruise controls and red stitching, a leather-wrapped shift knob, air conditioning, keyless entry and an 8-speaker audio system with HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, a USB port and XM NavTraffic, in addition to Bluetooth and the new Aha infotainment system. Cloth upholstery, manually adjustable front seats and a 65/35-split flat-folding rear seatback also come standard on the Premium. The Limited adds such features as leather seat bolsters and Alcantara inserts, heated front seats, silver metallic accent trim, keyless start and dual-zone automatic climate control. Both trims get sport-design gauges with a center-mounted analog tachometer, a multifunction display for vehicle information and a driver-oriented cabin with nicely textured plastics.
Safety features include a full range of airbags, including side-curtain airbags, as well as vehicle stability control and 4-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist. The IIHS named the 2013 BRZ a Top Safety Pick, which should carry over to 2014.
User reviews for 2014 Subaru BRZ
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Luis L
Sep 15, 2022
Its OK. Not great but ok. I think one can find something better. But its okSep 15, 2022
by Stephanie R
Apr 09, 2022
Pretty great gas mileage for being this type of car. It looks good and when the back seats are down has quite a bit of room. I do wish it was front wheel drive though. But overall driving is good and rwd works for the type of car it is so it’s overall a pretty decent vehicle.Apr 09, 2022
by Melanie N
Oct 24, 2020
Loved it! Test drove excellent and we want it.Oct 24, 2020
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2014 Subaru BRZ Pricing
Original MSRP
$25,595 to $27,595Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Single front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 195 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Easy entry: manual driver and passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact absorbing seats: dual front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 15
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 195 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.6 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Door sill trim: aluminum · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: aluminum · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Easy entry: manual driver and passenger seat · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Manual adjustments: 6
Drivetrain
Axle ratio: 4.10 · Limited slip differential: rear
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: lip · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Window trim: silver
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.1 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Manual Adjustments: 4
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact absorbing seats: dual front
Seatbelts
Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Upholstery: leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Spare Wheel
Rim Type: steel
Steering
Steering ratio: 13.1 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.5
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel spokes: 15
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse