2019 Subaru BRZ Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
The 2019 Subaru BRZ is steadily becoming a fixture on the amateur racing scene. It’s inexpensive, fun to drive, and loaded with just enough features to keep you happy. While the BRZ’s good fuel economy and supportive seats make it great for commuting, it also proves to be a formidable track machine. Classic sports car styling gives you another reason to choose the new BRZ. Let’s check out the highs and lows of the new BRZ.
What’s New for 2019?
To give buyers a special model, Subaru has released a new Series - Gray trim. Last year, the BRZ received an updated Starlink infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2019 Subaru BRZ – The Pros
1. Responsive Boxer Engine
Motivating the new BRZ is Subaru’s famed “boxer” four-cylinder engine. It’s tuned to develop just over 200 horsepower and 156 pound-feet of torque. Although the 2019 Subaru BRZ can’t compete with a Porsche 911, most drivers will enjoy its energetic performance. In terms of acceleration, you should be able to reach 60 mph in roughly 6.2 seconds. While the manual transmission is fun, opting for the automatic CVT increases fuel economy to a combined 27 mpg.
2. Buttoned-Down Handling
While the 2019 Subaru BRZ isn’t the fastest sports car in the world, sharp handling makes it exciting to drive. A low center of gravity and a stiff chassis help the BRZ to hug the road. When encountering curves, the BRZ feels nailed to the pavement. You will also appreciate the BRZ’s well-damped steering system, which gives you ample feedback from the tires. Featuring upgraded shock absorbers, the optional Performance package gives the BRZ an even more agile feel.
3. Economical Sports Car
The 2019 Subaru BRZ is perfect for the folks who don’t want to invest a lot of money in a new sports car. It has a low MSRP of less than $26,000. Drivers will also benefit from the BRZ’s affordable operating costs. Even if you decide to use the BRZ for track use on the weekends, the cost of maintenance will still be quite reasonable. Subaru covers the powertrain with a 60,000-mile warranty.
4. Good Number of Standard Features
If you are a true driving enthusiast, you will be very satisfied with the BRZ’s standard equipment. Its eight-speaker sound system is stronger than the typical base audio system. Drivers also enjoy the BRZ’s easy-to-use touch screen with dual USB ports. Some of the other in-car technology includes smartphone-streaming audio apps, Bluetooth, and a backup camera. On the exterior, standard LED headlights and summer performance tires help add to the BRZ’s value.
5. Classic Sports Car Styling
The 2019 Subaru BRZ has the sleek body lines and wide stance of a classic sports car. Expect even the less expensive base model to get a lot of looks. Twin tailpipes and a racy spoiler come standard. LED fog lights are found on the upper trims. For drivers who’re seeking a special look, Subaru offers the new Series.Gray model. It features an exclusive Gray Khaki paint color and a special set of black alloy wheels.
6. Driver-Friendly Sports Car
Although the 2019 Subaru BRZ is not a big coupe, it does not feel tight and confined. In fact, even long-legged drivers can enjoy being behind the wheel of new BRZ. The standard height-adjustable driver seat is a major asset. If you decide to take an all-day road trip, you’ll certainly appreciate the BRZ’s supportive seat cushions. A well-placed gear shifter and a good view of the road also make the BRZ an ideal car for high-performance driving.
7. LCD Multi-Function Display and Large Tachometer
Drivers will grow to appreciate the BRZ’s large tachometer gauge, which helps you to shift gears with precision. Upper trims also come standard with an LCD multi-function display. This feature is a must for the BRZ owners who plan to hit the track. It provides valuable performance data such as lateral g-force and oil temperature. Furthermore, you can use the multi-function display to record lap times.
8. Straightforward Infotainment System
Subaru’s Starlink infotainment system doesn’t take a lot of brainpower to use. Unlike some of today’s more sophisticated interfaces, Starlink doesn’t force you to go through any complicated steps. Its touch screen is straightforward and easy to read. Menu buttons add to the infotainment system’s simplicity. The upgraded version of Starlink features a larger display with higher resolution graphics.
9. Great Sports Car for First-Timers
Some performance cars are a bit too powerful for amateurs. This is not the case with the 2019 Subaru BRZ. It delivers just the right amount of performance for first-time sports car owners. If you decide to experiment at the track, you won’t have to worry about feeling intimidated. An advanced traction control system helps prevent you from overstepping the BRZ’s limits.
10. Folding Rear Seat
Although the 2019 Subaru BRZ doesn’t provide a lot of space in its trunk, you can fold down the rear seat. The extra room can be used for storing track tires and tools.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2019 Subaru BRZ – The Cons
1. Lacks Advanced Safety Technologies
The BRZ’s advanced traction control system is definitely a big help. Unfortunately, you won’t have access to any other advanced safety technologies. This means you must rely upon on your own driving skills to avoid danger. Driving aids, such as forward collision alert and blind-spot detection, would give drivers an extra measure of security. If you desire more safety features, consider the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
2. Not Very Quick
While the 2019 Subaru BRZ feels responsive, it’s far from being the quickest sports car in the class. It’s slower than other performance cars such as the Ford Mustang and the Nissan 370Z. The automatic-equipped models are even slower off the line. Although there are plenty of aftermarket upgrades available for the BRZ, don’t expect them to transform the BRZ into a powerhouse.
3. Backseat is Not Very Usable
To no surprise, there’s not much space in the BRZ’s backseat. Adults will certainly experience a lack of legroom. Parents may also struggle transporting their small children. Because of the BRZ’s small passenger area, most people will use the backseat as a storage shelf. If you need room for your family, the four-door Subaru WRX will be a better choice.
4. Four-Out-of-Five-Star Frontal Crash Rating
Expect the 2019 Subaru BRZ to provide average impact protection. It received a four-star frontal crash rating. While this isn’t a poor rating, some drivers may still desire more protection from the front.
5. Not a Good Winter Sports Car
The Subaru BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive sports car. This equates to a less than desirable performance in the snow. A ground-hugging stance also makes the BRZ far more likely to get stuck. Subaru’s excellent Symmetrical AWD system comes standard on the WRX sports sedan.
How It Stacks Up to the Competition
Before you decide to buy a new 2019 Subaru BRZ, first test drive the mechanically similar 2019 Toyota 86. While these sports cars have a number of similarities, only the BRZ offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. You’ll also find the BRZ’s handling to be just a bit more precise.
You should check out the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata as well. This two-seater’s convertible top is a big attraction. With the arrival of a more potent engine, the MX-5 Miata is now quicker than the 2019 Subaru BRZ. Available low-speed automatic braking gives the MX-5 Miata yet another advantage.
Don’t forget about the 2019 Nissan 370Z. Although the Nissan 370 costs more money, it does come equipped with a far more powerful V6 engine. However, expect the Subaru BRZ to reward you with a more comfortable ride.
Conclusion
If saving money is a top priority, don't hesitate to drive home a new 2019 Subaru BRZ. You'll love its surprisingly comfy cabin and sensational road handling. Although the BRZ may lack mind-numbing power, it remains a great option for amateur racers. Fuel economy is outstanding for a car that's geared towards performance.
