Car And Driver Says Subaru BRZ Is A 10-Best But It Still Has One Major Flaw

Subaru just announced the next-generation 2022 Subaru BRZ was included as a top vehicle in the Car and Driver 2022 10Best list. But they say it still has one major flaw.

Subaru of America announced the all-new 2022 Subaru BRZ is now one of Car and Driver's 10Best Cars for 2022. C & D says its top picks "live up to their purpose while delivering incredible value and a great driving experience."

Car and Driver awarded the next-generation Subaru BRZ the distinction for the sports car's overall value, mission fulfillment, and road manners. C&D puts the BRZ and GR86 at the top of their "Most Improved" list, saying that Subaru and Toyota developed the rear-wheel-drive sports car into a formidable sports car while retaining its essential qualities.

To get the award, vehicles must be significantly updated with a base price below $90,000. Celebrating its 40th year, the Car and Driver signature 10Best award remains highly competitive, with 67 contenders this year.

C&D has lots of good things to say about the 2022 BRZ rear-drive sports coupe. It started with the new 2.4-liter Boxer engine with 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. C& D says, "The new engine transforms the car's personality while staying true to its roots. It's rev-happy, peak horsepower arrives at a fizzy 7000 rpm, but now there's plenty of midrange grit, too, vastly improving the everyday driving experience."

They also praise its affordable price tag of around $30,000, its 2800 lb weight, and solid feeling chassis "that's uncommon in a car this small and affordable."

There is one major flaw

A big part of a car's function is to provide a place to eat and drink. You get in the car with a cup of coffee in the morning or go through the drive-through for lunch. Without a good cupholder, what good is a vehicle? Subaru included 19 cupholders in its new Ascent family hauler.

Car and Driver says, "So, what's the flaw this time around? Well, the cupholders are inconvenient. See, they're behind you and under a padded cover that serves as the armrest, so you can have an armrest or a place to put your coffee but not both at the same time."

There is no room for a cupholder because the BRZ has a mechanical hand brake that sits next to the shifter. Maybe the next upgrade will be an electronic brake, making room for a cupholder on the console.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru BRZ?

The next-generation 2022 Subaru BRZ Premium with a 6-speed manual gearbox has a starting price of $28,955. BRZ Premium with an automatic transmission starts at $30,555. The Limited (6-speed manual) has a starting MSRP of $31,455. The Limited with an automatic transmission starts at $33,255. All pricing includes destination and delivery fees.

The all-new 2022 Subaru BRZ is now one of Car and Driver's 10Best Cars for 2022, but without a convenient cupholder, it's not perfect.
 
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA