The Hardest Subaru To Find

The rear-drive BRZ sports car is scarce and becoming rarer by the day.

The 2024 BRZ sport coupe, a Subaru model that's the hardest to find on any Subaru retailer's lot, is a rare gem that only a select few can lay their hands on. What makes it so rare and hard to find? Here are some exclusive details about the BRZ sports car that set it apart from the rest. 

Subaru says, "The latest generation Subaru BRZ has sharp styling that is as crisp as its handling. The overall impression is balanced but aggressive, with classic sports-car coupe proportions made better by its shapely hood."

After the redesign in 2022, the BRZ is hard to find. It's also hard to find one that is not priced over the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP). Why? It's a low-volume model; few are manufactured, lowering the supply and increasing demand. 

It's just the way Subaru likes it. 

The Camden, N.J. automaker has very few if any, models sitting on retailers' lots. Because the BRZ is not a high-volume model, they don't have to offer discounts or manufacturer incentives to sell the BRZ sports coupe. 

It's Subaru's slowest-selling and lowest-volume model.

How many BRZ sport coupes does Subaru of America sell? Only a few. 

In August, SOA delivered 347 BRZ sport coupes to customers, a 29.5 percent increase over August 2023, when they sold 268 models. In the first eight months of 2024, SOA has sold 2,032 BRZ coupes to customers. In 2023, they sold 3,091 through the first eight months of 2023, a decrease of 34.3 percent. 

Subaru of America will only sell around 3,000 BRZ rear-drive sports cars. The small sales volume is not a problem for Subaru. They will keep the BRZ around because the automaker knows that when BRZ owners need a larger vehicle, they'll be back. 

Then, they will be ready to look at a Forester compact SUV, Crosstrek, subcompact SUV, or Outback midsize SUV as their needs grow.  

The prices have increased considerably on the 2024 and 2025 model year BRZ. Subaru retailers now have more profit when they sell the sports coupe. 

Here are the 2025 BRZ pricing details.

• BRZ Premium has a starting MSRP of $32,265
• BRZ Limited 6-speed manual transmission - $34,915
• BRZ Limited automatic transmission - $35,765
• BRZ tS - $37,415

Pricing includes the manufacturer's destination and delivery fees ($1,170, +$50 from 2024). 

How much did BRZ pricing increase? You can get complete 2025 model year details in my report here. 

• BRZ Premium +$950
• BRZ Limited (6MT) +$1,100
• BRZ Limited (6AT) +$1,000
• BRZ tS +$950

The good news is the BRZ will hold its value and remain higher than other Subaru models because there are fewer for sale.

BRZ has the best-retained value of all Subaru models.

A report from iSeeCars reveals the top nine models that depreciate the least and hold their value the best. Subaru, known for retaining the best value, has two top picks for shoppers. The Subaru BRZ and Subaru Crosstrek. You can find out more about it in my report here. 

Many customers ask what BRZ stands for. You may not know, so here's the answer. 

• B-oxer engine
• R-ear wheel drive
• Z-enith

The first two are easy to understand, but what does Zenith represent? Zenith means the highest point a star reaches in the sky. 

Subaru says they use Zenith to convey their confidence in the car's core technology and "ultimate passion." They also say that the Zenith represents the best they can do.

BRZ is the only Subaru that is a non-Subaru

The Subaru brand is known for its go-anywhere all-wheel-drive models. The BRZ is a rear-wheel-drive only and Subaru's only non-all-wheel-drive model. So you won't be going off-road with the low-slung BRZ sports car. It's designed for sunshine and dry roads. However, the BRZ can be a year-round daily driver with winter-rated tires. Check out my report here for the best tires. 

The BRZ is produced collaboratively with Toyota and their GR86, but Subaru's 2.4-liter naturally-aspirated Boxer engine powers both models. It produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. 

The automakers chose the Boxer engine because the flat-four engine sits flat and low in the chassis, giving the BRZ a lower center of gravity and better weight distribution, which improves driving dynamics and performance, especially in tight curves. 

It's Subaru's fun-to-drive model.

The BRZ is not just another Subaru; the brand's fun-to-drive model promises an exhilarating driving experience. Strap in and get ready for a ride like no other.

The BRZ is a great sports car to take to the track on weekends. It features a track mode setting that allows the driver to customize the RPM shift points and turn off the traction control, giving you complete control over the car's performance. 

The BRZ becomes even more responsive in track mode, with quicker gear shifts and more aggressive throttle response, making it ideal for spirited driving on the track or your favorite back roads.  

The BRZ offers a 6-speed manual gearbox and a 6-speed automatic transmission. Both trims come standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver assist safety tech. 

Surprisingly, it's a four-seater.

The Subaru BRZ is 2+2—two seats in the front and two in the back. However, the back seats are close to the front backs, designed for kids, and car seats fit well. There are anchor points that transform the BRZ into a small family hauler. 

The BRZ offers utility. 

But don't be fooled by its sporty exterior; the BRZ offers more than a thrilling ride. It's surprisingly practical, with a generous amount of cargo room in the rear when you lower the rear seats. It opens to the trunk, revealing a flat loading floor for snowboards or sports equipment. It's the perfect blend of performance and utility.

Do you want more performance? Subaru now offers the higher-performance BRZ tS trim level.

The BRZ tS offers more for driving enthusiasts. It comes equipped with STI-tuned front and rear Hitachi dampers, ultra-low center of gravity, and precision handling, resulting in greater flexibility and better control and stability.

The tS comes with a high-performance Brembo braking system, including gold-painted 4-piston front calipers, gold-painted 2-piston rear calipers, and larger pads and rotors, which enhances stopping power, fade resistance, and pedal feel. The BRZ tS has 18-inch wheels wrapped in 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires.

The BRZ is the best car for driving enthusiasts. It's fun to drive, gets good fuel mileage, and is affordable even with the price increases.

We want to hear from BRZ owners.

Do you own a BRZ? Tell us why you bought it and why you like it. If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Adventure Subaru