The Subaru BRZ is a small sports coupe with a unique boxer engine that’s mounted low to allow more agile handling. But is it powerful enough to provide driving excitement?
Key Points
- The BRZ’s engine–the FA20–is mounted low to improve handling. It produces 205 hp in models with manual transmission. Automatics get 200 horses. A turbocharger is not available.
- The engine was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2013. Then, in 2017, Subaru coaxed five more horses from the FA engine.
- While the overall impression of the BRZ is one of a competent, nimble sports coupe, the engine powertrain has come in for some criticism due to lack of power.
- Subaru’s modern FA and FB engines replaced the EJ in 2012, and potential issues soon followed. The 2013 BRZ was part of a global recall over potential engine issues that could lead to stalling.
- “The BRZ is a supremely competent machine, even in greasy conditions, where its quick steering and alert chassis fill you with faith that the car will respond to your every command,” reported U.K. site Auto Car in 2018.
- An all-new BRZ is slated for 2022, with a new 2.4-liter flat-four that increases power output to 228 horsepower. The new model will reportedly cost less than the outgoing model.
- The BRZ’s direct handling and hatchback utility make for a thrilling drive in a practical car. But for true driving thrills, more power may be needed. You may have to try a few different models to see if the BRZ speaks to you.
Subaru BRZ Engine: Reliable, or Overrated?
Like in every modern Subaru, the BRZ’s engine is a boxer layout that allows the engine to be mounted lower in the chassis. This lowers the center of gravity and improves handling characteristics, which is especially important for a sporty car like the BRZ.
The engine itself is known as the FA20, and it produces 205 horsepower and 156 lb.-ft. of torque in models equipped with a manual transmission. Automatics get 200 horses and 151 lb.-ft. of torque. It’s naturally aspirated and displaces two liters. Though the engine is available with a turbocharger in other Subaru models, it won’t fit in the compact BRZ.
The only car that shares the Subaru BRZ’s engine is the Toyota 86. The engine in the 86 is identical to the BRZ’s, but it uses a Toyota designation of 4U-GSE.
BRZ’s FA Features ‘Square’ Architecture, Named ‘Best Engine’
The engine was named one of Ward’s 10 Best Engines of 2013. “The 2.0L FA…musters luscious mid-range torque, loves to rev hard, and sounds tremendous, while being sedate at idle,” said Ward’s, which added: “it clobbers other naturally aspirated fours.”
In another article, Ward’s explains what makes the engine so good. “Unrelated to any previous Subaru H-4, the new engine uses a ‘square’ architecture, meaning its bore and stroke dimensions are the same at 3.38 inches, [which is] part of the reason for its quick-revving personality and 7,400 rpm redline,” said Ward’s.
Initially, both the manual and automatic versions had the same 200 horsepower rating, but in 2017, Subaru coaxed five more horses from the FA engine for those with manual transmissions.
The updated BRZ has an EPA rating of 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway, down from original’s 22/30 mpg rating. The engine requires premium gasoline and lightweight 0W-20 oil.
BRZ Engine’s Performance Gets Mixed Reviews
While the overall impression of the BRZ is one of a competent, nimble sports coupe, the engine powertrain has come in for some criticism due to lack of power.
“The quickest BRZ we’ve tested went from zero to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. Unfortunately, its flat-four makes unflattering noises and could use more power to help the BRZ reach its full potential,” explains Car & Driver.
Overall, they note the engine as the biggest drawback for the car, reporting: “the BRZ and its counterpart, the Toyota 86, are destined to suffer the same fate as the late Nissan 240SX—another coupe with a fantastic chassis that desperately needed an engine to match.”
However, Motor Trend disagrees. “Some will complain about the BRZ’s lack of power and torque, but it seems like the perfect amount of grunt for the platform’s weight and grip level. Exploring the upper reaches of this engine’s rev range and swapping cogs with the excellent manual transmission is a satisfying affair.”
FA20’s Performance and Reliability Marred by Recall
Subaru’s modern FA and FB engines replaced the venerable EJ in 2012, and potential issues with the BRZ’s engine soon followed. The 2013 BRZ was part of Subaru and Toyota’s recall of 400,000 vehicles worldwide for potential engine issues that could lead to a car stalling.
Toyota told Consumer Reports that engine valve springs in affected 2013 BRZs may fracture, leading to an unusual noise or engine malfunction. There is the possibility that the engine could stall while driving and not restart.
Also, in a 2012 report, Jalopnik mentions a rough idle issue. “At low rpms, an issue is causing the cars to shudder, idle rough, and in some cases stall. Some of the cars had just eight miles on the odometer when the issue surfaced, and then spent a few weeks at the dealer.”
However, Jalopnik adds that “it is an extremely rare condition found in a small number of U.S. Subaru BRZ vehicles. Customers will be alerted to the issue by a check engine light.”
More recently, the Subaru BRZ has been garnering positive reviews for its performance.
“The BRZ is a supremely competent machine, even in greasy conditions, where its quick steering and alert chassis fill you with faith that the car will respond to your every command,” reported the U.K. auto site Auto Car in 2018, after spending six months with a Subaru BRZ to conduct a long-term test review. “It does roll slightly, but this is part of the car’s communication process to let you know you’re approaching the limits of grip.”
“Few cars can mix a supple ride with composed cornering as well as this,” adds the review. “[The steering is] not exactly dripping with feel but delightfully responsive to make the BRZ feel light on its toes…Few modern cars can really get under your skin like this one. It’s like the plucky underdog everyone likes.”
Higher HP, Lower MSRP Promised for 2022 BRZ
Reportedly, an all-new BRZ is slated for the 2022 model year. Under the hood will be a new 2.4-liter flat-four that increases power output to 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque.
“Access to that torque should come easier, with the new engine hitting max torque at 3,700 rpm rather than the 6,700 rpm required previously,” reports Motor Authority. “Max horsepower is still not achieved until 7,000 rpm.” They also note that Subaru has nixed a turbocharger for the car due to the cost.
Speaking of cost, the new model will actually debut with a price decrease over the current model, with Kelley Blue Book noting that the starting point is now $27,995, versus the $28,845 of the outgoing model.
So, How Does the BRZ’s Engine Stack Up Overall?
The BRZ is somewhat of an outlier in the current sport coupe landscape. Its closest American competitors, such as the Mustang and Camaro, are more powerful but more expensive, regardless of trim. The closest competitor is Mazda’s Miata, which also offers four-cylinder power and nimble handling.
You’ll love the BRZ’s direct handling and hatchback utility, but for true driving thrills, more power might be called for. Sporty cars are an emotional purchase, so try a few different models within your price range to see if the BRZ speaks to you.
Photos: Subaru; Evox Images