2025 Subaru BRZ Gets A Sport Mode And Improved Handling

Subaru revealed the revised BRZ in Japan, featuring similar changes to the ones introduced by the Toyota GR86 twin. Changes include a revised suspension and steering setup, a new Sport Mode for the manual BRZ, and daytime running lights.

The second-generation Subaru BRZ was introduced in 2021 but has received numerous model year updates since. Following last year’s expansion of the EyeSight ADAS package to the manual version, Subaru has now focused on improving the sportscar’s handling.

More: What’s Going On? Toyota GR86 Sales Shoot Up 42% While Subaru BRZ Plummets 44%

The highlight of the upgrades is the optimized damper settings and the tweaked electric power steering assist, which are said to offer sharper handling while improving ride comfort. The suspension upgrades are only applied on the Cup Car Basic, R, and S trims, as the STI Sport flagship retains its STI-tuned dampers.

Another important update is the addition of a Sport Mode button on the center console, which is reserved for the manual BRZ models. This is said to improve the throttle response and increase the volume of the Active Sound Control system inside the cabin. On the other hand, the automatic gearbox has been tweaked to allow manual downshifts at higher RPM, giving greater control to the driver.

Subaru Japan

Despite the rumors of updated ECU settings, there are no changes to the powertrain. The naturally-aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine produces the same 232 hp (173 kW / 235 PS) and 250 Nm (184.4 lb-ft) of torque.

Visually, the only change is the adoption of daytime running lights on all trims besides the Cup Car Basic. The interior has also been carried over except for the Sport Mode button and a new turn signal stalk.

The updated Subaru BRZ will make its first public outing at Fuji Speedway on July 14, but it is already available to order in Japan. Pricing starts from ¥3,322,000 ($20,870) for the base-spec R with a manual gearbox and climbs to ¥3,817,000 ($23,975) for the flagship STI Sport with an automatic. The bare-bones Cup Car Basic with the black steelies is still available, priced at ¥3,722,400 ($23,376), although it doesn’t get DRLs.