Today’s sports car segment is filled with different names and brands. This abundance of freedom to chose from American to English to Japanese might be overwhelming to someone hoping to buy a new sports car in 2022. Though much of it has to do with personal taste, we argue that the Subaru BRZ is the best 2022 sports car under $40k.
The long-anticipated second generation of the BRZ offers everything the first gen did, but better. With a new design for 2022, the BRZ looks sportier than ever. And thankfully, the performance matches the sporty exterior design.
Although the 2022 Subaru BRZ is not without flaws, with the vast improvement from the previous generation, it can easily hold its ground against all competition in the same price range. Without further ado, let’s see what makes this car our go-to affordable sports car of 2022.
2022 Subaru BRZ Specs And Performance
Along with the complete redesign for 2022, Subaru has put a new, more powerful powerplant under the BRZ’s hood. The new direct-injection SUBARU BOXER engine has 0.4 L more in engine capacity compared to the previous generation, resulting in 2.4 liters. The increase in power output is also noticeable; from 205 horsepower to 228, and from 156 lb-ft of torque to 184. Though on paper, in might not be much of a massive bump, the difference is easily felt behind the wheels. Especially due to the broader range of torque curve that gives a punchier acceleration to the 2022 Subaru BRZ.
Customers have the option to pick between two trim levels: Premium and Limited. The Limited trim catches our eyes with its 19-inch rims made of aluminum, summer tires, and blind-spot monitoring. The option for an automatic transmission system with behind-the-wheel pedal shifters is available, but we believe the standard six-speed manual is much more adequate for such a sports car. Regardless of your transmission choice, the power is directed to the rear wheels.
Thanks to its lightness in weight and great steering feedback, the 2022 BRZ welcomes any driver to swing the tail out on corners. What’s more, the near perfect weight distribution from front to back makes the BRZ a nimble sports car. Overall, playfulness is a massive element in the BRZ’s driving experience.
Sporty Interior That Belongs To Today
One of the significant design changes for the second-gen Subaru BRZ can be witnessed after stepping in. The new interior feels more driver-centric than ever. A more modern approach can be seen in every curve and line in the interior. The 8.0-inch Multimedia Plus infotainment system in the center adds to the modern aesthetics of the 2022 BRZ. The infotainment display offers smartphone connectivity through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in both available trims. The front seats look and feel sturdy and heavily bolstered, great for keeping the passengers in their place on corners. With the back seats folded, an adequate cargo area is available in the BRZ.
In front of the driver, a new, customizable, fully digital instrument cluster continues the modernistic sense of sportiness in the cabin. A theme of black upholstery saturates the red accent that implies the sporty intentions of the BRZ.
The Subaru BRZ Is Made For True Drivers
Everything in the 2022 Subaru BRZ hints at being a performance-oriented car. The Macpherson struts, as well as the multi-link rear suspension, were re-tuned to enhance cornering even further. The lightweight chassis enhances the responsiveness of the BRZ, both on road and track. The quick 13.5:1-ratio electric-power-assisted rack and pinion steering helps the driver feel an uncanny connection to the road.
The new generation of the Subaru BRZ seems to offer enhancement in almost every aspect. From engine output and performance enhancements to speccing up the interior with modern tech features. All of this is available for a a starting price of $27,995 and does not go higher than $32,295 for the Limited trim.
The Nissan 370Z, a famous rival to the BRZ, has a starting price of $30,090, more than two thousand dollars more expensive than the base BRZ. What’s more, the Nissan 370Z has not changed much since 2009, which gives it an outdated look and feel when compared to the 2022 Subaru BRZ. The 2022 Subaru BRZ offers the most affordable price for the performance and feature it offers.
Enhanced performance, swiftness on corners, great steering wheel response, modern and sporty interior, along with an affordable price tag, makes us choose the Subaru BRZ as the best sports car to buy under $40k in 2022.