Bachman Subaru Blog

In a market overflowing with SUVs, the Subaru BRZ is a beautiful anomaly: a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive, naturally aspirated sports coupe you can still buy with a manual transmission and a monthly payment that won’t require a second mortgage. For 2026, Subaru has streamlined the lineup and added a limited-edition model that collectors will be chasing — here’s everything Louisville drivers need to know. 

What’s New for 2026? 

The big lineup news: the entry-level Premium trim is discontinued, reflecting the reality that more than 90% of BRZ buyers were choosing the better-equipped Limited and tS anyway. The 2026 lineup is now Limited, tS, and a new limited-production Series.Yellow edition — just 350 will be built, all with the six-speed manual, wearing Sunrise Yellow paint with yellow-stitched black interiors. If you want one, talk to us early; cars this limited don’t sit on lots. 

The Recipe: Light, Balanced, Rear-Wheel Drive 

Every 2026 BRZ is powered by a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter Subaru BOXER engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. No turbo lag, no artificial sound — just a linear, rev-happy powerband that rewards driving the car hard and honest. The horizontally opposed boxer layout sits low in the chassis, giving the BRZ one of the lowest centers of gravity of any production car, and power flows to the rear wheels through a standard Torsen limited-slip differential. 

Transmission choice is part of the fun: a slick six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic (Limited only) with paddle shifters and rev-matched downshifts. With the manual, the BRZ returns an EPA-estimated 22 mpg combined; the automatic improves that to 25 mpg combined. 

Trim Breakdown: Limited, tS, and Series.Yellow 

• Limited — The foundation, and hardly a base model: 18-inch matte black wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires, heated Ultrasuede-and-leather sport seats, an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a customizable digital gauge cluster with a G-force meter, and Sport and Track modes. 

• tS — Tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI), adding STI-tuned Hitachi dampers, upgraded Brembo brakes at all four corners, dark gray 18-inch wheels, and blue interior accents. Same engine, sharper reflexes — this is the one for autocross and track-day ambitions. 

• Series.Yellow — The collector’s piece. Based on the tS with all its suspension and brake upgrades, wrapped in exclusive Sunrise Yellow with yellow contrast stitching throughout. Manual only, 350 units, period. 

A Sports Car You Can Actually Live With 

The BRZ’s 2+2 layout means the back seats are best for bags, but fold them down and the hatch-accessible trunk swallows a full set of track wheels and tires — a detail BRZ owners genuinely use. Heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a compliant (for a sports car) ride make it a viable daily driver, and the BRZ carries top IIHS crash-test ratings, including for its headlights. Automatic-equipped models include Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist technology. 

Why the BRZ Matters 

Affordable, lightweight, rear-drive sports cars are nearly extinct. The BRZ and its Toyota GR86 twin are essentially the last of the breed under $40,000 — and the BRZ counters with more standard equipment and that unmistakable Subaru boxer character. As a bonus, Subarus have a habit of sticking around: 96% of Subaru vehicles sold in the last 10 years are still on the road today. Buy one, drive it hard, keep it forever. 

Drive the 2026 BRZ at Bachman Subaru 

No spec sheet captures what a low center of gravity and honest steering feel like on a good back road — and Kentucky has no shortage of those. Visit Bachman Subaru in Louisville to see the 2026 BRZ, compare the Limited and tS in person, and ask about Series.Yellow availability. Fair warning: it’s hard to hand the keys back. 

2026 Subaru BRZ FAQ 

How much does the 2026 Subaru BRZ cost? 

The 2026 BRZ Limited starts at $37,055 including destination, the tS at $39,555, and the limited-edition Series.Yellow at $40,555. The automatic transmission adds $850 on the Limited. Contact Bachman Subaru for current availability and pricing. 

Why did the BRZ’s starting price go up for 2026? 

Subaru discontinued the entry-level Premium trim, which fewer than 1 in 10 buyers chose. The Limited itself carries essentially the same price as last year — the lineup simply now starts at a higher-equipped level. 

Does the 2026 BRZ come with a manual transmission? 

Yes — the six-speed manual is standard on every trim, and the tS and Series.Yellow are manual-only. A six-speed automatic with paddle shifters is available on the Limited. 

Is the BRZ all-wheel drive like other Subarus? 

No — the BRZ is intentionally rear-wheel drive, the classic sports car layout. It’s the one Subaru built for balance and driver engagement rather than all-weather traction. If you want Subaru performance with Symmetrical AWD, ask us about the WRX. 

How much horsepower does the 2026 BRZ have? 

228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque from its naturally aspirated 2.4-liter boxer engine — more standard horsepower than a Mazda MX-5 Miata or Honda Civic Si. 

What’s the difference between the BRZ Limited and the tS? 

The tS adds STI-tuned dampers and upgraded Brembo brakes — genuine hardware upgrades — plus unique wheels and blue interior accents, for about $2,500 more. If you plan track days or autocross, the tS is worth it; for spirited street driving, the Limited delivers the same engine and nearly all the fun. 

What is the BRZ Series.Yellow? 

A limited-production 2026 edition based on the tS: Sunrise Yellow paint, black interior with yellow stitching, six-speed manual only, and just 350 built nationwide. Contact Bachman Subaru early if you’re interested. 

Is the BRZ practical enough to daily drive? 

More than you’d think. It has usable trunk space that expands with the folding rear seats, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, top IIHS safety ratings, and famous Subaru durability. It asks fewer daily-driver compromises than almost any sports car at any price. 

Where can I test drive a 2026 Subaru BRZ in Louisville, KY? 

Bachman Subaru in Louisville. Browse our new BRZ inventory online or stop by the showroom to schedule your test drive today.