Key Points
- Cars.com editors liked the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS for its torque and power delivery, improved handling and potential for being a daily driver, as well as the fact that it’s simply available.
- However, editors disliked how the BRZ’s tS trim does not get a power boost and how it’s not the most practical choice on the market.
The Subaru BRZ is something of an anomaly in today’s automotive market in that it is one of the very few simple and affordable sports cars still available. Like its Toyota GR86 sibling, the BRZ is a blast to drive, offering lively handling and a bit more room and practicality than the competing Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster. Updates for the 2024 model year added to the BRZ’s enthusiast appeal, bringing a new tS trim with various upgrades for sharper handling.
Related: 2024 Subaru BRZ tS Review: A Rare Delicacy
Short for “Tuned by STI,” the range-topping tS trim gets more robust brakes, stickier tires and special shocks, all of which give this front engine, rear-wheel-drive sports car added grip and quicker response. The new trim does not, however, come with any increase in horsepower; it uses the same 228-hp four-cylinder engine with 184 pounds-feet of torque that has powered every BRZ since its 2022 redesign. (The BRZ continued into 2025 with minor changes and received trim-level changes for 2026.)
Cars.com West Coast Editor Conner Golden was among the first to sample a 2024 BRZ tS on the twisty roads of Southern California, and he found that the new trim adds to the appeal of what remains one of the best performance bargains around. Tap the link above for his expert review, or for a quicker look, read on to learn four things we like about the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS and two things we don’t.
What Do We Like About the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS?
1. Just Enough Grunt
Some might be disappointed that Subaru has forgone going with a turbo for the tS or giving it any kind of additional motivation. Instead, the tS uses the same 228-hp, 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine found in every other BRZ. But with 184 pounds-feet of torque at just 3,700 rpm, the engine provides plenty of low-end grunt to hustle the lightweight coupe along, with a linear power delivery throughout the rev range all the way to its 7,000 rpm redline.
2. Hardware Upgrades
Springing for the tS trim gets you added goodies for improved handling, including larger dark-gray 18-inch wheels shod with sticky Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires and special STI-tuned Hitachi shock absorbers. Stopping power is also improved thanks to larger rotors equipped with Brembo four-piston calipers in the front and two-piston calipers in the back. Special interior trim and tS badges on the grille and trunk lid round out the package.
3. Practical Performer
While it may be a stretch to describe any sports car as practical, the BRZ’s cozy cabin offers more storage room than a Miata’s and has at least a vestigial backseat. Add to that its affordable price tag, decent gas mileage, the added practicality and cargo room, and the security of a steel roof, and the BRZ could serve as a daily driver in some climates.
4. It’s Still Here
The fact that you can still buy a lightweight, front engine, RWD sports car with a six-speed manual transmission in the age of SUVs is cause for celebration in and of itself. The BRZ delivers a kind of grin-inducing, engaging driving experience you just don’t find much anymore. A starting price just north of $30,000 (including destination) only adds to the appeal.
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What Do We Dislike About the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS?
1. No Additional Power
It could be argued that any new trim touted as a performance upgrade should come with an increase in power, especially when it adds several thousands of dollars to the bottom line, but the BRZ’s output remains the same as the rest of the lineup’s. However, it could be argued that there’s a lot more to driving enjoyment than just horsepower, and an affordable, nicely balanced sports car still has a place in a world of 500-hp SUVs.
2. Limited Use
At the risk of stating the obvious, any RWD sports car is never going to be the most practical choice, even ones that are affordable and get good gas mileage. It’s important to weigh your needs carefully, especially if you live in an area where snow is likely.
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