Sports cars are designed to deliver adrenaline with grin-worthy performance and engaging driving dynamics. There is no dearth of performance cars today. From the iconic and humble 181-horsepower Mazda MX-5 Miata to the 490-horsepower V8-powered Chevy Corvette, the ones who embark on this journey are blessed with a transitional lineup of sports cars before moving into the world of hypercars with 1,000+ horsepower.
For someone new to the world of sports cars, starting simple and “slow” is the key. Sounds counterintuitive, but to handle elevated levels of performance, one needs to hone handling skills first. The Mazda MX-5 is a strong starting point, but it still doesn’t match the aura that a particular Subaru brings to the table in terms of raw, connected driving appeal and not-so-boring performance numbers. It gets the quintessential front-engined, rear-wheel-drive layout for better weight balance. The high-revving engine is coupled to a now-rare manual transmission, which instantly makes the drive more engaging.
A low curb weight improves the power-to-weight ratio and makes the drive more nimble. There are no fancy over-the-top electronics to assist. The interior, although simple, is driver-focused and features an ergonomic design that makes it a pleasant place to be. It looks sporty, is budget-friendly, and is fuel-efficient for daily driving. We explain why the Subaru BRZ is the best “slow” car for teaching you to drive like a pro.
The 2026 Subaru BRZ Is A ‘Slow’ Sports Car
That Helps You Learn ‘Pro’ Stuff
The Subaru BRZ is an entry-level sports car that delivers a well-balanced package. It doesn’t overwhelm with mind-boggling performance or price figures. The engine, gearbox, chassis, drivetrain, and clever yet non-intrusive assistive features help the driver connect naturally with the sports car. The rear-wheel-drive layout, along with its balanced chassis and feedback-rich steering, allows the driver to understand the car’s limits and learn them through precise inputs. Furthermore, its affordability and reliability will enable the driver to enjoy the experience without feeling guilty or breaking the bank.
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It teaches car control. This is due to the combination of low weight, a low center of gravity, and near-balanced 50:50 weight distribution. This helps the driver feel the driving experience more profoundly, making it easier to understand grip limits and weight transfer.
It pushes boundaries and encourages precision. Helping this cause are features such as its crisp throttle response, direct steering, and a slick manual transmission, which also offers an optional rev-matching feature. These bits encourage the driver to make smooth inputs and to train for precise cornering and braking.
The rear-wheel-drive layout facilitates oversteer training. This is a primary reason the Mazda MX-5 was eliminated as a choice: it doesn’t match the BRZ’s peppiness and earlier torque delivery, which are vital for making it more tail-happy. Surely, it sounds scary. But Subaru has designed the BRZ’s rear end to be let loose in a controlled manner. Its stable, predictable nature helps one learn to control drifts and recover from slides.
Then comes the connected feeling. This is due to minimal electronic interference when driving. Even its traction control can be turned off for an unfiltered connection to help the driver learn to read the road and synthesize the car’s reactions. Finally comes the feeling of content and fulfillment. Anyone can drive a car fast, but keeping it under control even during the trickiest situations is where the true test lies. The BRZ helps a driver “earn” the fun. Due to a lack of performance, drivers must rely on momentum to overcome hurdles. More time with this: Subaru helps one learn to carry speed, work with the engine and chassis, and hone skills without relying solely on the accelerator pedal!
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The Quintessential Drivers’ Car Layout
Front-Engine And Rear-Wheel Drive
Powering the 2026 Subaru BRZ is a peppy 2.4-liter horizontally-opposed four-cylinder boxer engine. This naturally aspirated mill produces 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. It revs relatively higher with the redline set at 7,000 RPM.
On a tight, winding back road, I’m not interested in an overpowered supercar. What I want is nimble, responsive, and entertaining. I want to feel like a hero while obeying the speed limit. The BRZ is the back-to-basics sports car that does all that.
– William Clavey for TopSpeed
A Stick-Shift Completes The Package
Power is sent to the rear wheels only via a standard synchronized six-speed manual gearbox. A six-speed automatic transmission is available, but we recommend the manual transmission for a more engaging feel. The rear axle also features a Torsen limited-slip rear differential to more evenly distribute torque for improved cornering.
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Simplified Underpinnings To Connect Better With The Driver
No Fancy Assist Features Here
The Subaru BRZ is said to feature a bespoke chassis that leverages its low center of gravity. Aiding in its nimble driving dynamics is a wheelbase of 101.4 inches and a near-perfect 50:50 weight distribution. The chassis is reinforced at multiple points, including the subframe architecture and other connecting points, to enhance rigidity. The front suspension uses struts and coil springs to keep the weight low.
The front uses custom-designed MacPherson-type struts to optimize the low hood line while retaining a long stroke for better handling and ride quality. The rear gets a double wishbone setup. In terms of assists, it includes standard stability and traction control, with five settings. Subaru has designed this system to allow maximum driver input before activation. It can be further turned off entirely for a more raw driving experience.
Notable Features
- Quick-ratio electric power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering
- Sport-tuned four-wheel independent suspension
- Stability Control with Track Mode
- Traction Control System
- V-shaped strut tower bar
- Brake override system
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An Engaging And Distraction-Free Interior
Makes The Driver Feel Special
The BRZ interior is designed to be driver-focused. The overall design is contemporary and modular to improve driving appeal. Elevating its sporty driving dynamics is a low-set position that offers excellent sight lines thanks to the narrow A-, B-, and C-pillars.
The contoured bucket seats provide support and elevate the sporty visual appeal with contrasting red detail stitching. Amid all this, the BRZ also offers practicality with folding rear seats and relatively spacious rear cargo space. The dashboard gets a lot of tactile buttons for quick controls, and the touchscreen infotainment is an eight-inch unit that sits snug and away from the line of sight to minimize distraction.
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Here’s Why The tS Trim Is More Desirable
STi-tuned Hardware Makes It Grin-worthy
Introduced in 2023 as a performance-focused version of the standard Limited trim, the tS adds more performance-focused upgrades. It gets an STi-tuned suspension and a Brembo braking system. The tuned suspension consists of front and rear Hitachi dampers to lower the weight and improve handling.
The Brembo braking kit includes four-piston front calipers and two-piston rear calipers with larger pads and rotors. It also features 18-inch wheels wrapped in 215-section Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires for superior grip. Furthermore, it is the first stick-shift Subaru to get standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Visually, the exterior receives “tS” badging on the front grille and rear decklid to distinguish it from the standard model.
Other Notable Features
- Only offered with a six-speed manual
- STi-designed seven-inch custom LCD instrument cluster
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter handle
- Ultrasuede and leather-trimmed upholstery with contrasting blue stitching