Subaru and its corporate partner, Toyota, have collaborated on a couple of recent automotive projects, including new electric vehicles and a reboot of the pair’s storied sports cars. The Subaru BRZ (twin to the Toyota GR86) got an overhaul for the 2022 model year, which brought more power and better tech, but the buck doesn’t stop there. For 2024, Subaru’s planning a more focused BRZ called the tS. It features an STI-tuned suspension system, better brakes, exclusive styling elements, and updated safety tech.
All BRZ tS cars come with the same 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine that powers the standard model, and it comes paired with a 6-speed manual transmission by default. The 2024 model year is also the first for a manual transmission version of the BRZ to get Subaru’s long-running EyeSight safety tech. That includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and more. Subaru says the new BRZ tS will hit dealers’ lots in early 2024.
The tS doesn’t bring a significant redesign or changes to the BRZ, but a few touches set it apart. It gets unique tS badging on the front and rear and black-finished foldable mirrors. Subaru will offer the tS in all standard colors, and the car gets 18-inch dark gray wheels. Otherwise, the tS is identical to the standard car.
The BRZ is a surprisingly focused car whose interior reflects that purpose. However, there are a few creature comforts, and the tS builds on them with black upholstery and contrasting blue stitching. There’s also a leather-wrapped steering wheel, standard sport seats, and a synthetic Nubuck leather material on the dash and door trim. Subaru printed an STI logo on the start button and the 7-inch digital gauge cluster.
Though the BRZ got more power in 2022, it’s still not an overwhelmingly quick car. Its naturally aspirated 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine makes 228 horsepower and 184 pound-feet of torque. A 6-speed manual transmission is the default option, but Subaru offers a 6-speed automatic for buyers wanting an easier experience. All cars, not just the tS, get a Torsen limited-slip differential and a stability control system with track mode. While the automatic transmission offers paddle shifters, it’s not a dual-clutch or similar unit, so shifting will not be as fast. Additionally, Subaru has figured out how to offer its excellent safety tech on cars with manual transmissions for the first time, so buyers of the more enthusiast-friendly option aren’t missing out.
While 2024 is the first time EyeSight is available for a car with a manual gearbox, the safety system is well-established and highly functional in other Subaru models. The BRZ tS gets all the goodies, including adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and more. The 2023 BRZ earned a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in 2022 but hasn’t yet met the full wrath of the updated 2023 testing criteria. The new testing setup knocked out several top-performing models from previous years.
Most 2024 BRZs have an 8-inch touchscreen running Subaru’s Starlink infotainment software. The interface brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, SiriusXM satellite radio, voice recognition, and more. Subaru’s infotainment interface is relatively easy to use. Still, it’s a bit clunkier and more distracting than rivals’, including the Toyota GR86’s system. Thankfully, the included smartphone overlays do an excellent job of familiarizing the system to newcomers.
The BRZ is in an interesting position in the market in that it competes with a range of affordable sporty cars and could snipe a few buyers from more expensive brands. The Toyota GR86 is its most direct competitor, offering the same powertrain and different styling. The Volkswagen Golf GTI is another intriguing alternative, offering sharp handling and reserved styling. Buyers may also consider the Honda Civic Si, which has similar handling characteristics and fantastic chassis tuning.
Subaru is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of July 25, 2023, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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