You can’t argue with the popularity of SUVs and crossovers. But we’d be happy to argue that there are still some great cars for enthusiasts, out there too. Sure, maybe less than before, but what’s around are pretty good – even for those on a budget.
We recently tested the 2024 Mazda Miata, and it still has all the lightweight convertible goodness you could want. And then there’s the GR86/BRZ twins from Toyota and Subaru. In 2022, we saw the 2nd gen of these models and they talk an already strong car and made it great.
But neither carmaker is one to rest on its laurels. And on the Subaru side with have the new 2024 BRZ tS.
It’s the two letters on the end that should get your attention, since it represents a serious upgrade with goodies like brakes by famed maker Brembo and a suspension tuned by STI (STI stands for Subaru Tecnica International, a division of Subaru Corporation that manages the company’s motorsports activities).
So, who is tS model for, and is it worth it? Strap on those racing helmets, and let’s go!
Same Sweetness
Subaru didn’t mess with much on the exterior of the tS – and that’s fine, since the re-do in 2022 was already outstanding.
In case you haven’t seen a BRZ or GR86 since the new model, we’ll hit the high points.
Up front there’s a low, wide grille, prominent boomerang intakes and sharp LED headlights with signature driving lights. That grille has a smile to it, too. The only giveaway you have the special model is a tasteful BRZ tS badge in the lower left corner of the grille. Stealthy!
Swing around to the side and you’ll find a true sports car stance, with cool features like a small greenhouse, swept back C pillar, and cool functional fresh air vents behind the front wheels that help direct air from under the hood and fenders. Finishing off the aero is a small ducktail spoiler on top of the rear hatch.
You’ll also find the handsome gray 18-inch alloy wheels that we first saw on the Limited model, but the giveaway you’re in the tS zone here are massive gold-painted Brembo brake calipers (4-piston front, 2-piston rear) peeking out through the elegant wheels. And to make sure you get full use of those brakes, meaty 215/40 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires show that this BRZ is fully dressed for combat.
Those with an eye for details will also notice that the tS wears unique exterior foldable mirrors and a roof-mounted shark fin antenna finished in Crystal Black Silica. Subtle, but nice.
Out back (not to be confused with the Outback!), boomerang-shaped LED lights finish the look, while the lower rear fascia with two massive exhaust pipes sticking out reminds this is a serious performance vehicle.
Finishing off the look on our tester was a BRZ tS badge on the back (with the S in red!) and a handsome Crystal White Pearl color, our favorite – but the tS is offered in all BRZ colors, so you’ll be able to get one that’s just right for you.
Blue for You
Inside, the cabin is much like other BRZs, with a few eye-pleasing differences. You’ll find tS-exclusive contrasting blue stitching on the seat bolsters, steering wheel, shifter and parking brake boots. There’s also a blue leather accent down the middle of the seat.
Adding to the luxury vibe is Alcantara-like material Subaru calls BRIN NAUB on the instrument panel visor and door trim. The final touch – STI logos on the instrument cluster and on the red starter button. Tasteful.
This is all on top of an interior that is perfect for the business of driving.
There’s a low seating position, similar to the Miata. But it feels much more spacious than the diminutive Mazda – drivers of just about all heights should fit in here. Also, unlike the Miata, the BRZ has a rear seat that is really only for the smallest of kids or a small dog. It does flip down to give you a nice long storage area the Mazda could only dream about!
It’s not all wins for the Subaru, you’ll notice everything is functional, but little feels upscale. The Miata has made larger strides with nicer materials.
The BRZ does give you what you need for driving, though, with a fat leather-wrapped steering wheel, a digital dash display with a 9,000-rpm tach and digital speedo readout. You can program the display to the left of the tach for the info you’d like – we recommend the g-meter for driving fun, but you can also call up all sorts of other info.
Put the vehicle in Track Mode, and you’ll get a different display, with a horizontal ribbon style tach that should be a little easier to read at a glance.
This is no bare-bones sports car, with standard dual zone climate control, Ultrasuede on the deep, well-formed front seats, keyless entry and pushbutton start – all the niceties! Info-tainment is handled by an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as rear vision camera.
Climate is adjustable by large circular controls below the screen while a row of neat little rocker switches at the bottom let you call up needed things like defroster, recirculation mode and the like. Speaking of keeping you cool, there are large vents – perfect when you’re tackling the twisties and working up a sweat. Heated seats are a nice touch as well on chilly mornings.
tS for True Sports
Driving the tS shows up the biggest difference over your garden variety BRZ.
Those hoping for more power may be disappointed, as nothing is new under the hood. We have little complaints about that – the 2.4-liter Subaru “Boxer” engine found in all BRZs puts out a respectable 228 horsepower and184 lb.-ft at just 3700 rpm.
This is a fun mill, with loads of low-end torque (a real improvement over the previous gen) for an easy and tractable drive around town. You can short shift and ride the low-end power quietly and efficiently.
Of course that’s not why you buy a BRZ, and when you let those Boxer ponies punch, you get a strong pull to the 7,000 rpm redline with good sounds – helped by a little extra engine sound being pumped into the cabin. We don’t mind that at all!
The tS will be offered exclusively in manual transmission, and that’s another big win. The 6-speed manual is one of the best in any current car, with a slick, direct mechanical feel that’s perfectly balanced, and a joy to row through the gears. Those spending time in traffic will find the clutch take up is light and easy, yet still offers good feel.
The chassis is where the tS earns its premium, starting with STI-tuned front and rear Hitachi dampers and they do firm things up. If you’re going to do track work (or the occasional autocross) you’ll find enhanced body control, some added precision and slightly quicker reflexes – mind you this is on top of a chassis that was already one of the best, especially thanks to a traditional front engine, rear-drive setup.
We will stipulate, your honor, that the ride does border on rough sometimes and the rear does feel a little choppy on bumpy or cratered roads. We also noticed that road noise, already present in the regular BRZ seems even a bit louder in the tS. Thankfully the standard audio system enjoys a 2-channel amplifier with two additional speakers to help keep things enjoyable.
But find a smooth twisty road, and you’re in heaven, with perfectly weighted steering, massive grip from those Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, and a Torsen limited slip differential making sure those rear wheels serve up all the power you ask for. This car begs to be driven hard!
And it also doesn’t mind stopping hard – the tS-exclusive Brembo brakes are simply phenomenal with huge stopping power, and excellent feel through the brake pedal. It’s a perfect partner to the upgraded suspension.
Here’s another reason to love the manual transmission model – for 2024, The BRZ is the first manual transmission Subaru to offer the impressive EyeSight Driver Assist Technology package. That means good stuff including Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking System, Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and Lead Vehicle Start Alert. Eyesight will be standard on any manual transmission BRZ for 2024. Nice!
Legal Tender for the Tuner
So how much for the added tS goodness? It’s surprisingly reasonable.
You can get into a BRZ Premium model, starting at $31,210. For a true sports car that can handle daily driving duties effortlessly, it’s exceptional value. Step up to the more luxurious Limited model, and you’re looking at $33,860.
The tS is built off the Limited trim, and the added hi-performance goodness starts at $35,345. Add in a Cargo tray for $132, and Destination at $1,120, and we rang the bell $36,597. You end up paying about $2,700 for the STI-tuned suspension, uprated dampers and Brembo brakes. Add in the time and expertise to make these all work together, and we think it’s a bargain.
Toyota does offer a similar version of the GR86 at $36,405. It features the same Brembo brakes but uses upgraded Sachs shocks over the Hitachis.
Outside of the GR, the only real competitor here would be the Mazda Miata RF Club, at $42,285. The Miata does give you the enjoyment of a retractable hard top roof, and it’s also a true sports car. The Miata has a nicer interior, but it is very tight inside, where the BRZ’s fold down rear seat and generous pass through give you loads more capability. The Subie is a much easier daily – especially if it’s your only car. On the other hand, it’s hard to beat the open-air experience. Know your priorities, and whichever you choose, you’ll be getting a great drive!
Taking the already thrilling model to a higher level, the 2024 Subaru BRZ tS is the ultimate affordable driver’s car!
Ben Lewis grew up in Chicago, and after spending his formative years driving sideways in the winter – often intentionally – moved to sunny Southern California. He now enjoys sunny weather year-round — whether it is autocross driving, aerobatics, and learning to surf.