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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 2.0L 4-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (S6) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 24 / 33 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 28 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,900 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 321 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $23,381–$31,010 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2016 Subaru BRZ at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.2/10, while Technology at 6.8/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 8.0/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. Safety is a notable gap at 6.9/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 8.0/10. The Subaru BRZ delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. Technology scores 6.8/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $23,381–$31,010, 20 MPG, seating 4, the Subaru BRZ sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sports market. Value is where it presses its advantage — 8.2/10, meaning the feature set and quality outrun the asking price. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2016 Subaru BRZ is a solid, well-rounded sports that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is safety and technology — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Subaru BRZ ranks #176 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 45% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $23,381 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 49%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Across the BRZ model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.1/10 | $31,687 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.1/10 | $31,687 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 8.1/10 | $30,765 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 8.0/10 | $29,842 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.9/10 | $28,919 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.9/10 | $27,996 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.9/10 | $27,073 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.8/10 | $26,150 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.7/10 | $25,227 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.7/10 | $24,304 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.6/10 | $23,381 | |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $22,458 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.