Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2016 Subaru BRZ
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 →
How It Ranks Among Sportss
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%.
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which BRZ Year Should You Buy?
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.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Competent performance that satisfies most everyday driving demands
✗ Where it falls short
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 20 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
Common Questions — 2016 Subaru BRZ
Is the 2016 Subaru BRZ reliable?
We rate the 2016 Subaru BRZ's reliability 8.0/10 — one of the stronger records in its class.
Is the 2016 Subaru BRZ worth buying?
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #176 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 45% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2016 Subaru BRZ cost?
The 2016 Subaru BRZ starts at $23,381 and ranges up to $31,010 across trims (MSRP when new). At 20 MPG, expect roughly $2,625/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which BRZ years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest BRZ years we've rated are 2015 (7.5/10), 2016 (7.6/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.1/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
Owner Essentials — Subaru BRZ
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More Subaru Reviews
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
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