2017 Subaru BRZ
Independent review & score by Carivo
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 | 27 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,050 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 322 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 4 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $24,304–$30,013 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2017 Subaru BRZ is a sports that earns a Carivo score of 7.7/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Value at 8.1/10, 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. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 8.0/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.1/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sportss to actually drive. 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 $24,304–$30,013, 21 MPG, seating 4, the Subaru BRZ sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sports market. Its value score of 8.1/10 confirms that the price reflects the quality — you're getting a lot for your money here. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2017 Subaru BRZ will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on technology if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sports should — quietly and competently.
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 2017 Subaru BRZ ranks #154 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 52% of the segment. Its 7.7/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $24,304 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $46,090 by about 47%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Across the BRZ model years we've scored, the 2017 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 (this review) | 7.7/10 | $24,304 | |
| 2016 | 7.6/10 | $23,381 | Read review → |
| 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.