2017 Subaru BRZ — Carivo review carivo.co
Sports

2017 Subaru BRZ

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $24,304–$30,013
Fuel Economy 21 MPG
Seating 4 passengers
Category Sports
Est. Annual Fuel $2,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2017 Subaru BRZ

Engine2.0L 4-Cylinder
TransmissionAutomatic (S6)
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Fuel TypePremium
City / Hwy MPG24 / 33 MPG
Combined MPG27 MPG
Est. Annual Fuel Cost$3,050
CO₂ Emissions322 g/mi
Seating Capacity4 passengers
Body StyleSports
Base Price$24,304–$30,013

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2017 Subaru BRZ

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 →

How It Ranks Among Sportss

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 →

Which BRZ Year Should You Buy?

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.

YearScoreStarting 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 →

Pros & Cons — 2017 Subaru BRZ

✓ What it does well

  • 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 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

More Subaru Reviews

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