Written by the AutoMagToday Content Team | Reviewed by Nitish Ranjan, Automotive Review Expert, automagtoday.com | Last updated: July 2026
Quick Answer:
No, the Subaru BRZ Is NOT AWD. The Subaru BRZ is rear-wheel drive (RWD) — and that is entirely by design. It is the only vehicle in Subaru’s entire lineup that does not come with the brand’s famous Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. Every other model — the Outback, the Forester, the Crosstrek, the WRX — sends power to all four wheels. The BRZ deliberately goes the other direction, and the reasoning behind it is actually really cool.
Is the Subaru BRZ AWD?If you’re in the market for a car, and only just stumbled across this subcompact, sport-coupe version of a Subaru, and made that obvious (and logical) guess that it has all-wheel drive… well, you’re not alone.
Actually, that’s the first, “Wait, for real?” question many ask of Subaru’s two-door model, and the answer will surprise. But let’s dive right in. If you’re researching Subaru alongside other sporty and practical cars, it’s also worth checking whether the Hyundai Kona is a good car to understand how these vehicles differ in purpose, performance, and everyday usability.
Why Does Subaru Make an RWD Sports Car?
Subaru built its whole identity around AWD. So why on earth would they release a rear-wheel drive sports car?
Because AWD and RWD are tools for completely different jobs.
Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD exists to give you traction in rain, snow, and unpredictable road conditions. It’s a safety net — a brilliant one. But for a driver-focused sports car like the BRZ, AWD would actually work against you. Here’s why engineers chose RWD for the BRZ:
- Lighter weight – No front driveshafts means a more agile, responsive front end.
- Precision steering – The front wheels handle only steering, not power delivery.
- Better balance – Near-perfect weight distribution from front to back.
- Enthusiast handling – The classic rear-drive feel that driving purists love, including controlled oversteer and a genuine connection to the road.
- Lower center of gravity – The flat BOXER engine sits low and far back, making the car feel planted in corners.
RWD doesn’t mean reckless. It means intentional. The BRZ was built to make you feel every corner, every shift, every throttle input. AWD would blunt exactly that experience.
What Drivetrain Does the Subaru BRZ Use?
| Feature | Subaru BRZ |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| Engine | 2.4L SUBARU BOXER Flat-4 |
| Horsepower | 228 hp |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual / 6-Speed Automatic |
| Differential | TORSEN Limited-Slip Differential |
| 0–60 mph | ~6.3 Seconds |
| Starting MSRP | $30,095 |
The Subaru BRZ uses a rear-wheel drive (RWD) layout paired with:
- A 2.4-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® flat-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque
- A TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential — this is what helps manage rear traction intelligently during spirited driving
- A standard 6-speed manual transmission (because purists)
- An available 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters for those who want the fun without the clutch
- Michelin® Pilot® Sport 4 summer performance tires on higher trims
- A quick 13.5:1 steering ratio for near-instant response
The result is a sports car that delivers an engaging driving experience through its lightweight chassis and balanced layout. If you’re unfamiliar with performance transmissions, here’s a guide explaining what paddle shift transmissions do and how they enhance sporty driving.
Is the 2013 Subaru BRZ AWD?
No. All the same as all of the other model years, the 2013 Subaru BRZ was made to be rear-wheel drive. Back before this one was built at all, this vehicle was being built for Subaru as an RWD vehicle starting for 2013. No, whether new or used 2013 Subaru BRZ, always, the transmission was RWD only.
Whether you’re looking at a used 2013 BRZ or a brand-new 2026 model, it’s always smart to check the vehicle history before buying to verify previous ownership, accident records, and maintenance history.
Has the BRZ Ever Had AWD?
Never. Not in any trim level, not in any special edition, not in any model year since the car launched. The 2022 second-generation redesign kept RWD. The BRZ tS — the top performance trim tuned by Subaru’s motorsport arm, Subaru Tecnica International — is still RWD. There is no AWD Subaru BRZ in production. If you’d like to verify the BRZ’s drivetrain across different model years and trims, Subaru provides complete specifications on the official Subaru BRZ model page.
That said, car enthusiasts on Reddit and forums have fantasized about an AWD BRZ for years, and while it makes for great internet debate, Subaru has shown no intention of changing what is arguably the purest driver’s car in their lineup.
The BRZ vs. Other Subaru Models: AWD Comparison
One reason buyers are often confused about the BRZ is Subaru’s long-standing reputation for standard all-wheel drive. Comparing the BRZ with the rest of Subaru’s lineup clearly shows why this sports coupe is such a unique exception. If you came to the BRZ expecting AWD because of the Subaru badge, here’s a quick look at how it compares to the rest of the lineup:
| Model | Drivetrain |
| Subaru BRZ | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) |
| Subaru WRX | AWD (Symmetrical) |
| Subaru Outback | AWD (Symmetrical) |
| Subaru Forester | AWD (Symmetrical) |
| Subaru Crosstrek | AWD (Symmetrical) |
| Subaru Impreza | AWD (Symmetrical) |
| Subaru Legacy | AWD (Symmetrical) |
The BRZ stands completely alone in Subaru’s lineup as the brand’s RWD sports car. That’s not a weakness — it’s its entire identity.
So is the BRZ a Bad Car in the Rain or Snow?
Seriously. It isn’t a winter vehicle. And like most sports cars with RWD and summer performance tires you’ll likely be taking it easy on wet and snowy roads – definitely something to think about if you experience brutal winters.
But for dry pavement and carves on some of the tighter B-roads (or even the occasional road course lap day, which these cars thrive at), or just daily satisfaction of grabbing gears on a clear road, the BRZ offers something none other does in the $30,000 range.
If you require Subaru capability in the weather department, the WRX or Outback is the way. If you’d like to buy Subaru’s all-time favorite toy car? Get the BRZ. Before driving in changing weather conditions, it’s also a good idea to check your tyre air pressure since proper tyre pressure plays an important role in traction and handling.
Although the overall formula remains unchanged, Subaru has introduced a few updates for the 2026 model year. These refinements continue to enhance the BRZ’s appeal without changing its core rear-wheel-drive character.
2026 Subaru BRZ: What’s New?
2026 Subaru BRZ carries over the second-generation platform, the RWD configuration and its standard 228-hp BOXER motor. Returning for 2026 is the BRZ Series. Yellow, an all-new limited special edition offering Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires in a specific matte-black, 17-inch rim configuration. Motorsport-honed cosmetics have been designed in association with STI (Subaru Tecnica International).
For drivers seeking greater involvement, the BRZ tS comes back for an appearance too with its unique STI suspension and brakes.
Subaru will start the 2026 BRZ at around $30,095. If you’re comparing sports cars within a similar budget, you may also want to see how much a Lamborghini Huracán costs to understand where the BRZ sits in the performance car market.
Why the BRZ’s RWD is Actually a Selling Point
Here’s the thing — in today’s market, almost every performance car has abandoned RWD in favor of AWD because it makes big horsepower numbers easier to put down. The BRZ has lower horsepower than some of its rivals, but it doesn’t need raw power to be exciting. It achieves its thrills through balance, precision, and driver engagement.
At $30K, the Subaru BRZ gives you:
- A genuinely lightweight sports car (under 2,900 lbs)
- A low center of gravity that makes corners feel like cheating
- A limited-slip differential that rewards skill
- Up to 30 MPG highway — remarkable for a sports car
- Standard EyeSight® driver assist tech for daily driving peace of mind
- Strong Subaru reliability and resale value
It’s not trying to be the fastest car on the road. It’s trying to be the most fun car on the road at its price point — and by most accounts, it succeeds.
Expert Verdict:
If you’re buying a Subaru specifically for winter driving, the BRZ probably isn’t the right choice. However, if your priority is an affordable sports coupe with excellent handling, balanced performance, and genuine driver engagement, the rear-wheel-drive BRZ remains one of the best options in its class.
Conclusion
No , and that’s the whole point.
The Subaru BRZ Is RWD, Pure and Simple, and That’s How It Should Remain Back to BRZ to the Core: At Subaru’s dealer, all the models have a central tenet: AWD, it defines them and Subaru is as associated with that moniker as its boxers are. All models share an intelligence that borders on spooky when coupled with a Subaru Boxer power train.
Before making your final purchase decision, it’s also worth reviewing the official NHTSA safety ratings and recall information for the Subaru BRZ. If you want AWD from Subaru, you’ve got a whole lineup to choose from. But if you want pure driving joy wrapped in a sleek two-door coupe? The BRZ is the answer — no all-wheel drive required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Subaru BRZ AWD?
No. The BRZ is the sole car in Subaru’s lineup to forgo the manufacturer’s characteristic all-wheel-drive (AWD) for rear-wheel drive (RWD) to allow it to be built as a lightweight and finely-tuned driving machine focused on balanced handling and responsiveness instead of capability in all conditions.
Is the 2013 Subaru BRZ AWD?
No. The 2013 Subaru BRZ is rear-wheel drive, just like every other model year. The BRZ has been RWD since it launched in 2013 and has never offered AWD in any trim, special edition, or generation. Whether you’re buying a used 2013 or a brand-new 2026 model, the drivetrain is always RWD.
What drivetrain does the Subaru BRZ have?
The Subaru BRZ uses rear-wheel drive (RWD) paired with a TORSEN® limited-slip rear differential, a 2.4-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine producing 228 horsepower, and either a 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. The RWD layout gives the BRZ near-perfect weight distribution and the handling feel that sports car enthusiasts love.
Why doesn’t the Subaru BRZ have AWD?
Subaru intentionally chose RWD for the BRZ to keep it as a pure driver-focused sports car. AWD adds weight and complexity in a way that would compromise the BRZ’s purpose. With RWD, the front wheels handle only steering — not power delivery — which enables sharper turn-in, a lower curb weight, and the balanced handling character enthusiasts seek.
Does any Subaru BRZ trim come with AWD?
No. No Subaru BRZ trim offers AWD — not the base Premium, not the Limited, and not even the performance-focused BRZ tS tuned by Subaru Tecnica International (STI). Every BRZ configuration sold in the US comes exclusively with rear-wheel drive.
Is the Subaru BRZ good in snow?
The BRZ is not ideal for snow or ice. Because it uses rear-wheel drive and comes with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer performance tires on upper trims, traction in winter conditions is significantly limited. If you need a Subaru that handles all-weather driving confidently, the Outback, Forester, or WRX — all AWD — are better choices.
How does the Subaru BRZ compare to AWD Subaru models?
The BRZ is the only Subaru sports car and the only model with RWD. Every other Subaru — WRX, Outback, Forester, Crosstrek, Impreza, and Legacy — uses Symmetrical AWD. The BRZ trades all-weather capability for lower weight, sharper steering, and a more engaging driving experience. It starts at $30,095 and is built purely for enthusiasts.
What is the 0–60 time of the Subaru BRZ?
The Subaru BRZ hits 0–60 mph in approximately 6.3 seconds with the manual transmission. Despite its modest 228 horsepower, the BRZ’s light curb weight (under 2,900 lbs) and low center of gravity make it feel quicker than the numbers suggest — especially through corners.
What is the price of the 2026 Subaru BRZ?
Starting off at a $30,095 MSRP, the base Premium trim sets up the 2026 Subaru BRZ before stepping up to the enhanced Limited trim. You’ll also find an exclusive, pricey BRZ tS which includes a STI tuned suspension, STI brake system, andSTI wheels for good measure. Often cited as the greatest bang for your buck sport car in the USA.
Is the Subaru BRZ the same as the Toyota GR86?
Yeah – they are twin cars developed as part of a joint venture between Subaru and Toyota. The platform, 2.4L BOXER engine and RWD layout are the same. They have slightly different suspension tuning, style nuances and some interior design aspects. However, it doesn’t make a difference what you call it either doesn’t have AWD and both are sports cars with rear-wheel drive configuration.
Can you convert a Subaru BRZ to AWD?
Technically, aftermarket AWD conversions are possible but are extremely expensive, complex, and generally not practical. Subaru has never offered an official AWD version of the BRZ.
Is the Subaru BRZ better than the Toyota GR86?
The Subaru BRZ and Toyota GR86 share the same platform, engine, and rear-wheel-drive layout. The main differences are suspension tuning, styling, and a few interior features, so the better choice depends on your driving preferences.
Thinking about the Subaru BRZ or comparing it to other sports cars? Drop your questions in the comments — we read every one.
