DecodedCars2020 Subaru BRZ
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2020 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 200 hp
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 4
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 27 combined · 24 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 166.9 in
- Curb weight
- 2,765 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 28% better than the average 2020 minicompact car (21.1 MPG).
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2020 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2020 Subaru BRZ is a minicompact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 167 inches long and 70 inches wide on a 101-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,765 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (24 city / 33 highway), 28% better than the 2020 minicompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 2 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2020
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2019 BRZ — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2019; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2019 BRZ →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Ota, Gunma
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2020 BRZ configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2dr Coupe | 166.9 in | 70.1 in | 52 in | 101.2 in | 59.8 / 60.6 in | 2,765 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BRZ | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +28% | $3,050 | 322 |
| BRZ | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +14% | $3,400 | 372 |
| BRZ tS | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 27 / 23 | +9% | $3,550 | 384 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2020 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Subaru BRZ 2 DR RWD | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | Not rated | Not rated | ★★★★★ | 7.1% |
Similar 2020 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Subaru BRZ (this car) | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota 86 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Toyota GR Supra | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Nissan 370z | 22 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Fiat 124 Spider | 30 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru BRZ.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2020 Subaru BRZ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2020 Subaru BRZ buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Power Train — 1 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 1 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru BRZ. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other BRZ years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 BRZ | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 BRZ | 25 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 BRZ | 25 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 BRZ | 25 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2023 BRZ | 25 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 1 |
| 2022 BRZ | 25 | 167.7 in | Not rated | 1 | 10 |
| 2019 BRZ | 27 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 1 |
| 2018 BRZ | 27 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 2 | 1 |
| 2017 BRZ | 27 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 7 |
| 2016 BRZ | 28 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2015 BRZ | 28 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 3 |
| 2014 BRZ | 28 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 5 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →