BRZ

Make
Subaru
Segment
Coupe

The all-new 2022 Subaru BRZ is arriving in US dealers this fall, boasting sharper driving dynamics, a sportier appearance, and a new 2.4-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine. It may not be turbocharged, but the 2022 BRZ's new Boxer engine is more powerful than its predecessor's with an increased output of 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, up from 205 hp and 156 lb-ft in the last model.

This is a welcome boost since we felt the last-generation BRZ was underpowered, the extra horsepower comes with a predictable caveat: higher fuel consumption. The EPA has released the official economy figures for the 2022 Subaru BRZ, and it's a thirstier sports car than its predecessor.

According to the figures released by the EPA, the new BRZ is now rated at 21/30/25 mpg city/highway/combined when equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. The manual version is less efficient, rated at 20/27/22 mpg. For comparison, the outgoing BRZ is rated at up to 27 mpg combined with an automatic transmission and 24 mpg with the manual.

On average, the EPA estimates the 2022 BRZ's lower fuel economy will add an extra $1,000 in annual fuel bills for the manual version, while fuel costs for the automatic version increase to $750 per year. These estimates are based on driving 15,000 miles annually with 55 percent of those miles accounting for highway driving

Even so, the BRZ's higher fuel consumption probably won't affect sales - this is a car you buy for pure driving pleasure. With more power to play with and a near-perfect weight distribution, the new BRZ is even more enjoyable to drive than its predecessor. Despite the improvements, the new BRZ is around $800 cheaper than the 2020 model with a starting price of $27,995 before destination, although the 2020 model was only sold in the more expensive Limited trim.

The EPA hasn't assessed the BRZ's Toyota GR 86 platform sibling yet, but it should deliver similar economy figures.

We'll be driving the BRZ on its upcoming North American launch next week, so stay tuned for our driving impressions on August 30.