DecodedCars2016 Subaru BRZ
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Minicompact Cars
- Body styles
- 2dr Coupe
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl
- Transmission
- CVT, 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 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 28 MPG combined — 23% better than the average 2016 minicompact car (22.7 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 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 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 28 MPG combined (24 city / 33 highway), 23% better than the 2016 minicompact car average of 22.7 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 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 3 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the unknown or other.
What changed for 2016
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 BRZ — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 BRZ →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Lafayette, India · Ota, Gunma
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 3 2016 BRZ configurations; 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 | 50.8 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 / 28 | +23% | $2,950 | 321 |
| BRZ | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 29 / 24 | +6% | $3,400 | 363 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 Subaru BRZ.
Similar 2016 minicompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Subaru BRZ (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Nissan 370z | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Honda CR-Z | 36 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Fiat 500e | 84 mi | Not rated | 1 |
| 2016 Scion FR-S | 28 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 Subaru BRZ.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 Subaru BRZ is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2016 Subaru BRZ buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 1 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Service Brakes — 1 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
- Suspension — 1 owner reports. Drive over bumps and listen for clunks; look for uneven tire wear.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 78,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 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 |
| 2020 BRZ | 27 | 166.9 in | Not rated | 0 | 2 |
| 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 |
| 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 →