The Subaru BRZ Premium trim is discontinued for 2026, making the Limited trim the starting point for this sporty roadster.
Starting in 2026, Subaru is cutting the BRZ Premium trim from the lineup, which means the entry price is going up. Here’s what buyers need to know about the change and what it means for anyone looking to get into a new BRZ.
The Subaru BRZ Premium trim is discontinued, making it more expensive
The 2026 BRZ changes to lose its starting trim model, making the Limited trim where you have to begin. This effectively causes a BRZ price increase, despite the Limited model being priced the same as it was for 2025. The three BRZ trim levels are now trimmed to two with the Limited and tS models offered, but a new special edition called the BRZ Series.Yellow is part of the mix. Despite the loss of the base trim, the BRZ remains one of the most affordable sports cars on the market, giving you the active driving fun you want without the exorbitant prices of many sports cars.
It’s a sales thing
The decision to reduce the number of Subaru sports car options was a pretty easy one for the brand. Fewer than 1 in 10 cars sold was the base Premium trim, which shows that the company no longer needed to invest in this base model. This led to the Subaru BRZ Premium trim being discontinued; it only makes good business sense. Poor sales are almost always a factor when it comes to a trim level or vehicle being axed. In this case, it was an easy decision, and if you want to drive the BRZ, you’ll have to pay a little more and choose the Limited trim to start with.
What does the Limited trim include?
The BRZ Limited has black Ultrasuede upholstery with red stitching, red leather for the bolsters, and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Lead Vehicle Start Alert. This trim also gives you a set of 18-inch alloy wheels finished in matte gray and wrapped in a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires. Other special elements of this model include a Torsen limited-slip differential, heated mirrors, and steering-responsive headlights.
Your comfort is important in this Subaru sports car, and the Limited trim provides you with dual-zone automatic climate controls, keyless entry, push-button starting, dual-mode heated seats, and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. While the screen seems a little small for 2026, it fits right inside this compact roadster.
What if you want the tS trim?
If you aren’t bothered by the Subaru BRZ Premium trim being discontinued, and statistics show that very few shoppers were interested in it anyway, the performance-oriented tS trim might be right up your alley. This car has STI-tuned Hitachi dampers and Brembo four- and two-piston brakes with larger discs, pads, and gold calipers. Blue upholstery stitching replaces the red of the Limited trim, but the digital gauge cluster has red accents, which makes for a nice contrast. You’ll also see Crystal Black Silica mirror caps and tS badging throughout.
The limited model
The BRZ Series.Yellow is limited to only 350 models, which makes it less of a trim and more of a special offering. It has the yellow paint that you would expect, giving it a look that stands out in a crowd. You’ll also enjoy a set of black alloy wheels, blacked out badges on the grille and rear decklid, and yellow stitching with black accents for the upholstery.
The Series.Yellow model builds on the tS, which means you won’t find an automatic transmission as an option for either car. If you want an automatic transmission, you’ll need to stick with the Limited trim.
Power and performance
The Subaru BRZ continues to use a 2.4-liter naturally aspirated flat four-cylinder engine that produces 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. This impressive little roadster can reach 60 MPH in 55 seconds and has a top speed of 140 MPH, which are both good numbers for anyone looking for a fun and active car on the road.
Subaru BRZ Premium trim discontinued, but nobody cares
The low sales figures for 2025 tell the story of trimming the Premium model from the lineup. Despite that, Subaru did not increase prices of the remaining trims, which means most drivers won’t notice the loss of the Premium trim at all.
Are you ready to drive a fun and exciting sports car that still comes in at a great price? Will the BRZ be the car you choose?
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