Subaru BRZ Family test drive checklist
Introduction
Use this rating during inspection, negotiation, and purchase. Each item has a checkbox, a 1–5 rating (1 = bad, 5 = super), and a notes area for recording measurements, prices, and results.
Family models covered
- Subaru BRZ
- Subaru BRZ Limited
- Subaru BRZ Premium
- Toyota 86
- Toyota GR86
Not sure yet? Consider these options
Quick alternatives before you decide
Better overall choice
Audi TT (Mk1)
Strong alternative in this segment
→
Similar Subaru alternative
Subaru Impreza Sedan
Close match from the same brand
→
Best for Budget-conscious drivers
Budget-conscious drivers
A strong fit for buyers prioritizing affordability.
•
Subaru BRZ Family test drive checklist
Checklist with sections, items, ratings and notes.1. Front seats & occasional rear-seat reality
Evaluate how well the Subaru BRZ works for real-life seating needs, including front-seat comfort, occasional rear-seat use, access, and whether the small rear seats are usable for people or child seats in practice.
1.1 LATCH / ISOFIX easy to find and reach
Check whether the child-seat anchors in the Subaru BRZ are easy to locate and access. They should not require digging between cushions or working around tight seat bolsters.
1.2 Rear-facing seat fits without pushing front seat too far forward
Test whether a rear-facing child seat can fit in the Subaru BRZ without forcing the front passenger seat into an impractical position. Confirm whether this is realistic at all in this coupe.
1.3 Door opening is wide enough for easy loading
Check whether the 2-door opening of the Subaru BRZ makes loading and unloading a child seat or rear passenger manageable. If you do not have a seat with you, simulate the motion with a large bag.
1.4 Rear seat usable (if needed)
Assess whether the rear seats in the Subaru BRZ are genuinely usable for your needs. Check legroom, headroom, seat shape, and whether they are only suitable for very short trips or extra storage.
1.5 Kids’ comfort: rear vents / USB / cupholders
Check whether the Subaru BRZ offers useful rear-seat comfort features such as rear vents, USB ports, or cupholders. In a small coupe, verify what is actually present and whether rear passengers can realistically use it.
1.6 Rear legroom with installed child seats
After installing a child seat, check how much legroom remains in the front seats. Limited space in the Subaru BRZ can significantly affect long-term comfort and may make rear-seat use impractical.
1.7 Rear seat center armrest with cupholders
Evaluate whether the Subaru BRZ has any rear-seat armrest or cupholder setup, and whether it is useful in real life. This may be absent or of limited value in a 2-door sports coupe.
2. Cargo & daily carry test
Assess whether the cargo area of the Subaru BRZ works for real daily life. Focus on trunk opening shape, loading height, and whether the small trunk can handle groceries, bags, and occasional family gear rather than relying only on published cargo-volume figures.
2.1 Stroller fits without weird angles
Check whether your stroller fits easily into the trunk of the Subaru BRZ. Focus on the actual trunk opening height and width, not just the quoted cargo volume.
2.2 Groceries + stroller still fit together
Consider whether the Subaru BRZ can hold both a stroller and a realistic shopping load at the same time, such as groceries, a diaper bag, or sports gear.
2.3 Trunk lip/loading height feels manageable
Check whether the trunk lip and loading height of the Subaru BRZ feel practical for daily use. A small opening or awkward lip can quickly become annoying with bulky items.
2.4 Useful storage: hooks, underfloor bin, fold-down rear seats
Inspect whether the Subaru BRZ offers useful cargo details such as bag hooks, underfloor storage, and fold-down rear seats. Also check how easily the seats fold and whether they create a usable load surface.
2.5 One-handed loading practicality
Assess whether you can load items into the Subaru BRZ with one hand, as this is common when handling children. Check trunk lid weight and ease of operation.
2.6 Rear-seat area as extra cargo space
Check whether the rear-seat area can be used as practical extra storage when the rear seats are not occupied. In a BRZ, this may matter more than trunk volume alone.
3. Safety tech & visibility
Check that the safety and visibility features of the Subaru BRZ are actually present and working as expected. Review both driver-assistance equipment and real-world visibility from the driver’s seat in a low-slung coupe.
3.1 AEB / forward collision warning
Confirm whether the Subaru BRZ includes automatic emergency braking or forward collision warning, and whether the feature was standard or optional for that specific year and trim.
3.2 Lane assist / lane departure warning
Check whether the Subaru BRZ includes lane-assistance or lane-departure warning features, and confirm that the system appears to recognize lane markings properly.
3.3 Blind spot monitoring + rear cross-traffic (if equipped)
If fitted, verify that blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert work correctly in the Subaru BRZ, including indicator lights and any system settings or toggles.
3.4 Rear view + mirrors feel confidence-inspiring
Assess whether the rear visibility and mirror coverage of the Subaru BRZ feel reassuring in daily driving. Check that the coupe roofline, rear headrests, and small rear window do not block the view excessively.
3.5 Backup camera is clear (and parking sensors if present)
Check that the backup camera image in the Subaru BRZ is clear and free from haze, distortion, or lag. If parking sensors are fitted, confirm that they respond properly.
3.6 Headlights are strong + clean lens
Inspect the headlights of the Subaru BRZ for good brightness and clear lenses. This is especially important for night driving, low seating position, and early-morning use.
3.7 Overall safety confidence feeling
Evaluate whether the Subaru BRZ feels safe and reassuring during driving, including visibility, control, and perceived protection for a small sports coupe.
3.8 Standard safety features specific to this model
Investigate whether the Subaru BRZ includes model-specific safety features or driver aids for the year and trim you are considering. Confirm that these features are present and functioning as expected.
4. The drive: comfort, noise, kid vibe
Evaluate whether the Subaru BRZ feels genuinely usable day to day. Focus on ride comfort, cabin noise, brake smoothness, steering ease, and whether the car remains pleasant for short family trips or commuting.
4.1 Ride comfort over bumps is family-friendly
Drive the Subaru BRZ over rough pavement and speed bumps at low speed to judge whether the suspension feels comfortable enough for daily use.
4.2 Cabin noise at 50–70 mph is acceptable
Check whether wind and tire noise in the Subaru BRZ remain at a tolerable level at moderate to higher road speeds. Excessive noise can affect comfort on longer drives.
4.3 Brakes smooth + predictable
Assess whether the brakes of the Subaru BRZ feel smooth, easy to modulate, and predictable in everyday driving. Watch for pulsing, squealing, or grabby behavior.
4.4 Steering feels stable, not tiring
Check whether the steering of the Subaru BRZ feels stable, confidence-inspiring, and easy enough for daily driving. If safe, test it on a roundabout or during a quick lane change.
4.5 AC works strong in the cabin
Confirm that cabin climate comfort in the Subaru BRZ is adequate. Check whether airflow reaches both front seats properly and whether the fan noise remains acceptable.
4.6 Comfort in stop-and-go traffic
Test how the Subaru BRZ behaves in slow traffic conditions. Smooth acceleration and braking are especially important for passenger comfort and low-speed drivability.
4.7 Throttle and clutch feel in daily use
Evaluate how the Subaru BRZ responds in everyday driving, especially low-speed throttle control and clutch feel if it is a manual. Smooth transitions matter for commuting and parking.
5. Tech & practicality
Review the everyday technology and convenience features of the Subaru BRZ to make sure they support real use rather than becoming daily annoyances. Focus on infotainment usability, phone integration, cabin storage, and ease of cleaning.
5.1 Phone connects easily (CarPlay / Android Auto)
Test whether your phone connects quickly and reliably to the Subaru BRZ, including maps, music, and calls. Ideally, this should work smoothly within a minute.
5.2 Controls are simple while driving
Check whether important controls in the Subaru BRZ, such as volume, defrost, and fan speed, are easy to operate while driving without distraction.
5.3 Enough cupholders + usable door bins
Assess whether the Subaru BRZ provides enough practical storage for daily use, including cupholders, door bins, and places for drinks, snacks, wipes, and small essentials.
5.4 Easy cabin cleaning
Check whether the interior materials and layout of the Subaru BRZ make routine cleaning realistic. Pay attention to seat surfaces, floor mats, and tight crevices where dirt can collect.
5.5 Charging options for devices
Check whether the Subaru BRZ offers sufficient USB ports or charging options for the devices you actually use.
5.6 Infotainment features tailored for daily use
Assess whether the infotainment system of the Subaru BRZ has practical features that make daily driving easier, such as clear menus, easy pairing, and useful display information.
6. Daily usability & routines
Evaluate how well the Subaru BRZ fits into your real daily routines such as commuting, shopping, parking, and short-distance driving. Small usability factors often have a bigger long-term impact than specifications.
6.1 Easy entry and exit for children
Check how easily children can get in and out of the Subaru BRZ. Low roofline, seat height, and 2-door access all influence daily convenience.
6.2 Parking and maneuverability in tight spaces
Test how easy it is to park the Subaru BRZ in tight urban spaces, school parking areas, or supermarkets. Evaluate turning radius and visibility.
6.3 Short trip usability (school run scenario)
Simulate a short daily drive and assess how quickly the vehicle becomes comfortable, including seat position, visibility, and ease of operation.
6.4 Storage for daily items
Check if there is enough practical storage for everyday items such as bags, snacks, toys, and personal belongings.
6.5 Fuel efficiency during daily use
Consider the fuel efficiency of the Subaru BRZ during typical driving scenarios. Evaluate how it performs in stop-and-go traffic and on longer trips to understand real-world efficiency.