2025 Ford Mustang vs 2025 Subaru BRZ

$31,920 · Coupe

$33,210 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Ford Mustang and the 2025 Subaru BRZ often boils down to balancing raw muscle against nimble handling and efficiency. If your heart pulls toward straight-line performance, the Mustang steps up significantly, boasting 315 hp compared to the BRZ's 228 hp—an 87 hp advantage that translates to more thrilling highway merging. However, that power comes at an efficiency cost, as the Mustang nets a combined 26 MPG versus the BRZ's 22 MPG, a 4 MPG difference you’ll notice over time. Furthermore, the Mustang is substantially larger at 189.4 inches long, offering a more accommodating 13.5 cu ft of cargo space versus the BRZ's tight 6.3 cu ft. While the Mustang starts slightly cheaper at an MSRP of $31,920, the overall package prioritizes accessible power over the BRZ's focused, compact road-hugging dimensions.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Ford Mustang

The Mustang offers superior fuel economy at 26 combined MPG and includes an easier 10-speed automatic transmission.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Ford Mustang

The Mustang wins by default as it offers significantly more cargo space at 13.5 cu ft compared to the BRZ's restrictive 6.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2025 Subaru BRZ

The BRZ offers a more pure, driver-focused experience with its standard 6-speed manual transmission and lower weight profile.

💰 Best Value

2025 Ford Mustang

The Mustang starts at a lower MSRP of $31,920 while providing substantially more horsepower (315 hp vs 228 hp).

Choose the Ford Mustang if...

You need more practical storage, as the Mustang provides 13.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
You prefer the convenience of an automatic, thanks to the 10-speed shiftable option.
You want significantly more peak output, as the Mustang delivers 315 hp compared to the BRZ's 228 hp.

Choose the Subaru BRZ if...

You insist on a pure manual driving experience, as the BRZ comes standard with a 6-speed manual.
You prioritize maneuverability, given the BRZ's much smaller footprint (167.9 inches long).
You want slightly better fuel efficiency, achieving 26 MPG highway versus the Mustang's 33 MPG highway (though combined efficiency is closer).

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Ford Mustang	Subaru BRZ
Length	189.4"	167.9"
Width	75.4"	69.9"
Height	55.0"	51.6"
Wheelbase	107.0"	101.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	—
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	—
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	✓	—
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Multi-Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	—	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	—	✓
Brake Assist	—	✓
Self-Leveling Headlights	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Base Engine Displacement	2.3 L	2.4 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	flat 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	315 hp @ 5500 rpm	228 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque	350 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Transmission Type	10-speed shiftable automatic	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip

Fuel

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (recommended)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	22/33 MPG	20/27 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	26 MPG	22 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	352.0/528.0 mi.	264.0/356.4 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	16.0 gal.	13.2 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Front Seatback Storage	—	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Ford	Subaru
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Speaker System	6	6
Android Auto (Wired)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wired)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
Auxiliary Audio Input	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Infotainment Display	—	8.0 in
Satellite Radio	—	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Length	—	4 months

Power Feature

Feature	Ford	Subaru
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Front Head Room	37.6 in.	37.0 in.
Front Leg Room	44.5 in.	41.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.3 in.	53.6 in.
Front Hip Room	54.9 in.	52.4 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	—	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	—	Multi-level

Rearseats

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Rear Head Room	34.8 in.	33.5 in.
Rear Leg Room	29.0 in.	29.9 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	52.2 in.	51.7 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	45.2 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	18 x 8.0 in	17 x 7.5 in
Tire Type	All Season	Performance
Tire Size	235/50R18	215/45R

Suspension

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Ford	Subaru
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Ford Mustang and 2025 Subaru BRZ.

Is the 2025 Mustang practical for daily driving compared to the BRZ?

Yes, the Mustang is generally better for daily use; it achieves a higher combined MPG of 26 and offers 13.5 cu ft of trunk space. The BRZ’s 6.3 cu ft cargo hold is quite limited for grocery runs or longer trips.

Which car is quicker in a straight line?

The 2025 Ford Mustang is significantly quicker due to its 315 hp engine producing 350 lb-ft of torque. This provides an 87 hp advantage over the BRZ's 228 hp.

Why does the BRZ require premium fuel when the Mustang only recommends it?

The Subaru BRZ strictly requires premium unleaded fuel to achieve its published 228 hp figures. The 2025 Mustang recommends it but can run on regular, offering a minor cost-saving advantage there.

How much smaller is the Subaru BRZ in physical dimensions?

The BRZ is considerably smaller, measuring 167.9 inches long versus the Mustang's 189.4 inches, and it is 5.5 inches narrower. This makes the BRZ easier to navigate and park in tight urban areas.

Is the higher power of the Mustang worth the trade-off in handling focus?

This is subjective, but the BRZ is purpose-built for balance and driver connection, often favored by track enthusiasts, while the Mustang prioritizes brute force and accessible straight-line speed for its higher MSRP of $31,920.

Which transmission choice is better for performance driving?

For purists, the BRZ’s standard 6-speed manual is superior for engagement, whereas the Mustang offers a quick-shifting 10-speed automatic that aids its overall acceleration figures.