2025 Subaru BRZ vs 2026 Ford Mustang

$33,210 · Coupe

$32,320 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru BRZ ignites the soul with pure, focused RWD engagement, delivering 228 hp in a compact, tossable package (167.9 inches long). Conversely, the 2026 Ford Mustang roars onto the scene as the superior powerhouse, boasting a massive 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, easily overpowering the BRZ's output. While the BRZ demands premium fuel for its 22 MPG combined rating, the larger Mustang is surprisingly more efficient, achieving 26 MPG combined, even though both are RWD coupes. The Mustang offers nearly double the cargo space at 13.5 cu ft versus the BRZ's meager 6.3 cu ft. The $33,210 BRZ appeals to drivers prioritizing razor-sharp handling geometry, while the slightly cheaper Mustang, starting at $32,320, tempts buyers seeking significant horsepower supremacy and practical amenities.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Ford Mustang

The 2026 Ford Mustang wins commuter duties due to its superior combined fuel economy of 26 MPG compared to the BRZ's 22 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Ford Mustang

The Mustang is the clear family choice as it provides 13.5 cu ft of cargo capacity, significantly more than the BRZ's 6.3 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Ford Mustang

Enthusiasts will gravitate toward the Mustang's substantially greater power figures, boasting 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Ford Mustang

The Mustang offers significantly more horsepower (87 hp more) and better fuel economy for a slightly lower starting price of $32,320.

Choose the Subaru BRZ if...

You prioritize the feeling of a small, pure driver's car, evidenced by its short 167.9-inch length.
You specifically want the direct engagement offered by a standard 6-speed manual transmission.
You prefer a lighter, more nimble feel, accepting the lower 228 hp output for superior feedback.

Choose the Ford Mustang if...

You require substantial acceleration, thanks to its 315 hp engine, which is 87 hp more than the BRZ.
You need usable space, as the Mustang offers 13.5 cu ft of cargo room versus the BRZ's 6.3 cu ft.
You value higher efficiency, as the Mustang achieves 33 highway MPG while only requiring recommended premium fuel.

Key Dimensions

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

Features Comparison

Safety

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

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Ford
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	2.3 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	228 hp @ 7000 rpm	315 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm	350 lb-ft @ 3000 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	Subaru	Ford
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	10-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	Limited Slip

Fuel

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

Comfort & Convenience

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

In Car Entertainment

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

Power Feature

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

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Ford
Front Head Room	37.0 in.	37.6 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	44.5 in.
Front Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	56.3 in.
Front Hip Room	52.4 in.	54.9 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	Subaru	Ford
Rear Head Room	33.5 in.	34.8 in.
Rear Leg Room	29.9 in.	29.0 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	51.7 in.	52.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	45.2 in.	47.4 in.
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

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

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Ford
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	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru BRZ and 2026 Ford Mustang.

Which car is better for long highway commutes?

The 2026 Ford Mustang is the better highway companion, offering 33 highway MPG compared to the BRZ's 27 highway MPG. Additionally, its larger size (189.4 inches long) often translates to a more stable ride at speed.

How significant is the power difference between the two models?

The power gap is substantial; the Mustang generates 315 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, creating an 87 hp deficit for the BRZ's 228 hp. This means the Mustang will accelerate much more rapidly.

Does the required fuel type affect the overall cost of ownership?

Yes, the 2025 Subaru BRZ requires premium unleaded fuel, which generally costs more per gallon than the recommended premium for the Mustang. This ongoing fuel cost difference impacts the ownership experience, despite the BRZ having lower outright consumption numbers.

Can I fit more luggage in the Mustang?

Absolutely; the 2026 Mustang offers 13.5 cu ft of cargo space, more than doubling the BRZ’s small 6.3 cu ft trunk, making weekend trips more feasible.

Which car provides a more traditional manual driving experience?

The 2025 Subaru BRZ exclusively offers a 6-speed manual transmission, catering to purists who reject the automatic transmission found in the Mustang, even if the automatic is shiftable.

Which vehicle handles better on a tight autocross course?

While the Mustang is more powerful, the BRZ’s shorter length (167.9 inches) and potentially lighter curb weight (not provided, but inferred from size) often lend themselves to sharper, more immediate response on extremely tight courses.