2025 Subaru BRZ vs 2026 Nissan Z

$33,210 · Coupe

$42,970 · Coupe

Comparison Overview

The 2025 Subaru BRZ is the pure, agile driver's tool, demanding precision with its 228 hp and lightweight footprint (167.9 inches long). It’s built for those who relish the sensation of balance. Conversely, the 2026 Nissan Z arrives packing serious muscle, boasting an exhilarating 400 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, providing a significant advantage in straight-line performance. This power surge comes at a cost, with the Z carrying a hefty $9,760 higher MSRP than the BRZ's starting price of $33,210. While both prioritize RWD fun with a 6-speed manual, the massive 172 hp difference dictates the character: the BRZ focuses on maximizing every ounce of momentum, achieving 22 MPG combined, whereas the Z uses its torque to dominate, yielding 20 MPG combined.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Subaru BRZ

The BRZ is the superior choice for daily commuting due to its better fuel economy rating of 22 MPG combined versus the Nissan Z's 20 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2025 Subaru BRZ

Neither car is ideal for families, but the BRZ wins by default as both offer minuscule 6.3 cu ft of cargo space and only two seats.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Nissan Z

The Nissan Z offers substantially more performance appeal with 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque, overwhelming the BRZ's 228 hp output.

💰 Best Value

2025 Subaru BRZ

The BRZ offers an incredible entry point to RWD performance for thousands less, with an MSRP of $33,210 compared to the Z's $42,970.

Choose the Subaru BRZ if...

You prioritize efficiency, as the BRZ achieves 27 MPG on the highway.
You seek the purest, most accessible driver feedback without needing overwhelming power.
Your budget is strictly capped, as the BRZ saves you $9,760 compared to the Z.

Choose the Nissan Z if...

You demand massive power, benefiting from the Z's 400 hp output.
You prefer a larger overall footprint, as the Z is 172.4 inches long compared to the BRZ's 167.9 inches.
You appreciate the torque advantage, as the Z delivers 350 lb-ft to move its heavier frame.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Subaru BRZ	Nissan Z
Length	167.9"	172.4"
Width	69.9"	72.6"
Height	51.6"	51.8"
Wheelbase	101.4"	100.4"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
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	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Adaptive Headlights	—	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Base Engine Displacement	2.4 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	flat 4	V6
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	228 hp @ 7000 rpm	400 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	184 lb-ft @ 3700 rpm	350 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Transmission Type	6-speed manual	6-speed manual
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	rear wheel drive
Rear Differential Type	Limited Slip	—

Fuel

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (recommended)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	20/27 MPG	18/24 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	22 MPG	20 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	264.0/356.4 mi.	0/0 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	13.2 gal.	—

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
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	✓	—
Front Parking Sensors	—	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Single Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	—	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	—	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Infotainment Display	8.0 in	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	Nissan
One-Touch Power Windows	2	2
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Front Head Room	37.0 in.	38.2 in.
Front Leg Room	41.5 in.	42.9 in.
Front Shoulder Room	53.6 in.	54.2 in.
Front Hip Room	52.4 in.	54.6 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	—
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	4-way
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	—
Front Seat Type: Sport	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Rear Head Room	33.5 in.	—
Rear Leg Room	29.9 in.	—
Rear Shoulder Room	51.7 in.	—
Rear Hip Room	45.2 in.	—
Folding Rear Seatback	✓	—

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	Painted Alloy
Wheel Size	17 x 7.5 in	18 x 9.0 in.
Tire Type	Performance	Performance
Tire Size	215/45R	245/45R

Suspension

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

Warranty

Feature	Subaru	Nissan
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.	3 yr./ 36000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Subaru BRZ and 2026 Nissan Z.

What is the primary performance difference between the 2025 BRZ and the 2026 Nissan Z?

The main difference lies in raw power; the Nissan Z delivers a commanding 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. The Subaru BRZ offers a focused 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, meaning the Z has a 172 hp advantage.

How do the MSRPs compare for these two RWD coupes?

There is a significant $9,760 gap in starting prices. The 2025 Subaru BRZ starts at $33,210, while the more powerful 2026 Nissan Z commands a starting price of $42,970.

Is one of these cars significantly better on fuel for daily driving?

Yes, the BRZ is more economical for commuting, achieving a combined 22 MPG on premium unleaded fuel. The Nissan Z, while powerful, returns a combined 20 MPG, requiring premium unleaded only as recommended.

Does the 6-speed manual transmission differ between the two models?

Both cars feature a 6-speed manual transmission in their baseline configurations, offering a raw connection to the powertrain. However, the power delivered through that gearbox is dramatically different given the 172 hp gap.

How do the physical sizes affect usability, specifically cargo space?

The Nissan Z is physically larger in length (172.4 inches vs. 167.9 inches) and width (72.6 inches vs. 69.9 inches). Despite this, both vehicles offer practically identical, very limited cargo capacities at just 6.3 cubic feet.

Which car requires premium fuel and is this non-negotiable?

The 2025 Subaru BRZ explicitly requires premium unleaded fuel for its 228 hp engine. The 2026 Nissan Z specifies that premium unleaded fuel is recommended to achieve its full 400 hp potential.