Subaru enthusiasts who have their eyes on the BRZ sports coupe are facing a mix of disappointment and higher costs for the upcoming model year. The company has confirmed it is discontinuing the entry-level Premium trim while simultaneously increasing the starting price of the lineup. This means the most affordable BRZ will now begin at $35,860, which represents a $2,650 hike compared to last year’s base version. On top of this, Subaru has slightly raised the destination fee, moving it from $1,170 to $1,195, making the overall cost of entry more expensive than before.
The decision to eliminate the Premium trim comes as Subaru points to low demand for the version. According to the brand, the Premium accounted for fewer than 10 percent of BRZ sales in 2025. To put this in perspective, the company only sold 2,107 BRZ units through August of that year, meaning fewer than 211 vehicles were Premium models. Subaru spokesperson Bill Stokes explained the change by stating that the updated lineup better reflects customer preferences. Buyers, he noted, tend to gravitate toward trims with a balance of performance, comfort, and technology, features that are readily available in the Limited and tS variants.
With the Premium gone, the Limited trim now becomes the new entry-level option. Priced at $35,860, it maintains the same cost as before, without any major updates. This trim is well-equipped, offering LED headlights and taillights, 18-inch alloy wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 summer tires, and a sporty yet refined interior. Inside, buyers are greeted by a 7-inch digital instrument cluster alongside an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The car also comes with Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist suite, while materials such as Ultrasuede and leather, Brin Naub details, red contrast stitching, and aluminum pedals add to its premium feel.
Above the Limited sits the BRZ tS, priced at $38,360. Like last year, this variant continues unchanged, boasting performance-focused upgrades including a Brembo braking system, Hitachi dampers, and subtle exterior tweaks. Inside, details such as blue stitching and a unique gauge cluster with cherry red accents differentiate it from the Limited.
Rounding out the lineup is the BRZ Series.Yellow, introduced earlier in the year at $39,360. This special edition stands out thanks to its striking Sunrise Yellow exterior, complemented by matte black 18-inch alloy wheels and contrasting black badging. The cabin also carries yellow accenting to match the bold exterior theme.
All trims share the same powertrain: a naturally aspirated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine generating 228 horsepower and 249 Nm of torque. The Limited offers a choice between a six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic transmission for an additional $850. However, the performance-oriented tS and the Series.Yellow are offered exclusively with the manual gearbox, reinforcing their driver-focused character.
While Subaru has simplified the BRZ lineup and trimmed away its most affordable variant, the models that remain continue to deliver a mix of lightweight handling, everyday usability, and track-inspired upgrades. Buyers may pay more to get behind the wheel, but the brand insists the streamlined offerings better reflect what enthusiasts actually want.