25 MPG combined; the EPA rating for the 2026 Subaru BRZ 2.4L with the automatic transmission, is a pragmatic efficiency achievement for a pure, unadulterated sports car. This isn’t a vehicle chasing hybrid numbers or coasting on reputation. It’s a meticulously engineered driver’s machine where every ounce of performance and engagement is prioritized, and it still delivers respectable commuter economy. Buyers of the BRZ are signing up for an experience: a perfectly balanced chassis, a linear naturally aspirated power delivery, and a tactile connection to the road that few cars offer today. They accept the BRZ’s fuel economy not as a compromise, but as a reasonable operational cost for the sheer joy and character it provides, especially considering that the vast majority are not cross-country cruisers, but rather weekend warriors and spirited backroad carvers, punctuated by daily commutes.

City and highway performance

The BRZ’s 21 MPG in the city and 30 MPG on the highway with the automatic transmission paints a clear picture. The city figure, as expected, is where the sports car characteristics and engine tuning for responsiveness slightly temper efficiency. Stop-and-go traffic, the bane of any internal combustion engine, highlights the BRZ’s focus on immediate throttle response and its willingness to rev. That 2.4-liter boxer engine, a gem of linear power, isn’t designed for hypermiling in bumper-to-bumper conditions. However, once the asphalt opens up, the 30 MPG highway figure is genuinely impressive for a non-turbocharged sports coupe. Subaru engineered the tall gearing of the 6-speed automatic expertly, allowing the engine to settle into an efficient, lower-RPM cruise. This highway efficiency is particularly beneficial for those who might have a longer commute or participate in driving events a few hours from home, striking a balance between spirited driving and manageable running costs. For more details on this model’s efficiency, you can review BRZ MPG across all years.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates an annual fuel cost of $2,300 for the 2026 BRZ 2.4L with the automatic transmission. This figure is calculated based on an average of 15,000 miles driven per year, split between city and highway driving, and using national average fuel prices, which the EPA updates regularly. For the typical BRZ owner, this $2,300 annual expenditure is a well-understood part of the ownership experience. It’s a small price to pay for a dedicated sports car that frequently punches above its weight in terms of driving enjoyment and chassis dynamics. Few vehicles offer this level of engagement for a similar annual outlay, making the BRZ an accessible enthusiast-grade vehicle with predictable annual operational expenses.

Real-world expectations

In the real world, owners of the 2026 BRZ with the automatic transmission generally find these EPA figures to be quite attainable, sometimes even exceeding the highway rating on long, steady cruises. The key differentiator is driving style. Drive the BRZ as it’s intended, revving it out, downshifting for fun, and exploring its phenomenal chassis, and expect to be closer to the lower end of the 21-30 MPG range, or even slightly below the combined 25 MPG. However, for everyday commuting, especially if avoiding heavy city traffic, 25-28 MPG is very realistic. The automatic transmission, particularly in its sport modes, does a commendable job of keeping the engine in its power band for spirited driving while still managing to exhibit refinement and efficiency when driven conservatively. Subaru’s engineering allows such a focused performance car to still deliver sensible economy.

How it compares

When placed next to its direct competitors, the BRZ’s 25 MPG combined, 21 city, 30 highway with the automatic holds its own impressively. The twin, the Toyota GR86, surprisingly offers identical figures given their shared architecture. Looking at other enthusiast-focused vehicles, the Mazda MX-5 Miata, a smaller and significantly less powerful car, typically sees around 29 MPG combined with its automatic transmission (26 City/34 Highway). This highlights the BRZ’s efficiency advantage for its output. Stepping up in power and price, larger front-wheel-drive hot hatches like the Honda Civic Type R, with significantly more horsepower and a manual transmission, average around 24 MPG combined (22 City/28 Highway). Even comparing it to more potent rear-wheel-drive sports cars, such as a base Ford Mustang EcoBoost, which might offer 24 MPG combined (21 City/32 Highway) with its automatic, the naturally aspirated BRZ remains competitive despite its focus on a more direct, less turbocharged driving experience. This comparative analysis demonstrates that the BRZ isn’t an efficiency outlier. Instead, it presents a dedicated sports coupe that doesn’t demand excessive fuel costs for its segment. For more on Subaru’s overall lineup efficiency, explore all Subaru fuel economy data.

Tips to maximize efficiency

To get the most out of your BRZ’s fuel economy, consider moderate throttle inputs. While the car begs to be revved, smooth acceleration and anticipating traffic will prevent unnecessary fuel consumption, especially with the automatic transmission’s quick shifts.

Regular maintenance is crucial. Keeping up with oil changes, air filter replacements, and tire rotations ensures the 2.4L engine and its associated systems are operating at peak efficiency, minimizing parasitic losses.

Monitoring tire pressure is an often-overlooked factor. Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, which directly translates to better fuel economy and also improves the BRZ’s already stellar handling characteristics.

Use the automatic transmission’s various drive modes. While Sport mode is tempting for its sharpened responses, switching to normal or even selecting manual shifts and short-shifting can significantly improve fuel efficiency during non-spirited driving.

Plan your routes to minimize stop-and-go traffic whenever possible. The BRZ’s urban efficiency suffers most in heavy congestion, so choosing routes with smoother traffic flow or avoiding peak hours will yield better MPG results.