A combined 27 MPG won’t win the 2017 Subaru BRZ any hypermiling contests, but that number isn’t the whole story. This isn’t just a commuter, it’s a focused, affordable sports coupe designed to deliver driving pleasure. The fuel economy is adequate, allowing owners to enjoy backroad thrills without emptying their wallets.

City and highway performance

The BRZ’s EPA estimates break down to 24 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. City mileage suffers, a common issue for sporty cars that encourage fast acceleration from stoplights. The BRZ’s small 2.0L engine must work harder to overcome city driving’s stop-and-go nature. However, on the open road, where the engine can cruise efficiently, the BRZ does well on the highway. This makes it a reasonable choice for longer weekend drives, where the miles between gas stations give owners time to enjoy the car’s balanced handling and engaging steering.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Subaru BRZ at $2,150. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving mirroring the EPA’s fuel economy tests. It assumes the use of gasoline at the national average price. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on driving style, local fuel prices, and the ratio of city to highway use. Drivers who accelerate quickly and those in areas with high fuel prices might see their annual fuel costs exceed $2,150. Careful drivers in areas with lower fuel prices could spend less.

Real-world expectations

The EPA estimates provide a good benchmark, but real-world MPG often differs. BRZ owners report figures that change depending on their driving. Those who track their cars, autocross, or drive aggressively will likely see fuel economy numbers at the lower end, sometimes below 20 MPG. Those who prioritize efficiency and drive gently might achieve figures closer to, or even above, the EPA estimates. It depends on how often the driver uses the engine’s upper rev range.

How it compares

Compared to other sporty coupes, the 2017 BRZ offers competitive fuel economy. A used Mazda MX-5 Miata of the same vintage, with its smaller engine and lower weight, can achieve around 30 MPG combined. A 2017 Ford Mustang EcoBoost, while offering significantly more power, gets similar MPG to the BRZ, typically around 25 MPG combined. The Nissan 370Z, with its larger V6 engine, offers inferior fuel economy, often struggling to reach 20 MPG combined. The BRZ provides a fun driving experience without the gas-guzzling of more powerful options, as all all Subaru fuel economy data will show.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The BRZ responds well to a smooth driving style. Don’t accelerate or brake hard, as these actions use more fuel. Anticipate traffic and keep a steady speed, and use cruise control on the highway.

The BRZ’s automatic transmission offers a manual mode, allowing drivers to select gears. While it’s tempting to hold gears for maximum power, shifting at lower RPMs during normal driving can improve fuel economy. Experiment with shift points to find the balance between performance and efficiency.

Tire pressure is important for fuel economy. Make sure your BRZ’s tires are at the recommended pressure, found on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel efficiency. Also, tire compound matters, as grippier tires can reduce MPG slightly.

Minimize the accessories that put a burden on the electrical system. Air conditioning reduces fuel economy a lot. Use it sparingly, or open the windows at lower speeds.

Regular maintenance is essential for good fuel efficiency. Make sure your BRZ gets scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug maintenance. A well-maintained engine runs efficiently and uses less fuel. Maintenance is critical even for a reliable vehicle like the BRZ MPG across all years models.