Against 381 other 4-cyl cars rated 2024–2026, the BRZ trails their 26.3 mpg average by 1.3 mpg, about $76 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 2013, the 2L 4-cyl (2013–2020), does 27.5 mpg and the thirstiest, the 2.4L 4-cyl (2022–2026), 25: $140 a year apart.
Every Subaru BRZ engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl | 24 / 33 | 2013–2020 | $1,396 | |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 21 / 30 | 2022–2026 | $1,536 |
What that actually costs
Against its rivals in the same model years, the Toyota GR86 gets 24 mpg, next to 25 mpg for the 2026 BRZ. The BRZ is the cheapest of them to run: $64 a year less than the Toyota GR86.
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (2026) | $0.128 |
| Fuel per year | $1,536 |
| Fuel over five years | $7,680 |
| Against other 4-cyl cars, 2024–2026 | +$76 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $2,915 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 2026 Subaru BRZ gives up 9 mpg in town: 30 on the highway against 21 in the city, $549 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (2026) | 21 mpg | $1,829 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 30 mpg | $1,280 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +9 mpg (43%) | Wide — this car dislikes traffic |
How the BRZ changed over the years
The BRZ peaked in 2016 at 28 mpg (24 city, 33 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 2026 at 25 — 3 mpg apart, or $165 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 2026 car does 25.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2025 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2024 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2023 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2022 | 21 / 30 | 1 | $1,536 | |
| 2020 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2019 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2018 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2017 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,422 | |
| 2016 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2015 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2014 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 | |
| 2013 | 24 / 33 | 1 | $1,371 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 13 EPA ratings of the Subaru BRZ — 2 engines across 2013–2026. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $2,915. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 2026 Subaru BRZ get?
25 mpg combined, 21 city and 30 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 2013 the BRZ has averaged 26.5 mpg.
Is the 2026 BRZ more efficient than the 2025?
About the same: 25 against 25 mpg combined.
Which BRZ year has the best gas mileage?
The 2016, at 28 mpg combined (24 city, 33 highway).
Does the BRZ get better gas mileage than the Toyota GR86?
Yes: 25 mpg for the 2026 BRZ against 24 for the 2025 Toyota GR86, about $64 a year less to run.
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