by Michael Satterfield - Photos by Subaru - 11/01/2024
I have often bemoaned that the Mazda MX-5 is the last sports car of the people, while it is the last of the breed of affordable roadsters that used to be a staple on dealership lots in the USA; the reality is that the 2024 Subaru BRZ TS a great alternative for those who don't want a roof that folds. This modern sports coupe is agile, responsive, and built with driver engagement at the forefront. The test car is the "TS," tuned by STI. It's not a true STI, but it does help to make this car one of the most enjoyable and distinctive models in their lineup. With a focus on track-ready upgrades and precision handling, the BRZ TS is made for purists prioritizing an engaging driving experience over raw power.
The 2024 BRZ TS doesn’t deviate drastically from its clean, low-profile design, but the TS upgrades add a subtle aggression. It sports a distinctive front grille and aerodynamic enhancements that lend a meaner look, particularly in WR Blue Pearl. With exclusive STI-tuned accents, a lightweight spoiler, and 18-inch matte bronze wheels, the BRZ TS’s exterior aesthetics are spot-on for enthusiasts who appreciate understated elegance over flashy elements. The stance is low, with flared fenders that house the beefier brakes and suspension upgrades, hinting at the car's potential for spirited driving.
Subaru has made modest but meaningful upgrades to the interior. The driver-focused cockpit features supportive Recaro seats adorned in a mix of synthetic suede and leather with contrasting red stitching—giving it a performance-oriented feel. The layout is ergonomic, with easy access to critical controls, including a short-throw shifter that falls naturally to hand. The BRZ TS retains its minimalist dash, which keeps distractions to a minimum and lets drivers focus on the road ahead.
However, it’s worth noting that space is limited. This is a sports coupe, so there isn’t much room for cargo or backseat passengers. Compared to the Mazda MX-5, which has even tighter quarters, the BRZ TS might feel slightly more practical, but it’s not spacious.
Subaru equips the BRZ TS with an 8.0-inch touchscreen that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, offering straightforward connectivity. The system is responsive, and while it doesn’t pack every tech feature under the sun, the essentials are there. The focus here isn’t on luxury or extensive tech; instead, Subaru aims for minimalism that aligns with the driving experience.
Under the hood, the 2024 BRZ TS packs a 2.4-liter, naturally aspirated flat-four engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque. While not overly powerful on paper, the BRZ’s low curb weight of around 2,850 pounds and STI-tuned suspension make it agile and fun. The TS-exclusive suspension upgrade includes Sachs dampers, reinforced chassis bracing, and recalibrated springs, creating a setup that handles corners with remarkable precision.
On the road, the manual transmission is a joy. The short-throw shifter is precise, and the clutch is well-weighted, striking a balance between daily driveability and performance. Acceleration may not feel blistering—especially compared to turbocharged rivals—but the throttle response is immediate, and the BRZ TS rewards smooth, calculated inputs.
The Mazda MX-5, in comparison, has a more organic feel, thanks to its smaller dimensions and roadster layout. The MX-5’s 2.0-liter inline-four generates slightly less power (181 horsepower) but delivers it in a more rev-happy manner, thanks to its ultra-lightweight design (around 2,400 pounds). The Miata’s handling feels nimble and light, like a go-kart that keeps you closely in tune with the road. For some, the Mazda’s minimal weight and rear-drive feel offer a more connected experience, even if the BRZ TS is more stable at higher speeds.
The Subaru BRZ TS is tuned for enthusiasts who love cornering and track days, rewarding smooth, calculated maneuvers with surgical precision. The steering feel is fantastic—responsive and direct, giving you confidence through tight bends. Subaru's focus on a low center of gravity and enhanced suspension dynamics means the car maintains a flat, composed stance in high-speed corners, even on twisty mountain roads.
Compared to the MX-5, the BRZ TS feels more planted, thanks in part to the Subaru’s lower center of gravity and STI upgrades. While the Mazda MX-5 embodies an effortless, freewheeling joy with its feather-light handling and quick reflexes, the BRZ TS feels more like a grounded sports car. On a curvy road, the BRZ's extra heft and tuned suspension offer stability, making it feel more substantial and confidence-inspiring, especially at speed. That said, the MX-5’s raw, open-top driving experience remains unmatched if you're drawn to the sensation of lightweight dynamics.
In terms of efficiency, the BRZ TS achieves an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, which is respectable for a performance-oriented car. However, the Mazda MX-5 edges out the BRZ TS here with around 26 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, making it a bit more economical for those who plan to daily-drive their sports car. This difference, while small, could sway some toward the Mazda for the sake of fuel savings over time.
Priced at around $36,000, the 2024 BRZ TS is at the higher end of the spectrum for small sports coupes. Given the added performance-oriented features from Subaru's STI division, the price bump over a standard BRZ is somewhat justified. You’re getting a vehicle tailored for driving enthusiasts, and the TS-specific upgrades add to its track-ready nature without the hassle or expense of aftermarket modifications.
The MX-5, in comparison, typically comes in lower with the Club model starting around $32,000. For the budget-conscious driver looking for maximum thrills per dollar, the Mazda’s price advantage makes it an enticing option. However, if you prioritize a more comprehensive, purpose-built package out of the box and have an appreciation for the BRZ’s engineering focus, the extra cost could feel worthwhile.
The choice between the Subaru BRZ TS and Mazda MX-5 ultimately comes down to what you prioritize in a sports car. The BRZ TS is a well-engineered coupe that feels like a precision tool on the road, rewarding smoothness and control. Its handling dynamics, coupled with the STI-tuned suspension, offer a distinctive experience that’s more stable and composed than the MX-5, particularly on twisty roads at speed. If you're looking for a performance-oriented coupe with a low center of gravity and cornering prowess, the BRZ TS is an excellent pick, especially if track days or spirited drives are in your plans.
On the other hand, if lightweight, carefree driving and open-top thrills define your ideal sports car, the Mazda MX-5 is tough to beat. Its featherweight design and responsive feel make every drive engaging, and the convertible top only amplifies the fun factor. The price savings, though modest, also make the MX-5 more approachable, appealing to those looking to maximize driving enjoyment on a tighter budget.
In the end, the BRZ TS feels like a meticulously honed machine for drivers who enjoy precision and performance, while the MX-5 embodies a more laid-back, classic sports car experience. The choice depends on your personal driving style and whether you’re drawn to the extra refinement and stability of the BRZ or the nimble, open-top character of the MX-5.
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