Compare the2026 Subaru BRZVS 2026 BMW 2 Series

The BRZ has standard Whiplash Protection Seats, which use a specially designed headrest to protect the driver and front passenger from whiplash. During a rear-end collision, the Whiplash Protection Seats system moves the headrests forward to prevent neck and spine injuries. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a whiplash protection system.

Both the BRZ and the 2 Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors and available rear parking sensors.

Subaru’s powertrain warranty covers the BRZ 1 year and 10,000 miles longer than BMW covers the 2 Series. Any repair needed on the engine, transmission, axles, joints or driveshafts is fully covered for 5 years or 60,000 miles. Coverage on the 2 Series ends after only 4 years or 50,000 miles.

There are over 83 percent more Subaru dealers than there are BMW dealers, which makes it much easier should you ever need service under the BRZ’s warranty.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Subaru vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Subaru above average in initial quality. With 9 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2025 Auto Issue reports that Subaru vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Subaru first in overall reliability. BMW is ranked 8th.

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the BRZ lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability (That’s why Porsche uses boxer engines.). The 2 Series doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

The BRZ offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The BRZ stops much shorter than the 2 Series:

The BRZ’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 40 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the 230i’s standard 45 series tires.

The BRZ Limited handles at .99 G’s, while the 230i Coupe pulls only .92 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the BRZ’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the 2 Series’ (35.4 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The BRZ’s turning circle is 2.7 feet tighter than the 2 Series xDrive’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.1 feet).

The Subaru BRZ may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 600 to 1000 pounds less than the BMW 2 Series.

The BRZ is 11.1 inches shorter than the 230i, making the BRZ easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Subaru service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks Subaru third in service department satisfaction. With a 20% lower rating, BMW is ranked 10th.

The BRZ’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children from operating them. BMW does not offer a locking feature on the 2 Series’ standard power windows.

In case you lock your keys in your vehicle, or don’t have them with you, you can let yourself in using the BRZ’s exterior PIN entry system. The 2 Series doesn’t offer an exterior PIN entry system, and its BMW Assist can’t unlock the doors if the vehicle doesn’t have cell phone reception or the driver can’t contact the service.

Consumer Reports rated the BRZ’s headlight performance “Good,” a higher rating than the 2 Series’ headlights, which were rated “Fair.”

According to iSeeCars.com the 2025 Subaru BRZ retains 69.67% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 46.77% resale value of the 2025 BMW 2 Series after five years, which can save the Subaru’s owner up to $11008.90972 in depreciation.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Subaru BRZ and the BMW 2 Series, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The BRZ was chosen as a Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 2025 and 4 more times in the last 13 years. The M235i/M240i hasn’t been picked since 2017, and the M235i/M240i has only been chosen 3 times.