2022 Subaru BRZ - 1 Year Ownership Review / Favorite Mods

Also - first drive on the new Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail tires!
2022 Subaru BRZ Premium mods, specs, etc:
205/60R16 Falken Wildpeak A/T Trail Tires on 16x7 +35 Braid Fullrace A Wheels
MRT Sport Touring Axle Back Exhaust www.shopmrt.co...
-Lift: ADF 1.5" Strut spacers w/multi link spacers
-4.3 differential from a 2017-2020 BRZ/86
-DBA 4000 Front Rotors
-StopTech STR-600 high performance brake fluid
-Charcoal Filter Removed
-MTEC Clutch Helper Spring
-Pedal Commander throttle controller (set to City -4)
-Krown Rust Control
-Disabled active sound control
MSRP: From $27,995
228 hp, 184 lb-ft torque
Curb weight: 2,815 lbs
Get 10% off on your order from MRT Performance with the code "THETOPHER"
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Thanks for watching!

[@or3ng3]

there's no way it's been a year already! how time flies, keep up the great work!

[@T-bone744]

Lifted my FRS a few years ago and haven’t looked back. It’s sure nice to see off-road/rally style builds start to gain mainstream popularity.

[@TheTopher]

Everyone's starting to catch on. Safari all the things!

[@T-bone744]

@@tommybobommy21 Absolutely! I have mild lift spacers and oversized tires but I drop down to just above stock ride height simply by swapping to my stock diameter summer tires. With camber bolts, my suspension geometry is pretty comparable to stock- slightly higher centre of gravity, but a bit more front camber.

[@T-bone744]

@@tommybobommy21 That’s great! I hope to see your build on the ft86 subreddit or ft86club.

[@shaiapouf420]

I wanted to rally mitsubishi but since they are not currently up there this is a excellent build happy dirting .

[@omaramarragy4796]

Made me go out and buy exact the same car. So much fun ❤

[@badcam7663]

ive had my GR86 for a year now also and im still in love with it in every way! glad to see someone who drives all these crazy cars still able to enjoy the BRZ/86 for what it is! i love your videos and your thoughts and inputs on the platform!

[@hhaste]

Is there anything you *don't* like about it? I've been really considering one

[@badcam7663]

@@hhaste The fake noise was kind of annoying but its easy to disable. the stock tire fitment has this sunk in look but 95% of the people buying this platform will change out for bigger wheels and tires which make the car look much more aggressive. Other than that I cant speak for how it feels to drive in traffic due to where I live in-between 2 mountain passes. extremally small towns where I am at in Arizona and i stay away from PHX area. On the mountain though this car handles so well and the small upgrades over the previous generation add up to make a great preforming car. ' The platform gets a lot of hate for not coming from the factory with a Turbo.(which would be cool but the essence of the 86 is a NA RWD with exceptional balance) most of those people who have problems aren't even in the market for a sports car to begin with and are mad it doesn't have 300-400 hp from the factory. not all cars have to be straight line cars

[@CrouchingCrab]

I've been following your channel since 2019 and love your insight on cars and driving. It got me seriously interested in sport driving and I'm pulling the trigger on a 2023 BRZ tomorrow! Been hunting for a GR86 for the past year and a half, decided to randomly call a Subaru dealer and someone had just backed out of their order of the exact spec/color I wanted. Thank you for all your BRZ content, so excited to finally be getting one!

[@RohanSanjith]

How's it so far

[@aramm3905]

How is it?

[@TheDrWind]

Love your channel Topher! Your videos have renewed my interest in sport cars. Last year after watching your videos extensively, I got my 23' BRZ in November and have made significant modifications since then but love every aspect of it so far!!

[@KingTempIar]

@thetopher I love to live through your BRZ content! You were the reason I got my 23 BRZ and its always fun to watch you push it to the limits. Sadly, Ill have to sell it because I was laid off my job and probably wont find anything work related till next month but either way its been a joy driving the thing, keep it up!

[@debbiejohn4301]

Is he sure about his car but Mary Ann loves her s550 Mercedes Benz

[@jasonyee6533]

Who needs a gx460 or a 4runner when you drive a lifted brz! 😂😜 Looking forward to the future adventures in this lifted brz!

[@sunnyvalentino]

Lifted BRZ not my thing but not my money, love the twins though. I think its super cool that you are going this quirky route and enjoying your build. I took a note of the tires, will be installing those in a GR Corolla when I get one.

[@Rayshader]

Thanks a ton for your videos. 3 months into the ownership with the 2023 BRZ. I totally agree this car is just so much fun. From the balance to the steering, both amounts to a spectacular level of control at any pace. This car is pure joy entering corners and even more so exiting. What a blast! Stock brakes, cabin quality and exhaust could have been better though!

[@Scott-mu4xw]

Those tires are terrific, I put a set of beefy ones on my Rav4. Definitely made it more aggressive, although the MPG’s went way down on my hybrid from mid 40’s to low 30’s

[@paynnn9977]

It's nice knowing how genuine you love your BRZ

[@WintyrV]

Your snow driving miata videos and these videos on your BRZ build are the reason I'm building my '90 NA to be a rally car

[@TheTopher]

Love to hear it!

[@YiLiu61]

Watching the car washed at the end of the video is just so satisfying!!! Also knocking your shoes before getting in is just so nice!!! 😄

[@Austin_Q]

Every time I watch your videos I get more and more into the 86/BRZ. Hopefully I can get my hands on one soon!

[@_SapphireGaming_]

Love your BRZ. Lookin great as always!!

[@noneofmybusiness9895]

Picking up my brand new 2023 WRB BRZ today! Super pumped! Your reviews were instrumental in my choice. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@faheemabbas3965]

Lifted BRZ Blues…. with Mr. Topher.

[@Diego_Cabrera]

Bro this video made me want a brz even more. I wasn't planning to buy a new car anytime soon (bc of college tution) but recently my truck has broken down 5 times in a single month and I think its time to get a new car. After countless hours of research I have found a 2014 subaru brz that fits my budget. It might not be the newest and greatest but I believe it can make me as happy as you are with yours. Please continue to post content like this about this amazing car.

[@actuallyfeng334]

Man it makes me want to go out for a drive every time when I watch your video.I just realized that I live near by the area at 6.25 of your video.I am going to put a new set of wheels on my Veloster N tomorrow.And go for a drive.

[@midnightbass6596]

It's been a year already???? Omg time flies

[@hatteras33]

For the mountain bike solution, look into sea suckers. I use it on my 86, and the bike is long enough that I only put the cups on the glass instead of the roof. I love it

[@TheTopher]

I have one and it’s great! Just need to use it more

[@stefwithanf44]

Thank you for the mods info, Topher! I just got a June 6th arrival date.

[@TheTopher]

Sweet! Try to get some sleep until then

[@TimFilmsCars]

I'd get arrested for the things I'd do in the NJ pine barrens with this car.

[@64maxpower]

You would probably wipe out a pack of quad riders coming the other way

[@altiguy01]

Just watch out for that Russian. I heard he killed 16 Czechoslovakians. The guy was an interior decorator.

[@ccollins_24]

@@altiguy01 His house looked like shit.

[@Notadrianmonroy]

@@altiguy01, “his house looked like shit!”

[@DavidGarcia-oi5nt]

Love the car and the mods you've done to it! About to put my deposit down on a 24!

[@bitbat9]

Damn I really want a BRZ. Bought a new Prius earlier this year but I’ve just started getting into driving manual and I want something more exciting and lively

[@ethan_ryan]

Just picked up a 2016 BRZ with 17,000 miles on it. Really enjoying it so far.

[@clairevoyant9864]

I've had mine for about 2 months now. So far so good. Lots of fun.

[@GSTRification]

You saved $200K and got yourself a BRZ Dakar edition that you can actually drive it on the dirt road without worrying about it.

[@TerryManitoba]

My very thought...

[@harrybuhse8622]

Mtec, tyres, and camber bolts. Thank you for the reminder 😅 Not sure if I'm going to get a steering rack lockdown or aftermarket bushings yet to address the reduced steering feel. Have you considered going this route? I'd be ecstatic if you decided to do a video on that. Also it's interesting to me that your exhaust drones in higher rpm, mine drones at 2k rpm and below when in gear (Sard stainless) The BRZ is looking great btw. Makes me wish I got blue 🥲

[@TheTopher]

Not sure if I’ll do any bushings, with how rough our roads are some isolation can be nice!

[@TripedalTroductions]

I was very close to getting this car. Went with a Miata RF instead. I freaking love my car and think I made the right decision given that it's not my only car, but man, these cars seem like a blast. I would have loved either one. With the BRZ you also have the option of getting an exhaust with unequal-length headers to hear that glorious boxer engine. If I had 70K to spend on a car, I'd give BMW the middle finger and get both a BRZ and a Miata.

[@MK3504]

NVH of the bunps are reduced but it sounds like a 90s hardbody puck up inside every other second.😅 I like these rally-esque builds popping up

[@mcalexander94]

Those tires are awesome! I like the way you think.

[@pascutia]

All the right things were done to this car!! I think my favorite mods would be the shorter final drive and the lift kit. It definitely helps on our Michigan roads🤦🏻‍♂️

[@716Flat4]

I need to get behind the wheel of these new ones. I have been in stock and supercharged 2015-2021 models, really liked the forced induction with the procharger as it kept the power delivery band almost identical to stock but raised the power by about 100hp. VTook nothing away from the driver experience and really made the car more fun when a friend is with you. The weird thing about the BRZ and GR86 is that they feel way faster than they are, so it is incredibly satisfying even at stock, but as soon as a friend is beside you, the power gap becomes apparent...superchargers fix that. That being said, these new 2.4L seem to take the forced induction much better than previous models, but i havent been behind the wheel of one yet. I live in Buffalo, and after all my paper and video research, I do lean GR86 over the bRZ, but i am in a strong debate over the GR86 or a WRX...either one would get performance and handling mods.

[@Tofuisyummy]

That power washing segment was oddly satisfying to watch..

[@chadidas5288]

I use a long (6 ft) apple usb to lightning cable in my 2023 brz and apple CarPlay has never failed on me, it failed on me all the time in my 2021 sti, was so annoying (did not use the long apple cable in my sti). I believe that there’s a signal integrity problem with the hardware in most cars from the wiring from infotainment to usb ports which causes apple car play issues, the longer cable seems to have fixed it for me entirely

[@Chandroth]

Looks proper again. This is the route I'm gonna go with my GR86 arriving soon. Looks like Lamborghini took some notes from you to make the Sterrato.

[@owenryan1865]

I've driven both the A/T Trail and a blizzak ws90 on the same Forester in a new york winter, never felt like I needed more grip than the A/T trail had in snow, and probably did better in slushy conditions

[@TheTopher]

I couldn’t believe how well these did in the mud!

[@bostonshaun9928]

Such a sick setup! Reminds me of my RC Traxxas LaTrax rally car!

[@kajex1rc351]

Thank you for all the tips! 💯

[@mmonkeyman1403]

Looking into getting one of these. I wish they weren't so rare at the dealerships so I could test drive one of them!

[@ashalam5288]

Love the “safari” build for this Brz. I live in MN and something like this will make a great all year round driver. It does make me wonder if I should continue to wait for the gr86 that I ordered/reserved or get one of the 2017+ wrx Stis. MN doesn’t have that many great driving roads, so an STI might be more fun on regular pothole ridden, straight roads. Any thoughts?

[@AlumarsX]

I'd rather the new WRX over the STI, but this over both.

[@ashalam5288]

@@AlumarsX ended up getting a 2023 vb a few months ago and it's been great.

[@716Flat4]

Side note, I really like your logic on the all terrain tires. Getting just a little more height and rough road durability is solid. I really want to see them in winter weather. The debate is always if we should have a set of summer and winter tires or just get all season/all terrain and the all terrain idea really is solid. I would wuestion the sizeing if you get performance mods, but stock performance it sounds like any power slip is very limited even on the wet ground...which is a good sign.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

I want a lifted Subaru BRZ at MSRP just like you. because the potholes in my life are disgusting. but at the same time, if i’m that scared of potholes maybe i should be getting a manual Subaru WRX or manual Acura Integra for $2,000 under MSRP (manual WRX’s and Integra’s have been rotting on dealerships lots for months unsold).

[@matthewjohnson1211]

I’ve thought about doing that exact same thing with a wrx -but since I’m not retired or independently wealthy, I can’t stomach the MPG’s (it’s as bad as pickup truck!).

[@garboi8976]

i sold my gr86 recently for a 22 wrx limited manual just because it snows so much where i live and the last year with my 86 was too frustrating. the 86 was a bit more fun but i can't deny the wrx is much faster and a good bit more capable

[@seb5945]

I'm considering GR86 or ND2 Club. One thing I dislike about the Toyota is the MPG, I'm surprised how poor it is for its light weight. For the Miata, I'm concerned about its potential carbon buildup problem and cargo space. What do y'all think? As a backup, I'm also thinking Supra 2.0.

[@SHiFTDI3S3L]

it's your weight and weight balance. Trucks have no weight in the back, and all the weight up front, that's why they can't do what you do going around the corner. Even if they start accelerating, they tend to want to pirouette on the front axle. I've seen it a lot here getting out of an offramp, pickup with no rear load just does a disney on ice impression.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

the first thing i should do after getting a subaru brz is go to an independent mechanic to drop the oil pan and get rid of rtv? and then rtv will never be an issue ever again?

[@keken_25_pr48]

Love it Great BRZ example! Like GR.B Class on GT 👌 Talking about tyres I'm watching from Discount Tyre shop waiting room :) I'm installing my Summer Tyres

[@hhaste]

Man, I'm really tempted to get one of these. I've narrowed it down to 3 cars and I can't decide.. the 1LE Camaro you mentioned is one of those options and the highest on my list, next to the BRZ/GR86.

[@BopperNoStopper]

when the road starts to wear down stock suspension, you considering some coilovers like KW V3s? or just replacing with oem style like Bilstein?

[@TheTopher]

I’ll stick with the stock suspension, really happy with it 👍

[@XxTahtohxXx]

Hi, fan of your videos and curious if you could shed light on a driving decision, for info i live in canada-quebec so we got good winters out here, im interested in a brz like yours cause i cant afford to have 2 cars to switch for winter knowing its rwd but im scared shitless( i watched your videos without traction hahaha ), do you think for a guy who only drove fwd for 5years this would be a stupid decision? ive seen you advised a lift kit but i still dont know how i can handle it. Ive also watched your civic r in the snow and you actually said you daily the brz in the winter more. Im just lost, i wanna be a better driver, and i drive for the driving experience and enjoyment more than the quality of the leathers etc. And finally how do you think it does in winter highway commute which I have quite a bit of. Thanks and have a great day

[@pandapv]

Thoughts on BRZ vs MK7.5 GTI? Is the practicality tradeoff on the BRZ worth it in dynamics?

[@elyannouh8880]

It breaks my heart just seeing how difficult it is to get one of them here in Europe. I feel as I am now able to afford one base price that I was born either on the wrong year or continent. It’s impossible to get one of these here for less than 60k€ due to all the taxes from import and carbon emissions. I hate that our government kills passion for us « regular people ». This is my dream car and if I ever get ahold of one some day I’ll never let go.

[@unorthodxed1385]

hey Topher, love the vids but I was wondering about the pedal commander. been doing some research online and the feedback seems mixed, lot of people claiming getting in dangerous situations I was wondering if you heard about this or experienced any issues personally? I impulse bought one but I am already considering returning it based on the risk that seems to be associated with it

[@AirWing]

If I recall -- you also had ceramic coating done to the car. May I ask what product was used and how it's been holding up for you? :D

[@FacadeGod]

This or a used 370z?

[@daniellocke9534]

Would you recommend a pedal commander for a GR86?And how difficult is it to install?Thanks

[@FkbMayvc]

dream car

[@liltuck737]

I’m assuming the final drive swap would void the warranty? Or do you just not say?

[@jordangordon2350]

great video? do you still have the s2000?

[@mharro88]

Would you say the next best fun car for its price would be the Elantra N?

[@stefwithanf44]

Okay, I've decided I want zero drift. What mods should I get done, please? And which of those mods are warranty killers?

[@FkHonda]

Live in similar conditions and roads that you do (Pittsburgh). Torn on what to upgrade to, and or just get as a second car. FBO civic sport 6mt has been paid off, and don't have access to a garage so I'd feel bad leaving nicer cars (Type R, Type S TLX) etc out all the time. Money up to the 45k econo-gucci range isn't really an issue with trade in, just the fact I don't have a garage so I'd hate to watch it sit outside.

[@VBmike2100]

would be interesting to see if any larger brakes would fit under those wheels

[@jev2867]

You need exterior POV cam for us to enjoy while hooning on dirt roads 😉😃

[@BrandonLeeActual]

@5:07 that's hilarious that has to be a cop rolling up on him there's no other reason they're passing in the right lane lol

[@bushmanairsoftsniper5146]

what tow hitch did u get? can u do an install video?

[@theday2learn]

Would you take a Integra Type S at MSRP or a BRZ at MSRP for your do it all car? I can only own one car, and my kids are under 8 years old so they would fit in both

[@Cryptiiix]

Please film some dirt/gravel drives!

[@jco7651]

What are you going with for your tow hitch and bike rack? I'm trying to figure out what to do for my mtb on my GR86

[@TheTopher]

I bought a previous gen torklift/eco hitch on eBay, I hear it needs a bit of massaging to fit but will report back once I get it installed

[@jco7651]

@@TheTopher Nice, interested to see how the install goes. I like the low profile of that one, but I went with the Slambert for now. I'm mostly a weekend rider so hopefully it doesn't get too annoying uninstalling;/reinstalling every time

[@chones_]

@@TheTopher yeah I would love to see how this goes.

[@macula_]

BRZboiz life! saludos desde México!

[@arigato7788]

Rally cars do look much better after a day zooming around dirt roads.

[@greenteafrap1200]

When are you slapping on the Subaru Wilderness badge on it?

[@atdhemorina3348]

so stuck between this and a Veloster N I don't know what to buy

[@albertogonzalez1746]

For someone who can only have one car - this or a type r?

[@johnd3268]

man at this point why even own the type-r lol. the brz is just perfect

[@blue7pheonix862]

I think I saw you start from a stop in second gear acouple of time and I do that all the time in my 2022 brz I feel like I can get into gear easier and smother in 2nd gear then first as long as I don't need to get going faster... 90 percent of the time I'm starting off in 2nd gear and it has bumped up my mph like 2 more mpg at 27-28 mph 80%high way 20 percent city in Michigan

[@rocfella]

would you pay european price, 46k$?

[@yanushkowalsky1402]

BRZ with AT tires and hitch mount? Is this serious or a clown build?

[@Jdicjsbciendufieb]

How would you compare a brz to a supra in terms of fun on the street?

[@TheTopher]

BRZ/GR86 are more fun imo, but the Supra is properly fast with amazing performance for the money.

[@mrniceguy7168]

What do you drive more these days, the Civic or the BRZ?

[@TheTopher]

They’re about equal!

[@MMSstation93]

Would you suggest me to trade gti mk7.5 2018 manual stage 2 for this ?

[@jackdawson836]

I'm waiting for a 2023 Lexus RX 500h Fsport test

[@skunkiiee7333]

how you so good downshifting?

[@johnmullen4948]

What exactly is a Topher?

[@TheTopher]

Nobody really knows, experts are unclear. But we know they like BRZs.

[@ethanmay5667]

Some method 502s would look great on it

[@hcgvr27]

Would you every think about lowering it again?

[@TheTopher]

Nah, this is too much fun

[@hcgvr27]

@@TheTopher Makes sense, that does look insanly fun!

[@christophersanchez2389]

CS Here For A Subie Fans Again OK So I Remember You Just Sold A 2014 Subaru BRZ Back In 2020 It’s Been 3 Years For During The COVID Also This Last Years 2022 Was Insane Modifications On The 2022 Subaru BRZ Also It’s Been A Year Later Also We Always Love Subaru A Lot With All Mods Stuff To Go.

[@j.3854]

Well I have to eat my words. I am the new owner of a 23 BRZ base 6MT. What a car for $29,800. Seriously. I was the first to talk crap about the relatively poor mpg, not that fast, the rtv issue. Already ordered a Perrin single exit muffler delete and 17x7.5 BBS Forged RF’s. (I am a weight whore).

[@HyperrOG]

did you have to pay for the annoying protection package and door edge guards? Every dealership in AZ makes them mandatory!

[@api4779]

Its been a year already? Holy damn

[@naokihasegawa9243]

Not a fan of these wheels, but a beautiful car nevertheless!

[@Daz912]

So jealous you guys get Apple CarPlay with your head units

[@malcolmn.5222]

Camaro and mustang have entered the chat...

[@benjaminkitchen7562]

Needs a roof rack with a shovel and some Jerry cans on top

[@afrojox334]

*revs* CC: [Music]

[@MyJobs-ey1qh]

Who likes the Brz over the g86

[@ryanchen9010]

this or the miata

[@S.E.T.4Life]

now you gotta buy a WRX lower it and make it a track car to confuse the shit out of everyone