Home > News & Blogs > How the 2013 Subaru BRZ Handles Winter Driving: A Cold-Weather Review from MotorVero
How the 2013 Subaru BRZ Handles Winter Driving: A Cold-Weather Review from MotorVero
2013 Subaru BRZ: A Surprising Year-Round Sports Car Performer | MotorVero
The 2013 Subaru BRZ: Defying Expectations as a Year-Round Sports Car
Can a Rear-Wheel-Drive Sports Coupe Handle Winter?
When MotorVero acquired a long-term 2013 Subaru BRZ tester, one pressing question loomed large: Could this lightweight, rear-wheel-drive sports coupe genuinely function as a capable year-round vehicle, even in the most challenging winter conditions? With its modest 2,776-pound curb weight and low-slung profile, the BRZ seemed an unlikely candidate for winter warrior status—especially in Chicago's notoriously harsh winters.
While that particular winter proved milder than expected, with only sporadic bursts of severe weather, the BRZ demonstrated surprising competence when properly prepared. This experience revealed that with the right approach, the Subaru BRZ could indeed serve as a viable daily driver throughout all four seasons.
Why We Chose the Subaru BRZ Over the Scion FR-S
The decision to select the Subaru BRZ for our long-term evaluation wasn't arbitrary. As co-winner of MotorVero's prestigious Best of 2013 award (shared with its twin, the Scion FR-S), we carefully considered both vehicles for our yearlong test. The choice became clear when evaluating the needs of winter driving:
Heated seats: A crucial comfort feature the BRZ offered that the FR-S lacked
Brand reputation: Subaru's known expertise in all-weather performance
Resale value: Historically stronger for Subaru models
These factors, particularly the availability of heated seats in the BRZ Limited trim, made the decision straightforward for our cold-climate testing location.
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Winter Preparation: Key to the BRZ's Seasonal Versatility
Our experience with the 2013 Subaru BRZ revealed several important lessons about preparing a rear-wheel-drive sports car for winter duty:
Essential Winter Modifications
Quality winter tires: The single most important upgrade for cold-weather performance
Weight distribution: Strategic placement of weight in the trunk for better traction
Undercarriage protection: Additional shielding against road salt and debris
Fluid checks: Special attention to antifreeze and washer fluid concentrations
Driving Techniques for Winter Conditions
Beyond equipment, we learned that adapting driving habits significantly improved the BRZ's winter performance:
Smooth, gradual inputs for acceleration and steering
Increased following distances on slippery surfaces
Proper use of the vehicle's stability control systems
Understanding weight transfer dynamics in low-traction situations
While our test period didn't provide the extreme winter challenge we anticipated, the BRZ handled what winter did deliver with notable competence:
Snow Performance
With proper winter tires installed, the BRZ maintained predictable handling in light to moderate snow accumulation. The limited-slip differential helped maintain forward progress, though deep snow remained challenging due to the car's low ground clearance.
Cold-Weather Starting
The BRZ's 2.0-liter boxer engine proved consistently reliable in sub-freezing temperatures, with no starting issues even in single-digit Fahrenheit conditions.
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Interior Comfort
The heated seats (a key differentiator from the FR-S) and effective climate control system made winter commuting surprisingly comfortable, dispelling notions that sports cars must be punishing in cold weather.
Long-Term Ownership Considerations
Our extended time with the BRZ revealed several important factors for potential owners considering year-round use:
Maintenance Observations
No unusual wear issues from winter driving
Standard corrosion protection proved adequate
Winter tire storage requires planning for urban dwellers
While the BRZ can function year-round, certain limitations remain:
Limited cargo space for winter gear
Reduced ground clearance in deep snow
Rear seats best suited for occasional use
How the BRZ Compares to Other Sports Cars in Winter
The BRZ's winter performance stands out among rear-wheel-drive sports cars in several ways:
Versus the Scion FR-S
The BRZ's available heated seats and slightly more compliant suspension give it a clear edge for winter driving over its twin.
Versus All-Wheel-Drive Alternatives
While not matching the sure-footedness of all-wheel-drive sports cars like the Subaru WRX, the BRZ proves more capable than expected at a lower price point.
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Versus Front-Wheel-Drive Sport Compacts
The BRZ sacrifices some winter traction to front-wheel-drive competitors but offers superior driving dynamics when conditions allow.
Expert Recommendations for BRZ Winter Driving
Based on our extensive testing, we recommend the following for BRZ owners facing winter conditions:
Final Verdict: Is the BRZ a True Year-Round Sports Car?
Our long-term evaluation leads us to conclude that while the 2013 Subaru BRZ will never replace a dedicated winter vehicle or all-wheel-drive alternative, it can serve admirably as a year-round driver for enthusiasts willing to make reasonable compromises and proper preparations.
The BRZ's combination of engaging driving dynamics, surprising winter capability (when properly equipped), and unique character make it a compelling choice for driving enthusiasts who face seasonal weather changes but refuse to sacrifice sports car enjoyment.
MotorVero Rating: 4/5 stars for winter capability (with proper preparation)
