Hey car enthusiasts! Ever found yourself staring at the sleek lines of a Subaru BRZ, wondering which trim level truly takes the crown in the exterior department? You're not alone! The BRZ Premium and Limited trims offer distinct visual cues that can significantly impact your ride's overall aesthetic appeal. This deep dive compares the BRZ Premium vs. Limited exterior features, helping you decide which one best suits your style. We'll explore everything from the wheels and lighting to the subtle details that set these two models apart. Whether you're a seasoned car aficionado or a newcomer to the world of sports cars, this guide will provide a comprehensive understanding of what makes each BRZ trim unique from the outside in.

Wheels and Tires: Rolling in Style

Let's kick things off with arguably one of the most noticeable exterior differences: the wheels and tires. Wheels aren't just about rolling; they’re a statement! The BRZ Premium typically rolls on 17-inch alloy wheels. These wheels, while stylish, are designed to offer a balance between performance and everyday usability. They often come wrapped in all-season tires, making them versatile for various driving conditions. This is a solid starting point for a sports car, giving a good blend of grip and comfort. However, if you are looking for a more aggressive look, or if you plan to do some track day action, you can always upgrade those wheels and tires to your heart's content!

Now, let's talk about the BRZ Limited, which often steps up the game with 18-inch alloy wheels. The larger size not only gives the car a more aggressive stance, filling the wheel wells more effectively, but it also allows for a wider tire profile. A wider tire typically means more grip, which translates to better handling and performance, especially in corners. The Limited trim often comes with performance tires, further enhancing the car's dynamic capabilities. Performance tires are formulated for grip, and they are designed to perform better in warm conditions, with improved grip and handling. Think of them as the high-performance shoes for your BRZ. These tires are designed to handle spirited driving and track days, offering exceptional grip and control. The size difference alone significantly alters the appearance and performance. The 18-inch wheels and performance tires of the Limited trim enhance the car's sportier aesthetic. Furthermore, there is also a very small weight difference between the wheels, with the 18 inch wheels being slightly heavier. But this difference can hardly be noticed during driving.

In terms of exterior aesthetics, the wheel choice is crucial. The larger wheels on the Limited create a more aggressive and visually appealing look, suggesting enhanced performance. The Premium's wheels are stylish and functional, but the Limited's give that extra edge, setting a higher bar for visual appeal and performance readiness.

Headlights and Lighting: Illuminating the Road

Moving on to the lighting, another critical aspect of the exterior design. Lighting not only enhances visibility but also contributes to the car's overall appearance. The BRZ Premium usually features standard LED headlights. These headlights are bright and efficient, providing excellent illumination for nighttime driving and increasing visibility on the road. The LED technology ensures a crisp and clear light beam, enhancing safety and adding a modern touch to the car's exterior. They are a significant upgrade over older halogen systems, offering improved performance and longevity. The Premium trim often incorporates LED daytime running lights (DRLs) to enhance the car's visibility during the day, making it more noticeable to other drivers.

The BRZ Limited, on the other hand, often includes upgraded lighting features. These upgrades might include adaptive headlights, which swivel to follow the direction of the steering wheel. This is an incredible feature for night driving that makes cornering in the dark a lot safer! Adaptive headlights improve visibility around corners by directing the light beam in the direction the car is turning. This allows the driver to see further ahead, increasing safety and reducing the risk of accidents. The Limited trim may also feature more sophisticated LED headlight designs, with distinctive light signatures that enhance the car's exterior styling. This could include unique patterns, or even a different lens design. You'll find that these design elements really set the Limited apart, giving it a premium feel. The lighting upgrades on the Limited not only improve visibility but also contribute to a more upscale and modern aesthetic. The differences may seem subtle, but the Limited's lighting package is a testament to Subaru's commitment to both safety and style. All of this combines to create a more luxurious look.

Exterior Mirrors: Function Meets Form

Let's turn our attention to the exterior mirrors, those seemingly small but impactful features. The mirrors are crucial for safety and visibility, and they also contribute to the car's overall style. The BRZ Premium comes equipped with standard exterior mirrors, which typically include body-color housings. These mirrors provide a clean and integrated look, blending seamlessly with the car's exterior design. The standard mirrors also feature integrated turn signals, which enhance visibility for other drivers and improve safety. They are usually manually adjustable, which is practical and functional. These are perfect for those who want a sporty car but aren't too concerned about the bells and whistles.

Now, let's look at what the BRZ Limited brings to the table. The Limited trim often includes some key enhancements in the exterior mirror department. One of the most significant upgrades is usually heated side mirrors, which are essential for driving in colder climates. These heated mirrors quickly clear away ice and condensation, ensuring optimal visibility in challenging weather conditions. The Limited trim might also offer power-folding side mirrors. This is a convenient feature that allows the mirrors to be folded in at the touch of a button, which is especially useful in tight parking spaces or narrow garages. The Limited's exterior mirrors can also include integrated turn signals, but they might feature a different design, with more integrated LEDs for a more premium look. The upgrades in the Limited trim's exterior mirrors enhance both functionality and convenience, making them a significant upgrade over the Premium.

Rear Spoiler: Adding a Touch of Sport

Speaking of design, let's explore the rear spoiler, which is crucial for the car's aerodynamics. The rear spoiler does more than just look cool – it plays a vital role in enhancing the car's performance. The BRZ Premium might come with a more understated or subtle rear spoiler. This spoiler is designed to complement the car's overall design, providing a sporty look without being overly aggressive. The Premium's spoiler is typically well-integrated, adding a touch of flair without detracting from the car's clean lines. It contributes to the car's aerodynamics, improving stability at higher speeds. This is perfect for those who want a balanced look.

In contrast, the BRZ Limited often features a more prominent rear spoiler. This spoiler is usually designed to enhance the car's performance and provide a more aggressive appearance. The Limited's spoiler is larger and more pronounced, emphasizing the car's sporty character. The larger spoiler helps to generate downforce, improving handling and stability, especially at higher speeds. This can make the car feel more planted and responsive, particularly during cornering. The design of the Limited's spoiler might also include additional aerodynamic elements, such as integrated winglets or a more aggressive shape. This is an awesome addition for those who are looking for that extra bit of performance or flair. The Limited's rear spoiler is a significant upgrade from the Premium, not only enhancing the car's aesthetics but also improving its performance capabilities.

Exterior Badging and Trim: The Finishing Touches

Let's delve into the details that make the exterior even more striking: badging and trim. These small elements often play a significant role in differentiating the BRZ trims, adding a touch of sophistication or sportiness. The BRZ Premium usually features standard badging and trim. This may include the Subaru and BRZ emblems, along with subtle trim elements that complement the car's exterior design. The Premium's badging is typically clean and understated, emphasizing the car's sleek lines. The trim elements often feature a combination of body-color and black accents. These elements create a cohesive look that is both sporty and elegant. The Premium trim focuses on a balanced aesthetic, providing a stylish yet approachable look. It's the kind of car that looks good in any situation.

Now, let's examine what the BRZ Limited brings to the table in terms of badging and trim. The Limited trim often includes unique badging and trim elements that distinguish it from the Premium. This could include exclusive badging, like a