The Subaru BRZ is a fun car. It offers exceptional handling. It is also lightweight. Honestly, the driving experience is thrilling. Have you ever wondered how to make its interior truly yours? You can easily reflect your personal style. You can also improve its sports look. Let’s explore aftermarket upgrades together. Personalization options can take your BRZ to the next level. Imagine how fantastic it would feel. Your car isn’t just great to drive. It feels like your own special space.
The Importance of Interior Customization
Many times, we think about car changes. Our minds jump to engine power. We picture roaring exhausts. But here’s the thing. The interior is where we spend our time. It’s our personal space. It’s where memories are made. A 2021 survey showed this clearly. The Automotive Research Center found something important. About 65% of car lovers feel it. A good interior matters as much as performance. It truly shapes your daily drive.
The Subaru BRZ starts strong. Its cockpit already focuses on the driver. It gives you a connected feeling. But making it your own? That makes the experience even better. Customizing your BRZ interior offers many benefits. It’s not just about looking good. It can make your car more comfortable. It also improves how things work. Think about better ergonomics for long trips. What’s more, it might even boost resale value. Kelley Blue Book did a study. Cars with custom interiors often sell for more. Sometimes up to 15% extra. That’s a good return. It pays off for your effort. Honestly, that’s pretty cool for your investment.
A Brief Look Back: The History of Car Customization
Car customization isn’t a new idea. It has a long, rich past. Think back to the early 1900s. People started adding personal touches. They wanted unique cars. Early owners painted their vehicles. They added special trim. The hot rod scene grew in the 1940s. Owners changed everything. They wanted more speed and style. They stripped down cars. Then came the lowriders in the 1950s. They created moving art. Their hydraulic suspensions were legendary. The 1980s saw booming car audio. People loved big sound systems. Trunk installations became wild. Now, modern cars offer more tech. But the desire to personalize stays. It’s deeply human. We want our things to reflect us. This applies to our cars too. It’s a way to express ourselves. It truly shows your personality.
Popular Aftermarket Upgrades for Subaru BRZ Interiors
So, what can we actually do? Plenty of choices exist for your BRZ. These upgrades are popular with enthusiasts. Let’s check out some favorites.
Custom Seat Covers and Upholstery
New seat covers can really change things. Your BRZ’s look can transform instantly. You might pick leather. It feels luxurious and sporty. Suede is another great choice. It adds a premium touch. Or perhaps a unique fabric. New upholstery changes the whole mood. Companies like Katzkin do this well. They offer custom leather covers. These completely alter your interior’s feel. They have many colors and styles. You can match your car’s character perfectly.
Better seat materials also improve comfort. They give more support too. This is especially true during sporty driving. Think about tight turns on an autocross track. AutoPacific surveyed drivers. 70% liked upgraded seats. They wanted better lumbar support. Imagine how that helps. Those winding roads would feel great. You’d feel more secure and less fatigued.
Enhanced Audio Systems
Do you love music? An audio upgrade is fantastic. It creates a richer driving experience. The BRZ’s standard system is okay. But aftermarket options are better. Brands like Alpine or Pioneer deliver top sound. They bring crisp highs and deep bass. Research shows good audio connects drivers to their cars. It’s an emotional link. Sound & Vision magazine found this. 80% of car owners are happier. They love driving with great sound. It truly elevates every journey.
Custom Steering Wheels
A custom steering wheel does two things. It makes your BRZ interior look better. It also helps your grip and control. Brands like Sparco make them. MOMO also offers great wheels. They design them for performance. Their ergonomic shapes reduce hand fatigue. This helps on long drives. It makes track days more manageable too. J.D. Power reports on this. Steering wheel changes are common. They are among the top five mods for sports cars. It’s a very tactile upgrade.
Interior Lighting Upgrades
Lighting sets the mood inside your car. It’s a big deal. LED interior lights are perfect. You can add them to footwells. Cup holders look great too. This creates a more inviting atmosphere. You can choose different colors. Brands like Diode Dynamics offer kits. Rigid Industries also has good options. A survey by the Lighting Research Center found something. 60% of car owners believe ambient lighting helps. It improves the whole driving experience. It makes night drives more pleasant.
Dash and Console Upgrades
The dashboard is important. The center console too. They are main focal points. Upgrading them adds modern style. Carbon fiber trims look sharp. They scream performance. Custom finishes are also popular. Companies like Carbon Creations help here. They have dash kits for the BRZ. The Automotive Customization Association says something interesting. 50% of enthusiasts care most about dash changes. It’s a key modification. It grabs your eye immediately.
Personalizing Aesthetics: The Subaru BRZ Style Guide
We’ve covered some upgrades. Now, let’s talk style. How can we make your BRZ look sportier? These options really help.
Exterior Color Wraps
Okay, this one is outside. But exterior color affects the inside mood. Wrapping your car is popular. Matte or metallic finishes look amazing. They create a cool contrast. This reflects the interior vibe. PPG Industries shows this trend. Custom wraps are growing fast. Sales went up 40% in five years. That’s a lot of wraps! They offer incredible visual impact.
Carbon Fiber Accents
Carbon fiber speaks performance. It means sports style. Adding it to your BRZ interior shouts racing. Think about replacing the gear shift knob. Door handles or dash trim can also change. Swap them for carbon fiber parts. A SEMA study found something. 55% of sports car fans prefer carbon fiber. They like its light weight. They also love its cool look. It just feels fast.
Custom Floor Mats
Small details matter greatly. Custom floor mats are one example. Brands like WeatherTech make them. They fit the BRZ perfectly. You can also customize them. Add logos or colors. Match your car’s scheme. Auto Accessories Garage says this. 75% of car owners agree. Custom floor mats make the interior look better. They protect your car too.
Personalized Gear Shifters
Have you ever considered your gear shifter? It changes your driving feel. Custom gear shifters show your style. Brands like Blox Racing offer unique designs. They make your BRZ feel even sportier. Some prefer a heavier knob. Others like a shorter throw. A study from the National Automobile Dealers Association reports this. 45% of car buyers look at interior features. Gear shifters are one key part. It’s a constant touchpoint.
Considering Other Views: The Downsides of Deep Customization
It’s easy to get excited. Customizing a BRZ sounds amazing. But it’s fair to look at other angles. Some modifications cost a lot. High-quality parts add up fast. You need to think about your budget. To be honest, not everyone wants extreme changes. Some prefer a factory look. They might worry about resale. Over-customized cars can be harder to sell. Not everyone shares your taste. A bright orange interior might not appeal to everyone.
Also, what about your warranty? That’s a big concern. Certain big changes might void it. Especially powertrain modifications. Always check with your dealer first. Getting expert advice is smart. Sometimes, simpler changes are best. This keeps your warranty safe. It’s a balance, really. You want personal style. But you also want peace of mind. It’s a tricky decision for some.
Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Subaru BRZ Customizations
Let’s look at some real BRZ owners. They’ve done some awesome interior work. These stories really bring it to life.
Case Study 1: The Track Enthusiast
Meet Jake, a track day lover. He bought a 2021 Subaru BRZ. His customization journey began quickly. He swapped the seats right away. Sparco racing seats went in. They gave him better support. This helped with high-speed cornering. He also added a Pioneer audio system. He loves his music while driving fast. Jake says these changes helped him. His driving performance improved. His enjoyment soared too. He felt truly connected to the road.
Case Study 2: The Daily Driver
Then there’s Sarah. She uses her BRZ daily. She chose custom leather seat covers. She added ambient LED lighting too. This gave her car a luxurious feel. Sarah also upgraded her floor mats. They matched her car’s colors. Small changes make a big difference, she said. I feel more connected to my car now. It feels like a second home.
Case Study 3: The Tech Savvy Commuter
Consider Mark, a tech enthusiast. He uses his BRZ for commuting. Mark focused on tech upgrades. He installed a new touchscreen head unit. It had Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. He added wireless charging too. Plus, he put in better sound deadening. His commutes are now peaceful. It’s all about making every drive better, Mark explained. These stories show personalization can fit any need. It truly boosts both looks and use.
Future Trends in Subaru BRZ Customization
The BRZ customization scene keeps growing. It shows no signs of slowing down. Technology will bring new ideas. We can expect more innovative products. Think about smart interior features. Touch-sensitive controls are coming. Customizable displays will be common. They will likely be everywhere. Imagine a dashboard that changes its layout. It adapts to your mood or driving mode.
Electric and hybrid cars are gaining popularity. This might change customization. The focus may shift. Less on traditional performance. More on tech-driven enhancements. McKinsey & Company reported something. The automotive aftermarket will grow. About 5% annually, they predict. This growth is driven by tech. It’s also from consumer desires. We all want more personalized cars. I am eager to see these changes. I believe our cars will become true extensions of ourselves.
Actionable Steps: Making Your BRZ Your Own
So, you want to customize your BRZ? Here are some simple steps.
1. Define Your Goal: What do you want? Better comfort? Sporty looks? Do you want better sound?
2. Set a Budget: Decide what you can spend. This keeps things realistic. It prevents overspending.
3. Research Options: Look at different brands. Read reviews online. Check out forums like [BRZ-86 Forum](https://www.ft86club.com/).
4. Start Small: Begin with easy changes. Floor mats or LED lights are great. They make a big difference for little money.
5. Seek Professional Help: For complex installs, ask experts. A reputable audio shop can help. Or a skilled upholsterer.
6. Check Your Warranty: Always confirm before big changes. Do this before major work. Your dealer can give you clear answers.
7. Enjoy the Process: It’s about making your car special. It’s a journey, really.
FAQs about Subaru BRZ Interior Customization
Okay, let’s cover some common questions. Many people ask these things. I am happy to help clear them up.
What’s the best upgrade for comfort?
Investing in custom seats is a great choice. Look for high-quality ones. They provide better lumbar support. Recaro or Sparco seats are popular.
Are there affordable customization options?
Absolutely! Custom floor mats are inexpensive. LED lighting kits are too. Both make a big impact. A gear shift knob can be cheap too.
Will modifications affect my warranty?
Some changes might impact your warranty. Always check with your dealer first. Do this before major work. Especially for electrical or engine mods.
How can I personalize my BRZ without spending a fortune?
Focus on smaller upgrades first. Seat covers are good. Ambient lighting works too. These changes feel big. They don’t cost a fortune.
Can I install these upgrades myself?
Some simple ones are DIY friendly. Think floor mats or light bulbs. More complex tasks need pros. Stereo systems, for example. Dash trims can be tricky.
How do I choose the right color scheme for my interior?
Think about your car’s exterior color. Consider your personal style too. Look at examples online for ideas. Many BRZ owners share their setups on [Subaru BRZ Reddit](https://www.reddit.com/r/BRZ/).
What about integrating smart technology?
New head units can add Apple CarPlay. Android Auto is also an option. Wireless charging is popular too. These units improve connectivity.
Do custom interiors increase resale value?
Yes, a tasteful custom interior can. Studies show it can add value. It attracts more buyers. Think about broad appeal, not just your specific taste.
Where can I find reputable aftermarket parts?
Check specialized BRZ forums online. Look for trusted retailers. Read reviews from other owners. Sites like [Subispeed](https://www.subispeed.com/) or [FT86 SpeedFactory](https://www.ft86speedfactory.com/) are good starting points.
What’s the difference between seat covers and new upholstery?
Seat covers go over existing seats. They are reversible. New upholstery means replacing the fabric entirely. Upholstery is a bigger job. It’s a more permanent change.
Should I prioritize aesthetics or functionality?
It depends on your driving style. Daily drivers might want comfort first. Track enthusiasts prefer performance benefits. You can often find a balance. It’s your choice, really.
Are there any customization trends to avoid?
Over-the-top, very niche designs can reduce appeal. Keep it somewhat classic. It helps with resale later. Avoid anything that might feel tacky.
How long does a typical interior customization project take?
It varies a lot. Small changes like floor mats take minutes. A full upholstery swap might take days. Audio system installs can be a few hours or more.
Is it hard to clean custom interior materials?
Some materials require more care. Leather needs conditioning. Suede needs gentle cleaning. Fabric seats can be stain-treated. Always check material care instructions.
Conclusion: Your Subaru BRZ, Your Style
Customizing your Subaru BRZ interior is personal. It’s all about making it uniquely yours. From comfy seats to stylish accents, the choices are many. I am excited about the future of car personalization. Especially with tech moving so fast. I believe cars will become even more personal. Imagine a world where your car adapts. It changes to your preferences instantly. This creates truly unique driving. It makes every trip an adventure.
We need to take action by exploring these options. Let’s transform our cars. Make them pieces of personal expression. The road ahead is about your style. It’s about your comfort. It’s also about your unique driving experience. Your BRZ is waiting for your touch.
