The Subaru BRZ has one widely known weakness from the factory, and it is the muffled, slightly uneven exhaust note that hides the character of that flat-four boxer engine. A good aftermarket exhaust is the single most satisfying upgrade most BRZ owners make, because it wakes up the sound, sheds a meaningful chunk of weight, and on cat-back systems can free up a little flow on the top end. The trick is choosing one that sounds aggressive when you want it without droning your ears off on the highway.
We focused on real, BRZ-specific systems that bolt up cleanly to both the first-generation (2013 to 2020) and where noted the second-generation (2022 and newer) chassis. Below are seven exhausts we rate highly, ranked best first, covering full cat-back kits and lighter axle-back options. Each pick notes the honest trade-offs so you can match the sound, fit and budget priorities that matter to you.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust Best Overall T-304 stainless cat-back, dual 4 inch tips, S-Type sound level |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Invidia N1 Cat-Back Exhaust Best Sound SUS304 stainless cat-back, single rolled titanium-burnt tip |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Exhaust Best Value Stainless cat-back, dual polished tips, straight-through muffler |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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HKS Hi-Power Cat-Back Exhaust Best JDM Pedigree Stainless cat-back, single large tip, HKS Hi-Power tuning |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Tomei Expreme Ti Titanium Cat-Back Exhaust Lightest Weight Full titanium cat-back, single titanium tip, ultralight |
8.7 | 🛒 Check Price |
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GReddy Revolution RS Cat-Back Exhaust Boldest Style Stainless cat-back, large single tip, Revolution RS muffler |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Nameless Performance Axle-Back Exhaust Best Axle-Back Stainless axle-back, customizable tips and muffler core |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Borla S-Type Cat-Back Exhaust: Best Overall
Borla has been the benchmark name in performance exhaust for decades, and the S-Type cat-back for the BRZ shows why. It delivers that throaty, motorsport-flavored boxer growl on hard acceleration, then settles into a controlled hum at cruise thanks to Borla’s straight-through, acoustically tuned mufflers. The full T-304 stainless construction feels a class above, the welds are clean, and the included hardware lined up perfectly on our test fitment with no fighting the hangers.
The honest weakness is volume. The S-Type is genuinely loud, and if your commute is long or you live with neighbors who notice cold starts, you may find it more car than you bargained for. There is no in-cabin valve to quiet it down, so what you hear is what you get. For an owner who actually wants their BRZ to sound fast, though, this is the most complete package here, and the million-mile warranty removes any worry about long-term durability.
- Aggressive S-Type tone with patented Borla acoustic tuning to control drone
- T-304 stainless steel construction with a million-mile warranty
- Mandrel-bent piping for clean flow and confirmed BRZ fitment
Pros: Excellent balance of aggressive sound and livable highway cruising; Premium stainless build that resists corrosion long term; Direct bolt-on fitment with no cutting required
Cons: Sound is on the louder side for buyers who want subtle; Tip finish options are limited compared to some rivals
2. Invidia N1 Cat-Back Exhaust: Best Sound
If you have spent any time watching BRZ and Toyota 86 videos online, you have heard the Invidia N1. It is the exhaust that defined the modern boxer sound, with a deep, raspy bark at full throttle and that unmistakable rolled N1 tip with a burnt titanium tint. Built from SUS304 stainless, it bolts up as a direct cat-back replacement and gives the car an instantly recognizable JDM presence both in look and tone.
The trade-off you accept with the N1 is drone. At steady highway speeds in certain gears there is a resonant hum that some owners barely notice and others find tiring on a road trip. It is the price of that wonderfully raw sound, since the system prioritizes character over quiet cruising. If the sound is your number one priority and you can tolerate a little drone, the N1 is the most charismatic exhaust on this list and a community favorite for good reason.
- Iconic N1 rolled tip with a signature deep boxer rumble
- SUS304 stainless steel with a burnt titanium tip finish
- Popular JDM-style fitment trusted across the BRZ and 86 community
Pros: A very loved exhaust notes in the BRZ scene; Eye-catching burnt titanium tip and clean tuck; Strong aftermarket support and proven fitment
Cons: Noticeable highway drone in some gears; Loud enough to draw attention you may not always want
3. MagnaFlow Street Series Cat-Back Exhaust: Best Value
MagnaFlow built its reputation on exhausts that sound deep and powerful without crossing into obnoxious, and the Street Series cat-back for the BRZ fits that philosophy perfectly. The straight-through muffler design produces a smooth, low rumble that swells nicely under throttle but does not beat you up on the daily drive. The stainless construction and polished dual tips look the part, and fitment on the BRZ is a clean bolt-on affair with the supplied clamps and hangers.
Where it gives ground is outright attitude. Owners chasing the loudest, rawest boxer rasp may find the MagnaFlow a touch too civilized, since it leans toward refinement over aggression. That same restraint, however, is exactly why it earns our value pick. You get a genuine quality system from a major brand, a great everyday sound signature, and the lowest drone of any full cat-back here, which makes it the easiest one to live with long term.
- Deep, smooth tone with less drone than most full cat-back kits
- Stainless steel construction with polished dual tips
- Bolt-on Street Series fitment engineered for the BRZ chassis
Pros: Refined, mature sound that stays comfortable at cruise; Trusted nationwide brand with wide parts availability; Solid build quality for the value it delivers
Cons: Less aggressive bark than the Borla or Invidia; Polished tips need regular cleaning to stay bright
4. HKS Hi-Power Cat-Back Exhaust: Best JDM Pedigree
HKS is among the most respected names in Japanese tuning, and the Hi-Power cat-back brings that motorsport pedigree to the BRZ. The Hi-Power muffler is tuned for a sharp, free-flowing note that builds with revs, and the lightweight stainless construction trims weight off the back of the car. Fitment reflects HKS engineering standards, with precise piping and hangers that drop into place and a finished look that feels properly developed rather than generic.
The catch is positioning. The HKS sits among the more premium options, and you are partly paying for the badge and the brand’s racing history. The single large tip also divides opinion, since plenty of BRZ owners prefer a symmetric dual-tip look out back. If you value authentic JDM heritage and a unique Hi-Power sound, though, few exhausts carry the same credibility, and the build quality backs up the reputation.
- Legendary HKS Hi-Power tuning for a motorsport-derived note
- Lightweight stainless construction with a large single tip
- Engineered and evaluated specifically for the boxer platform
Pros: Authentic JDM brand heritage with proven engineering; Lighter than the factory system for real weight savings; Distinctive Hi-Power tone that stands out from the crowd
Cons: Premium positioning means it sits at the higher end; Single tip styling will not suit dual-tip fans
5. Tomei Expreme Ti Titanium Cat-Back Exhaust: Lightest Weight
For the owner chasing the lightest possible setup, the Tomei Expreme Ti is the headline act. Built entirely from titanium, it sheds a substantial amount of weight compared to the factory steel exhaust, which is meaningful on a car as balance-focused as the BRZ. The signature blue-burnt titanium tip is genuinely beautiful, and the sound has that distinctive high-strung, race-car edge that titanium systems are known for. It is a statement piece as much as a performance part.
That titanium tone is also the main reason it is not ranked higher. The Expreme Ti runs higher pitched and rawer than the deep rumble many BRZ buyers expect, so it is a love-it-or-leave-it sound. It also represents a serious investment given the exotic material. But if weight reduction and a true motorsport aesthetic top your list, nothing else here matches the Tomei for sheer engineering theater and the lightness it brings to the rear of the car.
- Full titanium construction for dramatic weight reduction
- Signature burnt titanium tip with a high-pitched motorsport tone
- Race-bred Expreme Ti design popular on the boxer platform
Pros: Massive weight savings over the steel factory system; Stunning titanium tip and high-end exotic appeal; Free-flowing race-oriented sound character
Cons: Higher-pitched tone is not for everyone; Titanium build sits at the top of the price ladder
6. GReddy Revolution RS Cat-Back Exhaust: Boldest Style
GReddy is a staple of the import tuning world, and the Revolution RS cat-back leans hard into that culture. The oversized single tip gives the BRZ an unmistakable show-car stance from behind, and the Revolution RS muffler backs it up with a deep, aggressive note that lets everyone know the car has been modified. The stainless construction is solid, fitment is a direct bolt-on, and the whole system is clearly designed to make a statement rather than blend in.
Subtlety is not part of the plan here, and that is the trade-off. The big tip and loud character that make the GReddy so appealing to the tuner crowd are exactly what will put off owners who want a cleaner, quieter setup. There is also more drone than the MagnaFlow or Borla deliver. For a builder putting together a bold, attention-grabbing BRZ, though, the Revolution RS nails the look and the noise that scene is after.
- Oversized single tip for an aggressive show-car presence
- Stainless steel Revolution RS muffler with a deep aggressive note
- Bold styling built for the tuner and show scene
Pros: Strong visual impact with a large statement tip; Deep, aggressive sound that turns heads; Trusted GReddy tuning brand heritage
Cons: Large tip and loud note are not subtle; More noticeable drone than the refined picks
7. Nameless Performance Axle-Back Exhaust: Best Axle-Back
Not everyone wants to commit to a full cat-back, and the Nameless Performance axle-back is the smart entry point for the BRZ. Because it only replaces the rear section behind the axle, it is far easier to install and lighter on the budget, while still meaningfully changing the tone and look out back. Nameless builds these in the USA from stainless steel and lets you configure tip style and muffler resonators, so you can dial the loudness toward mild or wild to suit your taste.
The honest limitation is scope. An axle-back changes the sound and appearance but does not free up flow or alter the note as dramatically as a full cat-back that replaces the mid pipe as well. The wide range of configuration options, while a strength, can also feel overwhelming when you are just trying to choose. For an owner who wants a quality, customizable, easy-install upgrade without going all in, though, the Nameless axle-back is the most flexible pick on this list.
- Axle-back design for easier install and a lighter wallet hit
- Customizable tip styles and muffler resonance options
- Made in the USA stainless build with strong BRZ fitment
Pros: Simpler bolt-on install than a full cat-back; Customizable to tune your preferred sound level; Quality American-made stainless construction
Cons: Smaller sound and flow gain than a full cat-back; Tip and muffler choices can be overwhelming to configure
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an aftermarket exhaust add horsepower to my BRZ?
On a naturally aspirated BRZ, a cat-back exhaust on its own typically adds only a modest amount of power, often a few horsepower on the top end, since the engine is not heavily restricted from the factory behind the cat. The bigger benefits are sound, weight reduction and a smoother flow that complements other modifications. If you later add a header, over-pipe and a tune, the exhaust becomes part of a system that delivers more noticeable gains. Buy an exhaust mainly for the sound and weight, and treat any power bump as a welcome bonus rather than the main reason.
What is the difference between a cat-back and an axle-back exhaust?
A cat-back system replaces everything from the catalytic converter back, including the mid pipe and muffler, which gives a larger change in sound, more potential flow and usually more weight savings. An axle-back replaces only the section behind the rear axle, so it is cheaper, lighter on labor and much easier to install, but the change in tone and flow is smaller. If you want the fullest transformation and have the budget, go cat-back. If you want a simpler, more affordable upgrade that still changes the look and note out back, an axle-back is a great choice.
Will these exhausts cause an annoying drone on the highway?
Drone is the resonant booming hum you can get at steady cruising speeds, and it varies a lot between systems. Designs that prioritize aggressive sound, like the Invidia N1 and GReddy Revolution RS, tend to drone more, while acoustically tuned or refined systems like the Borla S-Type and MagnaFlow Street Series keep it much better controlled. Drone also depends on your gearing, RPM at cruise and even the car generation. If a quiet highway experience matters most to you, lean toward the refined picks or choose an axle-back with resonator options you can configure for less drone.
Will installing an exhaust void my Subaru warranty?
Under consumer protection rules in many regions, a dealer cannot blanket-void your entire warranty simply because you installed an aftermarket exhaust. They can, however, deny a specific claim if they can show the part directly caused the failure, which is rare for a quality cat-back or axle-back. To protect yourself, keep your factory exhaust so you can reinstall it for warranty visits, use reputable brands, and have the work done correctly. Most BRZ owners run aftermarket exhausts without any warranty trouble, but it is wise to understand your local rules before installing.
Do I need a tune after installing an exhaust on my BRZ?
For a simple cat-back or axle-back that leaves the catalytic converter in place, you generally do not need a tune, and the car will run fine on the factory mapping. A tune becomes worthwhile only when you start changing parts upstream, such as adding a header or an unequal-length over-pipe that affects the air and fuel balance. If your goal is sound and a lighter rear section, bolt the exhaust on and enjoy it. If you are building toward a fuller intake, header and exhaust package, plan for a tune at that stage to get the most from the combination.
Our Verdict
For most BRZ owners, the Borla S-Type Cat-Back is our top pick, combining a genuinely aggressive boxer note, premium T-304 stainless build and Borla’s acoustic tuning to keep cruising livable, all backed by a million-mile warranty. If sound character is your single biggest priority, the Invidia N1 is the runner up and the enthusiast favorite, delivering that iconic deep rumble and burnt titanium tip, as long as you can tolerate a touch of highway drone. Buyers who want the most refined daily experience should look hard at the MagnaFlow Street Series, while those wanting an easier install can start with the Nameless Performance axle-back.
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Video: Related tutorial from YouTube