2015 BRZHead Unit, standard HIDs
 

Newbie here, thinking of getting one of the twins when my BMW lease is up.

Did Subaru change the head unit for the 2015 model year, or even last year? I know everyone hated the original nav/entertainment system and the pictures I saw for 2015 looked slightly different.

It also looks like HIDs are standard on the BRZ, but not available on the FR-S. makes me wonder why people buy the FR-S at all?

If I'm correct it did not change for this year.

The HIDs are standard on the BRZ. And people buy the FRS because they like the way it looks. No harm in that, to each their own.

HID's aren't deal makers for some people. though, you could always get the BRZ headlights on an FRS with some repinning.

BRZ HU is the same. I think it is the FRS one that has some different conections in the back or something. http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1955179

Some people prefer the FRS because front looks a bit more agressive or just beacuse of the lower entry price.

FR-S one is not the same in 2015. It has a different interface and the touch screen is MUCH more responsive.

The best thing about not having any audio control buttons on the wheel is you can replace the stereo, with any aftermarket double din you like, and not loose any functionality. I did that and added a reversing camera, amp and speakers to sweeten the deal. Just keep the original head unit for an easy swap back in, if you want to return to stock, the most expensive element of the install.

The stock HU isn't bad, unless you want to use the nav. FR-S comes with HID's if it's one of their special editions (Monogram, Release Series...)

BRZ has a higher MSRP, but you can haggle on price while you can't on the FR-S (though you can haggle on the addons on the FR-S). They also make more of the FR-S.

The stock HU isn't bad... Its terrible. I guess its really just the ergonomics... it comes with a lack of physical buttons and no steering wheel controls. You need to tap a tiny unresponsive virtual button to do anything with it. If the HU wasn't so close, being a small car, it would be unbearable. Its still incredibly annoying IMO. The Aha app is pretty shitty too

Everything else you said is spot on though

Yup, the headunit is literally the worst stereo interface I've ever used, on any car. It is also the worst sounding stock radio I've ever had. And all of my cars have been from the 80's. My dd in high school, a 98 dodge neon had a better stereo STOCK. I'm not exaggerating. I've heard the oem audio + is a good upgrade! but I'd like it if it worked with the cafi dashlink head units. I'll have to research it.

I like the tach and radio better on the frs. I think it sounded better. Maybe it has a more powerful amp or something, because it did sound better as far as I remember, but idk, other than that I'm glad I went BRZ.

the stereo sounds fine for me. have you used the equalizer?

I don't hop around stations that much so it's not that bad for me. You can also use voice commands to do a lot of functions as well. Could be worse, been in cars where the damn volume was on the touch screen (who the hell thought it was a good idea to use touch screens in cars in the first place?)

Aha app is pretty crap, but that's not really the fault of the headunit, it's just a crappy phone app and integration tool in general.

the only thing I don't like about the head unit is that the volume knob is too smooth. I would like it to have clicks so I know how much I am turning the volume up by. when I use my right hand to turn the knob, my hand covers the volume overlay on the screen so I don't know what volume it is at unless I raise my hand and turn the knob from below my hand, which is awkward to do.

no reason to turn it up or down till it sounds good or comfortable, takes no looks FTW. but those little buttons switching stations or inputs is a less than optimal solution.