

I was actually going to recommend taking a look at Mazda vehicles, as they’re quite upscale, reliable, economical, fun to drive, and still have physical instrument clusters (sadly though, only the Miata offers a manual on the higher trims, so on any model but that you’re relegated to losing features to gain the stick shift).
I did find this thread on the GR86 forums (which, as you’re likely aware, is the BRZ’s platform-mate) and saw this place mentioned (no affiliation) with respect to modifying the instrument cluster to open up some customization options, but I didn’t read too far to determine what extent of customization is possible.
As another commenter mentioned, there’s also the WRX, and if you’re not absolutely set on RWD, I’ll again mention the Civic Si, Type R, and also the Integra (really just a dressier Civic) are also options which display speed conventionally, have lots of cargo space, engaging driving dynamics, and a manual option (albeit sometimes finicky - if you haven’t used a Honda manual before, definitely get some seat time behind one before committing).

This has been my experience as well. I’m actually a little disappointed when a car maker goes to the trouble of putting in a fully digital instrument cluster and then just use it to display… two dials, with no other options. Ideally they’d all include at least 1 more conventional-looking option and then some fancier ones.