Did the BRAT have a boxer engine?
Yes. The BRAT used Subaru’s signature horizontally opposed, or "boxer," four-cylinder engine throughout its production run from 1978 to 1984. This flat-four layout was a defining feature of the model and of Subaru’s engineering approach at the time.
Boxer engine design and the BRAT
Subaru’s boxer engine is a horizontally opposed design that sits low in the chassis, contributing to a low center of gravity, balanced handling, and a compact powertrain footprint. For the BRAT, this meant a sturdy, automotive-utility-friendly engine that could pair with its light pickup profile and assist with on- and off-road performance.
Engine families used in the BRAT
During its run, the BRAT relied on Subaru’s flat-four engine family, with variations in displacement and technology by year and market. All engines were boxer configurations, rather than inline-four designs.
Before listing the key details, here is an overview of the main points about the BRAT’s engines:
- All BRAT models used a boxer (horizontally opposed) four-cylinder engine layout.
- Early US-market BRATs typically employed a 1.6-liter flat-four; later models saw a larger 1.8-liter variant in some markets.
- Engine technology evolved from carbureted to fuel-injected in later years, depending on market and model year.
- The boxer layout contributed to a low center of gravity, improved balance, and stable handling for a light pickup-style vehicle.
In summary, the BRAT’s core powertrain philosophy remained faithful to Subaru’s boxer engine lineage, delivering a distinctive driving character that combined practical utility with the brand’s hallmark handling traits.
Impact on design and performance
The decision to use a boxer engine influenced not only performance but also the BRAT’s packaging, including the flat torque curve and low hood height. This engine choice helped the BRAT manage rough roads and light off-roading while keeping passenger space practical for everyday use.
Summary
The BRAT did indeed use a boxer engine; across its production years, Subaru applied its flat-four design to the BRAT family, with engine displacements and technical details varying by model year and market. This alignment with Subaru’s engineering approach helped define the BRAT’s reputation for practicality, stability, and versatility.
What engine is in a Subaru BRAT?
The BRAT was four-wheel drive, and powered by the Subaru EA engine. Early models received the 1.6 litre EA-71, whereas 1981 and later models received a 1.8 litre EA-81 engine.
Did the Subaru BRAT have a boxer engine?
Subaru BRAT Pickup Specs
Drivers could experience the thrill of adventure with a 67hp 1.6-liter boxer or a 1.8-liter boxer that beefed up the BRAT with a cracking 73hp.
How much horsepower did the 1978 Subaru BRAT have?
From 1978 to 1980, the only engine offered in the BRAT was Subaru's 67-horsepower 1.6-liter EA-71 boxer-four.
What was the only Subaru without a boxer engine?
The only Subaru vehicle that does not feature the boxer engine is the Solterra EV, our first all-electric offering. EVs utilize a different powertrain technology entirely, foregoing a combustion engine in favor of an electric motor. The following Subaru vehicles are equipped with the BOXER engine: Subaru Ascent.
