Do all Subaru Outbacks have turbo?

Not every Subaru Outback is turbocharged. Subaru supplies two main engine options across recent generations: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-4 and a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4. Turbo availability is limited to higher trims and special editions, and varies by model year and market.

In the current lineup, the 2.5-liter engine serves most of the market as a reliable, everyday powerplant, while the 2.4-liter turbo is reserved for the more performance-oriented variants. The turbo version delivers stronger acceleration and higher torque, but it isn’t present in the base configurations.

Engine options in recent Outbacks

The following summarizes the two main engine configurations that have appeared in recent Outbacks and where buyers typically find them.

• 2.5-liter naturally aspirated flat-4 (2.5 NA): approximately 180–185 horsepower and around 176–181 lb-ft of torque. This engine powers the base, Premium, and many mid-level trims in most model years.


• 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-4 (2.4T): approximately 260 horsepower and about 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine is used on higher trims and special editions (often branded with XT or similar sport-oriented designations) and is not offered on the base models.

In practice, this split means buyers who want strong performance and confidence in off-road or highway merging typically choose a turbo-equipped Outback, while those seeking frugal daily driving may opt for the 2.5 NA model.

Turbo availability by trim and edition

Here’s how turbo availability has generally mapped to trims and editions in recent years. This helps illustrate which models are likely to have the 2.4T versus the 2.5 NA.

• Turbo-equipped variants: Outback models marketed with XT branding or in the Wilderness edition (and other top-tier or sport-oriented trims in certain model years) typically include the 2.4T engine.


• Non-turbo variants: Base, Premium, and many mid-level trims most often use the 2.5 NA engine by default.

Note that Turbo availability can shift from year to year and may depend on regional markets. Always check the exact specifications for the model year you’re considering and confirm with a local dealer.

What this means for performance and value

Turbo Outbacks offer noticeably stronger acceleration and more torque, which can improve towing capability and highway passing power. However, they can also come with higher purchase prices, potential maintenance considerations, and sometimes different fuel economy patterns depending on driving style. If your priority is daily efficiency and cost of ownership, the 2.5 NA option remains a compelling choice.

Market and model-year caveats

Engine options can vary by country and by model year. Subaru periodically updates engine designations, trims, and badge naming. Prospective buyers should verify the exact engine configuration for the specific Outback they’re considering, especially if shopping outside the United States or for recent model-year changes.

Summary: The Subaru Outback does not come exclusively with a turbo engine. The lineup generally includes a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine across many trims, with a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine available on higher trims and special editions. Turbo models deliver higher power and torque, while NA models emphasize efficiency and affordability. Always confirm the exact engine and trim for the model year you’re interested in, as availability varies by year and market.

Do all subarus have turbos?

No, not all Subarus have turbos; it depends on the model and trim level. Some models, like the Outback and Ascent, offer turbocharged engine options, while others, like the Forester and Crosstrek, are not offered with a turbo in most current trims. 
Models that offer a turbo

• Outback: Available in turbocharged models (often designated XT) with a 2.4L engine, though other trims have a naturally aspirated 2.5L engine. 
• Ascent: All trims come standard with a turbocharged engine. 
• WRX: Performance models like the WRX and WRX STI come with a turbocharged engine. 
• Legacy: Some trims, particularly the XT, are offered with a turbocharged engine. 

Models that are not typically turbocharged 

• Forester: Generally does not have a turbo option, with the most recent models available only with a naturally aspirated engine. 
• Crosstrek: Available with a naturally aspirated engine, not a turbo. 
• Solterra: This is an electric vehicle, so it does not have a turbo engine. 

Which Subaru Outback has a turbo?

The Subaru Outback trims with a turbocharged engine are the XT models: Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT, along with the Wilderness model. These models use a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque.
 
You can watch this video to compare the Subaru Outback with a turbo engine and without: 1mAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Aug 31, 2022

• XT Models: Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT 
• Wilderness: The Wilderness model also comes with the turbocharged engine 
• Engine: The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine provides 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque 
• Other trims: Trims without the "XT" or "Wilderness" designation (Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring) come with a standard 2.5-liter engine 

How do I know if my Subaru is turbo or not?

Easiest way to tell is there's no radiator looking thing ontop of the motor. And there's also no hood scoop. The radiator looking thing is the intercooler for the turbo.

What year to avoid a Subaru Outback?

Years to generally avoid for the Subaru Outback include 2010-2014, 2017-2020, and older models 2005-2009. Common issues in these years include CV/transmission problems, engine oil consumption, electrical failures, and early models were known for head gasket and cooling system issues. 
Years to avoid and common problems

• 2005-2009: Known for head gasket failures, coolant leaks, and oil leaks. 
• 2010-2014: Experienced significant transmission issues, oil consumption problems, and electrical and steering column defects. 
• 2017-2020: These years often suffered from frequent windshield cracks, electrical issues like faulty alternators and battery drains, and problems with the infotainment system. 
  • The first year of the sixth generation, 2020, had early adopter problems, particularly with the infotainment system and CVT. 
• 2013-2014: Specifically had issues with the CVT transmission and the 2.5L engine, leading to oil consumption. 
• 2015-2016: The 2.5L engine developed leaks from the valve covers and cam carriers. 

What to look for instead

• Post-2014: These models are generally more reliable, but specific years like 2015 and 2018 have been singled out by some sources. 
• Post-2021: Many recent models have improved reliability, although some 2023 models had issues with the infotainment system and electrical accessories. 
• 2019 3.6R: This is often recommended as a good model to track down due to high mileage customer vehicles and a history of good reliability.