Does any Subaru have a 6 cylinder engine?
Yes. Subarus have produced six-cylinder engines in the past, but today’s lineup relies on four-cylinder boxer engines. Six-cylinder Subarus exist mainly in older models and are not offered in new vehicles as of 2025.
Historical six-cylinder engines in Subaru's lineup
Subaru’s six-cylinder family consisted of flat-six (horizontally opposed) engines in two main displacements. These were used in select models during the late 2000s and early 2010s, before the company largely shifted its focus to four-cylinder designs for efficiency and emissions reasons.
- 3.0-liter flat-six (EZ30): This engine powered certain mid-2000s to early-2010s models, most notably the B9 Tribeca, and appeared in some Legacy/Outback variants during that era.
- 3.6-liter flat-six (EZ36): A larger six-cylinder option that was used in select Legacy/Outback configurations and other limited runs before being phased out as Subaru refined its four-cylinder lineup.
In summary, Subaru’s six-cylinder period was relatively brief and focused on a small set of models. Since the mid-2010s, the company has largely avoided new six-cylinder installations in favor of more compact, efficient four-cylinder engines.
Current status: Are there any six-cylinder Subarus today?
As of 2025, Subaru does not offer a six-cylinder engine in its newly produced vehicles. The current lineup centers on four-cylinder boxer engines, including turbocharged four-cylinders in performance-oriented variants. This reflects Subaru’s strategic emphasis on efficiency, weight reduction, and emissions standards.
For buyers specifically seeking a six-cylinder Subaru, only used or older models from the Tribeca and certain Legacy/Outback configurations with the EZ30 or EZ36 motors would satisfy that criterion.
Notable used or older-model six-cylinder Subarus to watch for
Several models stand out for their six-cylinder arrangements in the used market. The following examples are commonly cited by enthusiasts and owners researching older Subaru U.S. lineup variants.
- B9 Tribeca (3.0L H6): A distinctive, mid-2000s crossover that offered the six-cylinder option in its only body style.
- Legacy/Outback models with the 3.6L H6: Later-generation Legacy/Outback trims could be equipped with the EZ36-based six-cylinder powerplant before the shift to four-cylinder engines across the lineup.
Note that availability varies by market and model year, and these vehicles are typically found in the used market rather than as current-new offerings.
Summary
Subaru has indeed produced six-cylinder engines in the past, primarily in the 3.0L and 3.6L flat-six families used in models like the B9 Tribeca and certain Legacy/Outback variants. Today, Subaru’s new-vehicle lineup relies exclusively on four-cylinder boxer engines, with used six-cylinder Subarus limited to older models. For buyers seeking modern Subaru powertrains, the four-cylinder engines—often turbocharged in performance variants—are the standard.
