Does Subaru have a V6?
No, Subaru does not currently offer a V6 engine in any of its production vehicles. Subaru's lineup is primarily powered by horizontally-opposed "boxer" engines, which have a unique flat configuration compared to the more common V-shaped or inline engine designs.
Subaru's Engine Lineup
Subaru is known for its use of flat or "boxer" engines, where the cylinders are arranged horizontally opposed to each other rather than in a V-shape or inline configuration. This design provides a lower center of gravity, which enhances the vehicle's handling and stability. Subaru's current engine lineup consists of the following options:
- 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder engines - These are the most common engines found across Subaru's model range, including the Impreza, Ascent, Outback, and Forester.
- 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine - This more powerful engine is used in performance-oriented models like the WRX and Ascent Onyx Edition.
- 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder hybrid engine - This engine, combined with an electric motor, powers the Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid.
Notably absent from Subaru's lineup is a V6 engine option. The company has historically focused on its signature boxer four-cylinder engines, which provide a unique driving experience and packaging advantages compared to more traditional V6 or inline six-cylinder designs.
Why Doesn't Subaru Offer a V6 Engine?
There are a few key reasons why Subaru has not adopted a V6 engine for its production vehicles:
- Packaging and weight advantages of boxer engines - Subaru's horizontally-opposed boxer engines are more compact and have a lower center of gravity compared to V6 engines, which helps improve the vehicle's handling and stability.
- Fuel efficiency and emissions - Subaru's boxer four-cylinder engines tend to be more fuel-efficient and produce lower emissions than larger V6 engines, aligning with the brand's focus on environmental responsibility.
- Brand identity and performance - The boxer engine has become a core part of Subaru's brand identity and engineering philosophy, with the unique engine design contributing to the brand's reputation for capable, all-wheel-drive performance vehicles.
While some competitors in Subaru's market segment do offer V6 engine options, Subaru has remained committed to its boxer engine design, which it believes provides a better overall driving experience and aligns with the brand's core values.
Does the Subaru Forester have a V6 engine?
No, the Subaru Forester does not come in a 6-cylinder engine; it has exclusively used a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine in recent model years. The 6-cylinder engine is offered in other Subaru models, such as the larger Outback and Legacy, but not the Forester.
- Forester engine: The Forester is equipped with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder horizontally opposed "boxer" engine.
- Other models: Subaru's 6-cylinder engines are found in larger vehicles like the Outback and Legacy, though higher trims of the Outback may offer a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder instead.
- Historical context: Some older, high-performance versions of the Forester (like a 2004 model with a turbocharged 2.5L) had more power than some 6-cylinder engines, but the standard models did not have 6 cylinders.
Is the Subaru 3.6 engine any good?
The 3.6 has adequate power that it's a non-issue but you'll never confuse it with a fast vehicle either... It's just the bare minimum to drive around and not want to bang your head into the steering wheel. The EZ36 is generally regarded as one of the best engines Subaru have produced.
Do any Subarus have 6-cylinder engines?
Yes, Subaru has produced several models with six-cylinder engines, though they are no longer in production and are now only available on the used market. These were flat-6 boxer engines used in vehicles like the XT6, Alcyone SVX, Outback, Legacy, and Tribeca.
History of Subaru's 6-cylinder engines
- ER27: Subaru's first 6-cylinder engine, a 2.7L engine used in the 1988–1991 Subaru XT6.
- EG33: A 3.3L engine that replaced the ER27, found in the Subaru Alcyone SVX from 1991–1996.
- EZ Series: This is the most recent series, with the EZ30 and EZ36 models.
- The EZ30 was used in the Subaru Legacy and Outback as an optional engine.
- The EZ36, a 3.6L engine, was also used in the Legacy and Outback, and was the standard and sole option in the Subaru Tribeca.
Availability
- Subaru ceased production of its 6-cylinder engines in 2019, with the 2019 Outback and Legacy being the last models to feature one.
- You can find these 6-cylinder models on the used car market. Some examples include the Subaru Liberty (known as the Legacy in some markets) and Outback from various model years.
Is a Subaru Crosstrek a 6-cylinder?
The 2025 Subaru Crosstrek Base trim is the only trim available with a 2.0L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine. All of the other Crosstrek trims — the Premium, Sport, Limited, and Wilderness — are instead offered with the more energetic 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine.
