Does the 2005 Subaru Legacy have a boxer engine?

Yes, the 2005 Subaru Legacy was equipped with a boxer engine. The Subaru Legacy is known for its distinctive horizontally-opposed or "boxer" engine design, which has been a hallmark of Subaru vehicles for decades.

Boxer Engine in the 2005 Subaru Legacy

The 2005 Subaru Legacy was available with two different boxer engine options. The base model came equipped with a 2.5-liter flat-four boxer engine, which produced 175 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque. Higher trim levels of the 2005 Legacy offered an optional 3.0-liter flat-six boxer engine, which generated 245 horsepower and 215 lb-ft of torque.

Subaru's boxer engine design, where the pistons are horizontally opposed rather than in a traditional inline or V configuration, is a key part of the brand's engineering philosophy. This layout provides several benefits, including a lower center of gravity for improved handling, smoother operation, and a more compact overall package.

Advantages of the Boxer Engine

• Lower center of gravity for better handling and stability


• Smoother, more balanced operation due to the opposing piston motion


• Compact engine design that allows for more interior space


• Inherent resistance to engine vibration

The boxer engine has been a signature feature of Subaru vehicles for decades, and the 2005 Legacy was no exception. This unique engine design has become a key part of Subaru's brand identity and engineering expertise.

What years to stay away from Subaru Legacy?

Years to avoid for the Subaru Legacy include 2010–2014, primarily due to transmission issues and headlight problems, and 2005–2009, which are known for head gasket and other engine-related issues. Other problematic years include 2011 for its headlights and 2018 for infotainment problems. 
Subaru Legacy years to avoid

• 2010–2014: These years can have issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can cause hesitation, shuddering, or stalling. The 2011 model year is also notorious for headlights burning out very quickly. 
• 2005–2009: These models can be prone to head gasket failure, especially on the 2.5L engine, leading to coolant and oil leaks. Other problems can include catalytic converter and rear hub failures. 
• 2018: This model year has been associated with infotainment system glitches, such as the display freezing or refusing to shut down. 
• Other years:
  • 2000–2006: Reported issues with faulty oxygen sensors. 
  • 2011–2012: Have been cited for frequent headlight burnout. 
  • 2021–2023: Recall issued for a transmission parking rod issue. 
  • 2023: Recalled for display screen issues and other electronic problems. 

Do Subaru Legacys have boxer engines?

The Subaru Legacy (Japanese: スバル・レガシィ, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi) is a mid-size car built by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru from 1989 to 2025. The maker's flagship car, it is unique in its class for offering all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine.

Which Subaru models have boxer engines?

All current Subaru models have Boxer engines, including the Ascent, BRZ, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, and WRX. Subaru is known for being one of the few manufacturers to use this horizontally opposed piston engine design across its entire lineup.
 

• Ascent: Features a 2.4L turbocharged Boxer engine. 
• BRZ: Equipped with a 2.0L Boxer engine. 
• Crosstrek: Comes with a 2.0L Boxer engine in base models, with higher trims offering a 2.5L Boxer engine or a hybrid powertrain. 
• Forester: Comes with a standard 2.5L Boxer engine. 
• Impreza: Comes with a standard 2.0L Boxer engine. 
• Legacy: Comes with a standard 2.5L Boxer engine, with an available 2.4L turbocharged Boxer engine. 
• Outback: Comes with a standard 2.5L Boxer engine, with an available 2.4L turbocharged Boxer engine. 
• WRX: Features a 2.0L turbocharged Boxer engine, while the WRX STI uses a 2.5L turbocharged Boxer engine. 

What engine does the 2005 Subaru Legacy have?

The 2005 Subaru Legacy featured either a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine (non-turbocharged) or a 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder in the GT model. The naturally aspirated engine produced around 168 horsepower, while the turbocharged version, as found in the GT model, generated 250 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque.
 
You can watch this video to learn more about the 2005 Subaru Legacy GT engine: 1mShooting CarsYouTube · Oct 17, 2017
Engine specifications

• 2.5L Naturally Aspirated: A 2.5-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine was standard in many models. 
• 2.5L Turbocharged: The 2.5i GT model came equipped with a turbocharged version of the same engine, offering a significant increase in power. 
• Engine code: The non-turbo engine is often identified as an EJ253 SOHC, while the turbocharged version is an EJ255. 
• Engine layout: The use of a "boxer" or horizontally opposed engine is a signature Subaru design, which lowers the car's center of gravity. 
• Common maintenance: Some owners have noted that the naturally aspirated boxer engine can require a new head gasket after a number of years, so checking this is advisable if you are looking at a used model, notes Cars.com. 

You can also watch this video to see the 2005 Subaru Legacy Touring Wagon GT Spec B: 58sPacific Coast AutoYouTube · Apr 6, 2020