Does the Ascent have a boxer engine?
Yes. The Subaru Ascent uses a boxer engine, specifically a horizontally opposed four-cylinder turbocharged powerplant.
Since its 2019 debut, the Ascent has used Subaru’s signature flat-four layout. In current models, that means a 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the FA24 family, paired with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a Lineartronic CVT. Output is commonly around 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque when premium fuel is used, with some variation by model year and market.
Engine design and boxer heritage
Subaru’s boxer layout, also known as a horizontally opposed engine, places opposing cylinders flat to each other, resulting in a lower center of gravity and balanced handling. The Ascent’s 2.4-liter turbo flat-four is designed to deliver strong low- and mid-range torque for three-row SUV practicality, while maintaining the brand’s emphasis on AWD capability.
Key aspects of the engine powering the Ascent:
- 2.4-liter turbocharged horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine
- Engine family: FA24 (direct-injected turbocharged four-cylinder)
- Approximate output: about 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque (premium fuel recommended for peak power)
- Transmission: Lineartronic CVT paired with Subaru’s Symmetrical AWD
- Market/year variation: horsepower/torque figures and fuel requirements can vary by model year and market
In practice, the flat-four boxer configuration contributes to a low center of gravity, which helps the Ascent feel more composed in corners and stable under load—benefits Subaru emphasizes for a family-friendly SUV.
Notes on model-year variations
While the core engine remains a 2.4L turbo boxer since the Ascent’s launch, there have been updates to systems and tuning across model years. For buyers, this means verifying the exact horsepower, torque, and fuel requirements for the specific trim and year you are considering.
Summary
Bottom line: yes — the Ascent uses a boxer engine. Specifically, a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four (boxer) engine, commonly referred to as the FA24 family, paired with all-wheel drive, defines the current Subaru Ascent powertrain.
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 type of transmission does a Subaru Ascent have?
The Subaru Ascent uses a Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), specifically the TR690 model. This type of transmission is a key feature across most automatic Subaru models and is known for providing fuel efficiency and smooth acceleration. It uses steel chains and pulleys to provide an unlimited number of gear ratios, rather than fixed gears. The Ascent's CVT also includes an eight-speed manual mode accessible via paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
This video explains the Subaru CVT transmission in detail: 1mJustin PritchardYouTube · Apr 13, 2024
- Transmission type: Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Model: TR690
- Key features:
- Adaptive Control
- Auto Vehicle Hold
- Eight-speed manual mode with paddle shifters
- Mechanism: Unlike traditional transmissions with fixed gears, Subaru's CVT uses steel chains and pulleys to continuously adjust the gear ratio.
- Performance: It is designed for fuel efficiency and smooth, linear acceleration.
Is the Subaru Ascent a boxer engine?
Powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine, the Ascent delivers 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, ensuring smooth acceleration and confident power for towing up to 5,000 pounds.
What kind of engine is in a Subaru Ascent?
The Subaru Ascent uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine that produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque across all trim levels. This engine is paired with a Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) and comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. It has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds.
This video provides an overview of the Subaru Ascent engine, including its features and performance: 58sAutomotive Anonymous YouTube · Feb 15, 2025
Engine specifications
- Type: 2.4L turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder
- Horsepower: 260 hp
- Torque: 277 lb-ft
- Transmission: Lineartronic® CVT with 8-speed manual mode
- Drivetrain: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Performance features
- Towing Capacity: Up to 5,000 pounds
- X-MODE®: Enhances performance on low-friction surfaces by optimizing engine output and the all-wheel drive system
- Hill Descent Control: Included on most trims for controlling descent on steep inclines
- Trailer Stability Assist: Helps to keep the trailer stable while towing
