Does the Subaru Ascent come in 6 cylinders?

In short, no. The Ascent is not offered with a six-cylinder engine in the U.S. market; it runs a turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant instead.

As Subaru’s largest three-row SUV, the Ascent prioritizes interior space, torque for hauling families, and overall efficiency. This article outlines the current engine setup and places it in the context of Subaru’s historical use of six-cylinder configurations.

Current engine configuration

Engine family and specs

The following highlights summarize the engine and drivetrain typically found in U.S.-market Ascents today. All trims share this setup.

• Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged horizontally opposed four-cylinder (FA24)


• Horsepower: 260 hp


• Torque: 277 lb-ft


• Transmission: continuously variable transmission (CVT)


• Drivetrain: all-wheel drive (AWD) standard

With a turbocharged four-cylinder setup, the Ascent aims to deliver strong low-end torque for a three-row family SUV while maintaining reasonable efficiency. There is no current six-cylinder option in production for the Ascent.

Historical context: Subaru and six-cylinder engines

Notable six-cylinder models in Subaru history

Subaru has offered six-cylinder configurations in a few past models, though not in the Ascent. The most widely cited example is the Tribeca, which was available with a 3.6-liter flat-six engine. In other eras, Subaru’s lineup gradually shifted toward boxer-four engines for efficiency and packaging, especially in larger, everyday-use SUVs and crossovers.

• Tribeca (2005–2014): 3.6-liter flat-six (EZ36) option

In summary, while six-cylinder options exist in Subaru’s historical lineup, the current Ascent does not. For buyers seeking six cylinders from Subaru, the Tribeca (no longer in production) represents the closest historical option, while newer models rely on four-cylinder turbo power.

Summary

The Subaru Ascent does not offer a six-cylinder engine. Since its introduction, the model has used a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing about 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT and standard AWD. If a six-cylinder Subaru is essential, one would have to look to older models like the Tribeca or consider other automakers, as the Ascent itself remains four-cylinder only.

What Subaru has a 6 cylinder engine?

Subaru's six-cylinder models primarily include the Alcyone/XT6 (ER27 engine), Alcyone SVX (EG33 engine), and a range of Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca models using the EZ30 and EZ36 engines. While many Subaru models now use four-cylinder engines, the six-cylinder boxer engine was available as a premium option in certain vehicles until 2019. 
Engine and model breakdown

• ER27: A flat-6 engine that was the sole option for the 1988–91 Subaru Alcyone VX (known as the XT6 in the United States). 
• EG33: Derived from the EJ flat-4, this was the only engine available for the Subaru Alcyone SVX, sold from 1991 to 1996. 
• EZ30 and EZ36: These flat-6 engines were designed to be nearly as compact as the EJ25 flat-4. 
  • The EZ30 was offered as an up-level option in the Legacy and Outback/Lancaster (2001–19). 
  • The EZ36 powered models like the Tribeca (2006–14) as its sole option, and was also available in the Outback and Legacy as an up-level engine. 
  • The 3.6-liter EZ36 engine was discontinued after the 2019 model year, which was the last year it was available in the Legacy and Outback, as reported by CarBuzz. 

Performance and characteristics

• The six-cylinder engines offered more power than the standard four-cylinder engines. 
• The flat-6 layout can lead to a lower center of gravity, which is beneficial for handling. 
• In many cases, the six-cylinder was the more premium and powerful option, as seen in models like the Outback 3.6R which had 256 horsepower. 

Modern status

• Subaru no longer produces six-cylinder models for the North American market. 
• The current lineup consists of various four-cylinder, hybrid, and electric models. 

Are all Subaru Ascent 4 cylinders?

2023 Subaru Ascent Engine Specs
The Subaru Ascent engine is a SUBARU BOXER® 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It has an impressive 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Like we said, this is consistent across all trim levels, so you only have one Subaru Ascent engine option.

What are the weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent?

Common cons for the Subaru Ascent include a cramped interior, particularly in the third row, frustrating and unreliable tech, poor fuel economy, and a CVT transmission that can feel sluggish. Other issues reported by owners include problems with steering, suspension, brakes, and the climate control system, particularly uneven heating/cooling in the third row. 
Performance and reliability

• CVT transmission: The continuously variable automatic transmission can feel sluggish, especially when accelerating or towing, and some owners have reported issues. 
• Fuel economy: Fuel efficiency is often criticized as being mediocre for its class. 
• Brakes: Some reports mention issues like premature pad wear, vibration, and problems with the master cylinder. 
• Reliability concerns: While later models are expected to have average reliability, some owners of earlier models reported issues with engine components, steering, and suspension. 

You can watch this video to learn more about common problems with the Subaru Ascent: 52sNexologyYouTube · Sep 11, 2025
Interior and technology

• Interior space: Despite being a three-row SUV, some find the interior, particularly the third row, to be narrow and cramped compared to competitors. 
• Technology: The infotainment and climate control systems are frequently criticized for being frustrating, with a touchscreen that can be slow to respond, which makes adjusting climate settings difficult. 
• Lack of convenience features: Some models have a single 12-volt outlet placed in an inconvenient location, and others lack third-row lighting or an accessible 110-volt outlet. 
• Uneven climate control: Reports of uneven heating and cooling are common, with the third row sometimes not receiving enough airflow. 

What engines come in the Subaru Ascent?

2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU 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.