Is a Subaru Crosstrek a 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder?
The Crosstrek uses a four-cylinder engine, not a six. In current U.S. market models, the standard powerplant is a 2.0-liter flat-four, paired with all-wheel drive and a CVT. A hybrid version uses the same 2.0-liter engine teamed with an electric motor. Subaru has not offered a six-cylinder Crosstrek in recent years.
Engine fundamentals and what that means for performance
Subaru’s Crosstrek relies on a boxer-style four-cylinder engine—the horizontal "boxer" arrangement that keeps the engine low and helps with balance. This setup is typically paired with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a continuously variable transmission on most trims, emphasizing efficiency and steady torque delivery rather than high-end power. There is no six-cylinder Crosstrek option.
Hybrid variant
The Crosstrek Hybrid combines the 2.0-liter four-cylinder with an electric motor to boost efficiency and provide additional low-speed torque. It remains a four-cylinder system with electric assist, not a larger displacement engine.
How this compares with other Subaru models
Some other Subaru models, such as the Forester and Outback, use a larger 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which offers more horsepower and torque. The Crosstrek, by design, remains a smaller, more efficient four-cylinder SUV.
Bottom line
In summary, the Subaru Crosstrek is powered by a four-cylinder engine, specifically a 2.0-liter boxer-four, with a hybrid variant available. There is no six-cylinder Crosstrek in current production.
Summary
The Crosstrek is a four-cylinder Subaru, not a six-cylinder. Its current setup centers on a 2.0-liter flat-four engine with all-wheel drive, and a hybrid version exists that uses the same engine with electric assist. For those seeking a larger engine within the same family, Subaru offers 2.5-liter four-cylinders in other models like the Forester and Outback.
Which Subaru has a 6 cylinder engine?
Subaru models that have featured 6-cylinder engines include the Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca from certain model years, as well as older models like the Alcyone (XT6) and Alcyone SVX. The most recent 6-cylinder models are typically found in the 3.6R versions of the Legacy, Outback, and Tribeca, with the last 6-cylinder engine produced for the 2019 Outback.
| Model | Years with 6-Cylinder Engine |
|---|---|
| Outback | ~2001–2019 |
| Legacy | ~2002–2019 |
| Tribeca | ~2006–2014 |
| Alcyone (XT6 in the U.S.) | 1988–1991 |
| Alcyone SVX | 1991–1996 |
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What is the common problem of a Subaru Crosstrek?
Common Subaru Crosstrek problems include infotainment and electrical glitches (like screen freezes or connectivity issues), problems with the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) such as shuddering or delayed acceleration, and exterior issues like easily cracked windshields or fading paint. Some older models have specific issues, such as excessive oil consumption or engine problems.
This video discusses common problems with the Subaru Crosstrek, including issues with the transmission, engine, and electrical systems: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · May 5, 2025
Infotainment and electrical problems
- Glitches: The infotainment screen can freeze, become unresponsive, or reboot unexpectedly.
- Connectivity: Issues with Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay are frequently reported.
- Other electronic issues: Malfunctions in driver-assist functions, the backup camera, and key fobs have been noted.
- A/C system: Some owners report the A/C system intermittently failing to respond to settings.
Transmission and engine concerns
- CVT issues: Many owners report shuddering, hesitation, or a droning noise from the CVT.
- Engine noise: The engine can be loud during hard acceleration due to the CVT keeping RPMs high.
- Oil consumption: Older models, particularly from 2012–2015, have reported excessive oil consumption.
- Engine failure: Some older models experienced engine failure due to fractured valve springs, leading to recalls.
Exterior and interior issues
- Windshield cracking: Some models are susceptible to windshields cracking easily under minor stress.
- Paint and trim: Fading, peeling, or cracking paint and issues with exterior trim have been reported.
- Rust: Some owners have reported issues with rust.
- Interior rattles: Rattles from the A-pillars or behind the dashboard can occur.
Other potential problems
- Brakes: Some owners have reported issues with premature brake pad/rotor wear, pulsation, or other brake system components.
- Exhaust system: Problems with mufflers, catalytic converters, or exhaust pipes have been reported by some owners.
Is the Subaru Crosstrek a 4 cylinder or 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.
Which Crosstrek has the best engine?
The best engine for a Subaru Crosstrek is generally the 2.5-liter Boxer engine, which produces 182182182 horsepower and is available on the Sport, Limited, and Wilderness trims. While the base 2.0-liter engine (152152152 hp) is sufficient for city driving, the 2.5-liter provides a much more confident experience, especially for highway merging and passing, with comparable fuel economy.
This video compares the 2.0L and 2.5L engines in the Subaru Crosstrek: 50sDriven By GearsYouTube · Jun 26, 2024
2.5-liter Boxer Engine
- Power: 182182182 hp and 176176176 lb-ft of torque.
- Benefits: A noticeable and worthwhile improvement over the base engine, making highway driving, passing, and merging easier and more responsive. It also adds more capability, especially on the Wilderness trim which has a higher ground clearance and more off-road features.
- Fuel Economy: Similar to the 2.0-liter engine, with up to 343434 highway MPG.
- Best for: Drivers who frequently drive on highways, need more passing power, or want better performance for their vehicle.
You can watch this video to learn more about the performance of the 2.5L engine in the Subaru Crosstrek: 1mAuto Buyers Guide | Alex on AutosYouTube · May 8, 2023
2.0-liter Boxer Engine
- Power: 152152152 hp and 145145145 lb-ft of torque.
- Benefits: More affordable and offers slightly better fuel efficiency.
- Fuel Economy: Up to 333333 highway MPG.
- Best for: Drivers who primarily drive in the city and are looking to save on the initial purchase price.
Which one to choose
- If your budget allows, the 2.5-liter engine is the recommended choice due to its significant performance upgrade and comparable fuel efficiency.
- The 2.0-liter engine is adequate if your driving is mostly around town and you prioritize the lower cost.
