Is the 2.5 L Subaru engine turbo?
Yes. Subaru has produced turbocharged 2.5-liter flat-four engines in the past, but today most 2.5-liter engines sold new by Subaru are naturally aspirated. If you’re seeking factory turbocharging in a 2.5L engine today, you’ll generally find it only in the used-market or in models that use different displacements.
What the 2.5L designation means in Subaru engines
The 2.5L label refers to the engine’s displacement—about 2.5 liters (roughly 2,497 cubic centimeters). In Subaru’s lineup, that displacement has appeared in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged forms, across different engine families (the older EJ/EGJ series and the newer FA/FB families). The presence or absence of a turbo is what ultimately differentiates a 2.5L engine from a 2.5L engine that is naturally aspirated.
Turbocharged 2.5L engines in Subaru’s history
Here are the key points about Subaru’s historical turbo 2.5L engines. The following examples illustrate the use of a 2.5-liter turbo in various performance-focused models during the mid-2000s to early 2010s. These engines are now mainly found on the used market, and they represent a period when Subaru leaned on larger-displacement turbo performance before moving toward other turbo sizes in newer models.
- EJ255: A 2.5L turbocharged flat-four used in several performance variants (including certain WRX/Impreza and Legacy/Outback lines) during the mid-2000s. It powered enthusiasts’ models with turbocharged output characteristics and tuning potential.
- EJ257: Another 2.5L turbocharged family used in the performance STI line and related models across various years, delivering higher output and a broader torque curve than the EJ255.
- Legacy GT and other 2.5L turbo variants: Submodels that employed turbocharged 2.5L powerplants in this era helped establish Subaru’s performance-oriented reputation in the years when turbo experience was central to the brand’s identity.
These 2.5L turbo engines were notable for strong midrange torque and strong aftermarket tuning potential, but they also carried a history of maintenance considerations (cooling and head-gasket related concerns) that owners often discussed in enthusiast circles.
Current status of the 2.5L engine in Subaru’s lineup
As of the mid-2020s, Subaru’s factory offerings no longer include a new, production 2.5L turbo engine. The company’s current turbocharged options reside in different displacements: a 2.0L turbo powers the WRX, and a 2.4L turbo (found in models such as the Ascent) represents Subaru’s modern approach to turbocharged performance in newer platforms. The 2.5L displacement remains common in naturally aspirated forms in older generation models and in certain markets where an NA 2.5L is still offered, but it is not the standard turbo headline in Subaru’s current lineup.
What this means for buyers and enthusiasts
For buyers seeking a factory turbocharged 2.5L Subaru in today’s market, the options are limited to compounds of used models with the EJ255/EJ257-based powerplants or to consider newer turbo engines with different displacements. For new purchases, prospective buyers should look to the brand’s 2.0L turbo WRX or the 2.4L turbo platforms for contemporary performance, reliability considerations, and warranty coverage. If a 2.5L turbo is a must, the used market remains the primary source, with careful attention to maintenance history and model-specific concerns.
Summary
The 2.5L turbo engine did exist in Subaru’s past, most notably in the EJ255/EJ257 families that powered WRX/STI and related models. Today, Subaru’s new models rely on other turbo displacements (primarily 2.0L and 2.4L), and the factory 2.5L turbo option is not currently offered in new vehicles. For enthusiasts, the 2.5L turbo era remains a chapter of Subaru history, often explored on the used market with attention to maintenance history.
