Is the Subaru Ascent a V8?
The short answer: No. The Subaru Ascent does not use a V8 engine; it relies on a turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine.
The three-row Subaru Ascent, introduced in 2019, is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine. This configuration, paired with Subaru's symmetrical AWD and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), defines the vehicle's performance and efficiency. There is no V8 variant available in the Ascent lineup.
Engine configuration and performance
Key facts about what powers the Ascent and how it behaves on the road are listed below.
- Engine: 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer (flat-four) from Subaru's FA24 family
- Output: around 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque (numbers vary slightly by model year)
- Transmission: continuously variable transmission (CVT)
- Drivetrain: standard all-wheel drive (Symmetrical AWD)
- No V8 option: the Ascent lineup has never included a V8 engine
With turbocharged torque available in the mid-range, the Ascent delivers confident highway merging and towing capability, while weighing less than many V8 rivals. The Boxer layout also contributes to a lower center of gravity and balanced handling.
Why Subaru sticks with a four-cylinder boxer engine
Subaru's design philosophy emphasizes efficiency, standard AWD, and reliability. The flat-four boxer layout yields a lower center of gravity, which helps handling in an SUV of this size. A V8 would add weight, cost, and lower fuel efficiency without delivering a proportional performance advantage for most buyers in this segment.
As a result, Subaru has continued to optimize four-cylinder turbo power rather than transitioning to V8 engines for the Ascent or other current models.
Market context and alternatives
In the current Subaru lineup, there are no V8-powered SUVs. For customers seeking higher-displacement V8 power, alternatives exist in other brands, but Subaru has prioritized torque-rich four-cylinder performance and strong fuel economy, combined with standard all-wheel drive, for the Ascent.
Bottom line
Bottom line: the Subaru Ascent is not a V8. It relies on a turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine with standard all-wheel drive, delivering solid everyday performance without a V8's weight and fuel penalties.
Summary
Summary: The Ascent's engine is a 2.4L turbocharged flat-four, not a V8. This setup aligns with Subaru's emphasis on balance, efficiency, and practical capability in a three-row SUV.
Does the Subaru Ascent have a V6?
No, the Subaru Ascent does not have a 6-cylinder engine; it comes with a standard 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer engine across all its trim levels. This engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, and it is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
- Engine: 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder boxer engine.
- Horsepower: 260 hp.
- Torque: 277 lb-ft.
- Transmission: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
- Drivetrain: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
What engine is in 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
Is the Subaru Outback a V8?
2.5L SUBARU BOXER® Four-Cylinder Engine
The 2024 Subaru Outback lineup features a powerful 2.5L SUBARU BOXER four-cylinder engine as its standard engine.
Is there a Subaru with a V8?
No, Subaru has never produced a V8 engine for its mass-market vehicles, as it focuses on its horizontally-opposed "boxer" engine layout for a low center of gravity. However, there are many custom-built and aftermarket Subaru vehicles that have had V8 engines installed by enthusiasts. Subaru also developed a unique 12-cylinder boxer engine for its 1990 Formula One program, but it was not a V8 and was unsuccessful.
This video shows a custom Subaru Justy with a twin-turbo V8 engine: 58sMOTOR ADDICTSYouTube · Jun 15, 2025
Subaru's approach to engines
- Focus on boxer engines: Subaru's brand identity is built around its horizontally-opposed engines, which keep the vehicle's center of gravity low and improve handling.
- V8 design is incompatible: A traditional V8 engine is too tall and heavy to fit the low-slung design of most Subaru vehicles, which are engineered to maximize the advantages of a low center of gravity.
Custom and aftermarket V8 Subarus
- Engine swaps: Independent builders have performed numerous "V8 swaps," installing engines from other manufacturers into Subaru chassis.
- Common examples: These swaps often involve using Chevrolet LS V8s or even Ferrari V8s, requiring extensive modifications to the chassis, suspension, and driveline to accommodate the new engine.
- Purpose: These projects are typically built for drag racing, extreme performance, or unique projects, not for everyday road use.
Subaru's racing engines
- Subaru 1235: Subaru did design a 3.5-liter, 12-cylinder boxer engine for its Formula One racing program in 1990.
- Unsuccessful: The engine was not a V8 and was ultimately unsuccessful, with the team reverting to a more conventional V8 for performance reasons.
