Is the Subaru Ascent twin turbo?

No. The Ascent uses a single turbocharger with a twin-scroll design on a 2.4-liter flat-four engine, not a twin-turbo configuration.

Engine and turbo configuration

Details about the engine and how the turbo system is arranged in the Ascent help explain why enthusiasts often ask about “twin turbo.”

• Engine size and layout: 2.4-liter turbocharged horizontally opposed four-cylinder (a Subaru FA/FB family engine).


• Turbo arrangement: One turbocharger with a twin-scroll design, feeding two exhaust paths into a single turbine to improve spool and response.


• Power and torque: Officially around 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque; output can vary slightly by model year and fuel grade.


• Transmission: Generally paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.


• Drivetrain: Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, with traction aids such as X-Mode available in certain trims.


• Fuel economy: The turbo engine aims to balance performance with everyday efficiency; actual mileage varies by trim and driving conditions.

In practice, the Ascent’s turbo system is designed to deliver ample mid-range power for family hauling without the complexity or lag of a multi-turbo setup.

Clarifying turbo terminology

Twin-turbo means two separate turbochargers, often each feeding a bank of cylinders. The Ascent uses a single turbocharger but a twin-scroll design, which delivers many of the performance benefits associated with turbocharged engines while staying simpler and lighter than a true twin-turbo arrangement.

• Twin-scroll explanation: Two exhaust paths funnel exhaust gas to the single turbine, improving spool and throttle response at lower RPMs.


• Common misconceptions: Some people refer to any turbocharged engine as “twin-turbo”; the Ascent is not two turbines, it’s one with twin-scroll geometry.


• Performance takeaway: For practical daily driving, the single-turbo twin-scroll setup provides strong, linear power without the added complexity of a two-turbo system.

Ultimately, the Ascent is powered by a single turbo with twin-scroll geometry rather than a true twin-turbo configuration.

Summary

The Subaru Ascent does not use a twin-turbo arrangement. It features a single, twin-scroll turbocharger on a 2.4-liter flat-four engine, producing about 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. This setup offers strong mid-range torque and practical everyday usability without requiring two separate turbochargers.

Is the Subaru 2.4 L turbo a good engine?

Yes, the Subaru 2.4L turbo engine is generally considered a good engine, offering significantly more power than the naturally aspirated versions while being built to be reliable and overbuilt. It provides better acceleration, towing capacity, and performance at high altitudes, but it is also more complex than a non-turbo engine and has lower fuel economy. Proper maintenance, such as more frequent oil changes, can help ensure long-term reliability.
 
Advantages of the 2.4L turbo engine

• More power and torque: It provides a significant increase in torque, making it feel much more responsive than the 2.5L non-turbo engine. This is especially beneficial for passing and merging. 
• Stronger performance: The engine is more capable in situations that require more power, like climbing hills or towing. 
• Built for reliability: It's considered an overbuilt engine, designed to be more reliable than older Subaru turbo engines, addressing some of the issues seen in previous generations. 
• Can use regular fuel: The engine is designed to run on 87 octane regular gasoline. 

Potential considerations for the 2.4L turbo engine

• Fuel economy: The turbo engine generally gets slightly lower fuel economy compared to the 2.5L non-turbo. 
• Complexity: Turbocharged engines are more complex than naturally aspirated ones, which can mean more potential maintenance points, such as oil supply bolts and gasket leaks. 
• Maintenance: To maximize longevity, frequent oil changes (every 3,750 to 5,000 miles) are recommended to prevent potential oil-related issues. 

Verdict
The Subaru 2.4L turbo is a good engine if you prioritize power and performance. It's a reliable and capable engine, especially when you perform diligent maintenance. If your priority is the lowest possible maintenance complexity and fuel cost, the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine might be a better fit.

What are the weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent?

Common Subaru Ascent cons include poor fuel economy, a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that can feel disconnected and noisy, and brake issues like premature wear and juddering. Other drawbacks cited by owners are limited interior cabin width, inconsistent technology and infotainment, and engine noise, particularly under acceleration. Some owners also report issues with electrical systems, and despite a decent engine, some feel it is underpowered for the vehicle's size, particularly with its CVT. 
You can watch this video to learn about the common problems and weaknesses of the Subaru Ascent: 52sNexologyYouTube · Sep 11, 2025
Performance and powertrain

• Poor fuel economy: Some owners report fuel economy that is worse than advertised. 
• Underpowered engine: The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine is often considered underpowered for the Ascent's heavy weight. 
• Noisy CVT: The CVT can cause a "droning" noise and a disconnected feeling, while competitors use more traditional automatic transmissions. 
• Inconsistent throttle: Some drivers find the throttle too touchy at low speeds or sluggish at higher speeds. 

Brakes

• Premature wear: Owners report premature wearing of brake pads and rotors.
• Vibration and noise: Complaints include pulsating or vibrating brakes and squeaking noises. 

Interior and technology

• Limited interior width: Despite being a large SUV, the cabin is narrower than many competitors, reducing usable space for passengers. 
• Frustrating technology: Some owners find the technology and infotainment systems frustrating to use. 
• Driver assist system issues: In some conditions, such as heavy rain, the EyeSight driver assist system can shut down. 

Other issues

• Engine and transmission problems: In addition to the CVT, other engine and transmission-related issues have been reported by owners. 
• Electrical system issues: Reports include problems with interior lights and other electrical components. 
• Repairs: Some owners report that repairs for certain issues, like replacing a windshield, can be expensive and trigger other cascading problems. 

This video discusses several issues with the Subaru Ascent, including the CVT, brake problems, and electrical system: 1mFuel ForceYouTube · Aug 4, 2025

Is the Subaru Ascent turbocharged?

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.

Which Subaru has twin-turbo?

Legacy
The D-Type Legacy is Subaru's best shot at the sequential twin-turbo engine besides the STI revision.