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Is the Subaru crosstrek a 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder?

The Subaru Crosstrek is equipped with a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. It does not have a 6-cylinder option. The Crosstrek's 4-cylinder engine produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque, providing a balance of power and efficiency for this compact crossover SUV.


Detailed Overview of the Subaru Crosstrek's Engine


The Subaru Crosstrek is powered by a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine, which is a hallmark of Subaru's vehicle lineup. This engine utilizes a horizontally-opposed or "Boxer" configuration, where the pistons move side-to-side rather than up-and-down. This design provides a lower center of gravity, improving the Crosstrek's handling and stability.


The 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in the Crosstrek produces 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque. This provides ample power for everyday driving, while also delivering respectable fuel efficiency. The Crosstrek is available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).


Subaru does not offer a 6-cylinder engine option for the Crosstrek. The 4-cylinder Boxer engine is the sole powertrain choice, as it aligns with the Crosstrek's focus on efficiency, capability, and Subaru's signature all-wheel drive system.


Why a 4-Cylinder Engine for the Subaru Crosstrek?



  • Provides a balance of power and efficiency for a compact crossover

  • Leverages Subaru's expertise in Boxer engine design for improved handling and stability

  • Aligns with the Crosstrek's target market and intended use as a versatile, fuel-efficient vehicle

  • Allows Subaru to keep the Crosstrek's price point accessible for a wider range of buyers


Overall, the Subaru Crosstrek's 2.0-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine is well-suited for this compact crossover, delivering the right combination of power, efficiency, and Subaru's signature driving dynamics.

Why is Subaru discontinuing the Crosstrek?


Subaru is not discontinuing the Crosstrek model line entirely, but the Crosstrek Hybrid (PHEV) was discontinued in the U.S. due to slow sales and Subaru's strategic shift toward new hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) platforms that will be shared with Toyota. Subaru is still producing the standard Crosstrek and is developing new hybrid and EV models based on its new Global Platform, which will offer a new hybrid system for the Crosstrek in the future. The discontinuation of the manual transmission option was also driven by declining demand. 
This video discusses the reasons behind the discontinuation of the Crosstrek Hybrid and Subaru's future plans for electrification: 46sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Jun 9, 2025

  • Hybrid model discontinued: The Crosstrek Plug-In Hybrid was dropped after a short run in the U.S. because it only accounted for a small percentage of total sales. 
  • Strategic shift to new platforms: Subaru is focusing on developing new hybrid and EV models using its new Global Platform, which is designed to accommodate these powertrains. The company is working with Toyota on future EV platforms to improve profitability and innovation. 
  • Manual transmission phased out: The manual transmission option was discontinued due to declining sales, as a small percentage of buyers opted for it compared to automatic transmissions. 
  • Standard Crosstrek remains available: The gasoline-powered Crosstrek continues to be a popular and available model. 
  • Future hybrid return: Subaru has stated that it will launch a new hybrid Crosstrek in the future, likely with a new hybrid system and on the new Global Platform. 

This video explains the changes coming to the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek, including updates to the powertrain options: 55sAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Nov 4, 2024



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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Is a 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. 


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.