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Is the Subaru Forester a 6-cylinder?

No, the Subaru Forester is not a 6-cylinder vehicle. The Subaru Forester is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine as standard across all trim levels.


Detailed Overview of the Subaru Forester Engine


The Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that has been in production since 1997. Throughout its history, the Forester has been powered by a range of 4-cylinder "boxer" engines from Subaru. The current generation Forester, which was introduced in 2019, is available with two different 4-cylinder engine options:



  • 2.5-liter naturally aspirated 4-cylinder engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque

  • 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque


Subaru has never offered a 6-cylinder engine option for the Forester. The brand's larger SUV, the Ascent, is available with a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, but the Forester has always been powered by 4-cylinder powertrains.


Why 4-Cylinder Engines for the Subaru Forester?


Subaru has chosen to equip the Forester with 4-cylinder engines for a few key reasons:



  • Improved fuel efficiency: 4-cylinder engines generally achieve better gas mileage compared to larger 6-cylinder engines.

  • Lower weight: The lighter weight of a 4-cylinder engine helps the Forester maintain its agile handling and off-road capability.

  • Cost savings: 4-cylinder engines are less expensive to produce and maintain than 6-cylinder engines.

  • Alignment with Subaru's brand identity: Subaru is known for its focus on practical, efficient, and capable vehicles, which aligns well with the 4-cylinder Forester.


While a 6-cylinder engine option could provide more power, Subaru has determined that the 4-cylinder powertrains best meet the needs and expectations of Forester buyers. The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in particular offers a compelling balance of performance and efficiency.

Why to get a Forester instead of an Outback?


The wagon-adjacent Outback is longer and has a lower roofline, while the Forester provides about an inch more front headroom as a taller compact SUV. Front and rear legroom is nearly identical in both models. Around back, the Outback offers 33 cubic feet of cargo volume compared with the Forester's 30 cubic feet.



What year of Subaru Forester is most reliable?


Second Generation (2003-2008): Owner satisfaction scores are high for the 2003-2006 model years and moderate for 2007 and 2008. Although 2003 had three recalls (the most of any model year from this generation), it ranked highest for reliability. Our nod for best from this group is the 2003 model year.



Is Subaru discontinuing Forester?


Subaru Corporation will continue to produce the Forester in Japan for its domestic customers and customers in Europe, Asia, and Australia. That means all Forester made in the U.S. will stay here. Forester production is going up. Subaru Corporation's production of the all-new 2025 Forester has increased.



Which Subaru's have 6 cylinders?


EZ30 and EZ36

EngineLegacy / Outback
EZ30D mk I2002–03RS30
EZ30 TurboDutch outback turbo version (2004/2005) 180 kw 245hp
EZ30D mk II2004–093.0R
EZ36D2010–193.6R



What is the best model of the Subaru Forester?


Best Years for Subaru Forester: Reliable Models

  • Subaru Forester First Generation (Model Year: 1998-2002)
  • Subaru Forester Second Generation (Model Year: 2003-2008)
  • Subaru Forester Third Generation (Model Year: 2009-2013)
  • Subaru Forester Fourth Generation (Model Year: 2014-2018)



What is the biggest issue with a Subaru Forester?


And 178 lb feet of torque. That's not a lot of power for a modern vehicle with each iteration the Forester becomes heavier and heavier.



Are there any problems with the Subaru Forester?


Subaru Forester Reliability Problems. Forester owners have made 706 complaints over 24 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it dead last in overall reliability , with significant engine and interior concerns.



What is the weakness of a Subaru Forester?


Oil Consumption
Many drivers have reported that they need to get their oil changed more frequently than they have had to in other cars. This is likely due to oil cracks or leaks in the camshaft and crankshaft seals as well as the oil pump seal.



Why are Subaru Foresters not selling?


The popular Forester's five-month drop in sales performance has a lot to do with the economy. Many seniors look at the Forester and compare the price with the Crosstrek and can get an excellent all-wheel-drive vehicle for about $5,000 less—and even more so on the upper Touring trim level.



What engines do Subaru Foresters have?


There are two engines available for the Forester. All petrol-variants share a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder boxer-petrol engine (136kW/239Nm). While the two hybrid models share a 2.5-litre, four-cylinder hybrid engine (110kW/196Nm).


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.