Is the Subaru turbo engine reliable?

The Subaru turbo engine is generally considered a reliable and durable powertrain, with a reputation for strong performance and longevity. While no engine is completely immune to issues, the Subaru turbo has proven to be a dependable choice for many drivers over the years.

Subaru Turbo Engine Overview

Subaru has been offering turbocharged engines in its vehicles for decades, with the first turbocharged Subaru model, the Subaru XT, debuting in 1985. Since then, Subaru has continued to refine and improve its turbo technology, incorporating it into a wide range of models, including the Impreza, Legacy, Outback, and WRX.

Subaru's turbo engines are known for their robust construction, advanced engineering, and careful attention to detail. These engines utilize a combination of technologies, such as direct fuel injection, variable valve timing, and advanced turbocharger systems, to deliver a compelling blend of power, efficiency, and reliability.

Factors Contributing to Subaru Turbo Reliability

• Robust Design: Subaru's turbo engines are engineered to withstand the additional stresses and demands of forced induction. They feature reinforced components, such as stronger pistons, connecting rods, and crankshafts, to handle the increased power and torque.


• Careful Tuning: Subaru's engineers have spent years fine-tuning the turbocharger systems, engine management software, and other critical components to ensure optimal performance and reliability. This attention to detail helps minimize issues and maximize the engine's lifespan.


• Maintenance and Care: Like any engine, the Subaru turbo requires proper maintenance and care to maintain its reliability. Regular oil changes, timely replacement of wear items, and addressing any issues promptly are essential for keeping the engine in top condition.

While the Subaru turbo engine is generally considered reliable, it's important to note that individual experiences may vary, and proper maintenance and care are crucial for ensuring long-term performance and durability.

Is the Subaru 2.5 Turbo a good engine?

New Subaru 2.5 engines are reliable, although people have mixed feelings and results with CVT transmissions. The problem with older EJ25 engines is that fluids would sit and rest against the shear line where the manifold meets the block - which is normal for boxer engines.

How good is the Subaru 2.4 turbo 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 is the downside of a turbo engine?

Disadvantages of a turbo engine include turbo lag, which is a delay in power delivery; higher maintenance costs and complexity due to extra parts like the turbocharger and intercooler; and potentially shorter lifespan and lower reliability if maintenance is neglected. Additionally, turbo engines can sometimes have a negative impact on vehicle handling, potentially causing issues with understeer or oversteer during aggressive cornering, and they may require premium fuel and can have higher purchase prices. 
You can watch this video to learn about the disadvantages of turbocharged cars: 1mEngineering ExplainedYouTube · Sep 25, 2019
Performance and drivability

• Turbo lag: A noticeable delay between pressing the accelerator and the turbocharger providing full power, especially at low RPMs. 
• Non-linear power delivery: The power delivery can feel more on-off rather than the smooth, linear pull of a naturally aspirated engine. 
• Handling issues: The sudden surge of torque from a turbo can make it harder to control a vehicle, potentially causing understeer or oversteer when cornering, especially in 2WD vehicles. 

Maintenance and cost

• Higher repair costs: Turbos are complex and can be expensive to replace. A failed turbo can also send metal fragments into the engine, leading to catastrophic and costly engine damage. 
• More sensitive to poor maintenance: Turbo engines need more frequent and diligent maintenance, such as oil changes, to prevent issues caused by the increased heat and pressure they operate under. 
• Shorter lifespan: Neglecting maintenance can lead to a shorter lifespan for both the turbo and the engine itself. 
• Higher purchase price: Vehicles with turbo engines can be more expensive to buy initially. 

Other disadvantages

• Increased complexity: They have more parts than a naturally aspirated engine, which increases the potential for things to go wrong. 
• Higher fuel consumption: While they are designed to improve efficiency, they can consume more fuel, especially in stop-and-go traffic or city driving where the engine is forced to work harder. 
• Requires premium fuel: Many turbocharged engines require premium fuel to prevent engine knock, adding to the running cost. 
• Reduced engine sound: The turbocharger can muffle some of the engine's sound, leading to a less appealing exhaust note for some enthusiasts. 
• Requires warm-up time: Some turbo engines need time to warm up before operating at full potential, and cold weather or short trips can cause issues. 

Is a 4 cylinder turbo as good as a V6?

A turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is often better for fuel economy and provides quick acceleration at lower speeds due to high torque, while a V6 generally offers more overall power for high-speed performance and is traditionally better for towing. The "better" choice depends on priorities: a turbo-4 is ideal for everyday driving and efficiency, while a V6 is better for those needing more raw power for demanding tasks like towing or high-speed passing.
 
You can watch this video to learn how a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine performs compared to a V6: 1mBros FOURR SpeedYouTube · Jun 22, 2024
Turbocharged 4-cylinder 

• Pros:
  • Better fuel economy: Offers better gas mileage compared to a V6. 
  • Strong low-end torque: Provides quick acceleration from a stop and feels responsive at lower RPMs. 
  • Compact size: Takes up less space and is lighter than a V6. 
• Cons:
  • Potentially less peak power: May not have as much horsepower as a V6 at higher speeds. 
  • Towing capacity: Typically has a lower towing capacity than a V6. 
  • Longevity: The turbocharger can be a point of failure and requires constant, clean oil to ensure longevity. 

V6

• Pros:
  • More peak power: Generally delivers more horsepower for high-speed performance. 
  • Higher towing capacity: Better suited for towing heavy loads. 
  • More refined power delivery: Offers smoother and more linear power delivery across a wider RPM range. 
• Cons:
  • Lower fuel economy: Less fuel-efficient than a 4-cylinder engine. 
  • Heavier and larger: Takes up more space under the hood. 

This video compares the performance of a new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an older V6 engine: 58sThe Fast Lane TruckYouTube · Dec 26, 2023
Which to choose

• Choose a turbocharged 4-cylinder if your priority is fuel efficiency, nimble city driving, and quick acceleration from a stop.
• Choose a V6 if you need more power for high-speed driving, towing, or require the extra pulling capacity.