What engine does a 1991 Subaru Legacy have?

The 1991 Subaru Legacy was primarily powered by a 2.2‑liter flat-four engine, with a smaller 1.8‑liter option available in some overseas markets. In the United States, the 2.2‑liter engine was the standard setup for most trims, while other regions occasionally offered the smaller displacement.

To understand the question in more detail: the Legacy launched in the early 1990s as Subaru’s family wagon, and engine choices varied by market and model year. The majority of 1991 Legacies sold outside Japan carried a naturally aspirated 2.2‑liter horizontal four, though some export versions did use an 1.8‑liter option. Both engines shared the “boxer” configuration Subaru is known for, with fuel delivery typically via multi‑point injection and compatibility with the period’s manual or automatic transmissions.

Engine lineup and context

Below is a concise look at the engines commonly found in the 1991 Legacy, highlighting which markets saw which options.

• United States and many other markets: 2.2‑liter flat-four engine (the primary engine for the 1991 Legacy), typically naturally aspirated, with available manual or automatic transmissions.


• Some overseas markets: 1.8‑liter flat-four engine as an alternative option in certain trims or regional configurations.

In practice, the 2.2‑liter engine was the workhorse for the 1991 Legacy in the U.S. lineup, while the smaller 1.8‑liter option appeared in select import versions. Either way, the engines were designed around Subaru’s characteristic horizontally opposed (boxer) configuration, which contributes to a low center of gravity and balanced handling. Transmission choices typically included a 5‑speed manual or a 4‑speed automatic, depending on the trim and market.

Technical notes and identification

For owners and prospective buyers, identifying the exact engine in a 1991 Legacy can be aided by checking the engine code on the block or consulting the vehicle’s VIN plate. Market-specific brochures and service manuals from the era confirm the 2.2‑liter as the standard engine in most regions, with the 1.8‑liter appearing in limited overseas configurations.

• Engine layout: inline four in a boxer (horizontally opposed) arrangement.


• Displacement: primarily 2.2 L for the standard engine in the U.S.; 1.8 L in some export variants.


• Fuel delivery: multi‑point fuel injection common to both options.


• Power and torque: varies by engine and market; the 2.2 L generally offered higher output than the 1.8 L in comparable trim levels.

As with many early‑’90s Subarus, specifics can vary by country, trim, and production run. If you’re trying to verify the exact engine on a particular 1991 Legacy, the best route is to check the owner’s manual, the engine code on the block, or the vehicle’s original documentation.

Summary

In short, a 1991 Subaru Legacy most often features a 2.2‑liter flat-four engine in the U.S. market, with a smaller 1.8‑liter option present in some overseas versions. The engines share Subaru’s characteristic boxer layout and used multi‑point fuel injection, with transmissions offered in both manual and automatic configurations depending on trim and market. For precise identification, verify the engine code on the engine itself or consult the vehicle’s VIN and documentation.

If you’re assessing a specific car, sharing the country of origin or trim level can help narrow down the exact engine configuration for that 1991 Legacy.

Can a Subaru Legacy last 300,000 miles?

Subaru engines are renowned for their reliability and longevity, often lasting between 200,000 and 300,000 miles with proper maintenance.

What kind of engine is in a Subaru Legacy?

The Subaru Legacy has offered a range of engines, but recent models typically feature a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine or a more powerful, turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder boxer engine. Older models have included a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder boxer engine. 
You can watch this video to learn about the history of Subaru Legacy engines: 55sDonutYouTube · Apr 16, 2020
Current and recent engines

• 2.5-liter 4-cylinder: This is the standard, naturally aspirated engine, producing around 182 horsepower in recent models.
• 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder: This is an optional, more powerful engine found in higher trims like the Sport and Touring XT, delivering approximately 260 horsepower. 

Older and past engines

• 3.6-liter 6-cylinder: Previously offered in models like the 3.6R, this engine produced 256 horsepower. 
• 2.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder: Higher-performance trims in previous generations, such as the 2.5 GT, came with a turbocharged 2.5-liter boxer engine. 

This video demonstrates the engine removal process for an older Subaru Legacy: 58sValley Mobile AutomotiveYouTube · Jun 5, 2025
Engine technology

• Boxer design: Like other Subaru engines, the Legacy uses a horizontally opposed "boxer" layout, which places the cylinders on opposite sides of the crankshaft. 
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Most modern Legacy models come equipped with a CVT, although some older models or specific markets offered a manual transmission. 
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system is a standard feature on all Legacy models. 

How much is a 1991 Subaru Legacy worth?

The value of a used 1991 Subaru Legacy ranges from $1,005 to $5,540, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.

What year was bad for Subaru Legacy?

Years to avoid for the Subaru Legacy include 2010–2014, primarily due to transmission issues and headlight problems, and 2005–2009, which are known for head gasket and other engine-related issues. Other problematic years include 2011 for its headlights and 2018 for infotainment problems. 
Subaru Legacy years to avoid

• 2010–2014: These years can have issues with the continuously variable transmission (CVT), which can cause hesitation, shuddering, or stalling. The 2011 model year is also notorious for headlights burning out very quickly. 
• 2005–2009: These models can be prone to head gasket failure, especially on the 2.5L engine, leading to coolant and oil leaks. Other problems can include catalytic converter and rear hub failures. 
• 2018: This model year has been associated with infotainment system glitches, such as the display freezing or refusing to shut down. 
• Other years:
  • 2000–2006: Reported issues with faulty oxygen sensors. 
  • 2011–2012: Have been cited for frequent headlight burnout. 
  • 2021–2023: Recall issued for a transmission parking rod issue. 
  • 2023: Recalled for display screen issues and other electronic problems.