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What engine does my Subaru Outback have?

The Subaru Outback is a popular mid-size crossover SUV known for its all-wheel-drive capability and rugged design. The engine that powers your Subaru Outback can vary depending on the specific model year and trim level you own.

Common Subaru Outback Engine Options

Subaru has offered several engine options for the Outback over the years, but the most common are:

2.5-liter Boxer 4-cylinder engine: This is the base engine for many Outback models, producing around 182 horsepower. It's known for its smooth, efficient performance.

2.4-liter Turbocharged Boxer 4-cylinder engine: Available on higher trim levels, this turbocharged engine delivers more power, around 260 horsepower, for a more spirited driving experience.

3.6-liter Boxer 6-cylinder engine: Some older Outback models were available with a larger 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine, producing around 256 horsepower.

The engine in your specific Subaru Outback will depend on the model year and trim level you have. Newer Outback models tend to use the 2.5-liter or 2.4-liter turbocharged engines, while older models may have the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder option.

Determining Your Outback's Engine

To find the exact engine in your Subaru Outback, you can check the vehicle's information sticker, usually located on the driver's side door jamb or in the owner's manual. This will provide the specific engine displacement and horsepower details for your particular model.

Knowing the engine in your Outback can help you understand its performance capabilities, fuel efficiency, and maintenance needs. This information is valuable when it comes to properly caring for and maintaining your Subaru Outback.

What engine is in a Subaru Outback?

A Subaru Outback is available with two engine options: a standard 2.5L BOXER 4-cylinder engine or an available 2.4L turbocharged BOXER 4-cylinder engine on certain trim levels. The 2.5L engine is found on base, Premium, Limited, and Touring models, while the more powerful 2.4L turbo is for the XT and Wilderness trims.

Engine options

2.5L SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder: This is the standard engine on many trim levels, producing 182 horsepower.
2.4L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER 4-cylinder: This more powerful engine, which generates 260 horsepower, is available on specific trims like the Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT.

How do I tell what engine my Subaru Outback has?

Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
A Subaru VIN number check can reveal valuable information about the engine, including the motor size. Locate the VIN on the dashboard, driver's side door jamb, or registration documents, and use an online VIN decoder to find the engine details.

How do I know my exact engine model?

You can check an engine model by looking for the VIN in your car's owner's manual, on the dashboard, or on a sticker, and then decoding it online. Alternatively, you can find the engine model number directly on the engine itself, often stamped on the block or on a metal tag. For utility engines, check the rocker cover or a tag near the spark plug.

This video explains how to find the VIN and other information about your car: 55sECS TuningYouTube · Dec 19, 2016
Using the VIN

Find your VIN: The 17-character Vehicle Identification Number is typically found on the driver's side of the dashboard (visible through the windshield), inside the driver's side door jamb, or in your owner's manual.
Decode the VIN: Enter the VIN into an online decoder, such as the one on the NHTSA website or a manufacturer's website, to get detailed information about your car, including the engine.

This video demonstrates how to locate the VIN on your car: 1mMr. B's Auto shopYouTube · Aug 18, 2020
On the engine itself

Look for stamped numbers: On the engine block, you can often find a series of stamped letters and numbers.
Check for a metal tag: Many engines have a metal tag or plate with the model, type, and code stamped on it.
Inspect specific locations:
- Cars: The location can vary, but a common spot is on the engine block itself, near the front, passenger side, or sometimes on the passenger side of the engine block between the cylinder head and the power steering pump.
- Utility engines (e.g., Briggs & Stratton): The numbers are often on a metal tag or stamped onto the rocker cover (near the spark plug or on the opposite side of the rewind starter) or the muffler heat shield.
Clean the area: If the numbers are hard to read, clean the area with a degreaser and cloth to reveal the stamping.

You can watch this video to see an example of finding the engine model number on a small block Chevy engine: 59sHome Built Workshop (Jeff Baker)YouTube · Jun 4, 2022
Other methods

Check your owner's manual: This is the first place to look for specifications on your engine, as it will often recommend the correct oil.
Find a sticker under the hood: Some vehicles have a sticker on the engine or under the hood that lists the engine's size and cylinder configuration (e.g., 3.0L V6).

Which Subaru models have the EJ22 engine?

EJ22 (2.2L Boxer Turbo/NA)
Usage: Impreza 95–01. Legacy 90–99, Outback 95–96.

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.