What engine is in a 2000 WRX?
The 2000 WRX uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four engine from Subaru’s EJ20 family, most commonly the EJ20G variant in that generation.
Across markets, the Impreza WRX lineup relied on turbocharged EJ20 powerplants, but the exact code and output vary by region. The 2000 model year WRX was the early era of forced induction for the Impreza, with the EJ20G powering the Japanese/earlier European versions, while the United States didn’t receive a WRX until 2002 and used a related 2.0-liter turbo engine in the EJ20 family (often referred to in that era as EJ205).
Engine basics
Here are the core characteristics most commonly associated with the 2000 WRX engine and its contemporaries in the EJ20 family.
- Displacement: 2.0 liters
- Configuration: Horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder
- Turbocharging: Single turbocharger (turbocharged in all WRX variants of this era)
- Valvetrain: Double overhead camshafts (DOHC) with four valves per cylinder
- Intercooling: Air-to-air intercooler
Before listing the key technical points, note that the 2000 WRX in Japan and other markets used a 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four known as the EJ20G. Other markets later used closely related variants of the EJ20 family.
In short, the EJ20G-based setup delivered a strong blend of torque and horsepower for its era, helping define the early WRX performance profile.
Markets and variants
The exact engine code and output for a 2000 WRX depend on where the car was sold. Here’s how it typically broke down by market:
- Japan/early markets: EJ20G 2.0-liter turbo flat-four, tuned for strong low-end torque and high-Rev performance
- United States (WRX first offered in 2002): EJ20 family variants in the 2.0-liter turbo lineup (often described as EJ205 in documentation from the early 2000s)
- Europe/UK: Similar to the EJ20G/EJ20 family, with market tuning aligning to local emissions and performance regulations
Before listing the market-specific notes, this section summarizes the common configurations used around the world for the 2000 WRX era.
So, while the core engine family is the same—Subaru’s 2.0-liter turbo boxer—the exact engine code and tuning differ by year and market. The 2000 WRX in Japan used EJ20G, and the U.S. debut in 2002 used a related 2.0-liter turbo variant from the EJ20 family.
Maintenance and reliability notes
Owners of early WRXs with the EJ20 family should pay attention to common maintenance items typical of turbocharged Subarus from that era. Regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil, proper intercooler maintenance, and attention to cooling system health are important. Valve clearance checks, timing belt/chain maintenance where applicable, and turbocharger health are also key considerations, especially as these engines age.
What this means for ownership
For prospective buyers or restorers, the engine code can be a clue to parts compatibility and service history. If you’re shopping for a 2000 WRX, confirm whether the car is a Japan-market EJ20G example or a later US/EU-market variant, as this influences parts availability, maintenance intervals, and potential performance differences.
Summary
The 2000 WRX is powered by Subaru’s 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four from the EJ20 family, most commonly the EJ20G in the original Japanese/early models. Market differences mean the US never offered a 2000 WRX as such, instead introducing a 2.0-liter turbo engine in 2002 (often referenced as EJ205 in documentation). Regardless of market, the engine remains a turbocharged, DOHC, four-valve-per-cylinder boxer configuration that defined the WRX’s performance identity in its early years.
What WRX has the EJ205?
EJ205. This engine series is used for WRX models in the world market outside Japan as of 1999. The Japanese WRX models use the EJ207 from 1999~2001, except the 5-door wagon which also uses the EJ205. After 2001, all WRXs used the EJ205, until 2006 when the USDM WRX model changed engines to the EJ255.
What is an EJ25 engine?
The EJ25, a 2.5L, naturally aspirated, flat-four boxer engine, made its first appearance in 1996 as the motor for Subaru's Legacy platform in the U.S. market.
What engine does a 2000 WRX have?
WRX's initial release date 2000. North America receives its first Impreza WRX models. They are equipped with an EJ205 engine rated at 227 hp (169 kW) at 6,000 rpm with 217 lb⋅ft (294 N⋅m) of torque at 4,000 rpm. Unlike the Japanese EJ205, the US-spec engine uses a Mitsubishi TD04-13T turbocharger unit.
Which Subaru has the EJ207 engine?
Subaru Impreza Sti
What is an EJ207? It is an engine that has been in production (wikipedia) since 1999, used for the Sti and the Sti Spec C cars for the Japanese market. In time, this engine has equipped Subaru Impreza Sti cars in many countries, in Asia, in Europe, in Australia and New Zealand and maybe in South Africa.
