What is the specs of the Subaru 2.4 L Turbo?

The Subaru 2.4 L Turbo is a modern, turbocharged boxer engine (FA24F) used in several current models. In most applications it delivers about 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, with the WRX variant tuned to roughly 271 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

Overview of the engine design

The FA24F 2.4-liter turbocharged engine represents Subaru’s shift to a larger displacement, turbocharged boxer powerplant that emphasizes strong mid-range torque and refined drivability. It relies on a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct gasoline injection, and Subaru’s hallmark symmetric all-wheel drive architecture to balance performance with everyday usability.

Core specifications

Below are the key specifications that define the 2.4 L Turbo across most current Subaru models. Note that exact figures can vary by market and trim level.

• Engine code: FA24F


• Displacement: 2.4 liters (2,387 cc)


• Configuration: Horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder


• Turbocharger: Twin-scroll turbocharger


• Induction: Gasoline direct injection (DI)


• Compression ratio: Approximately 10.0:1 (varies by market)


• Power output: ~260 horsepower (193 kW) at 5,600–6,000 rpm on most models; ~271 horsepower (202 kW) on certain WRX variants


• Torque: ~277 lb-ft (375 Nm) from 2,000–4,800 rpm


• Redline: Roughly 6,200 rpm


• Drivetrain: Symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) standard

These core specifications underpin the engine’s performance profile, including strong midrange torque and smooth delivery across Subaru’s lineup.

Performance, transmission options and fuel strategy

Performance figures are closely tied to the transmission choice and market-specific tuning. The 2.4 L Turbo is paired primarily with Subaru’s CVT transmission in most models, though a manual option has traditionally been offered in the WRX lineup in various years. Fuel strategy centers on direct injection, with the potential use of different octane blends depending on model and market to optimize power and efficiency.

• Drive and torque delivery: Symmetrical AWD with turbocharged torque peaking in the mid-range (roughly 2,000–4,800 rpm)


• Transmission options: CVT (Lineartronic) standard on most models; 6-speed manual historically available on WRX variants in certain years; some markets/years also offered alternate automatics


• Fuel system strategy: Gasoline direct injection (DI), with engine tuning calibrated for high-octane fuel to maximize output


• Efficiency emphasis: Turbocharged design aims to balance strong performance with everyday usability and modest real-world fuel economy

In practice, Subaru has calibrated the 2.4 L Turbo to provide confident acceleration and linear power delivery across its popular models while maintaining AWD capability and practicality for daily driving.

Where the 2.4 L Turbo appears (model applications and variations)

The 2.4 L Turbo is used across several current Subaru lineup members, with output that can vary by trim and market. Here are the typical applications and how they differ in broad terms.

• Outback XT: 260 hp / 277 Nm (lb-ft)—CVT drivetrain common; tuned for strong midrange torque


• Legacy XT: 260 hp / 277 Nm—similar tuning to the Outback XT; CVT widely used


• Ascent (higher-trim variants): 260 hp / 277 Nm—used in family-hauler configurations with AWD


• WRX (latest generations): ~271 hp / 258 Nm with available 6-speed manual or CVT in various years; tuning differs from non-WRX 2.4L turbo models

Across these models, the 2.4 L Turbo provides a shared architecture with model-specific tuning and gearbox options, maintaining Subaru’s emphasis on performance, efficiency and all-weather capability.

Summary

The Subaru 2.4 L Turbo (FA24F) is a modern, turbocharged boxer engine designed to deliver robust midrange torque and confident highway acceleration while preserving the brand’s hallmark AWD practicality. Key specs include a 2.4-liter displacement, twin-scroll turbo, direct injection, around 260 hp (up to 271 hp in WRX variants), and 277 lb-ft of torque, with most models paired to a CVT and AWD. Outputs and gearboxes can vary by model and year, but the engine remains central to Subaru’s performance and efficiency goals in the contemporary lineup.

Is the Subaru 2.4 L turbo a good 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.

Do Subaru turbo engines require premium gas?

Yes, most turbocharged Subaru engines require premium gas, with a minimum of 91 octane. While the engine's computer can adjust for lower octane fuel to prevent damage, it will result in reduced performance and efficiency. Turbocharged and high-compression engines are more vulnerable to engine knocking with lower-octane fuel, so using premium is necessary to perform as intended and maintain engine health. 
Why premium is necessary

• Prevents engine knock: Turbocharged engines are more prone to "knocking" or "pinging" because they compress air more tightly into the cylinders. Premium fuel's higher octane rating makes it more resistant to premature combustion (knocking), which can cause performance loss and long-term engine damage. 
• Maintains performance: Lower octane fuel can lead to a significant loss of power and fuel economy because the engine's computer has to retard the timing to avoid knocking. 
• Follow the manufacturer's recommendation: The most reliable source of information is your car's owner's manual, which will specify the required fuel type for your specific model. 

For non-turbocharged Subarus

• If your Subaru does not have a turbocharged engine, it typically runs on regular gasoline. The addition of premium fuel to a non-turbo engine provides no benefit. 

How much horsepower does a Subaru 2.4 turbo have?

The Subaru 2.4-liter turbocharged engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine is available on select models, such as the XT trims of the Outback and the Ascent, offering more power and capability than the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine.
 
This video explains the performance features of the 2.4L turbocharged Boxer engine: 58sTyson The Subaru Specialist YouTube · Jan 14, 2024

• Horsepower: 260 hp 
• Torque: 277 lb-ft 
• Availability: Found on higher trims of models like the Subaru Outback (XT models) and the Ascent. 
• Performance: Delivers strong all-around performance with a wide torque band, providing robust acceleration and better towing capacity compared to the base 2.5L engine. 

Is the FA24 turbo reliable?

The FA24 (turbo engine) in these newer cars has a long history. They are just about as dependable as one can get with ANY engine. As long as the services are done regularly (oil changes no less than every 6 months/6K miles) and you take care of the car, you should have no problem.