What size turbo engine is in a Subaru Outback?
The turbo Outback uses a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine, commonly referred to as the FA24DIT, delivering about 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque in recent years.
Current turbo engine size in the Outback
Key specifications of the turbo engine that powers the Outback in its current generation.
- Displacement: 2.4 liters
- Configuration: horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder
- Turb Charger: twin-scroll turbocharger with intercooler
- Power output: approximately 260 hp (varies by year and transmission)
- Torque: about 277 lb-ft (varies by year and transmission)
- Engine family/code: FA24DIT
- Typical transmission pairing: Subaru Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission)
- Model availability: turbo option on Outback XT/Wilderness trims since around 2020
Note: Exact figures can vary slightly by model year, calibration, and the transmission choice; always check the window sticker for precise output on a specific vehicle.
How to verify the engine size in your Outback
Use these steps to confirm whether your particular Outback has the turbo 2.4-liter engine.
- Check the model/trim badge on the rear (XT or Wilderness typically indicates the turbo model).
- Confirm on the window sticker or Monroney label for engine displacement and standard/factory options.
- Inspect under the hood for the engine code FA24DIT or a similar turbo designation on the engine cover or datasheet.
- Consult the owner's manual or contact a Subaru dealer with the VIN for an exact specification.
- Look up the VIN on Subaru's official service portal or a trusted automotive database to decode the engine size.
By confirming these details, you can distinguish the turbo 2.4-liter Outback from the base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated version that powers non-turbo models.
Past turbo options
Historically, Subaru offered turbocharged variants on earlier Outback generations, including turbocharged four-cylinder options in certain trims. The modern Outback, however, relies on the 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four in its turbo-equipped models.
In practice, the most common turbo-equipped Outbacks today are powered by the 2.4L FA24DIT and paired with Subaru's CVT, with the base trims using a non-turbo 2.5-liter engine.
Summary
The current turbo engine in the Subaru Outback is a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four (FA24DIT) delivering around 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission. This setup has been standard on turbo models since roughly the 2020 model year, while non-turbo Outbacks use a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine. When shopping, verify the trim (XT/Wilderness) and check the VIN/window sticker for the exact specification of a given vehicle.
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 much horsepower does a 2.4 turbo Outback have?
The Subaru Outback's 2.4-liter turbo engine produces 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. This engine is standard on the XT models, such as the Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT.
You can watch this video to learn about the different engine options in the 2024 Subaru Outback: 59sAutoBuzz.myYouTube · Sep 20, 2024
- Horsepower: 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque: 277 lb-ft @ 2,000–4,800 rpm
- Associated Models: This engine is featured in the Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims.
This video compares the Subaru Outback XT with the non-turbo version: 1mAlex PrestigiacomoYouTube · Aug 31, 2022
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.
Which Subaru Outback has a turbo engine?
2.4L SUBARU BOXER Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine
Like the standard 2.5L engine, it comes equipped with a Lineartronic CVT for seamless acceleration and response. This engine is standard on the Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT.
