What Subaru has a flat 6 engine?
Subaru is renowned for its innovative engineering, particularly its use of boxer engines. While most Subaru vehicles are equipped with flat-4 engines, a select few models have been powered by the larger and more powerful flat-6 engine. In this article, we’ll explore which Subaru models feature this unique engine configuration and what makes it special.
What Is a Flat-6 Engine?
A flat-6 engine, also known as a horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine, features cylinders that are laid flat in two banks of three, positioned on opposite sides of the crankshaft. This design provides a lower center of gravity, improved balance, and smoother operation compared to inline or V-shaped engines. Subaru has used this engine configuration in some of its higher-end models to deliver enhanced performance and refinement.
Subaru Models with a Flat-6 Engine
Subaru has incorporated the flat-6 engine, known as the EZ36, in a few of its models. These include:
- Subaru Outback 3.6R: The Outback 3.6R was equipped with the 3.6-liter flat-6 engine, offering more power and torque compared to the standard flat-4 engines. This model was particularly popular among drivers seeking a blend of utility and performance.
- Subaru Legacy 3.6R: The Legacy sedan also featured the 3.6-liter flat-6 engine in its higher trims, providing a smooth and powerful driving experience for those who wanted a more refined alternative to the standard Legacy models.
- Subaru Tribeca: The Tribeca SUV, which was produced from 2005 to 2014, came with a flat-6 engine option. This engine helped the Tribeca deliver better performance for a midsize SUV, although the model itself was eventually discontinued.
These models stand out in Subaru’s lineup for their use of the flat-6 engine, which was designed to cater to drivers who needed more power and a premium driving experience.
Why Did Subaru Discontinue the Flat-6 Engine?
Despite its advantages, Subaru eventually phased out the flat-6 engine in favor of smaller, turbocharged flat-4 engines. The reasons for this shift include:
- Fuel Efficiency: Turbocharged flat-4 engines offer better fuel economy compared to the larger flat-6 engines, aligning with modern consumer demands and stricter emissions regulations.
- Performance: Advances in turbocharging technology allowed Subaru to extract similar or even greater performance from smaller engines, making the flat-6 less necessary.
- Cost and Complexity: The flat-6 engine was more expensive to produce and maintain, which made it less practical for Subaru’s broader lineup.
As a result, Subaru has focused on refining its turbocharged flat-4 engines, which now power many of its vehicles, including the WRX and Outback XT models.
Conclusion
While Subaru no longer produces vehicles with a flat-6 engine, models like the Outback 3.6R, Legacy 3.6R, and Tribeca remain popular among enthusiasts for their unique combination of power and smoothness. If you’re considering purchasing a used Subaru with a flat-6 engine, these models are worth exploring. At Kevin’s Autos, we’re always here to help with expert advice and maintenance for all Subaru models. Feel free to contact us for any questions or service needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Subaru has the best engine?
Is Subaru's best motor that they've built as far as reliability. Goes All the noise. You hear about head gaskets. That's really an issue with the 2.5 L naturally aspirated motors from like the mid90s.
What car has a flat-6 engine?
Porsche 911
The flat-six engine is often associated with the Porsche 911, a rear-engined sports car which has used flat-six engines exclusively since 1963. The engines were air-cooled until 1999, when Porsche started using water-cooled engines.
What Subaru comes with a flat 6?
You can also find the 3.6-liter Flat-6 Subaru Boxer Engine with 256 horsepower in Subaru Legacy, Outback, Forester, and Tribeca model vehicles.
What Subaru comes with a flat-6?
You can also find the 3.6-liter Flat-6 Subaru Boxer Engine with 256 horsepower in Subaru Legacy, Outback, Forester, and Tribeca model vehicles.
What is the most reliable Subaru model?
Outback. Renowned for its exceptional safety, versatility, and reliability, the Subaru Outback is an outstanding midsize crossover sport utility vehicle (SUV) for families.
Which Subaru models have a 6 cylinder engine?
The EZ30/36 were the first Subaru six-cylinder engines available outside the sport coupes, used as the uplevel option for Subaru Legacy (2002–19) and Outback/Lancaster (2001–19) as well as the sole option in the Subaru Tribeca (2006–14).
What is the Subaru Flat-6 engine called?
The (Japanese: Subaru EZ series) was introduced in 1999 in the Japanese market, in the Subaru Outback, and in 2000 in the United States market, also in the Outback. It is a flat-six, 24-valve, quad-cam engine with an aluminium block and heads. It is available in EZ30 and EZ36 variants.
Is the Subaru Flat-6 reliable?
EZ36 3.6 Flat-6 Reliability
Is the Subaru EZ36 flat-6 engine reliable? Yes, we believe the EZ36 earns average to above average marks for reliability. The engine doesn't have any serious design flaws or issues. Still, no engine is perfect and that also applies to the 3.6L flat-6 Subaru engine.
What Subaru cars have a flat-6?
You can also find the 3.6-liter Flat-6 Subaru Boxer Engine with 256 horsepower in Subaru Legacy, Outback, Forester, and Tribeca model vehicles. Each is tailored to meet the performance requirements of our customer's needs.
Which Subaru has the most powerful engine?
Market. This change at the 2019 D card Auto Show when the firm introduced the WRX STI s 209 the s 209 is a limited edition car that takes the concept of a WRX STI. In an even more hardcore. Direction.
