What type of engines do subarus use?
Subaru relies on horizontally opposed “boxer” engines, with four-cylinder configurations dominating today and flat-six options appearing in older or larger models. Turbocharged variants are common in performance-focused models like the WRX, while everyday Subarus typically use efficient naturally aspirated four-cylinders.
To understand Subaru’s engine strategy, it helps to look at how the lineup has evolved. The company has cycled through several engine families across decades, evolving from larger flat-sixes in some models to modern, compact boxer four-cylinders that emphasize efficiency, balance, and a low center of gravity. This approach shapes everything from handling to maintenance considerations and vehicle dynamics.
Boxer engines at a glance
Here is a snapshot of the main engine families that have powered Subaru vehicles over the years. Each entry describes the typical layout and where it appeared in the lineup.
- EJ family — the long-running four-cylinder boxer engines that powered a wide range of Subarus, including many Impreza, Legacy, and Outback models, with both naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants.
- EZ / EZ-series flat-six — six-cylinder boxer engines used in larger Subarus, such as certain Legacy and Outback generations, and in the Tribeca, notable for their smoothness and lower torque character than contemporary turbo four-cylinders.
- FA/FB family — modern four-cylinder boxer engines that dominate current Subarus, available in various displacements and configurations, with turbocharged variants used in sportier trims and models.
In the present day, Subaru’s mainstream models lean on the compact FA/FB boxer engines for efficiency and performance, while earlier EZ and EJ designs continue to be found in older vehicles or in markets where those engines remained in production longer.
Performance and technology
Performance-focused Subaru models, notably the WRX (and historically STI variants), rely on turbocharged boxer engines to deliver strong power output while preserving the brand’s characteristic low center of gravity. Across the lineup, Subaru has gradually integrated modern tech—such as direct injection and advanced variable valve timing—into its boxer engines to enhance efficiency and responsiveness without sacrificing the distinctive driving experience people expect from the brand.
Why the boxer layout matters
The defining feature of Subaru engines is the horizontal, opposite-piston arrangement. This boxer configuration lowers the engine’s center of gravity, contributing to balanced handling and a smoother ride. It also reduces vibration and helps with packaging in cars designed for all-wheel-drive systems, a cornerstone of Subaru’s drivetrain philosophy.
From a maintenance perspective, owners encounter typical four-cylinder service items, but the layout can influence component access and timing belt/chain replacement schedules depending on the generation and engine family. Overall, the boxer design remains a core element of Subaru’s identity and engineering approach.
Summary
Subaru’s engines are defined by the boxer layout, with four-cylinder engines powering the vast majority of current models and flat-six engines appearing in select older or larger vehicles. The company’s engine lineup has evolved from EJ and EZ families to the modern FA/FB four-cylinder lineup, with turbocharged variants feeding performance models. This combination yields the brand’s signature balance of practicality, driving dynamics, and distinctive engineering heritage.
Are Subaru engines made by Toyota?
No, Toyota does not make Subaru engines; Subaru develops and manufactures its boxer engines in-house. However, the two companies have a close partnership, and Toyota has a 20% stake in Subaru. This collaboration includes co-developing the engines for their joint sports cars, the Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86, where Subaru designed the base engine but Toyota contributed key components like its direct injection system, notes this YouTube video.
- Subaru's in-house engine production: Subaru builds its boxer engines and transmissions at its factory in Japan.
- Toyota-Subaru collaboration: The companies have worked together on several projects, including the joint development of the BRZ and 86 sports cars.
- Engine contributions: For the BRZ and 86, Subaru developed the core flat-four boxer engine, but Toyota added its D-4S direct injection system, which helped boost performance.
- Future collaborations: The partnership is expanding to include the development of hybrid and all-electric vehicle platforms and technologies, such as the Forester E-Boxer hybrid.
What is unique about Subaru engines?
Exceptional Stability and Handling: The horizontally opposed configuration of the Subaru Boxer engine directly creates a lower center of gravity. This design optimizes vehicle stability while simultaneously maximizing responsiveness.
Do all subarus use the same engine?
All Subaru vehicles with internal combustion engines are equipped with the SUBARU BOXER engine. The only Subaru vehicle that does not feature the boxer engine is the Solterra EV, our first all-electric offering.
What type of engine does Subaru use?
Subaru Boxer Engine
For over 45 years Subaru has been solely committed to the Subaru Boxer Engine in ALL of their models. The innovative design is part of Subaru's core DNA.
