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When did Subaru stop making a V6 Outback?


The Subaru Outback has long been a favorite among car enthusiasts for its rugged design, reliability, and versatility. However, one question that often arises is whether Subaru ever produced a V6 Outback and, if so, when they stopped making it. Let’s dive into the history of the Subaru Outback and clarify this topic.


Did Subaru Ever Make a V6 Outback?


Subaru has never manufactured a V6 engine for the Outback or any of its vehicles. Instead, Subaru is renowned for its use of horizontally opposed "boxer" engines, which are a signature feature of their lineup. These engines are designed to provide a lower center of gravity and improved balance, contributing to the brand's reputation for excellent handling and stability.


While other automakers have incorporated V6 engines into their midsize SUVs and crossovers, Subaru has consistently opted for four-cylinder and six-cylinder boxer engines. The six-cylinder option, known as the EZ36 engine, was available in higher trims of the Outback until 2019.


When Did Subaru Discontinue the Six-Cylinder Outback?


Subaru officially discontinued the six-cylinder boxer engine in the Outback with the release of the 2020 model year. The 2020 Subaru Outback introduced a new turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine as a replacement for the six-cylinder option. This change was made to improve fuel efficiency while maintaining comparable power output and performance.


Why Did Subaru Move Away from the Six-Cylinder Engine?


The decision to phase out the six-cylinder engine was driven by several factors:



  • Fuel Efficiency: Turbocharged four-cylinder engines offer better fuel economy compared to six-cylinder engines, aligning with Subaru's commitment to environmental sustainability.

  • Performance: The new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers similar horsepower and torque to the outgoing six-cylinder engine, ensuring that drivers do not sacrifice performance.

  • Emissions Standards: Stricter global emissions regulations have encouraged automakers to adopt smaller, more efficient engines.


Conclusion


While Subaru never produced a V6 Outback, the six-cylinder boxer engine was a beloved option for many years. Its discontinuation in 2019 marked a shift toward more efficient and environmentally friendly powertrains. Today, the Outback continues to be a popular choice, offering advanced technology, safety features, and the reliable performance Subaru is known for.


Frequently Asked Questions

Which subarus have 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.



Is Subaru Outback 2019 4 or 6 cylinder?


Subaru offers the Outback with two engine options and one difficult choice: go with the base 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and suffer its lackadaisical performance, or shell out significantly more for one of the top two trim levels that give you access to the punchier 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder.



Do they make 6 cylinder cars anymore?


Whether it is an electric powertrain or a small-displacement turbocharged engine, automakers are doing more with less or using completely different forms of propulsion. But regardless of where things are going, the V6 engine is still one of the cornerstones of the current automobile market.



What year did Subaru have engine problems?


Subaru WRX and WRX STI: 2008-2014 Models
The performance-oriented Subaru WRX and WRX STI from 2008 to 2014 unfortunately did not escape their own set of difficulties. These cars were plagued with engine problems.



Which Subaru's have 6 cylinders?


The Subaru XT was the first Subaru to possess a 6 cylinder engine and this was an ER engine. Since then, Subaru has created two other 6 cylinder engine ranges: the EG engine and the EZ engine.



Does Subaru still make a V6?


While BMW has abstained from the V6 engine platform because it wouldn't meet its NVH (Noise, Vibrations, and Harshness) standards, Subaru hasn't adopted a V6 engine into its lineup for an entirely different reason that has nothing to do with how V6 engines operate.



Which Subaru Outback has a 6 cylinder engine?


Models available included the base "Outback", the "Outback Limited" which added a sunroof and cloth/leather seats and the "Outback H6" which included the 6-cylinder engine with VDC as described in this article.



What year did V6 come out?


1950
The first V6 engines were designed and produced independently by Marmon Motor Car Company, Deutz Gasmotoren Fabrik and Delahaye. Engines built after World War II include the Lancia V6 engine in 1950 for the Lancia Aurelia, and the Buick V6 engine in 1962 for the Buick Special.



How long will a Subaru Outback 3.6 last?


With regular maintenance and responsible driving, Subaru Outbacks typically last 200,000 to 300,000 miles.



When did Subaru stop using the 3.6 engine?


Starting with the 2020 model year, the six-cylinder EZ36 was dropped as the uplevel engine option for Subaru Legacy and Outback automobiles and instead the premium engine offered was the turbocharged four-cylinder FA24F, which was previously introduced for the 2019 model year as the sole engine option for the Subaru ...


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.