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Which Saab has a Subaru engine?

The Saab 9-2X is a unique vehicle in the Saab lineup, as it is the only Saab model to feature a Subaru engine. This compact car, produced from 2004 to 2006, was the result of a collaboration between Saab and Subaru, combining Saab's design and engineering expertise with Subaru's reliable powertrain technology.


The Saab 9-2X: A Unique Collaboration


The Saab 9-2X was developed as a result of a partnership between Saab and Subaru, two automakers with distinct identities and strengths. Saab, known for its innovative design and engineering, sought to expand its product lineup with a more affordable and compact offering. Subaru, on the other hand, was eager to leverage its expertise in all-wheel-drive technology and boxer engines to reach a new market segment.


The 9-2X was essentially a rebadged Subaru Impreza, with Saab's signature styling cues and interior design. This collaboration allowed Saab to offer a more affordable entry-level model while still maintaining the brand's unique character and appeal.


The Subaru-Powered Saab


The key feature that sets the Saab 9-2X apart from other Saab models is its Subaru-sourced engine. The 9-2X was available in two variants: the 9-2X Aero and the 9-2X Linear.



  • The 9-2X Aero was powered by a 2.5-liter turbocharged Subaru boxer engine, producing 227 horsepower and 217 lb-ft of torque. This engine provided the 9-2X Aero with impressive performance and a distinctive Saab-like driving experience.

  • The 9-2X Linear, on the other hand, featured a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter Subaru boxer engine, generating 165 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque. This engine offered a more balanced and efficient driving experience.


Both variants of the 9-2X came standard with Subaru's renowned all-wheel-drive system, providing excellent traction and handling characteristics that were well-suited to Saab's brand identity.


The Legacy of the Saab 9-2X


Despite its relatively short production run, the Saab 9-2X left a lasting impact on the automotive industry. It demonstrated the potential for successful collaborations between automakers, allowing Saab to leverage Subaru's engineering expertise while maintaining its own unique design and brand identity.


The 9-2X also highlighted Saab's willingness to explore new market segments and experiment with different powertrain configurations, a trait that had long been a part of the brand's DNA. Although the 9-2X was not a commercial success, it remains an intriguing and unique chapter in Saab's history.

What is the Saab version of the WRX?


9-2X Aero
Mechanically, our test 9-2X Aero is nearly identical to a WRX. It features the same 227-hp, 2.0-liter turbocharged flat-four, five-speed manual, and all-wheel-drive system as the Subie, but it attacks the road with quicker steering and a retuned suspension.



What year Saab 9-3 to avoid?


Saab 9-3 Year Models To Avoid
If you're in the market for a Saab 9-3, then you might want to avoid the 2000 model. Owners of this model reported issues such as engine coolant loss, engine dying, excessive exhaust noise, throttle body failure, and oil leaks.



What is the WRX engine called?


SUBARU BOXER® Engine. Built into the DNA of nearly every Subaru vehicle is the powerful SUBARU BOXER® engine. A hallmark of our engineering excellence, the BOXER engine's unique, balanced design, compact shape, and horizontal layout makes for exceptional handling, smoothness, and stability while driving.



Why does Saab have a bad reputation?


One of the main reasons for its failure is poor reliability. The 9-5 had a well-constructed body, but its interior doesn't hold up over the years. Wear and tear are relatively noticeable, and the green-backlit LED display became a chore to read with age.



What Saab has a Subaru engine?


Subaru Impreza (second generation) | Saab 9-2X
At the time, Saab Automobile had been a fully owned subsidiary of General Motors (GM), and GM held a 20 percent stake of Subaru's parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries. The 9-2X was nicknamed the "Saabaru", a portmanteau of "Saab" and "Subaru".



Why does Saab look like Subaru?


GM owned Saab at the time and had a minority stake in Subaru's parent company. For whatever reason, they decided Saab needed another model, so they took the distinctive and popular Subaru Impreza, grafted on a Saab nose and tail, made some trivial tweaks to the interior and suspension, and called it a Saab.



What Toyota has a Subaru engine?


The 86's engine, known by the Toyota code 4U-GSE and Subaru code FA20, is a naturally aspirated engine that uses Subaru's flat-four engine design, with the addition of Toyota's D-4S injection system, which uses Gasoline direct injection (GDI).



What Saab has a Chevy engine?


The Saab 9-7X equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine has the capability to tow up to 6,500 lb (2,948 kg). For the 2008 model year, the new Aero trim level was added as a more luxurious version of the Chevrolet Trailblazer SS.



Which Saab is the best?


The six best Saabs of all time

  • Saab Sonett I. We're heading back to 1956 to kick things off with this rather special Saab Sonett I.
  • Saab Sonett III. Another Sonett?
  • Saab 93 Viggen. So far, you're probably thinking that Saab just made quirky and fun slow cars.
  • Saab 99 Turbo S.
  • Saab 900 Aero.
  • Saab Aero-X concept.



Do Saabs have boxer engines?


The 9-2X didn't even have a key in the console, let alone all the interior styling cues that made a Saab a Saab. It didn't matter that the Aero trim made 227 horsepower from a turbocharged boxer motor, or that the 9-2X was much nicer to live with than a similar Impreza.


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.