Which Subaru engine is the best?

There isn’t a single best Subaru engine—the ideal choice depends on what you value most: performance, reliability, or everyday efficiency.

Subaru’s modern lineup centers on two primary engine families (FA/FB), built for a balance of power and efficiency, along with older EJ designs that appear in legacy models. The best engine for you varies by model year, drivetrain, and how you plan to use the vehicle. This guide breaks down the options by goal and usage.

Understanding Subaru’s engine families

The following overview explains the main engine families you’ll encounter in modern Subarus and what they tend to offer in terms of performance and reliability.

• FA/FB modern engines (introduced in the 2010s and onward): available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged variants, these engines are used across most current Subaru crossovers and sedans. They are designed for a good blend of reliability, efficiency, and performance, with improvements in sealing and cooling versus older designs.


• EJ legacy engines (older designs still seen in some used Subarus): widely known from earlier generations, these engines offered solid performance but earned a reputation for head-gasket and cooling-system vulnerabilities as they aged. They remain common in the used market, but are generally not the first choice for new purchases.

In short, the FA/FB family represents Subaru’s current core engineering direction, while the EJ lineup is mainly a historical note for buyers looking at older, high-mileage vehicles. When evaluating a specific model, it’s wise to check which engine it uses and review the service history for that engine family.

Best choices by priority

To help readers decide, here are engine-type recommendations aligned with different goals: performance, daily driving, and long-term reliability. Each point reflects typical models and years where these engines are found, along with key caveats.

• Best for peak performance: Turbocharged engines in sportier Subarus deliver strong torque and horsepower, making them appealing for enthusiasts and drivers who want brisk acceleration. These engines require mindful maintenance and can involve higher ownership costs, but they offer the most spirited driving experience in the lineup.


• Best for daily driving and efficiency: Naturally aspirated FA/FB engines (2.0L–2.4L variants) provide smooth power delivery, good fuel economy, and a quieter, calmer driving experience—ideal for commuters and family use in models like many crossovers and sedans.


• Best for long-term reliability and lower ownership costs: Modern FA/FB designs with updated seals and components, paired with consistent maintenance, tend to offer solid reliability. Prioritize well-documented service histories and models known for less aggressive performance tuning if you want lower risk of issues.

In practice, the choice comes down to whether you want sportiness or a more economical, low-stress ownership experience. For enthusiasts, a turbo model is appealing; for everyday use, standard NA options are typically dependable. Always review the vehicle’s service history and verify that maintenance has been kept up to date before buying.

Maintenance and common issues to watch

Maintenance practices and known issues play a big role in determining which engine is “best” for you. Here are the key considerations to keep in mind when shopping for a Subaru engine.

• Older EJ 2.5L models: these engines are well-loved for performance in their day but have earned a reputation for head-gasket and cooling-system vulnerabilities, especially as they accumulate high mileage. A thorough inspection and maintenance history are essential if considering a high-mileage EJ.


• Modern FA/FB engines: these designs emphasize reliability and efficiency, with improvements in sealing and cooling. Regular oil changes, cooling-system maintenance, and adherence to manufacturer service intervals are important for longevity.


• Maintenance cadence: Subarus generally reward regular maintenance—oil changes, coolant/service, spark plugs, and fuel system care—kept to the recommended intervals. A well-documented service history is a strong predictor of long-term reliability.


• Common wear items: regardless of engine family, monitor for typical wear items such as oil consumption indicators, coolant leaks, and signs of overheating. Addressing issues early can prevent more serious damage.

Avoiding model-year pitfalls is often about researching the specific vehicle’s engine family and checking for known issues reported by owners and dealers. A careful pre-purchase inspection can help identify potential problems before they become costly repairs.

Summary

The answer to “which Subaru engine is the best?” depends on what you value most. For balanced daily use, modern FA/FB engines deliver reliability and efficiency, with turbo variants offering strong performance for enthusiasts. If you prioritize outright horsepower and sportiness, turbocharged engines are appealing but require diligent maintenance. For budget-minded buyers or those eyeing older models, be mindful of the EJ family’s reliability history and verify maintenance records. In all cases, a well-documented service history and model-specific maintenance plan are your best guides to picking the right engine for your needs.

Bottom line: there isn’t a single best engine across all Subarus; the best choice is the engine that aligns with your goals—performance, everyday usability, and long-term reliability—while fitting your preferred model year and maintenance readiness. Always corroborate with current model-year specifications and a trusted inspection before buying.

Is the Subaru 2.5 engine a good engine?

The Subaru 2.5L engine is generally considered a good, reliable engine, especially in its newer iterations. However, older models had a reputation for head gasket issues, which has been largely addressed in engines made after approximately 2010. While the 2.5L is a dependable engine for everyday use, some find its performance underwhelming for spirited driving, preferring the turbocharged models instead.
 
Reliability and known issues

• Older models (pre-2010): Had a higher incidence of head gasket failure due to factory defects. Proper maintenance, including regular fluid checks, is crucial. 
• Newer models: Have more durable gaskets and significantly improved reliability. Newer versions of the FB25 engine can have oil consumption issues, which is often linked to the PCV system and can be managed with proper maintenance. 
• Long-term potential: With proper maintenance, including regular oil changes and fluid checks, Subaru 2.5L engines can be very reliable and last for 200,000–300,000 miles or more. 

Performance and fuel economy

• Performance: The 2.5L is a capable engine for daily driving but is not considered powerful or "fun to drive". It lacks the performance of the turbocharged engines.
• Fuel Economy: Offers better fuel economy than the turbocharged versions. 

Important considerations

• CVT transmission: Some drivers have reported mixed results with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) paired with the 2.5L engine. 
• Maintenance: Regular maintenance is key to maximizing the life of any Subaru engine. This is especially true for older models with a history of head gasket problems. 

Is the Subaru 2.4 Turbo engine reliable?

The Subaru 2.4 turbo engine is generally considered reliable with proper maintenance, but it can have issues like oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and potential oil starvation in some circumstances, especially on older models or if not well-maintained. Regular maintenance, particularly oil changes and keeping up with the PCV system, is crucial to prevent problems and achieve its expected lifespan of over 150,000 miles.
 
This video discusses common problems and reliability of the Subaru 2.4 Turbo engine: 58sNexologyYouTube · Oct 29, 2025
Reliability and common issues

• Good overall reliability: Many owners report the engine is reliable, especially with regular maintenance, and can last over 150,000 miles. 
• Oil leaks: Some owners have reported oil leaks from the valve cover or camshaft carriers, which can be caused by a neglected PCV system. This issue is often covered under warranty for newer vehicles and is fixable if maintained properly, say Reddit users and YouTube videos. 
• Oil starvation: Critics suspect some engine failures or issues might be linked to the RTV sealant breaking down and clogging oil passages, leading to oil starvation, especially in performance-oriented models or those with hard use, according to Hagerty Media. 
• Other issues: Potential problems with older turbocharged engines include cracked exhaust manifolds, turbo housing, and head gaskets, though the newer 2.4L engines are considered more reliable than older models, notes Quora. 

Key to long-term reliability

• Routine maintenance: Sticking to a strict maintenance schedule is crucial for turbo engines, as they are more sensitive to neglect than naturally aspirated engines. 
• Regular oil checks: Frequently checking and topping off oil levels is vital because turbos can fail from oil starvation. 
• Maintain the PCV system: Keeping the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) system clean and functional prevents pressure buildup that could lead to oil leaks. 
• Check service records: If buying used, ensure maintenance was done on time, as it is a good indicator of the engine's current condition. 

What is the most reliable Subaru engine?

The most reliable Subaru motors are generally considered to be the FB20D (a 2.0L naturally aspirated boxer engine found in newer models) and the EZ36D (a 3.6L H6 engine from older models), due to their strong performance and high reliability ratings, especially with proper maintenance. The 2.5L naturally aspirated FB25 engine is also a reliable choice, though earlier versions had more issues with oil consumption than newer ones.
 
This video discusses the reliability of various Subaru engines and provides rankings: 58sRunning2RedlineYouTube · Nov 23, 2024
Modern Engines

• FB20D (2.0L naturally aspirated): Found in recent Impreza, Outback, and Forester models, this engine has performed very well in reliability tests, earning high scores from organizations like Consumer Reports. 
• FB25 (2.5L naturally aspirated): This engine is also considered reliable, especially in newer models (post-2014) where oil consumption issues have been significantly reduced. 
• FA24 (2.4L turbocharged): Subaru's modern turbocharged option in models like the Outback XT and WRX, this engine can be reliable, with some models lasting over 150,000 miles with proper care. However, the FA24 has had some reports of premature failure in certain applications, though this can often be addressed with aftermarket solutions. 

Older Engines

• EZ36D (3.6L H6): This engine is a highly reliable option, favored by many for its durability, especially when compared to the EJ series. 
• EJ25 (2.5L naturally aspirated): While some later models of the EJ25 can be reliable, the EJ series is more widely known for head gasket issues, especially in earlier years. 

Key factors for reliability

• Regular Maintenance: Even the most reliable engines require routine maintenance, such as oil changes with good quality synthetic oil.
• CVT: Subaru's CVT is generally considered reliable when properly maintained, with some lasting over 150,000 miles. However, it is important to change the CVT fluid at the recommended intervals to prevent issues. 

What kind of Subaru is the most reliable?

The Outback (2014+), Forester (2016+), and Crosstrek (2018+) offer the best balance of reliability, features, and resale value. Legacy (2015+) is ideal for sedans, while the Ascent (2019+) suits families. Older models (pre-2013 Outback, pre-2014 Forester) had head gasket and oil consumption problems.