Which Subaru has a 2.5 L engine?
Several Subaru models have used a 2.5-liter boxer engine, most notably the Legacy, Outback, Forester, and Impreza. In older generations this was the EJ25; in newer cars the FB25 is common. Availability varies by year and market.
Subaru’s 2.5 L engine family has powered a wide range of models over the decades, evolving from the older EJ25 to the newer FB25. The 2.5 L configuration has been prized for a balance of smooth power delivery and efficiency, but in recent years Subaru has also stretched some lineups toward smaller 2.0 L engines or added turbocharged variants with different displacements. Prospective buyers should verify the exact engine in the specific year and trim they’re considering.
Models commonly equipped with a 2.5 L engine
The following overview highlights the core Subaru model families that have traditionally offered a 2.5 L boxer engine in various generations. Engine codes and availability vary by year and market.
- Legacy — A long-standing recipient of the 2.5 L engine across multiple generations, particularly in the mid-2000s to early-2010s era as the primary non-turbo option.
- Outback — The wagon/SUV variant has frequently used a 2.5 L engine as its standard naturally aspirated powerplant in many model years.
- Forester — A staple of Subaru’s lineup, the Forester has widely used the 2.5 L engine in numerous generations as the base or mid-range option.
- Impreza — The compact model has featured 2.5 L variants in several generations, especially before newer iterations leaned toward smaller displacements in some trims.
Note: In more recent Subarus, many trims have shifted toward smaller 2.0 L engines for efficiency or toward turbocharged options with different displacements. Always check the exact model year and trim to confirm the engine spec.
Engine history: EJ25 and FB25
A quick look at the engine lineage helps explain the 2.5 L designation. The older EJ25 family powered many Subarus in the 1990s and 2000s, known for robust midrange and durability alongside some head-gasket concerns on certain years. In the early 2010s, Subaru introduced the FB25 2.5 L boxer engine, offering improved efficiency and emissions. Some markets and generations still relied on EJ25 designs into the mid-2010s, while newer models favor the FB25. Turbocharged Subaru models—designed for higher performance—typically use different engine displacements, such as 2.0 L or 2.4 L variants.
Summary
The 2.5 L boxer engine has been a core part of Subaru’s lineup for decades, most notably in the Legacy, Outback, Forester, and Impreza. If you’re shopping for a Subaru with a 2.5 L engine, expect references to EJ25 (older models) or FB25 (newer models) and verify the exact generation and trim, since some recent iterations move to smaller 2.0 L units or turbocharged configurations.
