As you go car shopping, flashy Subaru vehicles will undoubtedly catch your eye.
Each one comes with a number of engine options, making it necessary to do your research. But how can you figure out which one is best for you? By taking a look at the specs, of course.
What are the specs for the Subaru Boxer engine?
For 2021, Subaru offers five boxer engine options. The 2.5L turbo is the most powerful with 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The naturally aspirated 2.0L has the lowest power output at 152 horsepower and 145 lb-ft of torque.
As you look at all of these engine options, you’re sure to find one that’ll serve you well. Then, you can get going on your car buying journey knowing that you are on the right track.
History of the Subaru Boxer Engine
More than 50 years ago, Subaru developed their first boxer engine, the EA-52, for its 1966 1000. This four-cylinder engine didn’t seem like much at the time, but it definitely set the tone for the brand.
With its horizontally opposed design, this engine remains perfectly balanced as each set of pistons moves together. Beyond that, its compact form allows for a low center of gravity since it sits lower in the engine bay.
As everyone realized the virtues of this design, Subaru adopted the four-cylinder boxer as their engine of choice for all their vehicles. They continue to use it today, offering five different options for the 2021 model year.
When buying a 2021 Subaru, you can get the:
- Naturally aspirated 2.0L
- Naturally aspirated 2.5L
- Turbo 2.0L with direct injection
- Turbo 2.4L with direct injection
- Turbo 2.5L
All of these boxer powerplants are four cylinders and many have different power output numbers to best suit their builds.
Which Models Have the Subaru Boxer Engine?
The four-cylinder boxer engines are the only options available for the 2021 model year.
In the past, Subaru has offered the flat-six in a variety of vehicles, like the:
- 2001 Outback
- 2008 Tribeca
- 2019 Ascent
For 2021, however, they’ve gone all in with the four cylinders, equipping them in everything from the Crosstrek to the WRX STI.
Depending on the trim level, the Crosstrek comes with either of the naturally aspirated powerplants.
With the 2.0L, it has 152 horsepower and 145 ft-lb of torque, while the 2.5L gives it 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
Across all trim levels, the Impreza and BRZ lineup comes with the 152 horsepower 2.0L engine. The Forester only gets the 182 horsepower 2.5L.
Legacy and Outback vehicles, on the other hand, get the naturally aspirated 2.5L. The only exception is the highest trim levels, the Limited XT and Onyx Edition XL, respectively. Those trims come with the 2.4L turbo with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, which is also installed in all the Ascent trims.
Now departed from the Impreza line, WRXs come with the turbo 2.0L that has 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The STI is in a class of its own with the highest rated turbocharged 2.5L engine.
With that powerplant installed, it boasts an incredible 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque.
People Also Ask These Questions About the Subaru Boxer Engine
Are Subaru Boxer Engines Reliable?
Subaru boxer engines are reliable powerplants as long as they get regular maintenance service on the recommended schedule. Look to the manufacturer for how often to complete oil changes and other service work to keep your engine in good condition for over 150,000 miles.
Who Makes the Boxer Engine for Subaru?
Subaru designs and builds all of its own boxer engines. Most of the work is done at their manufacturing facilities in Japan’s Ota, Gunma Prefecture. They also have a factory in Lafayette, Indiana, which produces more than one million cars a year.
Which Subaru Engines Have Had Gasket Problems?
Although Subaru engines are reasonably reliable, there have been a handful with head gasket problems. The most frequent offender is the 2.5L SOHC powerplant used from 1999 to 2004 in the Outback and Legacy.
Why Does Subaru Use a Boxer Engine?
Subaru uses the boxer engine because it’s powerful, efficient, and well balanced. It’s also beneficial since it helps give vehicles a low center of gravity by sitting low in the chassis.
Does the Subaru Forester Have a Boxer Engine?
Yes, the Subaru Forester consistently uses the boxer engine through all its generations. For the 2021 model year, it gets the naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer that generates 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque.
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