Many drivers ask whether Subaru builds a 6 cylinder engine for their popular lineup of cars and SUVs. The short answer is that most current Subaru models use a horizontally opposed four cylinder design, but there are important details about performance, towing, and legacy powertrains to consider.
Below is a structured overview that compares Subaru engine configurations and shows where a six cylinder layout would fit, even if it is not currently offered in new vehicles.
| Engine Type | Cylinder Configuration | Typical Use in Subaru Lineup | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru BOXER Engine (naturally aspirated) | Horizontally opposed four cylinder | Crosstrek, Forester, Legacy, Outback | Low center of gravity, smooth operation |
| Subaru BOXER Engine (turbocharged) | Horizontally opposed four cylinder | WRX, Legacy GT, Outback Limited | Higher power, better response |
| Toyota engine (in some SUVs) | Inline four cylinder | Rebadged Subaru models | Fuel efficiency, reliability |
| Performance rivals | Inline six or V6 | Competitor sport sedans and trucks | Higher power and towing capacity |
Subaru BOXER Engine Design and Layout
Subaru’s signature horizontally opposed BOXER engine places the cylinders flat on either side of the engine, which lowers the center of gravity and improves handling. This design is closely tied to the brand’s all-wheel drive system and is the reason you will not find a Subaru six cylinder in most current cars and SUVs.
While a Subaru six cylinder option does not appear in current model years, engineers keep refining the four cylinder BOXER to deliver responsive power and efficiency. The flat-four layout provides excellent balance and reduces vibration, which is why many drivers accept the absence of extra cylinders.
For buyers chasing more power, Subaru offers turbocharged versions of the four cylinder, which bring strong performance without moving to a larger or different cylinder configuration.
Performance, Towing, and Practical Considerations
Drivers who prioritize straight line speed or heavy towing often look at vehicles with a six cylinder or V6 layout. In this context, it is helpful to understand how Subaru compares when a Subaru six cylinder is not available.
Subaru’s all-wheel drive system combined with tuned four cylinder engines delivers confident acceleration for daily driving and enough power for safe highway merging. However, towing heavy trailers or hauling large loads can highlight the limits of the powertrain, which is one reason why some drivers ask about a Subaru six cylinder engine.
If you regularly tow boats, campers, or heavy equipment, test driving competitors with larger displacement powertrains may help you gauge whether the lack of a six cylinder is a dealbreaker for your needs.
Fuel Efficiency, Reliability, and Maintenance
Subaru’s focus on efficiency and reliability is evident in the way the brand continues to optimize its four cylinder BOXER engines. By avoiding a more complex Subaru six cylinder layout, the company reduces potential points of failure and keeps maintenance costs more predictable.
Owners often appreciate simpler service intervals, fewer components to repair, and the fact that parts for the four cylinder platform are widely shared across models. Choosing a Subaru means accepting the tradeoff of skipping a six cylinder in exchange for better fuel economy and a lower center of gravity.
For many buyers, the overall ownership experience, safety features, and all-weather capability outweigh the desire for additional cylinders, especially when modern turbocharged fours deliver strong real world performance.
Future Powertrain Direction and Legacy Six Cylinder Notes
As the industry shifts toward electrification, Subaru is investing in hybrid systems and eventually battery electric vehicles. This focus shapes the roadmap for new engines and explains why a Subaru six cylinder has not appeared in recent model launches.
Historically, Subaru did experiment with larger and higher displacement six cylinder engines in certain markets and eras, but these were never central to the core model lineup offered in most regions today.
- Subaru currently uses horizontally opposed four cylinder BOXER engines across most cars and SUVs
- Turbocharged four cylinder models deliver elevated power while staying true to the flat-four layout
- No current Subaru new models include a six cylinder engine
- Competitors with inline six or V6 engines may offer more towing and peak power
- Subaru’s focus remains on all-wheel drive, handling, and efficient powertrains
- Future electrification may change the mix, but a Subaru six cylinder is unlikely in the near term
FAQ
Reader questions
Does Subaru currently offer any new models with a six cylinder engine?
No, Subaru does not currently sell new cars or SUVs with a six cylinder engine. The brand relies on naturally aspirated and turbocharged four cylinder BOXER engines across its lineup.
Why does Subaru stick with four cylinder engines instead of adding a six cylinder?
Subaru prioritizes its signature flat-four layout to maintain a low center of gravity, improve handling, and simplify maintenance. This approach aligns with the brand’s focus on all-wheel drive efficiency and reliability.
Will Subaru ever bring back a six cylinder engine in future models?
While engineering directions can evolve with market demands and electrification, Subaru has not announced plans for a new six cylinder engine. Future performance gains are expected from refined four cylinder designs and hybrid technologies. In real world driving, modern turbocharged Subaru four cylinder engines offer responsive power that competes well against many rivals with six cylinders, while delivering better fuel economy and a lower center of gravity, though peak towing capacity may still favor larger displacement six cylinder platforms.