The Evolution of Subaru Engines: From EA-Series to Modern Boxer Power
The Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries) in Japan, which is the one who Makes Subaru Engines. In 1966, Subaru found its first-ever boxer engine - the EA-series - when the Subaru 1000 rolled out, kicking off the era of the horizontally opposed engine in their cars. Fast forward to 1989, when the EJ-series was launched - and this is the engine family that really put Subaru on the map (you'll find it in Impreza's, Legacies, and Foresters). The EJ20 and EJ25 motors are a testament to the brand's reliability - with proper maintenance of oil and the timing belt, you can easily clock up over 250,000 kilometres (or about 155,000 miles).
In the 2010s, Subaru’s FA and FB-series engines replaced the EJ line-up, improving emissions and fuel efficiency. Subaru FA Engine or the FA-series engines (FA20, FA24) are compact, direct-injection flat-fours that succeeded the EJ-series and power models like the BRZ, WRX, and Subaru Ascent Engines. Earlier, larger SUVs such as the Subaru Tribeca also utilized specially tuned boxer engines, showcasing the versatility of Subaru’s powertrains. Till the ongoing cars, Subaru continues using naturally aspirated and turbocharged boxer engines, including hybrid versions, under its “Dynamic Performance.”
Compatibility and Other Fitments
Subaru Engine in general uses exclusively flat, horizontally opposed engines (four or six cylinders) across almost all its vehicles. Subaru Boxer Engine layout places cylinders horizontally, allowing a low centre of gravity and balanced movement. The boxer configuration minimises engine shake, making even high-mileage used Subaru engines smooth-running after proper servicing. Several brands are using boxer engines. The Boxer Engine Cars are Subaru, Porsche, and historically VW and Toyota (86/BRZ).
Subaru’s main modern engine families: EJ, FA, FB, EZ, and FA24F turbo. Subaru WRX engines use turbocharged flat-four engines (EJ20, EJ255, FA20F, FA24F). Subaru STI Engine, a.k.a. the WRX STI, used the EJ257 2.5L turbocharged boxer engine through 2021.
Fitment and Interchange
Here is the list of makes which employ Subaru engines:
- EJ engines: Interchangeable between Legacy, Impreza, WRX, Forester (1990–2010) with minimal modification.
- FA/FB engines: Interchangeable across Impreza, Crosstrek, Forester, Legacy, Outback (2011+).
- EZ-series: Fit only six-cylinder models (Tribeca, Outback 3.6, Legacy 3.6).
- FA24F turbo: Shared among Ascent, Outback XT, Legacy XT, WRX 2022+, making swaps feasible.
- BRZ/GR86 FA20D: Unique to RWD layout; not compatible with AWD Subaru's without extensive modification.
Transmissions of Subaru
The Symmetrical AWD layout - but when you opt for a Subaru Manual Transmission, they still give you the option of 5-speed and 6-speed manual gears with the likes of the WRX, BRZ and Impreza - all of which are great for keeping driver engagement and a feel for what's happening mechanically. Those Manual Transmission Subaru employ a viscous-coupling centre diff to sort out AWD duties. And on the other hand, Subaru CVT, or more formally Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission, came on the scene back in 2009 to give a bit more fuel efficiency and cut down on some of the vibration from the drivetrain. The beauty of it is that it adjusts gear ratios as needed, not jumping around in steps like older manual transmissions, all of which helps keep the engine revving at its sweet spot & ensures smooth acceleration at all times. And as a bonus its fitted with a chain-type system instead of belts, which gives it a bit more strength and delivers the torque more smoothly.
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