Inline engines feature pistons that sit upright and move straight up and down. This means the engine block is taller overall and has a higher center of gravity than a SUBARU BOXER^® engine, which features pistons laid flat. The upright layout of inline engines means they can vibrate more during operation. Also, these engines are often placed transversely -- in 90° opposition -- to the central driveshaft. If you want the control that comes from all-wheel drive with such a layout, extra components must be added. These components route power through several 90° turns before it reaches the wheels. This makes the system more complicated than what's possible with a SUBARU BOXER^® engine. And it makes symmetry all but impossible.

The pistons in a V-type engine move at a more upright angle to each other. Without the horizontally opposed motion of the SUBARU BOXER^® engine, they are more prone to side-to-side vibration. Also, the V-type design inherently has a higher center of gravity than the flat design of the SUBARU BOXER^® engine, and because it often sits higher in the vehicle, it can elevate the center of gravity of the entire vehicle. The result is performance that can be less smooth than a SUBARU BOXER^® engine and handling that isn't as tight and responsive. What's more, the extra vibration can require extra parts to stabilize the engine, which add weight and bulk.

Capable power, with exceptional value. The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder SUBARU BOXER^® engine offers 175 horsepower -- ample power for confident driving -- all delivered with the smoothness and poised handling made possible by its horizontally opposed design. What's more, it offers efficient performance that has helped make the Subaru lineup of vehicles the most fuel-efficient all-wheel drive lineup in America².

The intercooled, turbocharged 2.5-liter engine comes in many different flavors. The Forester 2.5XT, with an energetic 250 horsepower, inspires fun and confident driving. Legacy 2.5GT puts a muscular 265 horsepower at your disposal for athletic performance. While the Impreza WRX STI devours roads with the 305-horsepower rush from its powerplant. Each version delivers the kind of lift to your day that only the punch of turbocharged performance can provide. Step on the pedal of any model with the 2.5-liter turbo, and you'll experience quick responsiveness that will instantly draw you into the driving experience.

The largest SUBARU BOXER^® engine available, the 3.6-liter 6-cylinder provides you with a wealth of ultra-smooth power. 256 horsepower and 274 lb-ft of torque will move you over the road with effortless grace. Its low-profile design and low placement deliver a level of poise and vehicle stability not often found on engines with such a large displacement. The horizontally opposed design feeds power with maximum efficiency to each wheel for a driving experience that's always the utmost in confidence.