Samuel Gitukui on September 9, 2022 No Comments
The Subaru 3.6 engine has been around since 2007 and was introduced as a new powertrain for the Subaru Tribeca. The engine soon became the most popular engine with many Subaru models. The EZ36 came over and replace the former EZ30.
Let’s take a look at this engine and find out why it became so popular.
- Subaru 3.6 Engine
- 2.5 Vs 3.6 Engine
- Subaru Outback 3.6R
- Subaru Legacy 3.6R
- Frequently Asked Questions
Subaru 3.6 Engine
The aluminum reinforced cylinder block of the engine results in reduced thickness in the cast iron sleeves by 1.5mm. The engine has a cylinder block height of 202 mm.
The new engine‘s changes ensured more displacement from 3.0 to 3.6 liters. Each cylinder’s head features 4 valves as well as two camshafts.
Every camshaft featured a variable valve timing system. That said, the engine also came with redeveloped combustion chambers. One thing about the Subaru 3.6 liter is that it doesn’t feature the AVLS system which is responsible for altering valve lift.
Instead, the engine makes use of 3 chains. Moreover, the engine also feathers a completely new manifold design as well as a new engine cooling system.
Subaru 3.6 Engine Reliability
One thing about the Subaru 3.6 liter engine is that it came with the same problems as the EZ30. That said, it is safe to say that the new engine outperforms the EZ30 in terms of reliability.
You can expect the Subaru 3.6 engine to last around 180,000 miles or 300,000 kilometers.
Subaru 2.5 Vs 3.6 Engine
Think of the Subaru Outback as an upgrade of the Subaru Legacy. You will also be forgiven for thinking that the Subaru Outback can outperform an SUV any day thanks in parts to its ground clearance.
The Subaru Outback can either feature the 2.5-liter engine or the Subaru 3.6 engine. Both engines perform well in terms of reliability. On the downside, they may not score top marks when talking about handling and maneuverability.
Differences In The Engines
One of the most obvious differences between the Subaru 2.5 and the Subaru 3.6 engine is the size. That said there are other variances in the engines.
Several trims are available for both Subaru 2.5 and 3.6. Furthermore, they come at different prices depending on the performance and the trim.
First off is the 2.5 liter Subaru engine. This one is available in 4 main trims. These are the 2.5i, the 2.5i Premium, the 2.5i Limited, and the 2.5i Touring.
But how does the Subaru 3.6 engine compare? Well, it comes in two main trims. These are the 3.6R limited as well as the 3.6 R Touring.
Now let’s consider the prices. The 2.5i base engine will cost you $26,000. This is the cheapest trim. The most expensive trim is the 2.5i Touring and this one will cost you $36,500.
You will need to chuck out $35,395 for the 3.6R engine, and $39,000 for the 3.6R Touring.
Performance Of Subaru Outback 2.5 Vs 3.6
One of the main features that we should probably note is that the Subaru Outback 2.5 offers decent performance and power.
That said there are strange noises that are created by the CVT, especially whenever crossing the fake shift points. You could get the impression that the transmission is damaged.
On the other end of the spectrum, the Subaru 3.6 engine provides a smoother and quieter ride and provides more power. It is also more fuel-efficient providing around up to 4 mpg less than the Subaru 2.5 liter.
That said some believe that it is not worth changing the 2.5-liter engine for the 3.6-liter engine just because of a slight improvement in fuel efficiency.
If you are on a budget then you will probably get decent performance from the Subaru 2.5 liter basic trim engine. However, if you are looking for more power and performance, you can probably be better off with the 3.6 liter engine.
Another smart option that you may want to consider is the 2.5i Premium engine. As the name suggests, you will get a few premium features while coming at a decent and pocket-friendly price.
For instance, with the 2.5i Premium trim, you get the SUBARU STARLINK security systems, blind-spot detection as well as driver assist.
Subaru Outback 3.6R
If there was a car that Subaru got right, it has to be the Outback. It is truly a top-performing vehicle that has not lost its appeal in the American market.
Some claim that the reason for the Subaru Outback’s success is due to Subaru rebranding the Outback as a CUV or a crossover. The truth is that the Subaru Outback remains to be a wagon and a great performing one for that matter.
Many people also believe that the days of the wagon would soon come to an end. Considering how the Subaru Outback flies off the shelves of dealers, it is clear that the wagon look is here to stay for at least into the foreseeable future.
So is this to say that the Subaru Outback is the best station wagon there is? To find out why the Subaru Outback remains a popular choice with many car owners, we take a look at some of the specs.
The Subaru Outback can come with the 3.6R Touring engine. This can cost up to $40,000. Regardless of the high costs, Subaru fans are still buying the Outback. That at least should tell you something about customer satisfaction.
Here is just one of the reasons why customers are willing to pay the price of the Outback.
1. The Exterior
One of the factors that stand out with the Subaru Outback is the ground clearance at 8.7 inches. It outperforms many European models in the same category such as the Audi A4 and the Volvo V60.
The Outback also features a simple exterior styling while still maintaining that powerful look. Ultimately, the Outback will perform extremely well on both the on-road and off-road.
2. Alloy Wheels
The Subaru Outback rocks some pretty nice-looking alloy wheels. The 18-inch wheels feature a few amounts of chrome as well as a center-mounted front lip.
3. Roof Rack
The roof rack is surrounded by fog lights that bring out that tough look of the Subaru Outback. It also feathers lower rear bumper plastics and a protector plate.
4. Great Ground Clearance
The Subaru Outback has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches, skid plates, and sharp departure angles. If you are looking for a vehicle that will perform well both on the tarmac as well as off-road, the Subaru Outback fits the bill.
5. The Powertrain (Subaru 3.6 Engine)
There is a reason that the Subaru Outback has a Subaru 3.6 engine. The engine comes with 6 cylinders that churn out 256 horsepower and well 246-pound feet of torque.
Okay granted you’ve probably come across more impressive numbers but the cool part is that the Outback will give you a smooth linear transition.
Furthermore, the X-mode and the downhill descent control will come as standard.
Granted you may hear a whining coming from the CVT, but once you feel how well the engine performs with the chassis, the noise will not be an issue.
As far as balancing power goes, the Subaru Outback learns top marks. For fuel efficiency, the Subaru Outback has a decent performance able to provide 20 miles to the gallon in the city and 27 miles to the gallon on the highway.
6. Subaru Outback Interior
One of the things that you are likely to notice with the Subaru Outback is the nice cabin. It features trimmed leather, heated seats as well as a nice-looking wood finish. These are features that many buyers will often not associate with Subaru cars.
There is also java brown upholstery that is leather-trimmed and has ivory contrast stitching.
And that is not all. The Subaru Outback will also feature 73.3 cubic feet of cargo space after folding up the seats. Moreover, it comes with a cargo cover and cargo release levers.
Other features on the Subaru Outback include the power-adjustable driver’s seat, a 4-way power messenger, and the position memory function.
It also comes with up to 8 cup holders as well as charging ports.
The Subaru Outback comes with a power lift age which you can adjust for height as well as up to 143.6 cubic feet of interior space.
On the downside, there are no ventilated seats plus some of the knobs feel a bit loose.
7. The Tech
One of the main techs that stands out with the Subaru Outback is the STARLINK multimedia system. When you pair it with the EyeSight safety suite, you can get a smart daily driver out of your Subaru Outback.
It is super simple to check everything from the news to the weather to even checking your navigation thanks to both Apple CarPlay and Android Connectivity.
More so, you also get Siri Eyes Free to help you avoid distracted driving and keep tabs on everything that is on the road.
And that‘s not all, you can also make use of the EyeSight Suite which gives you access to the newest track on autonomous driving to further enhance driving safety.
One of the pieces of information that you get is knowing when the car that is in front of you is moving from a standstill.
Thanks to the lane assist and features such as variable cruise control, the Subaru Outback gets a top rating from IIHS on safety.
You also get access to a 7-inch touch screen that is super responsive and also lets you access sports, stocks as well as weather information.
The STARLINK features allow you to sync the phone in an instant using Bluetooth and it will pair it automatically once you can start the vehicle again.
The great part is that you will be able to pick up where you left off which means that you will not miss anything.
As soon as the car detects any sign of trouble you will be able to get a loud safety signal alerting you to the danger. You can also make use of adaptive cruise control as well as lane assist with the Subaru Outback.
8. The Drive (And Performance Of The Subaru 3.6 Engine)
With the Subaru Outback, you can also have access to the CVT transmission which provides you with the manual mode. This allows you to select your desired drive by shifting between different gears.
You will also be able to move from standing still to 60 miles per hour in 7 seconds. Granted the many CVT gearboxes do not perform very well.
But if there is one thing about the paddle shifter, it offers a more engaging driving experience.
You will also feel quite sophisticated as you drive down the interstate and even if you take a long drive you will still feel comfortable in the leather seats. Furthermore, the toggle counter is easy to reach and easy to control.
And if you are concerned about the road noise, don’t be as it feels muffled and quiet. Thanks to the all-terrain tires as well as the raised suspension, the Subaru Outback absorbs any rough roads with ease.
One thing that you are also likely to notice about the Subaru Outback is its agility. It is quite an agile car. This comes down to the robust build and design as well as a well-balanced steering system.
9. Great For Off-Road Driving
Since the Subaru Outback is quite tall, drivers also get to enjoy super nice visibility. And once you go off-road, all you need to do is turn to X Mode and the all-wheel-drive comes into its own. Simply put, it can hold its own against the very best SUVs.
One thing is sure, for a station wagon, the Subaru Outback comes with all the perks of an SUV. For those who want power and performance from a 3.6 R engine without the size of the SUV, the Subaru Outback is a great choice.
Plus it comes with some pretty cool tires, suspension, and internal features that make the ride all the more enjoyable. And granted there are other car brands and models in the market such as the Volvo V90 and the Volkswagen Passat Alltrack that could boast better numbers. But one thing is for sure, the Subaru Outback can hold its own against any of them in terms of performance.
If you have money to spare and you don’t have an issue chucking $40,000 for the Subaru Outback 3.6 R then be ready to be amazed by the performance of this car. And granted the Subaru Outback isn’t the most powerful vehicle on the market with the most horsepower.
But remember most people buy Subaru Outback for their safety, reliability, as well as their practicality. Plus you can enjoy all this in a comfortable cabin.
What’s It Like To Drive
Once you take a seat behind the steering wheel, you begin to wonder whether the Subaru Outback should be categorized as a large SUV.
Looking at its overall design the Outback was modeled based on the Subaru Legacy. Sure it has larger ground clearance, but if you’ve driven the Legacy before, you will feel the family lineage in the Outback.
That is especially the case when taking those tight corners, The Outback feels smooth and composed owing to the Low center of gravity from the boxer engine. This is much lower than a normal SUV.
The suspension feels robust, the steering wheel is responsive and the ride is smooth.
The part that smoothens the ride comes to form the all-wheel drive system which shares power between the front and rear axles.
Drivers also have the option of the X-Mode system. This is designed to help you navigate slippery surfaces and roads with ease. It does this by monitoring each wheel’s traction on the road and providing the necessary power to each wheel.
Owing to the extra ground clearance, you would never need to worry when driving off-road. That 6-cylinder boxer engine feels a lot more powerful than the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. This means that you will never need to worry about insufficient power.
What’s It Like To Live With
Nowadays the term crossover is being used more and more to describe smaller SUVs. However, if there ever was a vehicle that exemplified crossovers it’s the Subaru Outback.
Simply put, the Outback appears like a high-riding wagon. That said, it does pack a punch in the space department. It is by no means the same as normal-sized wagons.
When it comes to interior space, you will not feel cramped as it appears to be the perfect blend between cabin comfort and cargo space.
Sure compared to most SUVs, the Outback doesn’t offer the same level of trunk space. It offers around 512 liters of trunk space. However, this vehicle is both wide and long which means that you can significantly boost cargo space by folding the rear seats.
Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Think about a car company that can produce better mid-size sedan cars and perhaps Subaru will come to mind.
In 2010 the Subaru Legacy received a redesign where it become bigger and better. The goal was to compete with the likes of the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Because of this, the 2010 Subaru Legacy got 1.4 inches in extra length.
Both the rear as well as the front axles became even further apart by 3.4 inches.
That said, if there has been a car model that has been in the limelight from Subaru, it is the Legacy.
If there is one thing that Subaru is known for, it is quality cars that provide affordability, power, and performance. In 1990, Subaru released the Legacy, and ever since it was a hit not just in North America but also in other parts of the world.
Over the years the Subaru Legacy has not disappointed as it continues to offer reliability and top performance.
With the Subaru Legacy, drivers can enjoy plenty of comforts, plenty of space as well as great driving even in bad weather. It is not hard to see why folks simply love the Subaru Legacy as well as the Outback.
There are plenty of Subaru enthusiasts who will argue that the Subaru Legacy 2015 model with the 3.6R engine is the best of the legacies so far.
Some of the features that the 2015 Legacy came with included a CVT that was automatic-only, AWD, and features either a 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engine.
What Does The R In The Legacy 3.6R Mean
Ever since the Subaru 3.6R engine first came out there are plenty of discussions on what the R means. Some people say that there is no difference with the 3.6 version and that R is all branding.
Other than that, many people consider the Subaru Legacy the ultimate sedan car boasting a spacious and neat interior. The Subaru Legacy 3.6R offers a more conservative approach while still being more refined with the styling of its interior.
For one it boasts plenty of luxury features and safety features that drivers can make the most of. Furthermore, the Subaru Legacy offers plenty of space in the passenger room.
The Subaru Legacy 3.6R can provide sufficient space for 4 or 5 adults with the driver getting ample room to dive comfortably. And there is no missing the luxurious interior which competes with pretty much the best of them in the category.
Another feature of Subaru is the infotainment system. The STARLINK system features a 7-inch display that is user-friendly.
This also comes with climate control buttons as well as basic audio.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Did Subaru Stop Making The 3.6 Engine
Eventually, Subaru would rule out the 3.6R engine which came as no surprise to many. This is because Subaru Corporation failed to mention it in the Prominence 2020 plan. In this plan, all Subaru boxer engines featured the latest engines that have direct injection technology.
Is Subaru Reliable
Subaru received a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5. This puts it in the 14th position in a list of 32 car brands to reach the rating an average of 345 models were included in the evaluation. Subaru cars have annual repair costs of an average of $617 which according to other brands is above average, according to RepairPal.
What Problems Do Subaru Outbacks Have
Some of the most common problems with the Subaru Outback are windshields that are weak, damaged interior airbags, bad oxygen sensors, oil leaks, issues with the transmission, vibrations during acceleration, and burning out of the headlights.
