Say Goodbye To The Subaru Outback 3.6R; Why Customers Won’t Miss It

New Outback comes on a new platform which is supposedly much better. The 2020 Legacy is also a lot quieter than older versions and that should should also carry over to the Outback

My family and I have owned 9 Subaru automobiles beginning in 1996. All driven over 100,000+ miles. All receiving scheduled maintenance and oil changes every 3500 miles. Five 2.5 NA engines; two 2.5 XT; one 3.0 H-6 and one 3.6 H-6. With out question, the 3.6 has been the superior engine and the one with the least amount of trouble. In addition, anyone who has driven the 2.5 vs 3.6 Outback will tell you of the superior driving characteristics of the 3.6 on the highway/freeway. The additional weight in the front "plants" the car to the road. Very minimal sway in crosswinds. The 2.4 Turbo will probably as fast as the 3.6, but Subaru will have to do their homework to match the driving dynamics of the 3.6 in the Outback.

Thinking back to why I bought my first 2001 Outback , I wanted the VDC feature.
It was only available with the H6 engine back then. I also learned the engine had a timing chain and not the rubber timing belt used on the 4 pot.
As an engineer, I also knew the H6's timing chain was a more reliable design, so paying extra for the H6 was worth it to me.
Like me and as other H6 owners have noted, the H6 is quieter, reliable, quicker and still achieves decent mileage.
Last year, Consumers Report also ranked the 3.6R Outback a couple of points higher/better than the 4 pot due to improved performance.
I hope Subaru has a change of heart and keeps the 3.6R as an optional power plant going into the future.

I'm a little concerned about the switch subaru is going with. First, the 3.6r really is not that bad on gas( I get 24-28mpg in my 2011 legacy regularly).
2) all the extra piping for a turbo adds weight and more complication to an engine.
3) the 3.6r is on luxury car level smoothness where as the H4 engines are loud and not so smooth.
4) turbo + cvt + larger sized sedans and crossovers and a 3000lb tow rating sounds like a reliability nightmare.
5) subaru has already had major issues with the FA series engines. Hundreds of thousands have had recalls for valve spring problems. The 3.6r has really only had the timing cover leak issue which is not that invasive.

So I'm all for keeping a smoother more reliable engine that is slightly more expensive than a smaller more complex cheapo one.

Having recently gone from a FA20DIT in a Wrx to a 3.6r Outback I can say the H6 is much smoother and has a much more refined feeling overall. I know an Outback is SUPPOSED to feel smoother than a Wrx going down the road, but there is something unique to the power delivery of this flat 6. You can tell there is a reason Subaru used the design for so long. I was disappointed that the ascent was only equipped with the 2.4 turbo and wasn’t offered with a 6. If I had my way I’d have Subaru revamp the 3.6R with forged internals, direct injection ect. Maybe bump the power up to around 300-330hp like gm’s V6? No turbo and extra intake/ exhaust plumbing needed. That would be a sweet ride, but i know it’s not really the brand’s m.o. to value performance over fuel economy. A guy can dream though.

We have a new Ascent (Touring model). The 2.4 Turbo has plenty of power but with only 500 miles on it, I haven't opened it up yet. The Ascent is a people hauler and, as such, I don't expect outstanding performance but so far I am pleased. My wife, however, prefers her 3.6R Limited 2015 Outback. She doesn't like the slight delay in acceleration when you press on the Ascent's gas pedal with a bit a vigor. We also had a 2011 Forester (until it sacrificed itself in a crash to save my wife). We both like the 6 cylinder much better than the 4 banger that was in the Forester. Smoother, quieter and still adequate power in the mountains.

I'm sorry, but I don't personally believe consumer level gas (not diesel) turbo engines are quite ready for primetime. I have two personal examples telling me so. One was a GM 2.0L turbo in our Cadillac ATS, and the other was a Ford 2.7L turbo in our Ford F150 (they call it Ecoboost). Have had turbo related issues with both vehicles. The Cadillac right before and after the warranty, and the Ford at 5,500 miles (total engine failure).

I understand there is no avoiding turbos going forward. Consequently, I believe engineers will figure out the issues in short order. However, that doesn't mean they have them figured out right now. I would NEVER buy a first year gas turbo motor.

The 2.5 is a weak and underpowered engine. Squeezing more power out of a smaller engine at higher compression means it will not last as long as the 3.6R. The current almighty 3.6R is Subaru's overengineered engine and can be tweaked to get more juice out of it if you'd like. When it comes to passing power, more ccs mean it's easier on the engine. It also means that you're listening to that honda vtec smaller engine sound where you need to rev the life out od for you to be able to move in and out highway traffic. At the end of the day, bigger engine is where it's at. No way getting around that.

I wanted a 2020 with the six.(( But really if they came out with a flat 8 I would buy one today !!)) wooohoooo mile-age shmil-age !!

I have a new Ascent and like it very much. Wife has a 6cyl outback and that engine is powerful and very smooth. Expect the 6cyl to last forever and HOPE the 4cyl turbo lasts half as long!

Nice article and great discussion here. We are Subaru family, daughter drives 2007 Impreza, wife 2017 Legacy and I drive 2019 Outback 3.6. My previous 2015 Outback 2.5 was an awesome car. I put only 43000+ miles in 4 years with out any issues. I thought I will keep this car forever. When I heard, that 3.6 engine option is going away, I rushed to trade my 2015 Outback for new 2019 Outback 3.6. Being paid off my 2015 Outback brought me very good trade-in value, and dealer being motivated to move current inventory of the parking lot present great deal for me. So I ended up with brand new 2019 Outback 3.6 R fully loaded with less than $15k (+tax, title, license). Life is good.

Subaru anyhow has the owner's lowest cost of ownership and keeps its resale value. Having one of the last Outbacks 3.6 will definitely be one of the reasons for keeping the resale value high. Adding a turbo to an engine adds another point of failure to an engine. Things like that have been seen in the past...Cheers...

The only customers who won’t miss the 3.6 are the ones who buy their new car off the spec sheet not from the driver’s seat. In 2017 I needed a new car and liked the Outback on paper. After my first test drive of a 4 cyl version I was favorably impressed but not convinced. The dealer didn’t have a demo 3.6 but had a used one with quite a few miles. About a quarter mile into my test drive I was hooked. There is no replacement for cubic inches (or cc’s). The smoothness, power, quiet, is what you pay extra for. Now after owning the Touring OB 3.6r for 2+ years I still smile whenever I get behind the wheel. My family includes a Forester and a Crosstreck as well as my OB.
So, Subaru - LISTEN UP! Keep the stiffer 2020 OB but beef it up just a bit to handle 3500 pound towing. Take the 3.6 engine to 365 HP with a small torque bump. Now you have a car that will be perfect. The number of customers buying the 3.6 may be smaller but loyal. When or if I swap out my OB I will be looking for a NA 3.6.
Those of you who are looking for a new car - drive a 3.6 and just try to keep the smile off your face.

Our family has a 3.6 O/B & Forrester with 2.4. The O/B HAS MORE PEP, SPEED AND comfort. The O/B has nicer ride and handles long trips easily vs the 2.4. Sorry to see the 3.6 go think it will be a error in long run.

we ditched our 2010 3.6 Outback 4/5 months ago for a Mazda CX5 2.5 turbo assuming it would be similar in performance/economy to the upcoming Subaru turbo 4 which will be a while coming to Australia. The CX5 has a proper 6 speed auto which means I wouldn't have to consider the new Subaru with CVT.
Well, 4.5 months later and I couldn't bond with it and swapped back over to a 3.6 Subaru while we still could get one. Apart from my general preference for an Outback, I felt the slightly better performance and 10% better fuel consumption from the turbo 4 on a cruise didn't have the feel i've grown to love from that sweet Boxer 6. I only mention this because it's quite possible some owners entertaining trading to the new turbo 4 Outback may find that for all the improved efficiencies they just like the normally aspirated motor better.

after buying a Mazda CX5 Akera (Signature) 2.5 turbo in late June I was back into a 3.6 Outback within 4.5 months. It's that engines characteristics that made me love my previous 2010 Outback till I bought the Mazda. I now have the last version we'll see of that beautiful motor. I'm sure most people won't understand where I'm coming from but many of you here certainly will. The 3.6 is a gem

We have had four Subarus since 2008... three foresters (two automatics and a manual, all 2.5 liter engines) and a 2012 outback with the 3.6

Love all the cars, especially the 2.5 manual, but the outback is definitely my favorite and workhorse. I test drove it and knew within two minutes that it was what I wanted. The smoothness and ease at which this car operates is fantastic. Cruising at 75-80 on the highway is a joy.

I installed a u-haul tow hitch and tow a relatively small pop up camper with it (weighs 1200 pounds)... the 3.6 outback with myself, wife, two children, a back full of supplies and firewood, plus a fully packed/loaded camper, tows with absolute ease - this was all through the white mountains of NH some roads at 8% gradient, true champion. The displacement is necessary in my eyes and I Hope Subaru rethinks abandoning that wonderful engine.

I have owned four Subarus since 2008. Three foresters (two automatic 2.5 and a manual 5 speed 2.5 all non-turbo) and the 3.6R outback wagon.

While the 2.5 liter 4 cal engines were workhorses (especially love the manual tranny) and all went to 200,000 miles (still have the 2009 Forester) having to mess with the timing belt/head gasket/water pump cocktail at 100,000 miles was a pain in the butt and was an expensive fix (why not a timing chain?). The 2.5 L engine itself was always reliable and provided enough power to get me and the family around.

The 3.6 R wagon was my favorite by far. (I’m writing this because my wife hit a tree in a snowstorm recently with the car and it’s probably totaled... her and my daughter are ok, but the car sacrificed itself for them - just another reason I love Subarus)

The effortless power of the 3.6 is unmatched by any Subaru - I’ve driven a WRX turbo, and it’s very fast, but it’s not the kind of power for crushing the highway... I installed a tow hitch and can pull a small pop up camper fully loaded with gear and supplies probably weighing almost 2000 pounds, the family, all our gear AND lots of firewood (in the hatch of the car) with a canoe on top of the car through the mountains of northern New Hampshire with absolute ease. The 3.6 R is made for that type of job - I just can’t picture a 2.4 turbo performing with such ease and comfort.

I think Subaru is making a mistake and should continue to offer the 3.6 as an option. Keep that certain customer happy - don’t want to lose them to a highlander which has similar engine displacement.

I bought a 3.6 outback last December. It is great!
I have driven the 2.4 Forrester- wife's car it is nice but not the pickup, or power of 3.6. I drove mine to Maine this summer. It was a great ride, handled the mountains and highways going 75 with no problems. It had the capacity to pass trucks easily.
This car is great! Fuel mileage is better than my old 6cycl. Escape and nicer ride. I think this will be a mistake in the long run. With mine I figure the car may outlast me.

We have a 2016 Outback 3.6 and a 2017 Legacy 3.6. Both with all the same options. My wife drove a XJR Jaguar 400 hp with a supercharger. The 3.6 has meet the power and smoothness to make my wife happy. Finally found a car to replace the Jag. I am certain we will keep both cars for a very long time. When that time arrives we will seek other brands as the 4 cyl will be a deal breaker for any Subaru model.

I love my 2013 Outback. But when I bought it, I lived in a city. I now live in a rural area and climb 2300 feet to my house up a winding mountain road. It is GORGEOUS. But I was really hoping the 3.6r would continue, as that would be my next car. It feels underpowered and I really feel I am taking away years of its potential life pushing it up that hill 1-3 times a day. I can tell the toll the past 4 years have taken on the car. The noises the engine makes now are different than they were a few years ago.

I drove both Subaru models before i bought my 2019 Subaru Limited with the 3.6LTR engine. The 2.5LTR just was not enough for me to underpowered for my kind of driving. As far as gas mileage goes they are almost identical on the highway i know this because i did a true world test on both models one with the 2.5LTR Engine the other with the 3.6LTR Engine 400 miles each on the same stretch of road same time of day same weather conditions same outside temps. Filled both vehicles to full with regular unleaded fuel drove 200 miles one way from the dealership to my house then drove 200 miles the other direction back to the dealership. Recorded the mileage on both vehicles from the dealership to my house which is 200 miles from the dealership to my house. Set the cruise control on both vehicles to exactly 80MPH which is the speed limit in Montana. I live in Glendive,MT and the Dealership is in Mandan,ND which is right around 200 miles exactly from my house to the dealership. My conclusion is this the 3.6LTR don't shift near as many times the 2.5LTR does when driving on the same stretch of road and the gas mileage is almost identical. Why Subaru stopped making the 3.6LTR i have no idea other than it was a stupid move on their behalf when all they had to do is have the 3.6LTR Engine as an option if you still wanted to order the vehicle that way including the bigger Ascent model. I think Subaru will see they made a bid mistake by doing what they did and may have the 3.6LTR Engine as an option to the buyer if they desire to go this route.

One other thing about the first post i put out about the differences between the 2.5LTR and the 3.6LTR Engines is this. I meant the 2.4LTR Non-Turbo Engine I tested the 3.6 against the 2.4 using Unleaded fuel same road conditions, Weather, Wind, and times of day where almost identical driving 200 miles from the dealership
to my house then back to dealership driving a total of 400 miles with each Outback one with the 2.4LTR Engine the other with 3.6LTR Engine getting almost identical fuel numbers driving at 80MPH both vehicles. My point is this they say you will get much better fuel mileage than the 3.6LTR does with the 2.4LTR which is a bunch of BS because i proved that wrong by doing my own true world test myself. Getting rid of the 3.6LTR Engine will cost Subaru in the end because there are other brands that still offer the 3.6LTR Engine configuration and this can sway the Subaru customer away from buying the New 2020 Outback with the new 2.5LTR Turbo Engine.

Well, we are on our second 3.6 Outback. Unfortunately, I will move on to another vehicle brand once I decide to trade. Love our Outbacks to death but we drove the 4 cylinder turbo and comparatively, the 4 is a noisy thing with less power going up the hills and mountains of SE AZ. Our mileage is as stated above 24-26MPG. Not terrible by any means. I feel like this is a short sighted decision where they did not listen to their clientele. If I drove flat groundings a city great hauling kids....great. If you do outdoor things you will NOT enjoy the 4! Choices are a good thing and let the consumer decide.

I have owned a 4cyl and a 6 cyl Sub. NO COMPARISON 6 cyl hands down.