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

A big mistake retiring the 3.6 engine IMO. The power has been adequate for me with the 2.5, but the 3.6 has timing chains and supposedly head gasket failures are relatively rare. I wonder what the turbo experiences will be around 150k+ miles? As someone else stated, highway fuel economy is about the same with the 3.6 as it is with the 2.5, because the 3.6 is so relaxed and likely running at a considerably low RPM at highway speeds. Although there's no dispute the CVT gets better fuel economy than the 5 speed automatic that was previously paired with the 3.6 - some CVTs are failing well before 150k miles. If the CVT's reliability was at least average, I'd prefer it. I've owned several Subarus, but not currently. There's an appeal to them that I can't ignore. If I do look for a used Subaru, I'd consider an up to 2014 Outback with the 3.6 and 5 speed automatic. A concern would still be replacing the front headlights....

Another fan of the 3.6. We have a 2011 3.6R Outback Limited and was disappointed the Ascent came out with a turbo 4. I test drove it and did not like it at all. We ended up getting a 2020 Toyota Highlander Limited with their tried and true 3.5L V6 with the D-4S injection system. Love it!

My 6 cyl. 2019 outback limited is the most enjoyable vehicle I have owned.
I have owned 3 fours and no comparison.

Only issue with most turbocharged engines is they generally aren't proven to achieve the high mileage if you're someone who likes to keep a car up to and past the 200,000 mileage range. These smaller turbocharged engine parts are put under more wear and tear running at higher temperatures. I've been able to achieve 206,000 and 253,000 on two different toyota's but my wife wanted an outback so we have a 2013 3.6R limited with 117,000. Wish there was a better history on the subaru turbocharged as the 2020's seem interesting. Another interesting fact is that when we bought the 2013 new ...the powertrain warranty was to 100,000 miles....the new 2020's are only up to 60,000 which tells me that Subaru doesn't trust their cars as they used to.

Up here in Rocky mountain region the 3.6R is preferred navigating the high mountain passes. Love the uninterrupted power of my Outback, don't really care about mileage savings that's why we bought it. Keep your new technology 2.4 L motors in the cities where they belong.

Is the new Subaru turbo 4 engine the same design as the old 4? Or is the new 4 beefed up to take the added stress.

I still miss the 245hp 3.0 h6...

Have both 4 and 6 2019s no comparison 6 is one of the smoothest vehicles I have owned. Will probably purchase at end of lease.

OK, I will jump in here. My 2011 3.6R as of today has 343761mi on it. To date, I have just put my SECOND set of front pads on it, ( the first lasted 161K), I Just resealed the engine back in either May or June. It had tried to overheat on me about three times after I shut it off, but it would not EVER overheat while running. My Family owned dealership (great folks!), when queried about the symptom told me that there was a weak spot on the passenger side head gasket that could produce that exact symptom. So, I got the work done. Why? Simply put, Subaru does NOT make a car of this caliber anymore. The CVT is a glorified rubber-band transmission that is the result of government bureaucratic interference into the laws of physics. While a CVT can and WILL provide better fuel economy, due to less weight and less frictional losses, it cannot transfer the needed power (trailer owners, read TORQUE.... ) to the ground. I have lovingly abused this 'lil outback for 10 years, and it keeps coming back like a big Labrador slobbering on my leg, asking me" where we gonna go next, Daddy?". I have pulled a U-haul 6X12 enclosed trailer from North-Eastern CO, to East TN (in summer) that was loaded to about 4K lbs. Did the 3.6 ever complain? I only saw a blinking red light on the dash (and this was the only time I ever saw this)( that freaked me out) 'cause I was cruising 70+ up a steep TN grade. ( so I slowed down, a bit...) However, this is just a singular sample of what this motor and vehicle can do. When time came for me to buy a new car, what did I buy? Unfortunately, not another Subie.. No, because, they were vigorously worshipping at the altar of fuel economy, and had inserted the stupid CVT in the drive train, and DETUNED the venerable 3.6 so the crappy transmission would have a chance to live... at least past warranty. The whole reason I purchased my first OB was based on customer testimonials, often with high mileage units, that they would take anywhere at the drop of a hat. They also built their customer base on robustness, and reliability. I am afraid that the CVT is going to destroy that much vaunted badge of honor in the near future. So yes, call me a luddite, a knuckle-dragger, what have you, The 3.6 is/was(?) a venerable piece of Japanese engineering. I still get 25-26mpg hwy at 80mph, when allowed. To date, I still don't know 'how fast it will go'. I know this, It can FLY... My short thought? Bring it back, WITH a real transmission. (and optional government crap). I would buy it in a hearbeat!

OK, I will jump in here. My 2011 3.6R as of today has 343761mi on it. To date, I have just put my SECOND set of front pads on it, ( the first lasted 161K), I Just resealed the engine back in either May or June. It had tried to overheat on me about three times after I shut it off, but it would not EVER overheat while running. My Family owned dealership (great folks!), when queried about the symptom told me that there was a weak spot on the passenger side head gasket that could produce that exact symptom. So, I got the work done. Why? Simply put, Subaru does NOT make a car of this caliber anymore. The CVT is a glorified rubber-band transmission that is the result of government bureaucratic interference into the laws of physics. While a CVT can and WILL provide better fuel economy, due to less weight and less frictional losses, it cannot transfer the needed power (trailer owners, read TORQUE.... ) to the ground. I have lovingly abused this 'lil outback for 10 years, and it keeps coming back like a big Labrador slobbering on my leg, asking me" where we gonna go next, Daddy?". I have pulled a U-haul 6X12 enclosed trailer from North-Eastern CO, to East TN (in summer) that was loaded to about 4K lbs. Did the 3.6 ever complain? I only saw a blinking red light on the dash (and this was the only time I ever saw this)( that freaked me out) 'cause I was cruising 70+ up a steep TN grade. ( so I slowed down, a bit...) However, this is just a singular sample of what this motor and vehicle can do. When time came for me to buy a new car, what did I buy? Unfortunately, not another Subie.. No, because, they were vigorously worshipping at the altar of fuel economy, and had inserted the stupid CVT in the drive train, and DETUNED the venerable 3.6 so the crappy transmission would have a chance to live... at least past warranty. The whole reason I purchased my first OB was based on customer testimonials, often with high mileage units, that they would take anywhere at the drop of a hat. They also built their customer base on robustness, and reliability. I am afraid that the CVT is going to destroy that much vaunted badge of honor in the near future. So yes, call me a luddite, a knuckle-dragger, what have you, The 3.6 is/was(?) a venerable piece of Japanese engineering. I still get 25-26mpg hwy at 80mph, when allowed. To date, I still don't know 'how fast it will go'. I know this, It can FLY... My short thought? Bring it back, WITH a real transmission. (and optional government crap). I would buy it in a hearbeat!

I have a 2018 Outback with the 3.6R engine. It is way smoother and a more powerful motor than the previous 4 cylinder engines than in the other two Subaru's I have owned. The car also feels more solid and stable when driving. It is the nicest car we have owned and suites our lifestyle very well.

But..... at 21,000 miles I took it in for regular maintenance and they found an oil leak in the cam cover which resulted in them pulling the motor for the repair. Once the motor was pulled, they noticed the head gaskets were starting to leak. So on a 2018 Outback with 21k miles they replaced the cam cover gasket, head gaskets and a blown rear strut!!!! Fortunately it was still under warranty and the repairs were covered. But the car was at the dealership for two weeks.

My 2009 Forester which we purchased new had 64K miles on it when the head gaskets went.

To Subaru's credit I called their corporate office and talked with their customer service and my case was quickly elevated. I got a call back within about 30 minutes and I explained my deep disappointment in the mechanical failures of an essentially new car. I asked if they would provide an extended warranty for the car and they declined but within 24 hours they emailed me and told me they would send me a check for $1,000 dollars for the inconvenience.

So the question is, does the boxer engine have an inherent design flaw that puts undo stress on the head gaskets.

My wife (primary driver of the Outback) absolutely hates car repairs and is now very skeptical of the Outback and ongoing repairs.

What say you all?

The 3.6 runs at a lower rpm hence the engine runs more quiet.( no whining) .
I have a 2017 and will no doubt go for a 2019 to stay quiet when on the road.
40 -50 k a year I prefer the larger engine for quietness.

Ok, I have a 2018 3.6R and a 2019 Ascent. Currently have a 2021 Outback as a service loaner. A couple of comments.

The turbo 4 comes nowhere close to the rated mpg. At best I get 24 hwy driving with light loads and a light foot. In town, more like 16. if you as much as breathe on the accelerator it launches you into the next block... Very hard to modulate smoothly.

My 3.6 gets about 20/28 and is much smoother and quieter and feels about equal in power to the turbo 4. It's also been much more reliable than my accent which goes on for repair every other month... Tailgate, transmission, CV joints, electrical, all before 20k.

Comparing the 2018 3.6 to the 2021xt, my biggest gripe is the new platform. The hyper active power steering has zero feel and the front end dances all over the road in a headwind just like the Ascent. At highway speeds the hood flexes and boings because of the way the intercooler is designed. Not unsafe, but really disconcerting.

I have no issues with turbo engines in general. Before Subarus I drove SAAB turbos since the 80's usually to 250+k.

I guess what I'm saying is that the previous platform with the 3.6 just feels and drives like a much more solid, quiet and refined car.

I have a 2014 3.6 touring H-6 with the regular automaic 5 speed (NO CVT). Thank goodness I bought this trim when I did. Last year for it. We tow a Space Trailer (google it) for camping, and the regular five speed is a WAY better tranny for this. NOTHING comes close to this set up. Thule carrier on top, Space Trailer behind, dogs in back compartment, space for everyone in the cabin. And its six cylinders. NO TURBO to burn out at 80-150K (or less) and make you wonder WHY you got suckered into a turbo ... oh that's right, cause that is all they offer now. You won't see Subarus on the road 15 years after you buy one with original turbos. Sorry to be the guy that bust your turbo bubble. I have owned three cars with turbos. Three. ALL OF THEM were sold EARLY (before 60K) or traded in. Reason, TURBO wearing out, fuel rails goiong bad, secondary air leaks, you name it. So you Subi owners with Turbo, start saving yoru cash for big repairs right after that warranty expires. Hope you likek trading them in early after you learn your lesson. Shame on Subaru for getting rid of the best power plant for a macine ever designed by humans (six cylinder boxer), and heading into the millennial narcissism land of "Oooh, I have a turbo" insanity.

I have a 2014 3.6 touring H-6 with the regular automaic 5 speed (NO CVT). Thank goodness I bought this trim when I did. Last year for it. We tow a Space Trailer (google it) for camping, and the regular five speed is a WAY better tranny for this. NOTHING comes close to this set up. Thule carrier on top, Space Trailer behind, dogs in back compartment, space for everyone in the cabin. And its six cylinders. NO TURBO to burn out at 80-150K (or less) and make you wonder WHY you got suckered into a turbo ... oh that's right, cause that is all they offer now. You won't see Subarus on the road 15 years after you buy one with original turbos. Sorry to be the guy that bust your turbo bubble. I have owned three cars with turbos. Three. ALL OF THEM were sold EARLY (before 60K) or traded in. Reason, TURBO wearing out, fuel rails goiong bad, secondary air leaks, you name it. So you Subi owners with Turbo, start saving yoru cash for big repairs right after that warranty expires. Hope you likek trading them in early after you learn your lesson. Shame on Subaru for getting rid of the best power plant for a macine ever designed by humans (six cylinder boxer), and heading into the millennial narcissism land of "Oooh, I have a turbo" insanity.

I have had my 02 outback H6 for many years. I have seen Subaru try turbos once before in an outback line. They didnt seem to do well at making them then. Have always been told by those that work on Subarus to avoid the ones with Turbos, cause Subaru doesnt know how to make them. I have heard similar rumors and talk about the Cvt, junk they say. Mine is coming to its end, and after many years of 2.5 horror stories, and the inability to send it off the lot with a proper head gasket, I definitely am into the updated 3.6, but will avoid the Cvt if I can. That is all.....lol

The 3.6L has been such a great engine, it seems foolish to get rid of it. I can't believe they didn't offer a beefed up 6 in the Ascent. Subaru has done a disservice by discontinuing it. I'll most likely never buy a Subaru with a 4 cylinder engine.
200,000 miles on my 2011 Outback 3.6R and it's run perfectly (tranny oil and additive changed regularly because when it's cold it sometimes slams into gear) and my previous 2001 VDC 3.0 was also reliable, but performed nothing like the 3.6R. What an amazing vehicle.
What a shame. The 2.5L are anemic at best. Everyone I know with a Subaru 4L turbo has had nothing but PROBLEMS. They'll probably be ok for people who lease or buy brand new, but I'm sure they'll lose resale value because used Subs w/turbos won't be worth buying and pouring money into.

Shame.

My 2017 3.6R Touring rocks - it loves fossil fuel and it loves to burn it. I have over 70K miles of long-distance interstate driving between WA and MT summer and winter and the car responds better than anything else I've seen on the road; 85mph on the road in almost any condition, very responsive, hugs the road, swallows the hills. I passed too many 2.5 Outback plodding along like big fat happy snails....

My 2017 3.6R Touring rocks - it loves fossil fuel and it loves to burn it. I have over 70K miles of long-distance interstate driving between WA and MT summer and winter and the car responds better than anything else I've seen on the road; 85mph on the road in almost any condition, very responsive, hugs the road, swallows the hills. I passed too many 2.5 Outback plodding along like big fat happy snails....

I prefer the six for towing doesn't have to work as hard as a four

Effet Viagra Fertilite

I have the 3.6R 2019 Outback and I love it. You have to remember that the pistons in a 4 cylinder engine will go up and down more times than those in a 6 cylinder for the same RPM, resulting in more wear over time. I think the 6 cylinder will last longer. I also drove a 4 cylinder and it is much noiser and the higher RPM is not appealing to me.

Rpm is rpm, but each piston in the 6 has to do less work than in the 4. That is physics, and you can't fool mother nature.

I have owned several OB's and Legacy's with my last being a 2016 Legacy limited that I foolishly turned back in after my lease and just a while before the pandemic started. What can I say the 2016 was a very nice car but my timing has been off lately. But I still have a 2011 Legacy Premium with 104k miles and haven't had a lick of problems even with the CVT trany that everybody seems to hate. One thing is that I LOVE about these cars are the paddle shifters! I barely use the brakes except for my final stop and I just whip around curves in the mountains and the down shifting feels almost as real as my old Supra 5 speed. I'm actually suprised that people don't talk about them more. With the 25i I feel that I have a sports car that looks like and was priced like an Accord saloon. That said, I really like the power of the 3.6r and I really like the limited series and with the prices are down because everyone is buying smaller engines & the 3.6's aren't fetching as high of price... I just might make the change since I do need to haul some stuff around now.
My question to all you 3.6 lovers on this board is, can anybody tell me why the 3.6 paddle shifters don't feel as natural as the 2.5? I have seen this in several cars now that have larger engines. The 3.5 Infinity FX35 being another notable. With the exception being the Acura MDX but it still doesn't feel like a Standard in the way it down shifts. The up shifting of all 3 cars are better than down shifting but 'None' are as good as the 2.5 in the 2001 or the 2016 models. My 2008 Impressa had a very real feeling stick shift also. So my question to any of you...is this a Physics problem, a power to electronics issue. electronics to power issue, a weight ratio thing, or what? I have been test driving 3rd generation Subarus 2010 to 2014's that have the larger engines. Because I may have a guy who may swap fairly evenly because the Legacy has a lot less miles than the limited but I digress. Is this something that Subaru worked out in the 4th generation and I just haven't driven one yet? Or am I the only kook that really likes the paddle shifters?
I've asked a few mechanics from both Subaru and Infiniti and they couldn't supply me with an answer. Except one mechanic who told me that I could add a kit that would match the power to gear ratio more accurately, but I haven't herd any more about this kit so...Any input would be appreciated. Even if you don't use the feature I would like to know. Cause I don't quite understand why such a cool feature isn't used by others. It's another reason I liked my Subaru's. With all of the technology you get for the money. Plus you get a great car too! Thanks.

Either one is good, but I’ll will say this is nothing new to the market. Saab was making 225hp with a 4 cylinder turbo that will zoom through any mountain hills. Subaru should offer both with or with out turbo and let customers decide which one they want. Toyota Cellica offered a 6 cylinder 24 valve with or with out turbo in the 80s which flat out screamed down the interstate. Ford finally got it right, I believe in 2011 when the F150 came out with what is called the eco boost ie 6cylinder with a turbo, when produces more power the the 8 and can haul more.

Subaru: let the customers have a choice - options means buying - 6 cylinder w/ turbo can pull a small tear drop camper which is what the Outback is all about, finding new adventures.
Just my 2 cents worth

I have the 3.6 I drove the ascent 2.4 turbo and I disagree the one thing I dislike on the 2018 outback is on going electrical issues we have had

These comments about the 6 instead of the 4 I want the gods that are at Subaru to consider. After their " WE know what you want" phase is over that is. When Mazda phased out the Tribute, I looked to Subaru. Never looked back at Mazda. To me they went "cheap product." My opinion. I just will not do a 4 cyl again. No matter what THEY say.