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

The Subaru Outback is about to get a complete remodel and one trim is going away forever. If you want a 3.6R 6-cylinder, you better act quickly, but you might want to wait for the all-new 2020 model.
2020 Subaru Outback, new Subaru Outback, specs, features, fuel mileage

Customers who want an Outback 3.6R six-cylinder model need to move quickly to get one. The 2020 Outback is coming later this year and Subaru Corporation will completely redesign the popular SUV/Crossover and will likely drop the 3.6R trim forever. The 2019 Subaru Outback comes in 3.6 Limited and 3.6R Touring trims that offer the 3.6-liter Boxer engine with 256-hp and 247 lb-ft of torque.

Right now, Subaru is offering special deals on all 2019 Outback trims. Customers can get 0% APR Financing on all 2019 Outback models now through April 1, 2019. Subaru wants to move all remaining Outback SUVs off their dealer lots before the all-new 2020 models arrive later this year.

Why you might want to wait

Here’s why customers wanting an Outback might want to wait for the 2020 model year. When the new-generation Outback arrives this year, it will likely feature a new turbocharged 2.4-liter direct injection four-cylinder engine replacing the old six-cylinder Outback 3.6R. Like the Legacy, it will likely be called the Outback XT and use the same Ascent-sourced turbocharged 2.4-liter 260-hp 277 lb-ft of torque Boxer engine. This will outperform the outgoing the 3.6-liter Boxer engine in power and fuel mileage.

The Outback 3.6R gets an EPA estimated 20/27 city/highway mpg and 22 combined mpg. The Ascent 2.4-liter turbo has more horsepower and torque and achieves 21/27 city/highway and 23 combined mpg and it’s a bigger vehicle than the Outback. Look for a new 2020 Outback 2.4L to have better fuel mileage numbers.

New 2.4-liter turbo will outperform competition with a V6

The new 2020 Outback FA24 2.4-liter boxer turbocharged direct-injection boxer engine will achieve acceleration and power equal to or better than that of competing vehicles with 3.5-liter 6-cylinder engines. That is accomplished by adding torque over horsepower because torque is what gets a vehicle moving from a stop and helps in pulling the vehicle up a hill, or when towing.

The next-generation Subaru Outback will lose the 3.6R trim but gain a new XT 2.4-liter turbo model. Outback will keep its core values with safety being a strong point with EyeSight driver assist standard equipment, and the SUV will keep its “go-anywhere” attitude with 8.7-inches of ground clearance, all-wheel drive will remain standard on the Outback, and it will retain X-Mode for off-road adventures.

When the all-new 2020 Subaru Outback with the new Global Platform arrives late this summer, look for the new SUV to be even more popular with active consumers looking for an all-weather all-wheel-drive vehicle. If you want the 3.6R trim you need to act quickly, but if you can wait, the new turbocharged XT trim will be worth it.

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Photo credit: Subaru USA

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Comments

Bill (not verified)    April 4, 2023 - 11:58AM

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I am not a 4-cylinder engine fan due to the inherent noise of the unbalanced 4-cylinder engine design.

I love the old Subaru 6 cylinder which was phased out of production at the end of 2019. I currently drive a 2016 Subaru six.

After the new model dust settles, about a year from now, we plan to purchase a Mazda CX 90 with the regular gas engine option.

I would prefer a new 6-cylinder Subaru but that is not going to happen.

William stroh (not verified)    February 27, 2024 - 7:36PM

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I will not buy a new Subaru without a 3.6R. Love mine it's a great car. I don't like turbo charged cars. Premium gas synthetic oil and many more repairs turbos go don'Democrat Last for years. The power of a 3.6r is superior to a turbo car. It has that low power by driving in the mountains a lot and it just works wonderful. Sorry you decided not to make it anymore. I won't be buying a Subaru.

T.M. (not verified)    March 24, 2024 - 1:22PM

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Having driven cars with both engines, the 3.6R is superior in drivability. While the 4 banger turbo may have better specs on paper, in the real world the 3.6 is a better powerplant. The main issue is the turbo lag. The punch just isn’t there when the driver wants it.

I suppose it’s about as good as other four cylinder turbos. But there is a reason that the higher end cars will opt to give the customer a normally aspirated six cylinder over a turbo four cylinder. Plus, consider the added mechanical complexity of a turbocharger. This translates to higher repair bills and worse reliability, over the life of the powerplant.

Scott Parrott (not verified)    March 26, 2024 - 1:16AM

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3.6 is the only way to go. I had a chance to drive the 2.4 (2024 year model) and it was horrible. It definitely doesn't have the get up and go like my 3,6 does. My 3.6 zips-zips-zips anywhere anytime. I wouldn't trust the 2.4 to pull out into heavy traffic and get up to speed. You're towing the Subaru line by touting that customers won't miss the 3.6. You will never get me to believe that by discontinuing the 3.6, that it hasn't affected sales especially to those loyal to the Subaru brand.

Eugenequese (not verified)    July 7, 2024 - 8:49AM

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