2017 Subaru WRX 2.0L is Wards 10 Best Engine Nominee; A Surprise Subaru Makes the List

The WRX’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder Boxer engine was named to the prestigious Ward’s 10 Best Engines nominees list again this year. Ever since the new-generation WRX got the new powerplant, it’s been a favorite at Wards Auto. Can the 2.0-liter turbo make it three years in-a-row?

Another Subaru 2.0-L makes the list

A surprise Subaru engine makes the list for 2017. The Subaru BRZ’s updated naturally aspirated 205-hp 2.0-liter boxer is also on the latest nominee list for 2017. BRZ’s engine gets a number of upgrades for 2017 and gets a bump in horsepower and torque. But it’s the turbo version in the 4-door WRX sedan that “still blows us away” according to Wards Auto. The WRX’s 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo (DIT) was recognized by WardsAuto last year for driver performance and also environmental performance.

The new-generation Subaru WRX debuted a new 268-horsepower 2.0-liter direct-injection turbo Boxer engine in 2015. This was a return to its roots as the first 2002 U.S. spec WRX came with a 2.0-liter 227hp turbo engine. The 2015 WRX engine was the all-new 2.0-liter FA turbocharged Boxer version of the new Forester 2.0 XT powerplant. The WRX version uses different cams and higher-rate valve springs and other enhancements to enhance the performance envelope.

This is the 23rd year for the competition, and the winners will be announced in December at the WardsAuto Outlook Conference in Birmingham, MI. Subaru’s 2017 WRX 2.0-liter turbocharged boxer is a contender for this year’s Ward’s 10 Best Engine award again. The BRZ’s 2.0-liter naturally aspirated boxer is also on the list of nominees. Can Subaru get two winners? Stay tuned.

Source: WardsAuto

Photo: Subaru