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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.

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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

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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

Noel (not verified)    September 30, 2020 - 9:11PM

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!

noel (not verified)    October 1, 2020 - 10:23AM

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!


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mh (not verified)    November 6, 2020 - 8:00PM

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?

Bobby G (not verified)    November 27, 2020 - 8:12PM

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.

Mcaustin60 (not verified)    April 19, 2021 - 6:51PM

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.

JSAF (not verified)    July 17, 2021 - 4:25PM

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.

JSAF (not verified)    July 17, 2021 - 4:27PM

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.

Sal (not verified)    May 22, 2022 - 11:33AM

In reply to by JSAF (not verified)

You are correct. Auto companies have been forced to design turbo engines due to the Federal MPG restrictions for the fleet. It is sad since although it may cut down on fuel use in the long run more engines must be produced to replace those that died early.....the production of which consumes energy (and materials) anyway.

Wildman (not verified)    August 25, 2021 - 7:44PM

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

Jerod Lammi (not verified)    September 1, 2021 - 7:27AM

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.

Sal (not verified)    February 2, 2023 - 9:32AM

In reply to by Jerod Lammi (not verified)

Yes, discontinuing the 6 was sad. Of course, as with other companies it is all about meeting EPA rules and turbocharging a smaller engine is the least expensive way to do that. Just more regulatory nonsense and the fallout from the nonsense.

Jean Chiotti (not verified)    October 23, 2021 - 5:26PM

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....

Jean Chiotti (not verified)    October 23, 2021 - 5:26PM

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....

Michael (not verified)    March 18, 2022 - 6:07PM

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.

mitch (not verified)    May 19, 2022 - 3:31PM

In reply to by Michael (not verified)

rpm is rpm. therefore the 4 cylinder pistons are not going any faster or slower than the 6. its just you have 2 less pistons producing power in a 4 per rev.........

Being a tech i tend to like to correct bad info others may read and base a decision on.

JSAF (not verified)    May 20, 2022 - 9:45AM

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.

Deevo (not verified)    August 26, 2022 - 3:43AM

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.

Ries Halbauer (not verified)    October 13, 2022 - 12:45PM

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

Ron (not verified)    February 1, 2023 - 12:54PM

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

Sue (not verified)    February 9, 2023 - 2:31PM

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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