Built into the DNA of nearly every Subaru vehicle is the powerful SUBARU BOXER® engine. A hallmark of our engineering excellence, the BOXER engine’s unique, balanced design, compact shape, and horizontal layout makes for exceptional handling, smoothness, and stability while driving. Learn more about the SUBARU BOXER engine and how it works.
Sometimes known as a horizontally opposed engine, a boxer engine is a type of engine with cylinders arranged on either side of the crankshaft, facing each other. Its name comes from the way the engine’s pistons move horizontally in a punch-counterpunch rhythm, resembling sparring boxers in a ring.
When it comes to the driving experience, a boxer engine offers a distinct feel on the road. The intentionally low placement of a boxer engine on top of a vehicle’s chassis and even weight distribution create a lower center of gravity compared to other engine types. This enhances a vehicle’s stability, responsiveness, and grip. Drivers may feel the power of the boxer engine as they negotiate sharp turns, conquer challenging terrain, or face inclement weather.
Simplicity is one of the reasons why a boxer engine is so unique and effective. Compared to other common engine types (such as vertically-mounted inline or V-shaped styles), boxer engines are mounted horizontally on the engine. The pistons in a boxer engine face away from each other, with their movement powering the crankshaft and converting to send power to a vehicle’s wheels.
The flat, symmetrical layout of the boxer engine minimizes vibration and friction, allowing for a smoother ride compared to other engine types that involve more complex motion. And with fewer components required to transfer power, boxer engines tend to work more efficiently overall.
Additionally, many SUBARU BOXER engines feature at least four valves per cylinder and dual overhead camshafts, allowing for even more streamlined airflow and optimized performance.
The boxer engine has directly contributed to the Subaru reputation for reliability and performance. In addition, the SUBARU BOXER engine offers drivers even more advantages:
All Subaru vehicles with internal combustion engines are equipped with the SUBARU BOXER engine. The only Subaru vehicle that does not feature the boxer engine is the Solterra EV, our first all-electric offering. EVs utilize a different powertrain technology entirely, foregoing a combustion engine in favor of an electric motor. The following Subaru vehicles are equipped with the BOXER engine:
Beyond exceptional stability, handling, and efficiency, the boxer engine is an ideal fit for Subaru thanks to the way it powers many of the core systems that are essential to every vehicle we manufacture.
For example, the SUBARU BOXER engine’s symmetrical configuration is the backbone of our Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive drivetrain system. Placed directly atop the SUBARU BOXER engine, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system delivers variable power to all four wheels thanks to the engine’s compact, balanced design. The impressive power of the SUBARU BOXER engine also supports X-MODE, a useful enhancement to our Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system featured in many Subaru models.
Its simple-yet-powerful design makes the SUBARU BOXER engine a key component in many of our vehicles – as well as in our ongoing commitment to safety, outstanding performance, and innovative engineering. Whether you’re commuting to work or cruising towards an off-road weekend adventure, the SUBARU BOXER engine is one of many exciting features designed to offer a smooth ride and outstanding handling wherever your travels take you.