Does Subaru Have A Diesel Engine? [2025]

People curious about Subaru’s lineup for 2025 often ask whether the brand offers a diesel engine. This is a fair question, especially for drivers thinking about fuel economy, towing, or longevity. The short answer: Subaru does not sell any diesel-powered cars in the United States for 2025, and its global diesel offerings have become extremely limited or discontinued. Let’s examine what Subaru has done with diesel technology, why the company moved away from it, and what alternatives are now available.

Subaru's Diesel Engine History

Subaru is better known for its boxer engines and all-wheel drive than for diesel technology. However, the company did produce diesel engines for a period, mainly targeting certain international markets. The first and only Subaru diesel was the EE20, a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder, introduced in 2008. This engine appeared in models like the Forester, Outback, and Legacy, but only outside North America.

The EE20 gained attention as the world’s first boxer diesel for passenger cars. With a turbocharger and common-rail injection, it produced around 147 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, offering good mid-range power and fuel efficiency for long-distance European drivers. Despite its technical merits, Subaru never offered this diesel in the US, Canada, or Japan due to emissions regulations and limited demand for diesel passenger cars in those regions.

Diesel Subaru Models: Where Were They Sold?

Subaru diesel models were primarily sold in Europe, Australia, and select Asian markets. The EE20 engine was available in the Forester, Outback, Legacy, and briefly in the XV/Crosstrek. These cars appealed to buyers looking for better fuel economy and highway driving range. For example, in Europe, diesel variants could account for 25-40% of Forester and Outback sales at their peak, especially in rural areas where diesel fuel was common and affordable.

These diesel Subarus were never sold in the United States or Canada. American Subaru dealers have only ever offered gasoline engines, even in regions where diesel-powered SUVs and crossovers thrive. Emissions standards, fuel availability, and Subaru’s relatively small US lineup made a diesel launch unlikely. After 2018, Subaru began phasing out diesel models globally as emissions rules tightened further and consumer preferences shifted.

The EE20 Boxer Diesel: Specs and Features

The Subaru EE20 is a 2.0-liter, flat-four turbo diesel engine. It was notable for its compact boxer layout, which helped keep Subaru’s signature low center of gravity. The engine used a variable-geometry turbocharger, direct injection, and an aluminum block. Output was about 147 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque, depending on market and emissions tuning. Most versions offered a six-speed manual transmission, with some later models getting a CVT (continuously variable transmission).

Owners praised the EE20 for highway fuel efficiency, often reaching 40+ mpg on longer trips. However, the diesel engine added weight to the front end and required extra maintenance, such as particulate filter cleaning. In cold climates, diesel Subarus sometimes suffered from slow warm-up and cold-weather starting issues, although later models improved on this. The unique flat-four diesel remains a curiosity among enthusiasts but is now largely relegated to the used car market outside North America.

Why Subaru Diesel Disappeared

Subaru’s decision to exit diesel engines was driven by several factors. Stricter emissions standards in Europe and Australia made compliance increasingly expensive for a relatively small brand. Updating the EE20 to meet Euro 6d or later emissions rules would have required costly redesigns, including advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems.

Second, the global shift toward electrification and hybrid technology reduced the market for small diesel engines. Scandals like Dieselgate in 2015 damaged diesel’s reputation, and many automakers began phasing out diesels in passenger vehicles. Subaru, with its modest R&D resources compared to giants like Volkswagen or Toyota, chose to focus on gasoline, hybrid, and now electric powertrains instead. By 2020, Subaru had discontinued diesel sales in all major markets.

Are There Any 2025 Subaru Diesel Models?

As of the 2025 model year, Subaru does not offer any diesel-powered cars, SUVs, or crossovers, either in North America or internationally. The last diesel-powered Outback, Forester, and Legacy models in Europe and Australia were sold in 2020 or earlier. Subaru’s official product lists for 2025 only include gasoline, hybrid, and all-electric models like the Solterra. No diesel engine option is available from the factory, and no plans for a future diesel have been announced.

This means that if you want a Subaru diesel, your only option is the used market in regions where the EE20 was sold. Even there, choices are dwindling as these vehicles age and as diesel support in the aftermarket declines. For new buyers in 2025, a Subaru diesel simply isn’t available anywhere in the world.

Alternatives to Diesel in Subaru's Lineup

Subaru has shifted its focus to gasoline engines, hybrids, and electric vehicles. Most core models like the Outback, Forester, and Crosstrek use Subaru’s FB-series four-cylinder gasoline engines, which are known for their reliability and moderate fuel consumption. In select markets, Subaru offers the e-Boxer hybrid, a mild hybrid system that pairs an electric motor with a gasoline boxer engine for better urban fuel economy.

For buyers wanting something greener or more efficient, Subaru now sells the all-electric Solterra SUV, co-developed with Toyota. The Solterra offers all-wheel drive and instant torque but runs solely on battery power. If you care most about fuel economy, a Outback or Forester with the latest gasoline or hybrid powertrains will outperform older diesel models in emissions and sometimes in overall running costs, especially where diesel fuel is expensive or hard to find.

What About Diesel Subaru Imports or Engine Swaps?

Some die-hard Subaru fans in North America have wondered about importing a diesel Subaru from Europe or Australia, or swapping an EE20 engine into a US-market chassis. While technically possible, both routes have major hurdles. Importing a diesel Subaru that was not originally sold in the US requires meeting EPA and DOT safety and emissions standards, which is usually cost-prohibitive for all but the most dedicated hobbyists. US regulations on diesel emissions are stricter than many of the markets where the EE20 was offered.

Engine swaps are also complex. The EE20 is physically different from Subaru’s gasoline engines, with unique mounts, electronics, and emissions systems. Sourcing parts and getting the swap to pass local inspection is a major challenge. For most people, it’s easier to find a fuel-efficient gasoline or hybrid Subaru than to wrestle with importing or swapping a diesel boxer engine.

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