4 cyl vs 6 cyl

[subiesailor]

H6 is a cool engine but the handling limitations and towing limitations of the outback in general is a bit of a waste with the 3.6 unless you live at high altitude where power loss due to altitude is a big factor. The 2.5 is the number one seller in the OB for a reason. The CVT does a fantastic job keeping the car and engine matched up for gearing and power far superior to anything subaru has offered with the 2.5 in the past.

I'm on my second 2.5 which we tow a bunch with do lots of West coast mountain trips etc. Our other car is a 4.7L V8 and the 2.5 subaru is always our top choice for trips and daily use. The big car gets used when we need the seating for grandparents kids dog etc. Without the grand parents we pack the kid, dog and camping gear along with the tent trailer and do just fine 21-25mpg easily can do over the speed limits when needed etc.

[dboz]

Originally Posted by greenerob441

Both are WEAK. Getting a 3.6 for the small increase in "performance" while getting a large decrease in gas mileage didn't make sense to me. If I wanted the 3.6's gas mileage I woudl have gotten a real SUV.

Yes. Nail on the head. For the cost associated in getting a LIMITED 3.6 especially, there are better choices for that type of money. OP mentions he is getting the LIMITED model.

We have been pleasantly surprised with our 2.5. We traded in our V8 Sequoia for out 2011 and don't miss it a bit except for the seating loss.

[4wheeldog]

Originally Posted by subiesailor

H6 is a cool engine but the handling limitations and towing limitations of the outback in general is a bit of a waste with the 3.6 unless you live at high altitude where power loss due to altitude is a big factor.

I live at 7200' elevation, and I bought the 2.5.........But things are relaxed in NM, and I am retired, so what is the hurry? Ther is always Manana! (I have a couple of motorcycles if I feel the need for speed!)
My main considerations were good performance in snow, economy and durability. The 3.6 doesn't help any of those. JMHO.

[awd-gg]

1 hr commute each way...mostly hwy or city driving?
If Hwy, The diff in Actual MPG is less than what EPA numbers. If Mostly city driving, then, the diff in actual MPG will be more than EPA numbers.

Are you (plan on)keeping your car pass 100K, 150K or 200K miles? IF yes, Then you have to take into consideration the timing belt change cost and the potential "issues" with the 4cyl Head Gasket...(both are quite expensive repair bill)... Again, this is based on what I see/hear from H4 and H6 (mostly previous gen) owners testimonials, NO quarantee if will happen to your gen4 OB. (But the gen4 2.5 engine are essentially the same 2.5 engine as gen3 and 2)


Another thing I do notice is there were a few H4 owner (current gen) complained abt. the CVT H4 AWD system not performing well...(engine cut power to protect the transmission...something like that, so Far, I have NOT found any 3.6R owners complain....

Disclaimer: These were the main reason I pick the 3.6R over 2.5CVT. I was Not interested in the 6MT.
Not trying to bash 2.5 and CVT, just my oponion/reasoning!

[dboz]

Any car can have any problem at any time regardless of engine, transmission etc. No guarantees an H6 will not develop some type of problem with the engine or transmission. No guarantee the H4 will blow a head gasket.

Yes, you will need to do the maintenance. BUT, keep in mind you prepaid about $3k to get the engine to avoid the timing belt maintenance and POSSIBLY a blown head gasket. I am pretty sure I can get it done cheaper than that, provided I even keep the car that long, which I usually don't.

I have seen the AWD system perform just fine in the 2.5, other than one guy that had a rear differential issue and his system was not working. Never saw where the engine cut power to save the transmission?? Please post this info you have.

[subiesailor]

Originally Posted by awd-gg

1 hr commute each way...mostly hwy or city driving?
If Hwy, The diff in Actual MPG is less than what EPA numbers. If Mostly city driving, then, the diff in actual MPG will be more than EPA numbers.

Are you (plan on)keeping your car pass 100K, 150K or 200K miles? IF yes, Then you have to take into consideration the timing belt change cost and the potential "issues" with the 4cyl Head Gasket...(both are quite expensive repair bill)... Again, this is based on what I see/hear from H4 and H6 (mostly previous gen) owners testimonials, NO quarantee if will happen to your gen4 OB. (But the gen4 2.5 engine are essentially the same 2.5 engine as gen3 and 2)


Another thing I do notice is there were a few H4 owner (current gen) complained abt. the CVT H4 AWD system not performing well...(engine cut power to protect the transmission...something like that, so Far, I have NOT found any 3.6R owners complain....

Disclaimer: These were the main reason I pick the 3.6R over 2.5CVT. I was Not interested in the 6MT.
Not trying to bash 2.5 and CVT, just my oponion/reasoning!

Hey AWD - you sound as if your not an owner of either. You fail to note that there are more complaints about old 5spd AT than the new CVT. Also just for the record the H6 is more expensive to work on harder to work on due to space limitations and yes even with the timing chain many have learned its not maint free. The cost is a wash with the H6 still being the more expensive engine to maintain. Also regarding the HG issue my last subaru was smack in the middle of the massive gasket issue it was fixed by the dealer and subaru in a day at 63,000 miles. I sold it with 180,000 miles on it with ZERO issues or leaks regarding HG problems. The newer cars are far far superior as the 2.5 has seen several updates since and as noted by a couple of gear heads the gasket design, block and head mating set up in the newer 2.5 is similar to the way the turbo engines were done which have no known HG issues beyond whats caused by the abuse and beating those cars tend to see.

If your worried about running cost nothing is cheaper than the 2.5 - purchase price, cost to run ie fuel mileage, cost to insure, and on going proper Maint. Simple as that.

[Ticmxman]

I think during your test drive the different transmissions may make it hard to compare. Sure the 3.6 will be more powerfull but if you have never driven a cvt it can be disconcerting the way the engine revs up to get you up to speed. Try to get a good drive in on the highway and check out how the 2.5 performs, get it up to speed then back out of the gas a bit and the smoothness of the powertrain shows its stuff. If you only do a stop and go test drive the cvt may put you off. So far the 2.5 has been plenty for us and enjoyed mpg around 30 on a recent road trip to Florida at 70mph avg. Good luck.

[Thai]

Originally Posted by awd-gg

the CVT H4 AWD system not performing well...(engine cut power to protect the transmission...

Hehe, i bet that was the traction control/stability control cutting in! If so, then that should apply to all Subarus....

And if you really need AWD over tough terrain where burning a transmission is a potential, then YOU GOT THE WRONG FREAKING VEHICLE to off-road in!!

[chrisi]

I drive an even split of in town and highway driving. My average MPG since I got my 2010 3.6 is 24.3 mpg. If that seems like something you can live with and want the extra power then the 3.6 is for you. I have an iPhone app to track mileage.

[subi dooby do]

This

Originally Posted by 4wheeldog

My main considerations were good performance in snow, economy and durability. The 3.6 doesn't help any of those. JMHO.

FWIW, I went from the 6-cyl Toyota Rav4 to the 2012 Subi 2.5 (w/ CVT). I love my subi! No complaints about a lack of power. It actually moves quite well at highway speeds (for me 70 - 80 mph) at a touch over 2k rpm. Plenty responsive.