The 2011 Subaru Legacy is powered by a horizontally opposed boxer engine, with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder as the standard option and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder available on higher trims.
Subaru continues to rely on its distinctive boxer configuration for the Legacy. The standard 2.5-liter flat-four emphasizes balanced performance and efficiency, while the larger 3.6-liter flat-six delivers stronger acceleration and more power for drivers who want extra capability. Availability varies by trim and market, so the exact engine you’d find depends on the specific model.
Engine Options
Here is a quick breakdown of the two engine configurations typically offered for the 2011 Legacy.
- 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine (base/standard): approximately 170 horsepower and about 169 lb-ft of torque.
- 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine (optional upgrade): approximately 256 horsepower and about 247 lb-ft of torque.
Note: horsepower and torque figures can vary slightly by market and exact model year; always check the vehicle’s specifications for the precise output. Both engines share Subaru’s boxer configuration, which helps keep a low center of gravity and balanced handling.
What This Means for Drivers
For daily commuting, the 2.5-liter engine typically offers adequate performance with better fuel economy. If you prioritize stronger highway performance, a higher trim with the 3.6-liter engine provides noticeably more power and smoother acceleration.
Summary
The 2011 Subaru Legacy offers two engine options within its boxer family: a standard 2.5-liter flat-four and an optional 3.6-liter flat-six for higher trims. This mix reflects Subaru's emphasis on a low center of gravity, balanced handling, and a choice between efficiency and performance depending on the buyer's needs.
What Subaru has the EJ255 engine?
Through 2014. It's most notably found in the Subaru WRX. And offers up to 265 horsepower from the factory. So ultimately the EJ255. Offers a good overall balance of performance reliability.
What kind of engine does a 2011 Subaru Legacy have?
2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine
The 2011 Legacy 2.5i models are powered by a revised 2.5-liter 4-cylinder Boxer engine, teamed for the first time to a new 6-speed manual transmission or the available new CVT Transmission. The CVT is standard in the Legacy 2.5i Limited, where it is also equipped with a manual mode and steering wheel paddle shifters.
What are the common problems of a 2011 Subaru Legacy?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- Exhaust. Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
- Engine Major.
- Suspension/Steering.
- Engine Cooling.
- In-car Electronics.
- Noises/Leaks.
- Engine Minor.
- Paint/Trim.
What year to stay away from Subaru Legacy?
Reliable versions of the Subaru Legacy include the 2025, 2009, and 2018 model years. Meanwhile, 2015 and 2010 Legacy models are known to have more issues.