What Sets the BOXER^® Engine Design Apart From the Rest | Capitol Subaru

August 15th, 2025

If you're familiar with Subaru, you may already know that its engine design sets it apart from other vehicles on the road. Unlike the traditional V6 or Inline-4 engines, which use vertically oriented or angled cylinders, Subaru models are equipped with a flat BOXER^® engine featuring horizontally-opposed cylinders. This unique configuration allows the engine's weight to sit lower in the chassis, giving the vehicle a significantly lower center of gravity.

Why does that matter? A lower center of gravity improves overall balance and stability, which means the suspension system doesn't have to work as hard to minimize body roll. This results in smoother handling and more confident cornering, especially when navigating uneven terrain or making quick maneuvers. It's one of the reasons why Subaru SUVs are able to combine impressive ground clearance with car-like driving comfort. This engine layout not only enhances the ride quality but also plays a key role in safety. Vehicles with a high center of gravity are more prone to rollover accidents, but Subaru's flat engine design helps reduce that risk. The balanced weight distribution makes it easier to maintain control in emergency situations, adding another layer of protection behind the wheel. In short, Subaru's BOXER engine isn't just different-it's a thoughtfully engineered advantage that makes every drive more stable, capable, and enjoyable.

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Subaru is well known for its time-tested engineering and long-lasting vehicles, thanks in large part to decades of thoughtful innovation. One key element contributing to Subaru's reputation for durability and safety is the BOXER engine design, which uses opposing cylinders that naturally balance each other out, reducing vibration, noise, and harshness without relying on extra components. Unlike other engine layouts that require complex balancing systems and numerous moving parts to deliver a smooth ride, the simplicity and efficiency of the BOXER engine mean fewer components that can wear out or fail over time. This streamlined design not only enhances ride quality but also contributes to the brand's outstanding reliability. It's no surprise that 96% of Subaru vehicles sold in the past 10 years are still on the road today-a testament to the strength of Subaru's engineering and its commitment to building vehicles that are made to last.

The flat engine design may seem innovative, but it's been a core part of Subaru's engineering philosophy for decades. Subaru models have long relied on this configuration to achieve a lower center of gravity and deliver long-lasting engine performance. Interestingly, the BOXER engine design isn't a recent invention-it was first developed by Karl Benz in 1897, predating the V-shaped engine by nearly 20 years. Even the widely used inline four-cylinder engine didn't arrive until 1939. While the BOXER engine is now a signature feature unique to Subaru vehicles, its origins go back well before the standard engine layouts seen today. This early advantage allowed Subaru to perfect the design and integrate it into vehicles built for stability, longevity, and smooth performance. But you don't have to take our word for it. Visit us here at Capitol Subaru in Salem, OR, to see our full lineup and experience how the flat engine design continues to define the Subaru brand.