Subaru B4: Which Version Should You Buy?
The Subaru B4 catalogue data covers eight generation entries, all Sedan models with AWD, from the third generation introduced in June 1998 to the seventh generation introduced in February 2019. Choosing between them mainly means deciding whether you want lower fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, a manual gearbox, or the highest power-to-weight ratio.
The Subaru B4 catalogue data covers eight generation entries, all Sedan models with AWD, from the third generation introduced in June 1998 to the seventh generation introduced in February 2019. Choosing between them mainly means deciding whether you want lower fuel consumption, stronger acceleration, a manual gearbox, or the highest power-to-weight ratio. The seventh-generation 2.5 AT is the economy-focused modern choice at 7.3 l/100 km combined, while its 2.4 CVT alternative raises output from 175 hp to 260 hp. Among versions with measured acceleration, the fifth-generation 2.5 AT is quickest at 6.2 seconds to 100 km/h. The strongest listed engine is the restyled fifth-generation 2.0 CVT with 300 hp, although its acceleration and top speed are not measured.
Subaru Legacy B4 generations: what changed?
The third generation, produced from June 1998 through April 2003, is a Sedan range with 30 versions in the database. The displayed choices include 2.0 AT, 2.0 MT, 2.5 MT, 2.5 AT, and 3.0 AT variants. Output runs from 125 hp to 280 hp, while every listed version has AWD. This generation offers 4-speed Automatic and 5-speed Manual gearboxes, kerb weights from 1360 kg to 1490 kg, and 155 mm of ground clearance.
The fourth generation ran from May 2003 through August 2006 and contains 35 versions. Its displayed 2.0 AT, 2.0 MT, 2.5 MT, and 2.5 AT variants span 140–280 hp. The 260 hp and 280 hp turbocharged 2.0 versions have 160 mm of ground clearance in some configurations, compared with 150 mm for the other displayed fourth-generation cars. The restyling ran from May 2006 through August 2009 and contains 33 versions. Its displayed range adds a Diesel 2.0 MT alongside Gasoline engines, with output from 150 hp to 280 hp and measured combined consumption as low as 5.6 l/100 km.
The fifth generation ran from January 2009 through January 2013 and contains 16 versions. Its displayed choices range from a 150 hp Diesel 2.0 MT to 285 hp turbocharged 2.5 MT and 2.5 AT versions. The restyling ran from May 2012 through March 2015 and contains 15 versions. Its displayed range extends from 150 hp to 300 hp and introduces Variable gearboxes alongside Manual and Automatic alternatives. Because the original and restyled production periods overlap, the exact version and production date matter more than the generation label alone.
The sixth generation ran from April 2015 through February 2017 and offers two versions: 2.5 CVT and 3.6 CVT. Both are Gasoline, naturally aspirated, Variable-transmission AWD Sedans. The restyling ran from February 2017 through February 2019 and offers one 2.5 CVT version with 175 hp.
The seventh generation began in February 2019 and offers two versions: 2.4 CVT and 2.5 AT. Both use Gasoline, four-cylinder Opposite engines, Variable gearboxes and AWD, despite the different version suffixes stored in their names. The 2.4 CVT is turbocharged; the 2.5 AT is naturally aspirated.
Subaru B4 engine specs and version comparison
Repeated version names are distinguished below by power and generation.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Capacity | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seventh, 2.4 CVT | 260 hp | 376 Nm | 2384 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | Turbo | Variable | AWD |
| Seventh, 2.5 AT | 175 hp | 240 Nm | 2498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Variable | AWD |
| Sixth restyling, 2.5 CVT | 175 hp | 235 Nm | 2498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Variable | AWD |
| Sixth, 3.6 CVT | 256 hp | 335 Nm | 3629 cc | Gasoline | 6, Opposite | No | Variable | AWD |
| Sixth, 2.5 CVT | 175 hp | 235 Nm | 2498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.5 MT, 285 hp | 285 hp | 350 Nm | 2457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | Turbo | Manual, 6 | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.5 AT, 285 hp | 285 hp | 350 Nm | 2457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | Turbo | Automatic, 5 | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.0 MT, 150 hp Diesel | 150 hp | 350 Nm | 1998 cc | Diesel | 4, Opposite | Turbo | Manual, 6 | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.5 CVT, 167 hp | 167 hp | 229 Nm | 2457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.5 AT, 265 hp | 265 hp | 350 Nm | 2457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | Turbo | Automatic, 5 | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.0 MT, 150 hp Gasoline | 150 hp | 196 Nm | 1994 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Manual, 6 | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 3.6 AT | 256 hp | 335 Nm | 3629 cc | Gasoline | 6, Opposite | No | Automatic, 5 | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.0 CVT, 150 hp | 150 hp | 196 Nm | 1994 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.5 CVT, 175 hp | 175 hp | 240 Nm | 2498 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.0 MT, 150 hp, 9.8 s | 150 hp | 196 Nm | 1994 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Manual, 6 | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.0 CVT, 300 hp | 300 hp | 400 Nm | 1998 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | Turbo | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth restyling, 2.5 CVT, 167 hp, 8.0 combined | 167 hp | 229 Nm | 2457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.5 AT, 265 hp | 265 hp | 350 Nm | 2457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | Turbo | Automatic, 5 | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.5 MT, 167 hp | 167 hp | 229 Nm | 2457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Manual, 6 | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.5 MT, 285 hp | 285 hp | 350 Nm | 2457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | Turbo | Manual, 6 | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.5 AT, 285 hp | 285 hp | 350 Nm | 2457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | Turbo | Automatic, 5 | AWD |
| Fifth, 3.6 AT | 256 hp | 335 Nm | 3629 cc | Gasoline | 6, Opposite | No | Automatic, 5 | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 MT, 150 hp Diesel | 150 hp | 350 Nm | 1998 cc | Diesel | 4, Opposite | Turbo | Manual, 6 | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 CVT, 150 hp | 150 hp | 196 Nm | 1994 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 MT, 150 hp, 11.1 compression | 150 hp | 196 Nm | 1994 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Manual, 6 | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.5 CVT, 167 hp, 64-litre tank | 167 hp | 229 Nm | 2457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.0 MT, 150 hp, 65-litre tank | 150 hp | 196 Nm | 1994 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Manual, 6 | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.5 CVT, 167 hp, 65-litre tank | 167 hp | 229 Nm | 2457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | No | Variable | AWD |
| Fifth, 2.5 AT, 265 hp, 65-litre tank | 265 hp | 350 Nm | 2457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Opposite | Turbo | Automatic, 5 | AWD |
The seventh-generation 2.4 CVT produces about 109.1 hp per litre, against about 70.1 hp per litre for the 2.5 AT. The restyled fifth-generation 2.0 CVT with 300 hp reaches about 150.2 hp per litre, the highest ratio among the displayed versions. Its 400 Nm is also the highest listed torque figure.
Performance, mpg and economy
For the seventh-generation 2.4 CVT, acceleration to 100 km/h and top speed are not measured. Fuel consumption is 9.8 l/100 km city, 7.3 l/100 km highway and 8.7 l/100 km combined. For the seventh-generation 2.5 AT, acceleration and top speed are also not measured, while consumption falls to 8.9 l/100 km city, 6.4 l/100 km highway and 7.3 l/100 km combined. Choosing the 2.4 CVT therefore adds 85 hp and 136 Nm, but uses 1.4 l/100 km more on the combined cycle.
The sixth-generation 2.5 CVT has acceleration and top speed not measured, with consumption of 9.8 city, 6.5 highway and 8.7 l/100 km combined. The 3.6 CVT also has performance figures not measured and consumes 11.7, 8.1 and 10.2 l/100 km respectively. Its extra 81 hp over the 2.5 CVT costs 1.5 l/100 km in combined consumption. The restyled sixth-generation 2.5 CVT reaches 100 km/h in 9.6 seconds, has a 210 km/h top speed, and consumes 10.1 city, 6.2 highway and 7.7 l/100 km combined.
Among fifth-generation versions with complete measurements, the 265 hp 2.5 AT reaches 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and 245 km/h, with consumption of 14.9 city, 8.1 highway and 10.6 l/100 km combined. The 150 hp Diesel 2.0 MT needs 9.6 seconds, reaches 203 km/h, and returns 7.6 city, 5.3 highway and 6.1 l/100 km combined. It sacrifices 115 hp but saves 4.5 l/100 km combined.
The fourth-generation restyled Diesel 2.0 MT is an even leaner measured option: 8.7 seconds to 100 km/h, 208 km/h, and consumption of 7.0 city, 4.8 highway and 5.6 l/100 km combined. Where acceleration, top speed, or consumption is absent for another listed version, that figure is not measured.
Subaru B4 weight, clearance, tank and wheels
The seventh-generation 2.4 CVT weighs 1715 kg, giving about 6.60 kg per hp. The 2.5 AT weighs 1589 kg, or about 9.08 kg per hp. Gross weight and ground clearance are not measured for both versions. Each has a 60-litre tank; wheel sizes are not measured for the 2.4 CVT, while the 2.5 AT lists 225/55 R17 and 225/50 R18.
The sixth-generation 3.6 CVT and 2.5 CVT both have 150 mm clearance, 60-litre tanks, and 225/55 R17 or 225/50 R18 wheels. Their respective kerb weights are 1573 kg and 1573 kg; gross weights are not measured. The restyled 2.5 CVT weighs 1604 kg, has a gross weight of 2050 kg, 150 mm clearance and a 60-litre tank; wheel sizes are not measured.
A notable power-to-weight choice is the restyled fifth-generation 300 hp 2.0 CVT: 1600 kg and about 5.33 kg per hp. The 285 hp 2.5 MT weighs 1542 kg, equivalent to about 5.41 kg per hp. Gross weight is not measured for either. Both have 150 mm clearance and 65-litre tanks, while their wheel sizes are not measured.
For the third generation, listed kerb weights span 1360–1490 kg, gross weights reach 1950 kg, clearance is 155 mm, and the tank holds 64 litres. Listed wheel options include 185/65 R14, 195/60 R15, 205/60 R16 and 215/60 R16, depending on version.
Problems and reliability: what the catalogue can establish
The supplied data contains no fault records, maintenance history, reliability ratings, engine prices or sale listings. Subaru B4 problems, Subaru Legacy B4 common problems, and twin-turbo reliability therefore cannot be assessed from this catalogue without inventing evidence. A buyer can still compare measurable burdens: fuel consumption, vehicle mass, fuel grade, gearbox type and engine output. Individual condition, inspection results and service history are not measured.
Which Subaru B4 version should you choose?
Choose the seventh-generation 2.5 AT if combined consumption is the priority among the newest choices. It records 7.3 l/100 km, 1.4 l/100 km less than the 2.4 CVT, and it is 126 kg lighter. Choose the 2.4 CVT if output matters more: it adds 85 hp and 136 Nm and improves the weight-per-horsepower figure from about 9.08 to 6.60 kg/hp.
Choose the sixth-generation 3.6 CVT over its 2.5 CVT alternative when naturally aspirated output is worth the fuel penalty. Both weigh 1573 kg, but the 3.6 CVT adds 81 hp and 100 Nm; combined consumption rises from 8.7 to 10.2 l/100 km.
Choose the fifth-generation 265 hp 2.5 AT when measured acceleration is decisive. Its 6.2-second time and 245 km/h top speed outperform the measured lower-output fifth-generation alternatives, although its 10.6 l/100 km combined consumption is substantially above the Diesel 2.0 MT’s 6.1 l/100 km.
Choose the restyled fourth-generation Diesel 2.0 MT for the best measured economy in the supplied data. It combines 5.6 l/100 km consumption with an 8.7-second acceleration time, 208 km/h top speed, 150 hp and 350 Nm. Choose the restyled fifth-generation 300 hp 2.0 CVT when peak output and power density take precedence, but remember that its acceleration, top speed and fuel consumption are not measured.