The company first introduced the 1.8-liter Subaru CB18 engine at the 2019 auto show and so far only puts it on two of its models: the second-generation Levorg station wagon and the fifth Forester. This turbo unit is distinguished by the ability to work in a particularly economical Lean Burn mode.
In 2020, a new 1.8-liter turbo engine debuted on the second generation of the Levorg model. And this is a 4-cylinder boxer unit with direct fuel injection, an aluminum block, an open cooling jacket, a pair of aluminum DOHC heads without hydraulic lifters, a timing chain drive and a proprietary AVCS type variable valve timing system. A small Garrett M12 turbine with a conventional air intercooler is responsible for supercharging.
There is also a rather short crankshaft with thin cheeks, which is installed with desaxage, a modern variable displacement oil pump and piston cooling nozzles. Also, the unit can operate in the economical Lean Burn mode, that is, on a lean mixture.
The CB line includes only one internal combustion engine.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2020 |
| Displacement, cc | 1795 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 177 |
| Torque output, Nm | 300 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum H4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 80.6 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 88 |
| Compression ratio | 10.4 |
| Hydraulic lifters | no |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Turbocharging | Garrett M12 |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-16, 0W-20 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.3 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 6 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Subaru Levorg 2021) — city — highway — combined |
9.8 6.4 7.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~200 000 |
| Weight, kg | 125 |
| Features | no |
The engine was installed on:
- Subaru Forester 5 (SK) since 2020;
- Subaru Levorg 2 (VN) since 2020;
- Subaru Outback 6 (BT) since 2021.
Disadvantages of the CB18 engine
- This turbo engine has just appeared and there are no intelligible statistics of malfunctions, so we can only assume potentially problematic areas of this engine: these are thin chains in the timing drive or a variable displacement oil pump, and also the recommended type of lubricant 0W-16, whether the owners will encounter with oil burner.
Frequently asked questions about the Subaru CB18
How much power does the Subaru CB18 make?
The Subaru CB18 develops 177 hp and 300 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Subaru CB18 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.3 liters. Recommended oil: 0W-16, 0W-20.
Does the Subaru CB18 have a timing belt or chain?
The Subaru CB18 uses a timing chain.
Is the Subaru CB18 turbocharged?
Yes, the Subaru CB18 is turbocharged (Garrett M12).
Does the Subaru CB18 need valve clearance adjustment?
Yes, there are no hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances have to be checked and adjusted periodically.
How long does the Subaru CB18 last?
The typical lifespan of the Subaru CB18 is ~200 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Subaru CB18?
Subaru Levorg 2021: city 9.8, highway 6.4, combined 7.3 L/100 km.
What cars was the Subaru CB18 installed on?
Subaru Forester 5 (SK) since 2020; Subaru Levorg 2 (VN) since 2020; Subaru Outback 6 (BT) since 2021.
What are the common problems of the Subaru CB18?
This turbo engine has just appeared and there are no intelligible statistics of malfunctions, so we can only assume potentially problematic areas of this engine: these are thin chains in the timing drive or a variable displacement oil pump, and also the recommended type of lubricant 0W-16, whether the owners will encounter with oil burner. All known problems.
