Subaru ( or ; ) is the automobile manufacturing division of Japanese transportation conglomerate Subaru Corporation (formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries), the twenty-first largest automaker by production worldwide in 2017. Subaru cars are ...

motor vehicles have used

manual Manual may refer to: Instructions * User guide * Owner's manual An owner's manual (also called an instruction manual or a user guide) is an instructional book or booklet that is supplied with almost all technologically advanced consumer ...

, conventional automatic, and continuously variable (CVT) transmissions. Subaru manufactures its own manual and CVT transmissions (for non-

Kei car Kei car (or , kanji: , "light automobile", ), known variously outside Japan as Japanese city car or Japanese microcar, is the Japanese vehicle category for the smallest highway-legal passenger cars with restricted dimensions and engine capaci ...

s). Since the 1970s, all Subaru conventional automatic transmissions have been Jatco designs adapted to Subaru specifications. Since the 2014 model year, the conventional automatic transmissions in North American-spec Subaru vehicles have been replaced with Lineartronic CVTs (with one exception as the BRZ).

Automatic

Three-speed

All of Subaru's three speed automatic transmissions were made by Jatco.

3AT

*Gear Ratios: 1st 2.600 2nd 1.505 3rd 1.000 Rev 4.100 *Usage: 1975–1979

Subaru Leone The Subaru Leone is a compact car produced by the Japanese car manufacturer Subaru from 1971 to 1994. The word ''leone'' is Italian for lion. It was released as a replacement for the Subaru 1000 and was the predecessor of the Subaru Impreza. Al ...

3AT 1st revision

*Gear Ratios: 1st 2.600 2nd 1.505 3rd 1.000 Rev 2.166 *Usage: 1980–1982

3AT

The 3AT was a hydraulically controlled 3AT with available Single-Range 4WD. *Gear Ratios: 1st 2.821 2nd 1.559 3rd 1.000 Rev 2.257 *Usage: 1983–1984,1990-1994

1985–1989 Subaru XT and Subaru BRAT

Four-speed

Subaru built their own four-speed automatic transmission based on the old Jatco design. It was available in FWD and Full-time awd.

ACT-4 or VTD

Subaru uses two types of traction delivery systems, called Active Torque Split (ACT), or the performance oriented Variable Torque Distribution, called VTD. ACT drives the front wheels directly and the rear wheels through a hydraulic clutch. The control unit monitors several factors including vehicle speed, gear position, and wheel speed and then varies the application of the clutch based on a model stored in memory. The effect is a constantly and actively changing torque to the rear wheels anywhere from a few percent to fully locked. The control unit can and does alter torque several times per second. Vehicles with higher power engines use a more aggressive model resulting in generally higher rear engagement. Later attempts at reducing customer confusion resulted in torque split numbers being given, but these have no meaning as there is no mechanical or other device to provide a static starting point for the control unit. This system is the more commonly used setup used on most Subaru products after its introduction on the XT6. VTD adds a twin planetary center differential to the clutch and therefore has a static, starting torque split calculated on the planetary gear ratio, with the most common being 45:55. The active clutch operation is similar to the ACT system, although the clutch is used to suppress differential action instead of as the differential itself. VTD was introduced on the Alcyone SVX in 1991 and is usually found in performance models equipped with a turbocharger, along with the VDC outback and USDM 2003-2004 Legacy GT/2.5GT. ACT and VTD are found in both generations of the 4 speed while the 5 speed uses only VTD.

4EAT

This transmission was released in 1988 for use in the Subaru XT6 and Leone Touring Wagon. The bellhousing and input shaft were changed for the

Subaru EJ engine The Subaru EJ engine is a series of four-stroke automotive engines manufactured by Subaru. They were introduced in 1989, intended to succeed the previous Subaru EA engine. The EJ series was the mainstay of Subaru's engine line, with all engines ...

, the first was used until about 1998, when a major redesign of the holding devices was released. The second generation saw use until 2008. *Gear Ratios: 1st 2.785 2nd 1.545 3rd 1.000 4th 0.694 Rev 2.272 *Some versions had gear ratios of 1st 3.030 2nd 1.620 3rd 1.000 4th 0.694 Rev 2.272 *Usage: 1988–1991 Subaru XT, 1990–2009

Subaru Legacy The is a mid-size car built by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru since 1989. The maker's flagship car, it is unique in its class for offering all-wheel drive as a standard feature, and Subaru's traditional boxer engine. The Legacy was sol ...

, 1992–1997

Subaru Alcyone SVX The Subaru Alcyone SVX, marketed outside Japan as the Subaru SVX, is a two-door, front-engine, all- or front-wheel drive coupé manufactured and marketed by Subaru from 1991 to 1996 over a single generation. Superseding the company's aviation-i ...

, and all Subarus 1995–2009 The

Ford Motor Company Ford Motor Company (commonly known as Ford) is an American multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan, United States. It was founded by Henry Ford and incorporated on June 16, 1903. The company sells automobi ...

also uses a transmission on some Ford,

Kia Motors Kia Corporation, commonly known as Kia (, ; formerly known as Kyungsung Precision Industry and Kia Motors Corporation), is a South Korean multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. It is South Korea's second lar ...

, Mercury, and

Mazda , commonly referred to as simply Mazda, is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Fuchū, Hiroshima, Japan. In 2015, Mazda produced 1.5 million vehicles for global sales, the majority of which (nearly one ...

products called the F-4EAT, which shares some similarities with the

, since they are both manufactured by Jatco. The

Nissan Pathfinder The Nissan Pathfinder is a range of sport utility vehicles manufactured by Nissan since 1985. The vehicle was originally sharing Nissan's compact pickup truck platform, and having been through four generations is now in its fifth incarnation. Si ...

has also used this transmission in the past with an external transfer case attached.

Five-speed

In 2003, Subaru released the 5EAT w/ SportShift, based on the Jatco JR505 transmission.

5EAT

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.540 2nd 2.264 3rd 1.471 4th 1.000 5th 0.834 Rev 2.370 Final Drive Ratio: 3.272 or 3.083 The final use of the 3.272 final drive ratio (Part 38100AB740) was in the 2009 Legacy 3.0R Limited sedan (but not the regular R sedan), the 2009 Outback 2.5XT Limited (but not the regular XT), and the 2009 Outback 3.0R Limited (but not the regular R or LL Bean). The first use of the 3.083 final drive ratio (Part 38100AB730) was in the 2007 Legacy GT. The final use was in the 2014 Legacy and Outback with the EZ36 engine. *Usage: 2005-2014

GT, 3.0R, and 3.6R; Subaru Outback XT, 3.0R, and 3.6R; Subaru Tribeca; Subaru Forester s-edition The Tribeca with ez-36 (3.6R) used a 3.583 final drive ratio.

Six-speed

Subaru made a one off paddle-shift AWD transmission for their B11S Concept car built off the 5EAT platform.

6EATT

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.636 2nd 2.264 3rd 1.471 4th 1.000 5th 0.834 6th 0.700 Rev 3.272 *Usage: B11S Concept Car Only

A960E

Manufactured by

Aisin is a Japanese corporation that develops and produces components and systems for the automotive industry. Aisin is a Fortune Global 500 company, ranked 359 rankings. Aisin is a member of the Toyota Group of companies. Aisin was founded in 196 ...

/Toyota. *Gear Ratios: 1st 3.538 2nd 2.060 3rd 1.404 4th 1.000 5th 0.713 6th 0.582 Rev 3.168 *Usage: 2012+ Subaru BRZ

Continuously variable

1989–1994 Subaru Justy ECVT/Justy 4WD ECVT

Subaru developed a CVT for the

Subaru Justy The Subaru Justy is a subcompact hatchback that has been sold by Japanese automobile manufacturer Subaru since 1984. Subaru manufactured the Justy from 1984 to 1994; since then it has sold rebadged versions of other vehicles under the Justy namep ...

to gain reasonable acceleration and fuel economy from its small three cylinder engine. It employs a push-belt system and comes with an optional 4WD unit that engages the rear wheels when a button on the shifter is depressed. It also has a 'sport mode' that when activated nearly doubles engine RPM for better torque distribution when towing or going uphill. The Shift Indicator reads P-R-N-D-Ds, Ds stands for Drive Sport, which doubles engine RPM. The CVT transmission proved unreliable after accumulating high mileage, causing Subaru to stop exporting cars with CVTs outside of Japan until the fifth generation Legacy/Outback. Subaru did continue to build Kei cars with CVTs, only for sale in Japan. In addition to improving the design of the transmission over the years, Subaru has supplied other companies with CVTs, as well. The Justy ECVT was also available with hydraulically actuated 4WD (unlike the 5MT Justy, which has pneumatic actuation) in November 1988, this model was called the Justy 4WD ECVT. *Gear Ratios: Infinite *Usage: 1989–1994

Subaru Lineartronic CVT TR690 and TR580

Subaru Lineartronic transmission in Tokyo Motor Show 2009

The fifth generation Legacy/Outback and the JDM Subaru Exiga received a newly revised CVT under the Lineartronic name. It is a metal chain, pulley-based CVT, which is considered the most reliable, due to the simplicity of the pulley system and durability of the metal chain. In addition, the metal chain pulley system is generally quieter than other CVT designs. In the US, the Lineartronic is available with the 2.5i engine in the Outback, Legacy and Forester(2014), and the 2.0 FB engine in the Impreza and slightly modified for the XV Crosstrek. In SE Asia this transmission is also available for the 2.0i engine for the 2010 and later Legacy Legacy Asia spec. Subaru claims that the transmission provides "uninterrupted power that maximizes fuel efficiency while keeping the engine at the optimal rev range". EPA mileage estimates for the CVT with the 2.5i, naturally aspirated based engine, claim 30 MPG highway (29 Outback, 31 Legacy). Lineartronic uses a specially modified torque converter to connect the engine to the transmission. It can slip like a traditional torque converter, but remains locked under all conditions except when coasting or traveling at very low speed. The persistent lockup condition under acceleration provides the efficiency and control of a clutch while still behaving much like a traditional planetary automatic transmission. The transmission can also be manually controlled by the driver by providing the ability to select 6 or 7 (if paired with a Diesel engine) or 8 different "virtual" gears, where the transmission will hold a particular ratio. *Gear Ratios: 6.32:1 *Usage: 2010–current

Outback The Outback is a remote, vast, sparsely populated area of Australia. The Outback is more remote than the bush. While often envisaged as being arid, the Outback regions extend from the northern to southern Australian coastlines and encompass a ...

/ Exiga / Impreza / Levorg /

Forester A forester is a person who practises forestry, the science, art, and profession of managing forests. Foresters engage in a broad range of activities including ecological restoration and management of protected areas. Foresters manage forests to ...

/ XV and 2015 Subaru WRX Premium and Limited Editions. TR580 * 2012-2023 Impreza 2.0L NA * 2013-2023 Crosstrek 2.0L NA Maximum torque 250Nm TR690 * 2010-2012 Legacy/Outback 2.5L NA * 2015-2019 Legacy/Outback 3.6L NA * 2014-2020 Forester 2.0L Turbo * 2014-2023 Forester 2.5L NA * 2015-2020 WRX 2.0L Turbo * 2019-2020 Ascent * 2020 Legacy/Outback 2.4L Turbo * 2021-2023 Crosstrek 2.5L * 2022 WRX 2.4L Turbo * 2022 Levorg 2.4L Turbo Maximum torque 400Nm

Manual

Four-speed

Subaru made several four speed transmissions from 1970–1989, they are listed below.

T71

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.307 2nd 1.944 3rd 1.344 4th 0.942 Rev 4.100 *Usage: All 1970–1982 FWD

T71A 1st revision

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.636 2nd 1.950 3rd 1.193 4th 0.769 Rev 3.583 *Usage: All 1983–1989

FWD 1600cc

T71W 4WD

*Gear Ratios: 1st 4.090 2nd 2.157 3rd 1.379 4th .971 Rev 4.100, Low Range 1.462 *Usage: 1975–1980

and 1978–1981 Subaru BRAT

T71W 4WD 1st revision

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.666 2nd 2.157 3rd 1.266 4th .885 Rev 4.100, Low Range 1.462 *Usage: 1981

1600cc

T81W 4WD

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.636 2nd 1.950 3rd 1.266 4th .885 Rev 3.583, Low Range 1.462 *Usage: 1981

1800cc

T81W 4WD 1st revision

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.636 2nd 1.950 3rd 1.193 4th .769 Rev 3.583, Low Range 1.462 *Usage: 1982–1989

1800cc and 1982–1993 Subaru BRAT (EA-81 engine only)

Five-speed

T71G

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.666 2nd 2.157 3rd 1.266 4th .885 5th .725, Rev 4.100 *Usage: 1975–1982

T71G

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.636 2nd 2.157 3rd 1.266 4th .885 5th .725, Rev 3.583 *Usage: 1983–1989

1600cc

T81G

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.371 2nd 1.950 3rd 1.266 4th .885 5th .725, Rev 3.583 *Usage: 1983–1989

1800cc (EA-81 Engine ONLY)

5MT EA

1st 3.636 2nd 1.950 3rd 1.344 4th .971 5th .783, Rev 3.583 *Usage: 1985–1994

5MT

This was the only five-speed 4WD transmission made for the

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.545 2nd 1.947 3rd 1.366 4th .972 5th .780, Rev 3.416 Low Range 1.59 *Usage: 1985–1994

and 1985–1989 Subaru XT 1800cc

5MT full-time

This transmission was Subaru's first full-time 4WD transmission, only used in the Alcyone/XT6, and 3 door RX. In EU Leone turbo wagon. *Gear Ratios: 1st 3.545 2nd 2.111 3rd 1.448 4th 1.088 5th .871, Rev 3.416 Low Range 1.196 *Usage: 1988–1991 Subaru XT-6

5MT Justy

The Justy used a transaxle, rather than a conventional

transmission. This transmission was dropped in 1994 when you could only get a 4WD unit. *Gear Ratios: 1st 3.071 2nd 1.695 3rd 1.137 4th .823 5th .675, Rev 3.461 Final 4.437 *Usage: 1984–1993

5MT Justy 4WD

After its introduction in 1984, the Justy was also available with 4WD and thus a different gearbox. The gear ratios for this gearbox were altered slightly. In 1994 the normal/FWD gearbox was dropped; one could only get a 4WD gearbox by then. * Gear ratios: 1st 3.071 2nd 1.695 3rd 1.137 4th .771 5th .631, Rev 3.461 Final 5.200 * Usage: 1984–1994

5MT

It is notable to mention that only

Turbo In an internal combustion engine, a turbocharger (often called a turbo) is a forced induction device that is powered by the flow of exhaust gases. It uses this energy to compress the intake gas, forcing more air into the engine in order to pr ...

vehicles received a hydraulic

clutch A clutch is a mechanical device that engages and disengages power transmission, especially from a drive shaft to a driven shaft. In the simplest application, clutches connect and disconnect two rotating shafts (drive shafts or line shafts). ...

until 1995. Also, in 1998 Subaru changed from a push-style clutch to a pull-style, on turbo models, requiring minor bellhousing and fork changes. *Gear Ratios: 1st 3.785 2nd 1.945 3rd 1.500 4th 0.994 5th 0.780/(0.735 WRX) – Final 4.11 (3.90 WRX) *Usage: All 1990–2003 with EJ-Engine MY 96-99 Transmission specs (and possibly other years) *Gear Ratios: 1st 3.545 2nd 2.111 3rd 1.448 4th 1.088 5th 0.825 (FWD) / 0.780 (AWD) / 0.871 (Outback AWD) --- Final 3.454 (FWD) / 3.900 (AWD) / 4.111 (Forester, Outback AWD) Source: 1996 Subaru Legacy Service Manual/1999 Subaru Forester Service Manual Also matches 1999 Legacy 30th Anniversary

5MT revised

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.454 2nd 2.062 3rd 1.448 4th 1.088 5th 0.871 Rev 3.545 different ratios for 2006-07 *Usage: All 2003–2011 Subaru Non-Turbo

5MT revised 2012+

*Gear Ratios: 1st 3.454 2nd 1.888 3rd 1.296 4th 0.972 5th 0.738 Rev 3.333 Final 4.111 *Usage: All 2012–Present Subaru Non-Turbo

Six-speed

SJ Forester 2.5i

1st 3.454 2nd 1.888 3rd 1.296 4th 0.972 5th 0.780 6th 0.695 R 3.686 Final 4.444:1

SJ Forester 2.5i, Impreza WRX STi and Legacy spec. B

There are several six speed manual transmissions currently available for USDM Subarus, found in the STi, Legacy Spec B, and 2015 WRX. The STi's 6MT has undergone various changes throughout the years, but have always had a limited slip front differential with Driver Controlled Center Differential (DCCD). In 2006, The STi's 6MT underwent some changes that included making the center differential a limited slip unit and a slight lengthening of some gears. The Spec. B's 6MT has different gear ratios (specifically 6th gear being longer) than the STi's unit, does not have DCCD, and neither the front nor center differentials are limited slip units. The Spec B's 6MT ratios are highly prized by some due to its longer ratios than those found in the WRX STi, while still retaining much of the STi unit's robustness. *Gear Ratios : 1st 3.636 2nd 2.375 (or 2.235) 3rd 1.761 (or 1.590) 4th 1.346 (or 1.137) 5th 0.971 (or 0.891) 6th 0.756 (or 0.707) Rev 3.545 (This only applies to either the 04-05 STi or the 06+ STi, not both, and not the Spec B.). *Usage: 2004+

Subaru WRX STi The is a compact car that has been manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru since 1992. It was introduced as a replacement for the Leone, with the predecessor's EA series engines replaced by the new EJ series. It is now in its sixth gene ...

and 2005+

spec. B *Early 2004 WRX STi models came with axle stubs inserted in the transmission with female front axles. Late 2004 WRX STi models came without the stubs and instead had male front axles. *The 2004 and 2005 model WRX STi 6MT was a final drive of 3.90. In 2006 and 2007 the 6MT came with a final drive of 3.545 which made the 2006 and 2007 much sought after for the non-STi WRX owners as a transmission swap. This is due to the R160 rear differential 3.545 final drive of most of the non-STi WRXs. *Pre 2008 model year WRX STi 6MT versions utilizes a self-contained oil system with a trochoidal oil pump mounted in the rear of the transmission case. This capability was removed for 2008 and later years as Subaru elected to for a simplified splash/scraper lubrication system. However, the oil pump-equipped 6MT version is still listed as the transmission of choice in the STi Group N parts system, even for the 2015+ model year WRX STi, with the option of mounting a homologated transmission oil cooler. Subaru Tecnica International's choice to continue using the oil pump-equipped 6MT for Group N racing, originally for the 2007 model years and older, led to the assessment that oil pump transmissions are still favored for motorsport/heavy duty applications. As such, 2008+ WRX STi 6MT with the splash/scraper oil system is a byproduct of a cost-saving measure from Subaru, which may have determined an intricate lubrication system was not necessary for a showroom/production vehicle until it would be converted for motorsport use.

BM/BR Legacy/Outback

The 2010-2014 Legacy and Outback models offer a six-speed manual as one of the two transmission options in the base 2.5i and 2.5i Premium and is the only option for the Legacy GT model. This transmission is an evolution of the 5MT split-case design, and does not share any parts with the STI's 6MT transmission. The transmission uses a cable shifter, unlike previous designs that use a direct mechanical linkage. Legacy 2.5 GT Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.454, 2nd: 1.947, 3rd: 1.296, 4th: 0.972, 5th: 0.780, 6th: 0.666, Rev.: 3.636, Final Drive: 4.111
Legacy 2.5 NA Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.454, 2nd: 1.947, 3rd: 1.296, 4th: 0.972, 5th: 0.825, 6th: 0.695, Rev.: 3.636, Final Drive: 4.111
Outback 2.5 NA Gear Ratios: 1st: 3.454, 2nd: 1.947, 3rd: 1.296, 4th: 0.972, 5th: 0.825, 6th: 0.695, Rev.: 3.636, Final Drive: 4.444

2015 WRX

The 2015 WRX has a new 6-speed cable-shifted manual transmission behind the new FA20DIT boxer engine. This transmission uses a viscous limited slip center differential with a 50/50 torque split similar to the 5MT found in previous WRX's. Reverse is located to the right of 6th gear, and is accessed by lifting a lockout ring below the shift knob, similar to the STi 6MT. Like the Legacy/Outback, the WRX 6MT is of a split-case design similar to the older 5MT and does not share any internal commonality with the WRX STi 6MT. Gear Ratios are: 1st: 3.454 2nd: 1.947 3rd: 1.296 4th: 0.972 5th: 0.780 6th: 0.666 Reverse: 3.636 Final Drive: 4.111 (TY751VB9CA 2015-2017, TY751VB6CA 2018-2020) or 4.44

2018 Crosstrek

Gear Ratios are: 1st 3.818 2nd 1.947 3rd 1.296 4th 1.029 5th 0.825 6th 0.738 Final Drive 4.44:1

Notes

Sources

Subaru of America main website
* * 1977 Subaru Factory Service Manual * 1983 Subaru Factory Service Manual * 1984 Subaru Factory Service Manual * 1979–2002 Subaru Owner's Manuals *

( http://www.vdi-wissensforum.de. Enhanced performance of next generation LINEARTRONIC.

Automatic

Three-speed

3AT

3AT 1st revision

3AT

Four-speed

ACT-4 or VTD

4EAT

Five-speed

5EAT

Six-speed

6EATT

A960E

Continuously variable

1989–1994 Subaru Justy ECVT/Justy 4WD ECVT

Subaru Lineartronic CVT TR690 and TR580

Manual

Four-speed

T71

T71A 1st revision

T71W 4WD

T71W 4WD 1st revision

T81W 4WD

T81W 4WD 1st revision

Five-speed

T71G

T71G

T81G

5MT EA

5MT

5MT full-time

5MT Justy

5MT Justy 4WD

5MT

5MT revised

5MT revised 2012+

Six-speed

SJ Forester 2.5i

SJ Forester 2.5i, Impreza WRX STi and Legacy spec. B

BM/BR Legacy/Outback

2015 WRX

2018 Crosstrek

Notes

Sources

See also