Subaru motor vehicles have used manual, conventional automatic, and continuously variable (CVT) transmissions. Subaru manufactures its own manual and CVT transmissions (for non-Kei cars). Since the 2014 model year, the conventional automatic transmissions in North American-spec Subaru vehicles have been replaced with Lineartronic CVTs (with one exception : 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

3AT 1st revision Gear Ratios: 1st 2.600 2nd 1.505 3rd 1.000 Rev 2.166 Usage: 1980–1982 Subaru Leone

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 Subaru Leone 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 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, 1992–1997 Subaru Alcyone SVX, and all Subarus 1995–2009

The Ford Motor Company also uses a transmission on some Ford, Kia Motors, Mercury, and Mazda products called the F-4EAT, which shares some similarities with the Subaru, since they are both manufactured by Jatco. The Nissan Pathfinder 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: 3.583, 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 Subaru Legacy 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) and early Outback XT used the 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/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 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 Justy, 1990–1997 Subaru Sambar

Subaru Lineartronic CVT TR690 and TR580

The fifth generation Legacy/Outback and the 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 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.

Subaru owners have complained about the Lineartronic CVT transmission main problem of engine shuddering or stalling when the car comes to a complete stop. It also pointed high repair and maintenance costs of its torque converter. and Subaru extended the warranty for cars from model years 2010 to 2018.

Gear Ratio Range: 3.581:1 - 0.570:1 (varies by trim and vehicle) subarumedia.iconicweb.com/mediasite/specs/2015_Forester_Specs_final.pdf Final Drive: 3.7:1 Spread: ~6.28:1 Usage: 2010–current Subaru Legacy / Outback / Exiga / Impreza / Levorg / Forester / XV and 2015 Subaru WRX Premium and Limited Editions.

TR580

2012–present Impreza 2.0L NA 2024–present Impreza 2.5L NA 2013–present Crosstrek 2.0L NA 2021–present Crosstrek 2.5L NA 2013–present Legacy/Outback FB25 2,498cc NA 2014–present Forester 2.5L NA 2014–2020 Levorg 1.6L Turbo 2019–2020 Levorg 2.0L NA Maximum torque 250Nm

TR690

2010–2012 Legacy/Outback EJ253 2,457cc NA 2015–2019 Legacy/Outback 3.6L NA 2014–2018 Forester 2.0L Turbo 2015–2021 WRX 2.0L Turbo 2014–2020 Levorg 2.0L Turbo 2019–present Ascent 2020–2025 Legacy/Outback 2.4L Turbo 2026–present Outback 2.4L Turbo 2022–present WRX 2.4L Turbo 2022–present 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 Subaru Leone 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 Subaru Leone 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 Subaru Leone 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 Subaru Leone 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 Subaru Leone 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 Subaru Leone

T71G Gear Ratios: 1st 3.636 2nd 2.157 3rd 1.266 4th .885 5th .725, Rev 3.583 Usage: 1983–1989 Subaru Leone 1600cc

T81G Gear Ratios: 1st 3.371 2nd 1.950 3rd 1.266 4th .885 5th .725, Rev 3.583 Usage: 1983–1989 Subaru Leone 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 Subaru Leone

5MT This was the only five-speed 4WD transmission made for the Subaru Leone 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 Subaru Leone 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 Subaru 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 Subaru Justy

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 Subaru Justy

5MT It is notable to mention that only Turbo vehicles received a hydraulic clutch 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)