Segment:
Mid-size Crossover/Wagon SUV, often positioned as an alternative to more traditional SUVs
Target Audience:
Individuals and families seeking versatile, all-weather, all-wheel-drive capability with a comfortable ride and practical cargo space.
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5 (though Outback often considered more premium or lifestyle-oriented)
Differentiators:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, excellent ride comfort, high ground clearance for its class, strong safety reputation.
Powertrain Emphasis:
Subaru's signature Boxer engine and AWD system are central to its identity.
Engine:
2.5L EJ253 SOHC, 3.0L EZ30D DOHC
Transmission:
4-speed Automatic (4EAT), 5-speed Manual
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System (Subaru's Symmetrical AWD)
Suspension:
Front MacPherson Struts, Rear Multi-Link Independent Suspension
Brakes:
Front Vented Discs, Rear Solid Discs; ABS, EBD, Brake Assist
Steering:
Hydraulic Power Steering
Electrical:
Starting and Charging System, Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Power Accessories, Body Control Module (BCM), SRS (Airbag) System, HVAC Controls
Fuel:
Fuel Delivery, Fuel Injection (MPI), Fuel Tank, Emissions Control System (EVAP)
Cooling:
Radiator, Thermostat, Water Pump, Coolant Flow
Exhaust:
Catalytic Converters, Mufflers, Lambda Sensors
Body:
Body panels, Doors, Hood, Tailgate, Glass, Interior Trim, Seals
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, tire rotation, spark plug replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), using OBD-II scanner
Engine Repair:
Engine disassembly and reassembly, cylinder head service, piston and connecting rod installation, crankshaft service, timing belt/chain (if applicable) replacement, oil pan and pump service
Transmission Repair:
Automatic transmission overhaul, manual gearbox repair, clutch replacement, transfer case service
Brake Service:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, brake line service, bleeding procedures
Suspension Service:
Strut and shock absorber replacement, ball joint and tie rod end replacement, wheel bearing replacement, alignment specifications
Electrical Repair:
Wiring diagrams, component testing, sensor replacement, alternator and starter replacement, fuse and relay identification
HVAC Service:
Refrigerant handling, blower motor replacement, compressor service, evaporator and heater core diagnosis
Bodywork:
Panel replacement, door mechanism repair, glass replacement, interior trim installation
Body And Paint:
Dent repair, rust prevention, touch-up paint procedures, panel alignment
Depth:
Comprehensive: from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type 1:
2.5L SOHC (Single Overhead Cam) 16-valve Flat-4 Boxer
Displacement 1:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 1:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.7:1
Horsepower 1:
Approx. 170 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 1:
Approx. 170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Type 2:
3.0L DOHC (Double Overhead Cam) 24-valve Flat-6 Boxer
Displacement 2:
2999 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 2:
89.2 mm x 77.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2:
10.7:1
Horsepower 2:
Approx. 245 hp @ 6600 rpm
Torque 2:
Approx. 215 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 Octane minimum recommended, 91+ for optimal performance with 3.0L)
Injection Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Ignition Type:
Distributorless Electronic Ignition System (Coil-on-Plug for 3.0L)
ECU Type:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) with integrated transmission control for automatic models
Transmission Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type 2:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT)
Automatic Features:
Subaru's Active AWD system with viscous coupling center differential
Manual Fluid:
Subaru Manual Transmission Fluid (API GL-5, SAE 75W-90 recommended, check manual for exact spec)
Automatic Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance Automatic Transmission Fluid) recommended, check manual for capacity and change intervals
IIHS Frontal Offset Score:
Good (for 2005-2008 models in most tests)
IIHS Side Impact Score:
Good (for models with side airbags)
NHTSA Front Crash Score:
5-Star (driver and passenger, for applicable years/configurations)
NHTSA Side Crash Score:
5-Star (front and rear passengers, for applicable years/configurations)
Traction Control:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (Subaru Vehicle Dynamics Control - VDC)
ABS:
Standard (4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System)
Ebd:
Standard (Electronic Brake-force Distribution)
Airbags Standard:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (optional on some trims/years, standard on others)
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD audio system. Optional premium audio with subwoofer, and available Navigation System on higher trims.
Display Type:
Basic LCD display for audio and climate controls, potentially a small multi-function display in the instrument cluster.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System:
Available on some models/trims
Auxiliary Input:
Available on some later models or as an aftermarket option.
Bluetooth:
Not typically factory-equipped on most of these model years; aftermarket solutions common.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe driving), 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal driving) - consult manual for specific recommendation based on conditions and oil type.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles, or as needed based on driving environment.
Engine Coolant Change:
Initial at 105,000 miles, then every 30,000 miles thereafter (Subaru Super Coolant recommended).
Spark Plug Replacement Ej253:
Platinum: 60,000 miles. Iridium: 100,000 miles (check exact spec for fitted plugs).
Spark Plug Replacement Ez30D:
Iridium: 100,000 miles.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 miles for severe service, 60,000 miles for normal service (Subaru ATF-HP recommended).
Brake Fluid Change:
Every 3 years or 30,000 miles.
Engine Oil Capacity Ej253:
4.8 US quarts (with filter) using 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for climate recommendations).
Engine Oil Capacity Ez30D:
6.9 US quarts (with filter) using 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for climate recommendations).
Power Steering Fluid:
ATF-Dexron III compatible fluid (check manual for exact type and capacity).
Windshield Washer Fluid:
Mixture of washer fluid concentrate and distilled water (check manual for ratio).
Head Gaskets:
While not as prevalent as in earlier generations, head gasket leaks can still occur on EJ series engines, especially the EJ253.
Wheel Bearings:
Front wheel bearings can be prone to wear and failure, often manifesting as humming or grinding noises.
Suspension Components:
Ball joints, tie rod ends, and sway bar links can wear over time, leading to clunking noises and steering looseness.
Automatic Transmission Issues:
Early 4EAT transmissions can sometimes exhibit delayed shifting or slipping, often related to fluid degradation or valve body issues.
ABS Wheel Speed Sensors:
ABS warning lights can illuminate due to faulty wheel speed sensors.