Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Positioning:
Known for its standard All-Wheel Drive, practicality, and comfortable ride, appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and families.
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra (though Xterra is more body-on-frame SUV).
Standard AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a defining characteristic.
Practicality:
Spacious interior, good cargo volume, wagon-like utility.
Comfort:
Comfortable ride quality compared to some competitors, especially on rougher roads.
Engine:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, fuel injection, ignition, cooling, lubrication, emissions control, timing belt replacement, turbocharger systems.
Transmission:
Manual (5-speed) and Automatic (4-speed) transmission overhaul, diagnostics, fluid changes, torque converter service, clutch replacement (MT).
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials (front and rear), propeller shaft, CV joints, wheel bearings, hub assemblies.
Chassis:
Suspension (front struts, rear multi-link), steering system (power steering pump, rack and pinion), braking system (ABS, rotors, pads, calipers, lines), wheel alignment specifications.
Body:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass replacement, door mechanisms, tailgate, sunroof, bumper systems, body repair procedures.
Electrical:
Complete wiring diagrams, fuse box locations, lighting, power windows, locks, mirrors, wipers, horn, audio system, instrument cluster, climate control, starter, alternator, battery.
HVAC:
Air conditioning system service, heater core replacement, blower motor, climate control unit diagnostics.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnostics and replacement, seat belt mechanisms, ABS system components and troubleshooting.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil change intervals, filter replacements (oil, air, cabin, fuel), spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, differential fluid changes.
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common and uncommon issues, OBD-II diagnostic codes and explanations, system-specific diagnostic flowcharts.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and adjustment (e.g., engine rebuild, transmission repair, suspension overhaul, body panel replacement).
Troubleshooting Guides:
Detailed guides for diagnosing engine performance issues, electrical faults, transmission problems, and chassis-related concerns.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for all critical fasteners (engine, transmission, suspension, brakes, body).
Special Tools:
Identification of specialized tools required for specific repairs and maintenance tasks.
Depth:
Comprehensive from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system troubleshooting.
Engine Type Na:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated SOHC EJ-Series Boxer-4
Displacement Na:
2498 cc (152.4 cu in)
Bore X Stroke Na:
99.5 mm x 80.0 mm
Compression Ratio Na:
9.7:1
Horsepower Na:
165 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque Na:
166 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx.)
Fuel System Na:
Electronic Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Engine Code Turbo:
EJ255 (2004-2005 XT) / EJ257 (some early XT/STI-based)
Engine Type Turbo:
2.5L DOHC Turbocharged EJ-Series Boxer-4
Horsepower Turbo:
210-230 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx. varies by year/spec)
Torque Turbo:
235-241 lb-ft @ 3600 rpm (approx. varies by year/spec)
Fuel System Turbo:
Electronic Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (SEPI) with Turbocharger
Timing Belt:
Timing Belt Driven (Interference Engine)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant
Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 (check owner's manual for specific recommendations based on climate)
Manual Transmission:
5-speed manual transmission (TY756)
Automatic Transmission:
4-speed automatic transmission (4EAT)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with either mechanical center differential (manual) or electronically controlled clutch pack (automatic).
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil 75W-90 or equivalent API GL-5
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP (High Performance) or equivalent
Length:
Approx. 179.5 inches (4560 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approx. 63.0 inches (1600 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.1 inches (2619 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 7.9 inches (200 mm)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Up:
Approx. 30.0 cubic feet (850 L)
Cargo Volume Rear Seats Down:
Approx. 63.0 cubic feet (1784 L)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3200-3500 lbs (1450-1590 kg), varies by trim and drivetrain.
Towing Capacity:
2400 lbs (1088 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Front Seat:
4 Stars
NHTSA Side Impact Rear Seat:
4 Stars
IIHS Front Offset Crash Rating:
Good
IIHS Side Impact Crash Rating:
Acceptable
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Available Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, available front side-impact airbags and side curtain airbags (depending on trim and year).
Seatbelts:
3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters for all occupants.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months (whichever comes first) for severe conditions, or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 7.5 months for normal conditions (consult specific year manual).
Timing Belt Replacement Interval:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 105 months. Crucial due to interference engine design.
Coolant Replacement Interval:
Initial flush at 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 30 months, then every 30,000 miles (48,000 km) or 30 months thereafter.
Spark Plug Replacement Interval:
Approximately 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for standard plugs; iridium plugs may last longer.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter for 2.5L engines.
Engine Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 7.6 US quarts (7.2 L) for automatic transmission, 7.2 US quarts (6.8 L) for manual transmission.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 compatible brake fluid.
Head Gaskets:
While the EJ253 (SOHC) is less prone than earlier DOHC EJ25s, head gasket failure can still occur, especially on higher-mileage turbocharged models (EJ255/EJ257).
Oil Consumption:
Some owners report increased oil consumption with age, especially on turbocharged models.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Rear wheel bearings can sometimes wear out prematurely.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged over time, affecting performance.
Cv Axle Boots:
Torn CV axle boots can lead to joint damage if not addressed promptly.