Segment:
Mid-size crossover SUV, known for its standard All-Wheel Drive and wagon-like utility.
Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-7.
Driving Dynamics:
Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides excellent traction and stability in various conditions.
Utility:
Spacious interior and cargo area, combined with higher ground clearance, offering SUV-like practicality.
Safety:
Strong safety reputation, often earning high marks in crash tests.
Engine:
All engine systems including lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions, starting and charging.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission systems, including operation, diagnosis, repair, and fluid specifications.
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, including differential assemblies (front, rear, center), driveshafts, and axles.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, including struts, shock absorbers, control arms, sway bars, and wheel bearings.
Brakes:
Brake system components, including hydraulic lines, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pads, ABS, and parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, including pump, rack and pinion, and associated components.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system, including battery, charging system, starter, lighting, wiring diagrams, fuses, relays, and control modules.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, including compressor, condenser, evaporator, and controls.
Body:
Exterior and interior body panels, doors, windows, seats, and trim components.
Chassis:
Frame, subframes, and associated chassis components.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seatbelts, and other passive safety features.
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) system, fault codes, and diagnostic procedures.
Maintenance:
Routine maintenance tasks, including oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug service, and fluid checks.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex problems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems, including component removal, installation, and adjustment.
Overhaul:
Complete overhaul procedures for engines and transmissions, including detailed specifications and tolerances.
Adjustment:
Precise adjustment procedures for various components, such as clutch, brakes, and suspension alignment.
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed electrical wiring diagrams for all vehicle circuits.
Schematics:
Hydraulic and pneumatic system schematics.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical data for repairs.
Reassembly:
Comprehensive reassembly instructions with proper torque values and procedures.
Depth:
Covers everything from basic maintenance and fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system repair.
Compatibility:
Windows (95/98/ME/XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10), Linux, MAC, iOS, Android
Quality:
High-resolution scans, allowing for clear printing of text and diagrams.
Binding:
Digital (PDF), no physical binding.
Paper Type:
Not applicable (digital format).
Text Search:
Searchable text for quick access to specific topics and procedures.
Engine Option 1:
2.5L EJ253 SOHC Boxer 4-cylinder
Displacement 2.5L:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 2.5L:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio 2.5L:
9.7:1
Horsepower 2.5L:
170 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2.5L:
170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Engine Option 2:
3.0L EZ30D/EZ30R DOHC Boxer 6-cylinder
Displacement 3.0L:
3000 cc (3.0 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 3.0L:
89.2 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio 3.0L:
10.7:1
Horsepower 3.0L:
245 hp @ 6600 rpm (approx.)
Torque 3.0L:
215 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (Regular 87 octane recommended, Premium may offer slight performance benefit).
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) with sequential port injectors.
ECU:
Engine Control Unit (ECU) / Powertrain Control Module (PCM) for managing engine and transmission functions.
Emissions:
Catalytic converters, Oxygen (O2) sensors, Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) system, Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV).
Transmission 2.5L Standard:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Part No. 32000AA380 for earlier models, updated numbers may exist)
Transmission 2.5L Optional:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (4EAT - Part No. 31000AG560 for earlier models, updated numbers may exist)
Transmission 3.0L Standard:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (5EAT - Part No. 31000AE330 for earlier models, updated numbers may exist)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) for automatic, and viscous coupling center differential for manual.
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (GL-5 75W-90) or equivalent.
Automatic Transmission Fluid 4Eat:
Subaru ATF-HP (ATF Premium High Performance)
Automatic Transmission Fluid 5Eat:
Subaru ATF-HP (ATF Premium High Performance)
Front Rear Differential Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (GL-5 75W-90) or equivalent.
Length:
Approx. 189.4 inches (4810 mm)
Width:
Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
Height:
Approx. 61.4 inches (1560 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.9 inches (2665 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.1 inches (205 mm)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
Approx. 34.2 cubic feet (969 Liters)
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
Approx. 71.7 cubic feet (2030 Liters)
Curb Weight 2.5L:
Approx. 3395 lbs (1540 kg)
Curb Weight 3.0L:
Approx. 3638 lbs (1650 kg)
Towing Capacity:
2700 lbs (1225 kg) (When properly equipped, check owner's manual for specifics)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5x100 mm
Standard Wheels Tires 2.5L:
17-inch alloy wheels with P215/55R17 tires
Standard Wheels Tires 3.0L:
17-inch alloy wheels with P225/55R17 tires
NHTSA Frontal Driver:
5-star (2008-2012 models generally performed well)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger:
5-star (2008-2012 models generally performed well)
NHTSA Side Driver:
5-star
NHTSA Side Passenger:
5-star
NHTSA Side Rear Passenger:
5-star
IIHS Roof Strength:
Good (Top Safety Pick designations received in many years within this range)
ABS:
4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and Traction Control System (TCS).
AWD:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for enhanced traction and handling.
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (front and rear).
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3 months for severe conditions; 7,500 miles (12,000 km) or 6 months for normal conditions, using synthetic oil. Refer to manual for exact details and oil type.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months, or as needed based on driving conditions.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles (24,000 km) or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5L:
Iridium spark plugs: 105,000 miles (168,000 km).
Spark Plug Replacement 3.0L:
Iridium spark plugs: 105,000 miles (168,000 km).
Coolant Replacement:
Initial: 7.5 years or 75,000 miles (120,000 km). Subsequent: 4 years or 48,000 miles (77,000 km).
Timing Belt:
Not Applicable - Subaru Boxer engines in this era typically use timing chains, not belts.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L:
5.8 US quarts (5.5 Liters) with filter change.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 (preferred for fuel economy and cold starts), SAE 5W-30 or 0W-30 acceptable based on temperature. Consult manual for specific recommendations.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent Subaru-compatible long-life coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Head Gaskets:
While less prone than earlier generations, some Boxer engines can develop head gasket leaks over time, especially with improper cooling system maintenance. The manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Cv Axle Boots:
Torn CV axle boots can lead to joint failure. The manual provides replacement procedures.
Wheel Bearings:
Front wheel bearings can wear out. The manual details inspection and replacement.
Oxygen Sensors:
Oxygen sensors can fail, leading to check engine lights and poor fuel economy. The manual covers testing and replacement.
Catalytic Converter:
Can become clogged or fail over time, impacting performance and emissions. Manual aids in diagnosis.
Subaru Philosophy:
Subaru's long-standing reputation for durable vehicles, boxer engines, and standard All-Wheel Drive systems.
Generation:
Third generation (BP) Legacy Outback (2005-2009) and Fourth generation (BM/BR) Legacy Outback (2010-2014). This manual covers the later part of the BP and early part of the BM/BR generations.
Manufacturing Plant:
Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. (SIA), Lafayette, Indiana, USA and Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan.
Model Years:
2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012