Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size sedan, known for AWD and wagon variants.
        
     
    
        
            Target Audience:
        
        
            Individuals seeking reliable, all-weather capable transportation with a focus on practicality and safety.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima.
        
     
    
    
        
            Differentiators:
        
        
            Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (except some base models in certain markets), Boxer engine layout, strong safety ratings.
        
     
    
        
            Manual Value Proposition:
        
        
            Provides dealership-level diagnostic and repair information for maintaining optimal vehicle performance and longevity.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Comprehensive coverage for 2.5L Naturally Aspirated, 2.5L Turbocharged (EJ255), and 3.6L Naturally Aspirated engines.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Manual (MT) and Automatic (CVT/AT) transmissions, including AWD system integration.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear brake systems, ABS, EBD, and stability control (VDC).
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone suspension, alignment procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical:
        
        
            Full electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, ECU functions, sensor diagnostics, lighting, power accessories.
        
     
    
        
            Body:
        
        
            Body panels, chassis, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC, restraints systems.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics:
        
        
            OBD-II system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts.
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Routine scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension rebuilds, electrical component repair.
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues.
        
     
    
        
            Installation:
        
        
            Component replacement and installation instructions.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications:
        
        
            Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, and alignment data.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            In-depth technical detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics Level:
        
        
            Advanced diagnostics, including circuit testing and signal analysis.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type 1:
        
        
            2.5L DOHC Flat-4 (Boxer) Naturally Aspirated
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Type 2:
        
        
            2.5L DOHC Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer)
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Type 3:
        
        
            3.6L DOHC Flat-6 (Boxer) Naturally Aspirated
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower 2.5L Na:
        
        
            170 hp @ 5600 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2.5L Na:
        
        
            170 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 2.5L Turbo:
        
        
            265 hp @ 5200 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 2.5L Turbo:
        
        
            277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower 3.6L Na:
        
        
            256 hp @ 6000 rpm
        
     
    
        
            Torque 3.6L Na:
        
        
            247 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery 2.5L Na:
        
        
            Sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Delivery 2.5L Turbo:
        
        
            Sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Delivery 3.6L Na:
        
        
            Sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI)
        
     
    
        
            Recommended Fuel:
        
        
            87 Octane (89 recommended for Turbocharged models for optimal performance)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Standard Transmission:
        
        
            6-speed manual (MT) on select models
        
     
    
    
        
            Optional Transmission 1:
        
        
            CVT (Lineartronic) - standard on most 2.5i models
        
     
    
        
            Optional Transmission 2:
        
        
            5-speed automatic (AT) - standard on 3.6R models
        
     
    
    
        
            Drive System:
        
        
            Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on all models
        
     
    
        
            AWD Type:
        
        
            Variable torque distribution AWD (with multi-plate clutch center differential for MT, electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch for CVT/AT)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Overall Rating:
        
        
            5-Star (2012 Model Year)
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Top Safety Pick:
        
        
            Yes
        
     
    
    
        
            Vehicle Dynamics Control:
        
        
            Standard (VDC)
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front, front side-impact, side-curtain airbags.
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            Pretensioner and force-limiter front seatbelts, LATCH system.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Head Unit Options:
        
        
            Standard AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input, optional Rockford Fosgate audio system, optional navigation system.
        
     
    
        
            Connectivity Options:
        
        
            Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming available on select trims/options.
        
     
    
    
        
            Available Features:
        
        
            Rearview camera (on some trims), EyeSight driver assistance system (introduced later in the generation, not typically on 2012).
        
     
    
        
            Instrumentation:
        
        
            Analog gauges with multi-function display, trip computer.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 6,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 3,750 miles if operating under severe conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
        
     
    
        
            Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 30,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
        
        
            Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement 2.5L Na:
        
        
            Iridium spark plugs: 105,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement 3.6L Na:
        
        
            Iridium spark plugs: 105,000 miles
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Or Chain:
        
        
            Timing chain on 2.5L & 3.6L engines (no scheduled replacement); Timing belt on some older EJ25 variants (not primary for 2012 NA, but check manual for specific turbo variant if applicable).
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (API SN or higher)
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
        
        
            4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity 3.6L:
        
        
            5.8 US quarts (5.5 liters) with filter change
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based with Subaru chemistry)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Atf Cvt:
        
        
            Subaru CVT Fluid (K0421Y0000 or equivalent)
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Mtf:
        
        
            Subaru Manual Transmission Fluid (75W-90 GL-5 or equivalent)
        
     
    
        
            Differential Fluid:
        
        
            Subaru Differential Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5 or equivalent)
        
     
    
    
        
            Common Problems 1:
        
        
            Oil consumption (particularly on earlier FB25 engines), potential for head gasket issues (though less prevalent than on older EJ engines), CVT fluid degradation.
        
     
    
        
            Common Problems 2:
        
        
            Wheel bearing wear, brake pad and rotor wear due to AWD system load.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Company Origin:
        
        
            Japan, founded in 1917.
        
     
    
        
            Key Technologies:
        
        
            Pioneered AWD and boxer engines in mass production.
        
     
    
    
        
            Legacy Introduction:
        
        
            First generation introduced in 1989.
        
     
    
        
            Fifth Generation Launch:
        
        
            Fifth generation (BM/BR) launched for the 2010 model year.
        
     
    
        
            2012 Model Year Updates:
        
        
            Minor styling revisions and potential feature package updates over the previous year.
        
     
    
    
        
            Assembly Location:
        
        
            Lafayette, Indiana, USA and Gunma, Japan
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            IIHS Awards:
        
        
            Consistently received good or acceptable ratings in IIHS crash tests, earning Top Safety Pick status.
        
     
    
    
        
            Consumers Reports Reliability:
        
        
            Generally rated average to above average for reliability, with some model year and engine-specific variations.
        
     
    
    
        
            Emissions Compliance:
        
        
            Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the model year.