Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon with standard All-Wheel Drive.
Target Audience:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, drivers seeking all-weather capability and reliability.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Ford Fusion, Mazda6.
Subaru Advantage:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine, reputation for durability and safety.
Design Philosophy:
Functional, durable, safe, with emphasis on practicality and all-weather capability.
AWD System:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive across all trims, enhancing traction and stability.
Engine Layout:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer) engine for a lower center of gravity and improved handling.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, pistons, crankshaft, timing components, lubrication, cooling system.
Engine Performance:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, turbocharger (if applicable).
Transmission:
Automatic Transmission (4-speed and 5-speed), Manual Transmission, AWD System (Active AWD, VTD-AWD).
Drivetrain:
Front differential, rear differential, drive shafts, CV joints, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, struts, control arms, bushings, alignment.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS, EBD, brake fluid, parking brake.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, steering rack, tie rods.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter motor, lighting, horn, power windows, power locks, mirrors.
Body And Frame:
Body panels, chassis, doors, windows, roof, interior trim, seals.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, heater core.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, seat belts, SRS warning lights.
Diagnostic Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), scan tool procedures, wiring diagrams, fault finding charts.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, spark plug replacement, belt inspection.
Repair Engine:
Engine rebuild, valve adjustments, head gasket replacement, piston ring replacement, bearing replacement.
Repair Transmission:
Transmission overhaul, clutch replacement (manual), torque converter replacement (automatic), valve body service.
Repair Brakes:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, brake caliper service, brake line replacement, bleeding brakes.
Repair Suspension:
Strut/shock replacement, ball joint replacement, tie rod end replacement, control arm bushing replacement.
Repair Electrical:
Alternator replacement, starter replacement, battery testing, headlight/taillight bulb replacement, sensor replacement.
Repair HVAC:
A/C system evacuation and recharging, compressor replacement, blower motor replacement, heater core replacement.
Body Repair:
Door hinge adjustment, window regulator replacement, mirror replacement, trim panel removal and installation.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, specific component testing.
Depth:
Comprehensive coverage from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Engine Code Legacy Base:
EJ253
Engine Displacement Legacy Base:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Engine Cylinders Legacy Base:
4
Engine Configuration Legacy Base:
Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer)
Engine Aspirated Legacy Base:
Naturally Aspirated
Engine Horsepower Legacy Base:
170 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Engine Torque Legacy Base:
170 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine Code Outback 25I:
EJ253
Engine Displacement Outback 25I:
2.5 Liters (2457 cc)
Engine Horsepower Outback 25I:
170 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Engine Torque Outback 25I:
170 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine Code Legacy 3.6R Outback 3.6R:
EZ36D
Engine Displacement Legacy 3.6R Outback 3.6R:
3.6 Liters (3630 cc)
Engine Cylinders Legacy 3.6R Outback 3.6R:
6
Engine Configuration Legacy 3.6R Outback 3.6R:
Horizontally-Opposed (Boxer)
Engine Aspirated Legacy 3.6R Outback 3.6R:
Naturally Aspirated
Engine Horsepower Legacy 3.6R Outback 3.6R:
256 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Engine Torque Legacy 3.6R Outback 3.6R:
247 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Emission Standard:
LEV II
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (minimum for 2.5L), 87 Octane (recommended for 3.6L).
Legacy 2.5I:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Legacy 3.6R:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters)
Outback 2.5I:
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Outback 3.6R:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters)
Legacy 2.5I:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters on some trims)
Outback 2.5I:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) - Lineartronic
AWD System Type:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active AWD for CVT models, VTD-AWD for automatic transmission models).
Transmission Fluid Type Auto:
Subaru ATF-HP (H0017AA003)
Transmission Fluid Type Manual:
Subaru Extra-S Synthetic Gear Oil (KG5033Y0030) or equivalent GL-5 75W-90.
Transmission Fluid Capacity Auto 5Sp:
Approx. 8.5 quarts (8.0 L)
Transmission Fluid Capacity Cvt:
Approx. 5.4 quarts (5.1 L)
IIHS Crash Test Ratings Legacy:
Good in front, side, and rear impact tests. Top Safety Pick.
IIHS Crash Test Ratings Outback:
Good in front, side, and rear impact tests. Top Safety Pick.
NHTSA Front Driver Side Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Passenger Side Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Driver Dep Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Passenger Dep Impact:
5 Stars
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 Stars
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Standard
Electronic Stability Control:
Standard (Vehicle Dynamics Control)
Traction Control:
Standard
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-curtain airbags (front and rear).
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seat belts with pre-tensioners, rear 3-point seat belts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first. Or 7,500 miles/12 months if using synthetic oil and following specific driving conditions.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5I:
Platinum: 100,000 miles. Iridium: 60,000 miles (if equipped).
Spark Plug Replacement 3.6R:
Iridium: 60,000 miles.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable for 2010 models (all engines use timing chains).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 30 months.
Coolant Replacement:
Initial: 137,500 miles or 11 years. Subsequent: Every 75,000 miles or 5 years.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM or SN certified, SAE 0W-20 (preferred for fuel economy and performance), or 5W-30.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5I:
4.8 quarts (4.5 L) with filter change.
Engine Oil Capacity 3.6R:
6.0 quarts (5.7 L) with filter change.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid (K09019AA020) or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
SAE J1703 or FMVSS No. 116 DOT 3.
Head Gasket Leaks:
While less prevalent than in earlier generations, head gasket seepage/leaks can still occur in EJ25 engines, particularly with age and mileage.
Cvt Issues:
Some early CVT models may experience hesitation or abnormal shifting. Regular fluid changes are critical.
Wheel Bearing Wear:
Front wheel bearings can be prone to premature wear, especially in areas with heavy road salt use.
Ac Compressor Failure:
Occasional reports of AC compressor failure, often related to refrigerant leaks or clutch issues.
Subaru History:
Founded in 1953, Subaru is a division of Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries). Known for its pioneering work with All-Wheel Drive and horizontally-opposed engines.
Legacy Introduction:
The Subaru Legacy was introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the Subaru Leone. It was designed to compete in the mid-size sedan and wagon market.
Outback Introduction:
The Outback was originally introduced in 1995 as the 'Legacy Outback', a more rugged, wagon-based variant of the Legacy. It pioneered the 'crossover' concept.
Fifth Generation Introduction:
The 2010 models represent the fifth generation of the Legacy and the third generation of the Outback (introduced for the 2005 model year, with a significant redesign for 2010).
Manufacturing Location:
Lafayette, Indiana, USA (Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. - SIA).