Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV / Station Wagon
Differentiation:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (SAWD), Boxer engines, elevated ground clearance for off-road capability.
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5
Standard AWD:
Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system provides superior traction and stability.
Ground Clearance:
Class-leading ground clearance (approx. 8.7 inches / 221 mm) for enhanced off-road capability.
Engine Layout:
Horizontally opposed ('Boxer') engines for a lower center of gravity and improved handling.
Visibility:
Excellent outward visibility due to large glass areas and a commanding driving position.
Primary Coverage:
All North American market models
Engine Coverage:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated (FB25B), 3.6L Naturally Aspirated (EZ36D)
Transmission Coverage:
CVT (Lineartronic), 6-Speed Manual (for 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited trims)
Estimated Page Count:
2500-3000+ (typical for complete factory service manual)
Type:
Factory Service Manual (FSM) / Repair Manual
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (2.5L FB25, 3.6L EZ36), Engine control systems, Fuel system, Exhaust system, Transmission (CVT, Manual), Drivetrain (AWD system, differentials, axles)
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), Steering system, Brake system (including ABS, VDC), Wheels and tires
Electrical:
Body electrical systems, Powertrain control module (PCM) diagnostics, Lighting, Instrumentation, HVAC controls, Audio systems, Keyless entry, Security systems, SRS (Airbag) system
Body:
Body structure, Exterior panels, Interior trim, Doors, Windows, Seats, Glass, Wiper/washer system, HVAC ventilation
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance intervals, Oil change procedures, Filter replacements, Fluid checks and changes, Spark plug replacement, Belt inspection/replacement
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostics, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, Component testing, Troubleshooting flowcharts, Wiring diagrams for electrical issues
Repair:
Engine overhaul procedures, Transmission repair and replacement, Suspension component replacement, Brake system repair, Steering rack replacement, Electrical component repair/replacement, Body panel repair/replacement
Installation:
Component installation and removal (e.g., starter, alternator, AC compressor), Accessory installation guidelines
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic fluid changes to complete engine and transmission overhauls, advanced electrical diagnostics, and structural repairs.
Engine 1 Displacement:
2.5 Liters (2498 cc)
Engine 1 Type:
Naturally Aspirated, DOHC, 16-valve, Boxer-4 (FB25B)
Engine 1 Horsepower:
170 hp @ 5800 rpm
Engine 1 Torque:
174 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Engine 2 Displacement:
3.6 Liters (3630 cc)
Engine 2 Type:
Naturally Aspirated, DOHC, 24-valve, Boxer-6 (EZ36D)
Engine 2 Horsepower:
256 hp @ 6000 rpm
Engine 2 Torque:
247 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Compression Ratio 2.5I:
10.5:1
Compression Ratio 3.6R:
10.5:1
Fuel Delivery 2.5I:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Delivery 3.6R:
Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Transmission Type 2.5I:
CVT (Lineartronic) with manual mode and paddle shifters (on some trims)
Transmission Type 3.6R:
5-Speed Automatic (with manual mode and paddle shifters)
Transmission Type 2.5I Optional:
6-Speed Manual Transmission (available on select 2.5i trims)
AWD System:
Active torque distribution with front/rear bias (CVT) or variable transfer clutch (Manual).
Cvt Fluid Type:
Subaru CVT Fluid (SOA868V9702)
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru ATF HP (ATF-HP)
Manual Transmission Fluid Type:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5)
Length:
189.9 inches (4826 mm)
Width:
72.4 inches (1839 mm)
Height:
66.1 inches (1679 mm) (without roof rails)
Wheelbase:
107.9 inches (2740 mm)
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches (221 mm)
Passenger Volume:
Approx. 105.7 cubic feet (2993 liters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
34.5 cubic feet (977 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
71.3 cubic feet (2019 liters)
Curb Weight 2.5I Cvt Est:
3500 - 3700 lbs (1588 - 1678 kg)
Curb Weight 3.6R Est:
3750 - 3950 lbs (1701 - 1792 kg)
Towing Capacity:
2700 lbs (1225 kg) (with optional trailer hitch)
Wheel Bolt Pattern:
5 x 100 mm
Tire Size 2.5I Std:
225/65R17
Tire Size 2.5I Opt:
225/60R18
Tire Size 3.6R:
225/60R18
NHTSA Overall Rating 2014:
5-Star (for most configurations)
IIHS Top Safety Pick 2014:
Yes
Traction Control:
Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Standard
Airbags:
Front, front side-impact, and side-curtain airbags.
Rollover Detection:
Standard (for airbag deployment)
Front Seat Pretensioners:
Standard
Infotainment System Type:
Subaru's infotainment system, often featuring a 6.1-inch or 7-inch touchscreen depending on trim. Includes AM/FM, CD, USB, Bluetooth, and optional navigation.
Audio System:
Standard 4-speaker or optional 6-speaker audio. Higher trims may feature Harman Kardon premium audio.
Eye Sight Availability:
EyeSight driver assistance system not available on 2014 models; introduced in later generations.
Rearview Camera:
Available on some trims, standard on higher trims.
Bluetooth:
Standard for hands-free calling and audio streaming on most trims.
Usb Ports:
Available for media playback and charging.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions. Severe conditions may require more frequent changes.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed or every 30,000 miles.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace annually or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5I:
Iridium spark plugs: 105,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement 3.6R:
Iridium spark plugs: 105,000 miles
Coolant Replacement:
Subaru Super Coolant: First change at 11 years or 132,000 miles, then every 5 years or 66,000 miles thereafter.
Transmission Fluid Change Cvt:
Check condition regularly; replacement intervals vary based on driving conditions, typically around 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual specifies checking at 30,000-mile intervals.
Transmission Fluid Change At:
Check condition regularly; replacement intervals vary based on driving conditions, typically around 30,000-60,000 miles. Manual specifies checking at 30,000-mile intervals.
Differential Fluid Change:
Rear differential: Check at 30,000 miles; replacement every 30,000 miles under severe conditions or as recommended by the manual.
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5I:
Approx. 5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Capacity 3.6R:
Approx. 6.9 US quarts (6.5 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Viscosity:
0W-20 (Synthetic)
Engine Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
While Subaru's head gasket issues were more prevalent in older EJ engines, the FB25 in the 2014 model is generally more robust. However, early failures are not entirely unheard of. The manual will detail diagnostic and replacement procedures.
Cvt Issues:
Some CVT models can experience occasional hesitation or abnormal noises, often related to fluid degradation or control module issues. The manual provides diagnostic steps.
X Mode System:
The X-Mode system (if equipped) relies on complex sensor inputs and powertrain control. The manual will cover its operation and potential diagnostic faults.
Subaru Focus:
Known for Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and boxer engines since inception.
Outback Origins:
Originally introduced as the Subaru Legacy Outback in 1995, becoming a standalone model in 2000.
Fifth Generation Debut:
The 2014 model represents the 2010-2014 (fifth) generation of the Outback.
Design Philosophy:
Combines the comfort and features of a passenger car with the utility and capability of an SUV.
Manufacturing Location:
Lafayette, Indiana, USA (Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. - SIA)
IIHS Award:
Recognized as a Top Safety Pick by the IIHS for its robust safety features and crashworthiness.
Kbb Consumer Ratings:
Generally received positive consumer ratings for reliability, AWD capability, and practicality.
Manufacturer Quality:
Subaru consistently ranks high in consumer satisfaction surveys for overall quality and reliability.