Segment:
Mid-size Sedan/Wagon
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts, DIY mechanics, professional technicians.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima.
Usp:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) across most trims, Boxer engine, reputable safety record.
Manual Advantage:
Provides detailed, manufacturer-approved procedures for repairs and maintenance, superior to generic online guides.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control, sensors, actuators, ECU operation, diagnostics.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox assembly, shift mechanisms, final drive (for manual transmission variants).
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transmission operation, valve body, torque converter, electronic controls, fluid types, overhaul procedures (for automatic transmission variants).
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, springs, bushings, alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering rack, tie rods, steering column, alignment.
Brakes:
Brake system components (discs, pads, calipers, master cylinder), ABS, EBD, brake fluid specifications, bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starter, lighting, power windows, mirrors, wipers, horn, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, chassis structure, anti-corrosion.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, refrigerant, diagnosis, component replacement.
Safety Systems:
Airbags, seatbelts, SRS module, safety restraint system.
Infotainment And Comfort:
Audio system, navigation (if equipped), climate control interfaces.
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Specific maintenance items at defined mileage or time intervals.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common issues, symptom-based troubleshooting.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component replacement and repair.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II codes, sensor data interpretation, diagnostic tool usage.
Component Removal And Installation:
Detailed instructions for disassembling and reassembling major vehicle components.
Torque Specifications:
Precise torque values for critical fasteners.
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical circuit diagrams for all systems.
Depth:
Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to full engine/transmission rebuilds).
Engine Type 2.5L:
2.5L Flat-4 (Boxer) SOHC Naturally Aspirated
Displacement 2.5L:
2457 cc (149.9 cu in)
Bore X Stroke 2.5L:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm (3.92 in x 3.11 in)
Compression Ratio 2.5L:
9.7:1
Horsepower 2.5L:
170 hp @ 5,800 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2.5L:
170 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm (approx.)
Engine Type 3.0L:
3.0L Flat-6 (Boxer) DOHC Naturally Aspirated
Displacement 3.0L:
3000 cc (183.1 cu in)
Horsepower 3.0L:
243 hp @ 6,600 rpm (approx.)
Torque 3.0L:
219 lb-ft @ 5,000 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane Unleaded (for 2.5L), 87 Octane Unleaded Recommended (for 3.0L, premium may offer slight benefit)
Engine Orientation:
Horizontally-opposed (Boxer)
Valvetrain:
DOHC 4 valves per cylinder with Variable Valve Lift (VVL) on 3.0L, SOHC 2 valves per cylinder on 2.5L
Transmission 2.5L:
5-speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Transmission 3.0L:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
Transmission 2.5L:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (AT)
Transmission 3.0L:
N/A (5-speed AT standard)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
AWD Type Manual:
Viscous coupling center differential with asymmetrical torque split.
AWD Type Automatic:
Electronically controlled multi-plate transfer clutch with variable torque split.
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S MT Fluid (or GL-5 75W-90 synthetic gear oil)
NHTSA Front Crash Test Driver:
5 Stars
NHTSA Front Crash Test Passenger:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash Test Front Seat:
5 Stars
NHTSA Side Crash Test Rear Seat:
5 Stars
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
ABS:
Standard 4-wheel Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS).
Stability Control:
Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC).
Airbags:
Standard front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
3-point height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters, rear 3-point seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 3 months (severe driving) or 7,500 miles or 6 months (normal driving), using synthetic oil recommended.
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5L:
Every 60,000 miles (platinum tipped).
Spark Plug Replacement 3.0L:
Every 60,000 miles (iridium tipped).
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not applicable (uses a timing chain).
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter change (5W-30 synthetic recommended).
Engine Oil Capacity 3.0L:
5.8 US quarts (5.5 L) with filter change (5W-30 synthetic recommended).
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (blue) or equivalent (50/50 mix with distilled water).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4.
Head Gaskets:
While less common on the EJ253 compared to earlier EJ25 iterations, head gasket leaks can still occur. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Automatic Transmission Shifting:
Some reports of occasional rough shifting or delayed engagement, which could be related to fluid degradation or solenoids. Manual will cover diagnostics.
Rear Wheel Bearings:
Increased mileage can lead to wear on rear wheel bearings, causing humming or grinding noises. Manual covers replacement.
Suspension Component Wear:
Worn control arm bushings, ball joints, and sway bar links are common wear items that can affect ride quality and handling. Manual provides inspection and replacement guidance.
