Vehicle Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV / Station Wagon
Target Demographic:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, individuals seeking all-weather capability and practicality
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5
Differentiators:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine, raised ground clearance, wagon-like practicality
Value Proposition:
Exceptional all-weather capability, safety, longevity, and resale value
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, disassembly, inspection, repair, timing belt/chain, cylinder heads, pistons, crankshaft, lubrication system, cooling system
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emissions control (EVAP, EGR), sensors, actuators, ECM diagnostics, powertrain control module (PCM) strategies
Transmission Automatic:
CVT (Lineartronic) operation, diagnosis, disassembly, assembly, fluid service, valve body, torque converter, electronic controls
Transmission Manual:
Manual transmission operation, diagnosis, disassembly, assembly, fluid service, clutch system, flywheel
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, viscous coupling, center differential, rear differential, axle shafts, CV joints, propeller shaft
Brakes:
Hydraulic system, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), brake assist, rotor and pad replacement, caliper overhaul, parking brake (mechanical/electronic)
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components (struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, sway bars), wheel alignment specifications
Steering:
Power steering system (hydraulic/electric), steering gear, column, tie rods, alignment
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system, lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, body control module (BCM)
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, glass, structural components, rust prevention
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system, refrigerant handling, compressor, evaporator, condenser, blower motor
Infotainment And Electronics:
Audio system, navigation, connectivity features, instrument cluster, driver assistance systems (ADAS) modules
Safety Systems:
Airbag system (SRS), seat belts, ADAS (e.g., EyeSight) sensor calibration and diagnosis
Routine Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, tire rotation, brake inspections
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation, symptom-based diagnostics
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair
Overhaul Procedures:
Detailed instructions for complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds
Calibration Procedures:
Wheel alignment, ADAS sensor calibration, steering angle sensor calibration
Wiring Diagrams:
Comprehensive electrical schematics for all vehicle systems
Depth Level:
Factory level; suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts
Engine Code 1:
FB25 (2.5L DOHC BOXER 4-cylinder)
Bore X Stroke 1:
94.0 mm x 90.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
12.0:1
Horsepower 1:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
Torque 1:
176 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Delivery 1:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) and Direct Injection (DI)
Engine Management System 1:
ECU (Engine Control Unit) with CAN bus communication
Engine Code 2:
CB18 (1.8L DOHC Turbocharged BOXER 4-cylinder - Not always available on base Outback models, more common in Forester/Levorg in some markets, but conceptually relevant for performance variants or future models)
Horsepower 2:
175 hp @ 5200-5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2:
221 lb-ft @ 1600-3200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane minimum recommended)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
18.5 US gallons (approx.)
Length:
Approx. 191.3 inches (4859 mm)
Width:
Approx. 74.6 inches (1895 mm)
Height:
Approx. 66.1 inches (1679 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 108.1 inches (2746 mm)
Ground Clearance:
Approx. 8.7 inches (220 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seats:
Approx. 32.6 cubic feet (923 liters)
Cargo Volume With Rear Seats Folded:
Approx. 75.7 cubic feet (2144 liters)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 3,500 - 3,700 lbs (1588 - 1678 kg) depending on trim and options
Towing Capacity:
2,700 lbs (1,225 kg) typically
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (for most recent model years)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Frequent recipient of IIHS Top Safety Pick awards
Adas Suite:
Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (Standard on many trims): Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Centering
Other Active Safety:
Blind-Spot Detection, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Steering Responsive Headlights, High Beam Assist
Airbag System:
Advanced front airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain airbags, knee airbags
Seat Belt System:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters, rear seat reminder
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months (severe conditions may require more frequent changes)
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (or as needed based on inspection)
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 12,000 - 15,000 miles or 12 months
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 3 years
Cvtfresh Fluid Change:
Refer to manual; typically around 30,000-60,000 miles, especially in severe use.
Spark Plug Replacement:
Iridium type: 100,000 miles
Coolant Replacement:
First at 137,500 miles or 11 years, then every 75,000 miles or 5 years thereafter (Subaru Super Coolant)
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic (API SN or higher, ILSAC GF-5 or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approx. 5.1 US quarts (4.8 liters) with filter for 2.5L engine
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Power Steering Fluid Type:
Check manual; often requires specific Subaru fluid or ATF Dexron III compatible fluid (for older hydraulic systems). Electric power steering systems do not use fluid.
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads/rotors, suspension bushings, tires, wheel bearings
Cvtfailures Or Issues:
While generally reliable, some earlier CVT generations experienced issues; proper fluid maintenance is critical. Some models may exhibit hesitation or 'drone'.
Head Gasket Issues:
Historically a concern on earlier EJ-series engines, less prevalent on modern FB and FA engines, but still a point of interest for very high mileage vehicles.
Adas Sensor Alignment:
Requires recalibration after windshield replacement or suspension work to ensure EyeSight functionality.
Manufacturer:
Subaru Corporation (formerly Fuji Heavy Industries)
Brand Specialty:
Horizontally-opposed 'Boxer' engines, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Original Generation:
First generation introduced in 1995 as a derivative of the Subaru Legacy
Current Generation Start:
Fifth Generation (2010-2014), Sixth Generation (2015-2019), Seventh Generation (2020-Present)
Subaru Outback Identity:
Evolved from a 'Legacy-based crossover' to a distinct model line, emphasizing SUV-like capabilities with wagon practicality.
Manufacturing Location:
Lafayette, Indiana, USA (Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc.)