Segment:
        
        
            Mid-size Crossover SUV / Sport Utility Wagon
        
     
    
        
            Niche:
        
        
            Known for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and wagon-like utility with SUV ground clearance.
        
     
    
    
        
            Key Competitors:
        
        
            Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5 (though CX-5 is a later competitor).
        
     
    
    
        
            Standard AWD:
        
        
            The defining feature, offering enhanced traction and stability in various weather conditions.
        
     
    
        
            Wagon Utility:
        
        
            Combines the driving dynamics of a car with the cargo space and higher ride height of an SUV.
        
     
    
        
            Subaru Engineering:
        
        
            Horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines, symmetrical drivetrain layout.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Mechanical:
        
        
            Detailed procedures for engine disassembly, assembly, diagnosis, and repair including timing belt replacement, valve adjustments, and cooling system servicing.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Electrical:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, component testing, ignition system, fuel injection system, emissions control systems, starter, alternator, and battery.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Manual:
        
        
            Service and repair procedures for the 5-speed manual transmission, clutch system, and driveline components.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Automatic:
        
        
            Service and repair procedures for the 4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., 4EAT), including hydraulic control, torque converter, and planetary gear sets.
        
     
    
        
            Drivetrain AWD:
        
        
            Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, including center differential, rear differential, axles, and related components.
        
     
    
        
            Suspension And Steering:
        
        
            Front and rear suspension component replacement (struts, control arms, bushings), wheel alignment specifications, and power steering system diagnosis and repair.
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Brake system service including disc brake component replacement (pads, rotors), hydraulic system bleeding, ABS system diagnosis, and parking brake adjustment.
        
     
    
        
            Body And Interior:
        
        
            Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, door mechanisms, seat adjustments, glass replacement, and HVAC system servicing.
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System Body:
        
        
            Lighting systems, wipers, horn, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, and dashboard instrumentation.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostics And Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), symptom-based troubleshooting guides, and step-by-step diagnostic procedures.
        
     
    
    
        
            Scheduled Maintenance:
        
        
            Detailed maintenance schedules, fluid change intervals, and inspection points.
        
     
    
        
            Component Replacement:
        
        
            Step-by-step guides for replacing virtually all major and minor mechanical and electrical components.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Testing:
        
        
            Procedures for testing sensors, actuators, electrical circuits, and mechanical systems.
        
     
    
        
            Rebuilds:
        
        
            Detailed instructions for engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds.
        
     
    
        
            Specifications And Tolerances:
        
        
             Torque specifications for all fasteners, engine clearances, and other critical measurements.
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth Level:
        
        
            Factory-level technical depth, covering everything from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls.
        
     
    
        
            Diagram Quality:
        
        
            High-quality, detailed diagrams and illustrations that clearly depict assembly and disassembly procedures.
        
     
    
        
            Diagnostic Tools:
        
        
            Information relevant to using Subaru's Select Monitor (SSM) or equivalent diagnostic scan tools.
        
     
 
    
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 (Boxer)
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
        
     
    
    
        
            Horsepower Est:
        
        
            170 hp @ 5800 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Torque Est:
        
        
            170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
    
        
            Redline:
        
        
            6500 rpm (approx.)
        
     
    
    
        
            Fuel Delivery:
        
        
            Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded gasoline, 87 Octane (minimum recommended)
        
     
    
        
            Emission Controls:
        
        
            California/Federal emissions compliant models, EGR, catalytic converter.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Length:
        
        
            Approx. 187.8 inches (4770 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Width:
        
        
            Approx. 70.1 inches (1780 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Height:
        
        
            Approx. 61.4 inches (1560 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Wheelbase:
        
        
            Approx. 104.0 inches (2640 mm)
        
     
    
        
            Ground Clearance:
        
        
            Approx. 8.1 inches (206 mm)
        
     
    
    
        
            Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat:
        
        
            Approx. 31.5 cubic feet (892 L)
        
     
    
        
            Cargo Volume With Rear Seat Folded:
        
        
            Approx. 67.6 cubic feet (1914 L)
        
     
    
    
        
            Curb Weight Est:
        
        
            3400 - 3600 lbs (1542 - 1633 kg) depending on transmission and trim
        
     
    
        
            Towing Capacity Est:
        
        
            2400 lbs (1089 kg) with appropriate trailer brakes
        
     
    
        
            Payload Capacity Est:
        
        
            900 - 1000 lbs (408 - 454 kg)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Rollover Resistance:
        
        
            4/5 stars
        
     
    
        
            IIHS Frontal Offset Impact:
        
        
            Good (for similar models in this generation)
        
     
    
    
        
            ABS:
        
        
            Standard Anti-lock Braking System
        
     
    
        
            Traction Control:
        
        
            Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
        
     
    
        
            Electronic Stability Control:
        
        
            Standard Electronic Stability Control (VDC - Vehicle Dynamics Control)
        
     
    
    
        
            Airbags:
        
        
            Front airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (standard on most trims).
        
     
    
        
            Seatbelts:
        
        
            3-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
        
     
    
        
            Child Seat Anchors:
        
        
            LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 3,750 miles (severe) or 7,500 miles (normal) with synthetic oil, or as per owner's manual. Check oil level regularly.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Type:
        
        
            0W-20 synthetic recommended (check manual for specific viscosity and API service classification, e.g., API SN or newer).
        
     
    
        
            Engine Oil Capacity:
        
        
            Approx. 4.8 US quarts (4.5 Liters) with filter change for 2.5L engine.
        
     
    
        
            Engine Air Filter:
        
        
            Inspect every 7,500 miles, replace as needed or every 15,000 miles.
        
     
    
        
            Cabin Air Filter:
        
        
            Replace every 15,000 miles or annually.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
        
        
            Inspect every 30,000 miles. Replace approximately every 60,000 miles or as per severe service schedule. Use Subaru ATF-HP.
        
     
    
        
            Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
        
        
            Replace every 60,000 miles. Use gear oil meeting API GL-5 specification, SAE 75W-90.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Type:
        
        
            Subaru Genuine Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant.
        
     
    
        
            Coolant Capacity Est:
        
        
            Approx. 7.5 US quarts (7.1 Liters).
        
     
    
        
            Timing Belt Replacement:
        
        
            Critical replacement interval: 105,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
        
     
    
    
        
            Brake Fluid:
        
        
            DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check manual for specific type, usually DOT 3).
        
     
    
        
            Power Steering Fluid:
        
        
            Subaru Genuine Power Steering Fluid or Dexron III/VI ATF.
        
     
    
        
            Differential Fluid Front Rear:
        
        
            API GL-5, SAE 75W-90.
        
     
    
    
        
            Head Gaskets:
        
        
            While less common than on earlier EJ engines, monitor for coolant leaks or milky oil, indicative of potential head gasket failure.
        
     
    
        
            Oxygen Sensors:
        
        
            Age and mileage can lead to failure of O2 sensors, affecting fuel economy and emissions.
        
     
    
        
            Wheel Bearings:
        
        
            Front wheel bearings can wear over time, producing humming or grinding noises.
        
     
    
        
            Cv Axle Boots:
        
        
            Torn CV axle boots can lead to joint failure due to loss of lubrication and contamination.
        
     
    
        
            Radiator And Hoses:
        
        
            Original plastic-tank radiators and hoses can degrade over time, leading to leaks.
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Brand Identity:
        
        
            Subaru is renowned for its commitment to all-wheel drive technology and boxer engines, often appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking robust capability.
        
     
    
    
        
            Legacy Outback Lineage:
        
        
            Evolved from the Outback Sport wagon and Subaru's long history of versatile all-wheel-drive vehicles.
        
     
    
        
            Fourth Generation Debut:
        
        
            Introduced for the 2005 model year, the BP generation (2005-2009) offered a significant redesign with a larger platform and improved refinement over its predecessors.
        
     
    
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan