Market Position:
Mid-size crossover SUV with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, appealing to families and individuals seeking utility, safety, and all-weather capability.
Competitive Analysis:
Competes with vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, and Nissan Rogue. Key differentiators include standard AWD, boxer engine configuration, and strong safety ratings.
Key Features:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine for lower center of gravity, Spacious interior, Excellent safety ratings, Increased ground clearance compared to standard sedans.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission (Automatic & Manual), Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, HVAC, Fuel System, Exhaust System, Electrical System, Body & Chassis, Interior, Exterior Trim, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Procedures Included:
Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) lookup and interpretation, Body control module (BCM) diagnostics, Powertrain Control Module (PCM) diagnostics, SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) diagnostics, ABS/VDC diagnostics, Climate control system diagnostics.
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including advanced diagnostics and electrical system troubleshooting.
Page Navigation:
Hyperlinked for easy navigation between sections and diagrams.
Print Quality:
High-resolution, suitable for printing individual pages or sections.
Binding Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Paper Type:
N/A (Digital Format)
Manual Completeness:
Comprehensive factory-level coverage, typically mirroring the original dealer service information.
Engine Code 2.5I:
EJ253 (2.5L Boxer-4)
Engine Displacement 2.5I:
2457 cc
Horsepower 2.5I:
170 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque 2.5I:
170 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine Code 3.6R:
EZ36D (3.6L Boxer-6)
Engine Displacement 3.6R:
3630 cc
Horsepower 3.6R:
256 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque 3.6R:
247 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm
Compression Ratio 2.5I:
9.7:1
Compression Ratio 3.6R:
10.5:1
Valvetrain:
DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts) with Four Valves Per Cylinder
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Recommended Octane 2.5I:
87
Recommended Octane 3.6R:
87
Engine Layout:
Horizontally Opposed (Boxer)
NHTSA Overall Safety Rating:
5-Star (for 2012 models)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
Active Features:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), Traction Control System (TCS), Antilock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist
Passive Features:
Front Airbags, Front Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, Driver's Knee Airbag, Active Front Head Restraints
Infotainment System:
Optional touchscreen navigation system with Bluetooth audio streaming, USB connectivity, and voice control.
Driver Assistance:
Hill Start Assist, optional rearview camera.
Connectivity:
Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, USB port, Auxiliary audio input.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 7,500 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 3,750 miles under severe driving conditions.
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 - 30,000 miles, or as needed based on inspection.
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5I:
105,000 miles (Iridium-tipped spark plugs)
Spark Plug Replacement 3.6R:
105,000 miles (Iridium-tipped spark plugs)
Engine Oil Type 2.5I:
SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (API SM/SN)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5I:
4.8 US quarts (with filter)
Engine Oil Type 3.6R:
SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (API SM/SN)
Engine Oil Capacity 3.6R:
6.0 US quarts (with filter)
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue)
Transmission Fluid Type Cvt:
Subaru CVT Fluid (K0310Y0270)
Transmission Fluid Type Auto 5At:
Subaru ATF-HP (K0310Y0270)
Differential Fluid Type Front:
SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5)
Differential Fluid Type Rear:
SAE 75W-90 (API GL-5)
Known Issues:
Potential for oil consumption (especially on early 2.5L engines), CVT fluid degradation, occasional suspension component wear, and starter motor issues. The manual will detail diagnostic procedures and repair for these.
Brand Heritage:
Subaru Corporation, a Japanese automaker with a long history of producing durable and capable vehicles, particularly known for its All-Wheel Drive systems and horizontally opposed 'boxer' engines.
Model Evolution:
The Outback originated as a trim level of the Subaru Legacy station wagon in the early 1990s. By 1995, it was marketed as a distinct model. The 2012 model represents the fourth generation of the Outback (chassis code BM/BR), introduced in 2009, featuring a larger chassis and increased ground clearance over previous generations.
Production Location:
Lafayette, Indiana, USA (Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. - SIA)