Segment:
Mid-size Crossover SUV / Station Wagon
Unique Selling Proposition:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD), excellent safety ratings, practicality, and Subaru's reputation for reliability and longevity.
Key Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Nissan Rogue, Mazda CX-5.
Standard AWD:
All Subaru Outback models in 2013 feature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
Ground Clearance:
Typically offers superior ground clearance (around 8.7 inches) compared to many competitors, enhancing off-road capability.
Engine Options:
Available with two horizontally opposed 'Boxer' engines.
Powertrain:
Engine, transmission (automatic & manual), drivetrain, exhaust system.
Chassis:
Suspension (front & rear), steering, brakes (ABS, EBD, BA), wheels, tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instrumentation, audio system, power accessories, starter, charging system, engine control module (ECM), body control module (BCM).
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, seats, interior trim, climate control, airbags.
Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt inspection/replacement, brake pad replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for common symptoms, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution, component testing procedures.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, suspension component replacement, brake caliper service, HVAC system repair, electrical component repair.
Technical Adjustments:
Wheel alignment, steering column adjustment, headlight aiming.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and transmission overhauls, including detailed diagnostic procedures and specifications.
Configuration 1:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated Flat-4 (Boxer)
Displacement 1:
2498 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower 1:
170 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 1:
170 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Configuration 2:
3.6L Naturally Aspirated Flat-6 (Boxer)
Displacement 2:
3630 cc (3.6 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
256 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2:
247 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended for 2.5L, 91 octane recommended for 3.6L)
ECM Type:
Subaru ECM with CAN communication bus.
Transmission Type 2.5I:
6-speed Manual Transmission (MT) (on base models)
Transmission Type 2.5I Optional:
Lineartronic™ Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) with manual mode (standard on higher trims and 3.6R).
Transmission Type 3.6R:
5-speed Automatic Transmission (with paddle shifters on some trims)
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) on CVT and 5-speed auto models, or viscous-coupling center differential on manual transmission models.
Cvt Fluid Type:
Subaru CVT Fluid (e.g., K0410Y0260)
Manual Gearbox Oil:
75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (e.g., Subaru Extra S API GL-5)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF HP (e.g., K0209A0080)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (Good) for frontal, side, and rollover crash tests.
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
2013 Subaru Outback was an IIHS Top Safety Pick.
Brake Assist:
Included (BA)
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution:
Included (EBD)
Traction Control:
Included (TCS)
Vehicle Stability Control:
Included (VDC)
Airbags:
Front, side-curtain, front-seat side airbags; driver's knee airbag.
Seatbelts:
Height-adjustable front seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters, rear three-point seatbelts.
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system.
Head Unit Options:
Available with touchscreen audio systems, including navigation options on higher trims. Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling and audio streaming.
Display Size:
Varies by trim; typically 6.1-inch or 7-inch touchscreen for navigation models.
Rearview Camera:
Available on some trims, often integrated with the infotainment system.
Eye Sight:
Subaru's EyeSight driver assistance system was not available on the 2013 model year. It was introduced later.
Usb Port:
Standard on most trims for audio playback and device charging.
Auxiliary Input:
Standard auxiliary audio input jack.
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:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Recommended replacement at 30,000 miles or sooner if driving in dusty conditions.
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plugs 2.5I:
Platinum type, typically replaced at 105,000 miles.
Spark Plugs 3.6R:
Iridium type, typically replaced at 105,000 miles.
Coolant Replacement:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue), first replacement at 11 years or 137,500 miles, then every 5 years or 62,500 miles thereafter.
Engine Oil 2.5I:
SAE 0W-20 API SN, ILSAC GF-5 (e.g., Subaru Synthetic 0W-20)
Engine Oil 3.6R:
SAE 5W-30 API SN, ILSAC GF-5 (e.g., Subaru Synthetic 5W-30)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Cv Axle Boots:
Tearing of front CV axle boots leading to grease loss and potential damage. Maintenance checks are important.
Wheel Bearings:
Some reports of premature front wheel bearing failure. Grinding or humming noises are typical indicators.
Oil Consumption Fb25:
The FB25 2.5L engine can exhibit increased oil consumption in some cases, particularly after higher mileage. Regular oil level checks are recommended.
HVAC Blower Motor:
Occasional failures of the HVAC blower motor resistor or the motor itself.
Subaru Philosophy:
Subaru is known for its engineering prowess, particularly its boxer engines and Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive systems, emphasizing safety, reliability, and capability.
Outback Origin:
The Outback originated as a more rugged, lifted version of the Subaru Legacy station wagon in the mid-1990s, evolving into its own distinct model line.
Fifth Generation Launch:
The 2013 model year marked the introduction of the fourth generation (BR chassis) Outback, which debuted for the 2010 model year and received a mid-cycle refresh for 2013.
Manufacturing Location:
Lafayette, Indiana, USA (Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc. - SIA)