Segment:
Mid-size Crossover Wagon / Station Wagon
Usp:
All-wheel drive standard, robust chassis, comfortable ride, practical cargo space, renowned Subaru reliability.
Direct Competitors:
Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Ford Escape, Mazda CX-7, Nissan Murano
Standard AWD:
Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive system standard on all trims.
Wagon Form Factor:
Combines the driving dynamics of a car with the utility of an SUV.
Engine:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated, 3.0L Naturally Aspirated (H6)
Powertrain:
Manual & Automatic Transmissions, Drivetrain Components (AWD System)
Chassis:
Suspension (Front & Rear), Steering System, Brake System (ABS, EBD)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Lighting, Audio System, Powertrain Control Modules (PCM), Body Control Modules (BCM), Airbag System
Body And Trim:
Exterior Body Panels, Interior Trim, Seating Systems, Glass & Mirrors
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning System
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) lookup, component testing
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, suspension overhaul, brake component replacement, electrical component repair
Installation:
Component replacement, accessory installation, sensor calibration
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed electrical schematics and diagnostic procedures.
2.5L Na:
Engine Code: EJ253, Displacement: 2.5 Liters (2457 cc), Configuration: Boxer-4, Fuel Delivery: Multi-port Fuel Injection (MPI), Compression Ratio: 10.0:1
3.0L Na (H6):
Engine Code: EZ30D, Displacement: 3.0 Liters (2999 cc), Configuration: Boxer-6, Fuel Delivery: Sequential Multi-port Fuel Injection (SMPI), Compression Ratio: 10.7:1
2.5L Horsepower:
170 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
2.5L Torque:
170 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm (approx.)
3.0L Horsepower:
245 hp @ 6600 rpm (approx.)
3.0L Torque:
215 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm (approx.)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline
Fuel Tank Capacity:
65 Liters (17.2 Gallons)
Transmission Type 2.5L:
5-Speed Manual Transmission (MT)
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with OD
Transmission Type 3.0L:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission (AT) with OD
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (standard on all models)
Automatic Transmission Features:
Selectable Sportshift™ mode
NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 Stars (for 2008 model)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
Traction Control:
Standard Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Front dual-stage airbags, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters
Child Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system
Audio System:
Standard AM/FM/CD stereo with 4 or 6 speakers. Optional upgraded audio systems with subwoofer and amplifier.
Navigation:
Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system (HDD-based for 2008-2009).
Cruise Control:
Standard electronically controlled cruise control.
Stability Control:
Standard Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) on most models.
Aux Input:
Auxiliary audio input jack standard on most trims.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe use), 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal use) - Consult manual for exact specifications.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000-30,000 miles (severe/normal use) or as needed.
Spark Plug Replacement:
105,000 miles (Platinum)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Not Applicable (Chain Driven on EJ253 and EZ30D engines)
Engine Oil 2.5L:
SAE 0W-20 or 5W-30 (API SG or higher, ILSAC GF-3 or higher) - Check owner's manual for specific recommendations and capacity.
Engine Oil 3.0L:
SAE 0W-30 or 5W-30 (API SG or higher, ILSAC GF-3 or higher) - Check owner's manual for specific recommendations and capacity.
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent silicate-free, long-life coolant (50/50 mix with distilled water). Capacity approx. 7.3-8.1 Liters.
Transmission Fluid At:
Subaru ATF-HP (High Performance) or equivalent. Capacity approx. 4.0-4.7 Liters (drain & fill).
Transmission Fluid Mt:
Subaru Manual Transmission Fluid (API GL-4) or equivalent. Capacity approx. 2.0 Liters.
Differential Fluid Front:
Subaru Differential Gear Oil API GL-5 SAE 75W-90. Capacity approx. 1.0 Liters.
Differential Fluid Rear:
Subaru Differential Gear Oil API GL-5 SAE 75W-90. Capacity approx. 1.2 Liters.
Head Gaskets:
While the EZ30D is generally robust, earlier Subaru boxer engines (not directly applicable to this generation's EJ253 in the same way) were known for head gasket issues. For this generation, focus on proper coolant maintenance.
Transmission Problems:
Some automatic transmissions may experience delayed engagement or shifting issues; regular fluid changes are crucial.
Suspension Wear:
Front strut mounts and bushings can wear over time, leading to noise and degraded handling.
Cv Axle Boots:
Torn CV axle boots can lead to lubrication loss and axle damage, often exacerbated by the vehicle's higher ride height.
Subaru Heritage:
Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation) has a long history in aviation, which influenced their engineering and focus on boxer engines and symmetrical all-wheel drive.
Outback Origin:
Originally introduced as a trim level of the Subaru Legacy station wagon (1995), it became its own model in 1996, offering increased ground clearance and rugged styling. The 2005-2009 generation (BP) was the third generation.
Production Plant:
Gunma Manufacturing Plant, Japan
Production Years Generation:
2005-2009
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
The 2008 Outback received a 'Top Safety Pick' designation from the IIHS, indicating good performance in front, side, and rear impact tests.
Consumer Reports Reliability:
Generally rated well for reliability by consumer organizations, reflecting Subaru's reputation.
