Segment:
Mid-size sedan/wagon, often positioned as a more practical and capable alternative to mainstream sedans due to its standard AWD.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Mazda6, Ford Fusion, Volkswagen Passat
Distinguishing Factors:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Boxer engine layout, Reputation for durability and safety.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (2.5L naturally aspirated, 2.5L turbocharged), Engine control systems (ECM), Fuel system, Exhaust system, Transmission (5-speed manual, 5-speed automatic, 4-speed automatic for specific variants), Drivetrain (Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive)
Chassis:
Suspension (front strut, rear multi-link), Steering system (power steering), Brakes (front vented discs, rear discs, ABS, EBD, Brake Assist), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Starting and charging system, Ignition system, Lighting system, Instrumentation, Audio system, HVAC controls, Power accessories (windows, locks, mirrors), SRS (Airbag) system, Body Control Module (BCM), Fuses and Relays
Body:
Body panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk/Tailgate, Bumpers, Glass, Interior trim, Seats, Exterior and interior lighting maintenance
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, Oil changes, Filter replacements, Spark plug replacement, Brake fluid flush, Coolant flush, Belt inspection and replacement
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults, DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Code) interpretation and resolution, Engine performance issues, Electrical gremlins, Drivability concerns
Repair:
Engine component repair and replacement (e.g., head gasket, timing belt), Transmission overhaul and repair, Brake system component replacement, Suspension and steering component replacement, Electrical component repair and replacement
Diagnostics:
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) procedures, Scan tool usage, Sensor testing, Actuator testing, Wiring harness tracing and testing
Depth:
Comprehensive rebuild procedures, Detailed component specifications, Torque values, Clearances, Special tool requirements, Diagnostic flowcharts
Engine Code 2.5I:
EJ253 (2.5L SOHC Naturally Aspirated)
Engine Code 2.5Gt:
EJ255 (2.5L DOHC Turbocharged)
Horsepower:
173 hp @ 5600 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2.5I:
166 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Horsepower 2.5Gt:
243 hp @ 5200 rpm (approx.)
Torque 2.5Gt:
283 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm (approx.)
Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)
Recommendation:
87 Octane (2.5i), Premium Unleaded (91+ Octane) Recommended for 2.5GT
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Type:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Type:
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
AWD System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Active Torque Split AWD for automatics, viscous center differential for manuals)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5) or equivalent
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP or equivalent
NHTSA Sedan Front Driver:
5-Star
NHTSA Sedan Front Passenger:
5-Star
NHTSA Sedan Side Rear Passenger:
5-Star
IIHS Sedan Top Safety Pick:
Yes
Standard:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, ABS with EBD and Brake Assist, Traction Control System (TCS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Standard:
Front dual-stage airbags, Front side-impact airbags, Side curtain airbags (front and rear), Active front head restraints, Three-point seatbelts with pretensioners
Audio System:
Available premium audio systems with CD player, MP3 compatibility, and auxiliary input jack. Higher trims may include a subwoofer and 6-disc changer.
Navigation:
Optional touch-screen GPS navigation system available on higher trims.
Stability Control:
Standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Traction Control System (TCS).
Bluetooth:
Available Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming on some models/trims.
Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months, or 7,500 miles/6 months with synthetic oil (check manual for specifics based on driving conditions)
Service Intervals Filters
Air Filter:
Inspect every 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Replace every 30,000 miles (approx.)
Cabin Air Filter:
Replace every 15,000 miles or annually
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 2 years
Timing Belt Replacement:
105,000 miles or 105 months (for EJ253 SOHC engines)
Service Intervals Spark Plugs
Replacement 2.5I:
105,000 miles (Iridium spark plugs)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (synthetic recommended)
Head Gaskets:
While generally improved over earlier generations, some EJ253 engines can still be prone to head gasket issues, especially with improper maintenance or overheating. The EJ255 in the 2.5GT is typically more robust.
Catalytic Converter:
Premature failure can occur on some models, often due to engine oil consumption or misfires.
ABS/Vdc:
Issues with ABS wheel speed sensors or VDC unit can lead to warning lights.
