Vehicle Segment:
Compact Crossover SUV
Target Audience:
Families, outdoor enthusiasts, drivers seeking AWD capability in a versatile package
Key Competitors:
Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape, Nissan Xterra
All Wheel Drive:
Standard symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (S-AWD) was a defining feature
Practicality:
Spacious interior, good cargo capacity, raised ride height for light off-road capability
Engine Reliability:
Boxer engine design known for its low center of gravity and unique character
Manual Utility:
Essential for owners and independent mechanics to maintain and repair this capable vehicle.
Engine:
Detailed diagnostics, repair, overhaul for EJ25 SOHC and DOHC engines
Engine Management:
ECU diagnosis, sensor testing, fuel injection system, ignition system
Transmission Manual:
Service and repair for 5-speed manual transmissions (e.g., TY754)
Transmission Automatic:
Service and repair for 4-speed automatic transmissions (e.g., TZ103)
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, differentials, driveshafts, CV joints
Suspension:
Front MacPherson struts, rear multi-link suspension, steering system, wheel alignment
Brakes:
Front vented discs, rear discs or drums, ABS system (if equipped), hydraulic system
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, battery, alternator, starter, lighting, gauges, power accessories
Body And Chassis:
Body panel removal/installation, interior trim, glass, structural components
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair
Safety Systems:
Airbag system diagnosis and service procedures
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, tune-ups, fluid checks
Troubleshooting:
Extensive diagnostic flowcharts for common and uncommon problems
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major vehicle systems
Overhaul:
Complete engine and transmission overhaul procedures
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, fluid capacities, technical data
Diagnostics:
OBD-II diagnostic codes and interpretation, sensor testing procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine rebuilds and complex diagnostics
Diagrams:
High-quality, detailed diagrams and illustrations for all procedures
Wiring Diagrams:
Complete and detailed electrical wiring schematics for all systems
Engine Type 1:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated SOHC EJ251 Boxer-4
Displacement 1:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Bore X Stroke 1:
99.5 mm x 79.0 mm
Compression Ratio 1:
9.0:1
Horsepower 1:
165 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque 1:
166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Engine Type 2:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated DOHC EJ252 Boxer-4 (for some markets, primarily early models or specific trims)
Engine Type 2:
2.5L Naturally Aspirated DOHC EJ252 Boxer-4
Displacement 2:
2457 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower 2:
167 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Torque 2:
166 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Gasoline (87 octane recommended)
Emissions Controls:
Catalytic Converter, EGR system
Transmission Type Standard:
5-Speed Manual Transmission
Transmission Type Optional:
4-Speed Automatic Transmission with Lock-Up Torque Converter
AWD System Manual:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with viscous coupling center differential
AWD System Automatic:
Active All-Wheel Drive (requires engine RPM and wheel speed sensor input to manage torque split)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Subaru Extra-S Gear Oil GL-5 SAE 75W-90 (or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Subaru ATF-HP (or equivalent Dexron III/Mercon compatible)
Length:
4,450 mm (175.2 in)
Width:
1,735 mm (68.3 in)
Height:
1,580 mm (62.2 in)
Wheelbase:
2,630 mm (103.5 in)
Ground Clearance:
approx. 190 mm (7.5 in)
Curb Weight Manual:
approx. 1,410 kg (3,108 lbs)
Curb Weight Automatic:
approx. 1,440 kg (3,175 lbs)
Cargo Volume Seats Up:
approx. 330 L (11.6 cu ft) with seats up
Cargo Volume Seats Down:
approx. 1,950 L (68.9 cu ft) with seats folded
NHTSA Frontal Driver Side:
Good (Second Generation, but representative for the era)
NHTSA Frontal Passenger Side:
Good (Second Generation, but representative for the era)
ABS:
Available (Anti-lock Braking System) - 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS standard on higher trims/later years
Traction Control:
Not typically available on this generation
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger front airbags standard
Seatbelts:
3-point front and rear seatbelts with pretensioners
Child Seat Anchors:
LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system not standard on this generation
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (6,000 km) or 3.75 months, whichever comes first (under severe conditions), or 7,500 miles (12,000 km) / 7.5 months (under normal conditions)
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles (48,000 km)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km) for platinum plugs
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 105,000 miles (168,000 km) or 105 months. Crucial maintenance item for EJ engines.
Engine Oil Type:
API SJ or higher, SAE 5W-30 (preferred) or 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.5 US quarts (4.3 L) with filter
Coolant:
Subaru Genuine Antifreeze / Coolant (Blue) or equivalent 50/50 mix
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4
Head Gaskets:
While not as prevalent as in later generations, early EJ25 engines can be susceptible to head gasket leaks. The manual details inspection and replacement procedures.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket leaks are common with age.
Catalytic Converter:
Can degrade over time, leading to reduced performance and check engine lights.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings, ball joints, and struts can wear, affecting ride and handling.
ABS Sensor Failure:
Wheel speed sensors for the ABS system can fail, triggering ABS warning lights.