Segment:
Mid-size sedan, known for AWD and wagon variants.
Target Audience:
Individuals seeking reliable, all-weather capable transportation with a focus on practicality and safety.
Key Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Ford Fusion, Nissan Altima.
Differentiators:
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (except some base models in certain markets), Boxer engine layout, strong safety ratings.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides dealership-level diagnostic and repair information for maintaining optimal vehicle performance and longevity.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage for 2.5L Naturally Aspirated, 2.5L Turbocharged (EJ255), and 3.6L Naturally Aspirated engines.
Transmission:
Manual (MT) and Automatic (CVT/AT) transmissions, including AWD system integration.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems, ABS, EBD, and stability control (VDC).
Suspension:
Front MacPherson strut and rear double wishbone suspension, alignment procedures.
Electrical:
Full electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, ECU functions, sensor diagnostics, lighting, power accessories.
Body:
Body panels, chassis, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC, restraints systems.
Diagnostics:
OBD-II system, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), troubleshooting flowcharts.
Maintenance:
Routine scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission repair, brake component replacement, suspension rebuilds, electrical component repair.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon issues.
Installation:
Component replacement and installation instructions.
Specifications:
Torque specifications, clearances, measurements, and alignment data.
Depth:
In-depth technical detail, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIYers.
Diagnostics Level:
Advanced diagnostics, including circuit testing and signal analysis.
Engine Type 1:
2.5L DOHC Flat-4 (Boxer) Naturally Aspirated
Engine Type 2:
2.5L DOHC Turbocharged Flat-4 (Boxer)
Engine Type 3:
3.6L DOHC Flat-6 (Boxer) Naturally Aspirated
Horsepower 2.5L Na:
170 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2.5L Na:
170 lb-ft @ 4100 rpm
Horsepower 2.5L Turbo:
265 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque 2.5L Turbo:
277 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Horsepower 3.6L Na:
256 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 3.6L Na:
247 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Fuel Delivery 2.5L Na:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI)
Fuel Delivery 2.5L Turbo:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI)
Fuel Delivery 3.6L Na:
Sequential multi-port fuel injection (SFI)
Recommended Fuel:
87 Octane (89 recommended for Turbocharged models for optimal performance)
Standard Transmission:
6-speed manual (MT) on select models
Optional Transmission 1:
CVT (Lineartronic) - standard on most 2.5i models
Optional Transmission 2:
5-speed automatic (AT) - standard on 3.6R models
Drive System:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) standard on all models
AWD Type:
Variable torque distribution AWD (with multi-plate clutch center differential for MT, electronically controlled hydraulic transfer clutch for CVT/AT)
NHTSA Overall Rating:
5-Star (2012 Model Year)
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes
Vehicle Dynamics Control:
Standard (VDC)
Traction Control:
Standard
Airbags:
Front, front side-impact, side-curtain airbags.
Seatbelts:
Pretensioner and force-limiter front seatbelts, LATCH system.
Head Unit Options:
Standard AM/FM/CD with auxiliary input, optional Rockford Fosgate audio system, optional navigation system.
Connectivity Options:
Bluetooth hands-free calling and audio streaming available on select trims/options.
Available Features:
Rearview camera (on some trims), EyeSight driver assistance system (introduced later in the generation, not typically on 2012).
Instrumentation:
Analog gauges with multi-function display, trip computer.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 6,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first), or 3,750 miles if operating under severe conditions (refer to manual for specifics).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months
Spark Plug Replacement 2.5L Na:
Iridium spark plugs: 105,000 miles
Spark Plug Replacement 3.6L Na:
Iridium spark plugs: 105,000 miles
Timing Belt Or Chain:
Timing chain on 2.5L & 3.6L engines (no scheduled replacement); Timing belt on some older EJ25 variants (not primary for 2012 NA, but check manual for specific turbo variant if applicable).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 0W-20 Synthetic (API SN or higher)
Engine Oil Capacity 2.5L:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 liters) with filter change
Engine Oil Capacity 3.6L:
5.8 US quarts (5.5 liters) with filter change
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent (Ethylene Glycol based with Subaru chemistry)
Transmission Fluid Atf Cvt:
Subaru CVT Fluid (K0421Y0000 or equivalent)
Transmission Fluid Mtf:
Subaru Manual Transmission Fluid (75W-90 GL-5 or equivalent)
Differential Fluid:
Subaru Differential Gear Oil (75W-90 GL-5 or equivalent)
Common Problems 1:
Oil consumption (particularly on earlier FB25 engines), potential for head gasket issues (though less prevalent than on older EJ engines), CVT fluid degradation.
Common Problems 2:
Wheel bearing wear, brake pad and rotor wear due to AWD system load.
Company Origin:
Japan, founded in 1917.
Key Technologies:
Pioneered AWD and boxer engines in mass production.
Legacy Introduction:
First generation introduced in 1989.
Fifth Generation Launch:
Fifth generation (BM/BR) launched for the 2010 model year.
2012 Model Year Updates:
Minor styling revisions and potential feature package updates over the previous year.
Assembly Location:
Lafayette, Indiana, USA and Gunma, Japan
IIHS Awards:
Consistently received good or acceptable ratings in IIHS crash tests, earning Top Safety Pick status.
Consumers Reports Reliability:
Generally rated average to above average for reliability, with some model year and engine-specific variations.
Emissions Compliance:
Meets EPA and CARB emissions standards for the model year.