Segment:
Mid-size Crossover/SUV (Outback), Mid-size Sedan/Wagon (Legacy)
Usp:
Subaru's signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, boxer engine, and higher ground clearance for the Outback variant.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry/RAV4, Honda Accord/CR-V, Mazda6/CX-7, Ford Fusion/Edge, Nissan Altima/Murano.
AWD Standard:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard across all trims and engine options.
Outback Ground Clearance:
Outback offers increased ground clearance (8.7 inches) for light off-road capability.
Reliability:
Essential for maintaining the longevity and performance of the boxer engine and AWD system.
Diy Support:
Empowers owners and independent mechanics with detailed, factory-level repair information.
Engine Mechanical:
Engine assembly, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshafts, timing system, lubrication, cooling.
Engine Management:
Fuel injection, ignition system, emission controls, sensors, actuators, ECU troubleshooting, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs).
Transmission Manual:
Clutch, gearbox assembly, shift mechanism, maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
Transmission Automatic:
Torque converter, valve body, planetary gear sets, hydraulic controls, transmission control module (TCM), maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
Drivetrain:
All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, front and rear differentials, driveshafts, CV joints, wheel bearings.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension components, struts, shocks, control arms, bushings, springs, anti-roll bars, alignment specifications.
Brakes:
Front and rear brake systems (disc brakes), ABS, EBD, brake fluid specifications, caliper, rotor, and pad replacement, bleeding procedures.
Steering:
Power steering system, steering column, tie rods, rack and pinion, steering fluid, alignment.
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system (alternator), starting system (starter motor), lighting, fuses, relays, wiring diagrams.
Body And Chassis:
Body panels, doors, hood, trunk, interior trim, structural components, corrosion protection.
HVAC:
Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, refrigerant, compressor, evaporator, condenser, climate control unit.
Safety Systems:
Airbag system, SRS module, seat belts, pre-tensioners.
Scheduled Maintenance:
Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, fluid flushes (coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, power steering fluid), belt inspections/replacements.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides for various symptoms, diagnostic trouble code (DTC) interpretation and resolution, component testing procedures.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, installation, and repair for all covered systems.
Overhaul Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for complete engine, transmission, and differential rebuilds.
Electrical Troubleshooting:
Use of wiring diagrams, circuit testing, component diagnosis, repair of electrical faults.
Body Repair:
Minor body panel repair, door adjustment, glass replacement, interior trim removal/installation.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers from basic maintenance and fluid checks to complete engine, transmission, and driveline overhauls.
Diagnostic Tools:
References use of Subaru Select Monitor (SSM) or similar OBD-II scan tools.
Torque Specifications:
Detailed torque specifications for all fasteners across all systems.
Clearances Tolerances:
Specifications for critical component clearances and tolerances (e.g., piston ring gap, bearing clearance).
Engine Description Base:
2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve horizontally opposed (boxer) 4-cylinder engine.
Displacement Base:
2457 cc (149.9 cu in)
Horsepower Base:
Approx. 175-180 hp @ 5,800-6,000 rpm
Torque Base:
Approx. 170-173 lb-ft @ 4,000-4,400 rpm
Engine Description Turbo:
2.5-liter DOHC 16-valve turbocharged horizontally opposed (boxer) 4-cylinder engine.
Horsepower Turbo:
Approx. 243-250 hp @ 5,200-5,600 rpm
Torque Turbo:
Approx. 250-255 lb-ft @ 3,200-4,400 rpm
Engine Description V6:
3.0-liter DOHC 24-valve horizontally opposed (boxer) 6-cylinder engine.
Displacement V6:
2999 cc (183.1 cu in)
Horsepower V6:
Approx. 250 hp @ 6,600 rpm
Torque V6:
Approx. 217 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (87 octane recommended for NA, 91 octane recommended for Turbo).
Compression Ratio Base:
10.7:1
Compression Ratio Turbo:
8.4:1
Bore X Stroke Base:
92.0 mm x 91.0 mm
Length Outback:
Approx. 189.4 inches (4810 mm)
Width Outback:
Approx. 70.5 inches (1790 mm)
Height Outback:
Approx. 61.1 inches (1550 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 104.3 inches (2650 mm)
Ground Clearance Outback:
8.7 inches (221 mm)
Cargo Volume Outback Behind Rear Seat:
Approx. 33.5 cu ft (948 L)
Cargo Volume Outback Max:
Approx. 71.4 cu ft (2022 L) with rear seats folded.
Curb Weight Base:
Approx. 3,400 - 3,600 lbs (1542 - 1633 kg), varies by trim and drivetrain.
IIHS Crash Test Rating 2006:
Good in front and side impact tests (IIHS).
NHTSA Crash Test Rating 2006:
Generally achieved 4 or 5 stars in frontal and side impact tests (NHTSA), specific ratings may vary by year and configuration.
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Ebd:
Standard Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags (standard on many Outback trims).
Seatbelts:
Three-point seatbelts for all occupants, front seatbelt pretensioners.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM stereo with CD player, optional satellite radio, and premium audio systems with subwoofer.
Navigation System:
Optional factory-installed GPS navigation system, typically integrated into the dashboard display.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control, often with steering wheel mounted buttons.
Tire Pressure Monitoring System:
TPMS sensors in wheels, with warning light on dashboard.
Auxiliary Input:
Optional auxiliary audio input jack for connecting external media devices.
Keyless Entry:
Standard on most trims, often includes remote keyless entry and alarm system.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles (severe conditions) or 7,500 miles (normal conditions), or 6 months, whichever comes first.
Engine Oil Filter Replacement:
Replace with every oil change. Common part numbers include 15208AA031, 15208AA021.
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 30,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions. Part number: 16546AA020.
Spark Plug Replacement:
NGK Iridium: 60,000 miles for EJ253, 30,000 miles for EJ255 (check manual for specific type). Part number examples: SILFR6A, PFR7B (for turbo).
Coolant Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Use Subaru Super Coolant or equivalent P-HOAT coolant.
Transmission Fluid Change Auto:
Every 30,000 miles for severe conditions, 60,000 miles for normal. Capacity: Approx. 7.8 quarts (7.4 L).
Transmission Fluid Change Manual:
Every 30,000-60,000 miles. Capacity: Approx. 2.5 quarts (2.4 L).
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 30,000 miles or 24 months. Use DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Differential Fluid Change Front Rear:
Every 30,000 miles. Front capacity: Approx. 1.1 quarts (1.0 L). Rear capacity: Approx. 1.3 quarts (1.2 L). Use GL-5 75W-90.
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-30 (API SG, SH, or SJ certified).
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.8 US quarts (4.5 L) with filter for 2.5L; 5.1 US quarts (4.8 L) with filter for 3.0L.
Coolant Type:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent P-HOAT coolant.
Head Gasket Failure:
While less prone than earlier Subaru generations, head gasket leaks can still occur, particularly on the EJ253. The manual will detail inspection and replacement procedures.
Oxygen Sensor Failure:
Premature failure of upstream O2 sensors can affect fuel economy and emissions. Manual covers diagnosis and replacement.
Catalytic Converter Issues:
Can become clogged over time, leading to performance loss. Manual assists in diagnosis.
Automatic Transmission Longevity:
Regular fluid changes are crucial for the longevity of the 4-speed automatic. Manual provides correct fluid types and capacities.