Positioning:
Mid-size sedan/wagon segment, known for AWD and practicality.
Competitors:
Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Ford Fusion.
Standard AWD:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a hallmark feature.
Outback Variant:
Outback offers increased ground clearance and rugged styling.
Value:
Essential for DIY enthusiasts and independent repair shops seeking authoritative repair data.
Engine:
All Engine Variants (2.5L NA, 2.5L Turbo, 3.6L)
Transmission:
Automatic (4EAT, CVT), Manual (5MT, 6MT)
Drivetrain:
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) System Components
Suspension:
Front Strut, Rear Multi-Link Independent Suspension
Brakes:
Front and Rear Disc Brakes (ABS, EBD, BA Systems)
Steering:
Electric Power Steering (EPS)
Electrical:
Full Vehicle Electrical System, Lighting, Gauges, Instruments
Body:
Exterior Body Panels, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Glass, Sealing
Interior:
Interior Trim, Seats, HVAC, SRS Airbag System
Diagnostics:
OBD-II Diagnosis, Trouble Codes (DTCs)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Oil Changes, Filter Replacements, Spark Plugs
Repair:
Engine Rebuilds, Transmission Overhauls, Suspension Component Replacement
Troubleshooting:
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedures for Common Issues
Electrical Diagnostics:
Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing, Fault Isolation
Body Repair:
Panel Alignment, Dent Removal, Welding Procedures
HVAC Service:
Refrigerant Charging, Component Replacement, System Diagnostics
Depth:
Comprehensive: From basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Code 2.5L Na:
EJ253
Displacement 2.5L Na:
2.5 Liters
Configuration 2.5L Na:
Naturally Aspirated Boxer 4-Cylinder
Horsepower 2.5L Na:
170 hp @ 5600 rpm
Torque 2.5L Na:
170 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
Engine Code 2.5L Turbo:
EJ255 (GT Models)
Displacement 2.5L Turbo:
2.5 Liters
Configuration 2.5L Turbo:
Turbocharged Boxer 4-Cylinder
Horsepower 2.5L Turbo:
265 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 2.5L Turbo:
247 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm
Displacement 3.6L:
3.6 Liters
Configuration 3.6L:
Naturally Aspirated Boxer 6-Cylinder
Horsepower 3.6L:
256 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque 3.6L:
247 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm
Type:
Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) or Sequential Multiport Fuel Injection (SMPI)
Recommended Octane:
87 Octane (91+ for Turbo models)
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual (5MT) or 4-Speed Automatic (4EAT) for base models.
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual (6MT) or Lineartronic CVT for higher trims/engines.
AWD Integration:
Integrated with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Atf 4Eat:
Subaru ATF HP (or equivalent)
Atf Cvt:
Subaru CVT Fluid (or equivalent)
Mtf 5Mt:
Subaru Manual Transmission Fluid (or equivalent)
NHTSA Front Impact:
5-Star
IIHS Top Safety Pick:
Yes (Top Safety Pick)
Stability Control:
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Frontal, Side-Curtain, Front Seat-Mounted Side Airbags, Driver's Knee Airbag.
Head Unit Options:
Optional audio systems with CD player, MP3 capability, and auxiliary input. Available navigation system.
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) not typically available for this model year.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free connectivity.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,750 miles or 6 months (severe conditions) / 7,500 miles or 12 months (normal conditions).
Air Filter Replacement:
Every 15,000 miles or 12 months.
Spark Plug Replacement Na:
105,000 miles (NGK Iridium)
Spark Plug Replacement Turbo:
60,000 miles (NGK Iridium)
Engine Oil:
0W-20 Synthetic (API SN or higher)
Coolant:
Subaru Super Coolant (Blue) or equivalent, pre-diluted.
Head Gaskets 2.5L:
While less prevalent than in earlier EJ engines, head gasket leaks can still occur on the EJ253.
Cv Axle Boots:
Torn CV axle boots leading to lubrication loss and damage can be an issue, especially on Outback models.
Ignition Coils:
Premature failure of ignition coils can lead to misfires and rough running.