Confident All-weather Performance, On- and Off-road
The 170-horsepower Outback 2.5i powerplant is teamed with Subaru's effective 6-speed Manual Transmission (6MT) on certain models or can be teamed with the optional Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with Manual Mode. The 6-cylinder 256-horsepower Outback 3.6R is outfitted with a 5-speed Electronic Direct Control Automatic Transmission with Manual Mode (5EAT), blipping control, and paddle shift controls.
All Outback models are also equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which combines stability and traction control capability. Every Outback is further equipped with a standard 4-wheel, 4-channel, 4-sensor disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.
Exceptional Comfort and Convenience in All Models
Standard comfort and available amenities abound in the Outback lineup. The 2.5i Convenience features standard steering wheel-integrated audio and cruise control buttons, fully automatic headlights, and an overhead console with holder for sunglasses. All Outback models are also equipped with an electronic parking brake that includes a driver-selectable Hill Holder System. When activated, the driver-selectable Hill Holder System holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle to pull away from a stop.
Every Outback is very well-equipped for comfort and convenience. On 2.5i models, the extensive list of standard equipment includes a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat with power lumbar support, two-way heated front seats, 60/40-split folding and reclining rear seats, power driver's side window with auto down, air conditioning with air filtration, and sport-design gauges that include an ECO gauge, which displays how efficiently the Outback is being driven.
Subaru's Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Available on the Outback 2.5i Convenience and Touring Package, Subaru's Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is a chain-type CVT, the world's first longitudinally mounted CVT system for AWD production vehicles. Unlike a conventional automatic transmission, which uses fixed gear ratios, a CVT provides infinite variability between the lowest and highest available ratios with no discernable steps or shifts. The CVT continuously and smoothly adapts to performance demand, helping to keep the engine in its most efficient operating range for improved fuel economy and performance.
Because a CVT does not shift gears, the driver enjoys smoother performance in all driving situations. The selectable manual mode of the Lineartronic CVT uses six pre-selected ratios to allow the driver to "shift" manually using steering wheel paddle controls.
Equipped with the Lineartronic CVT, the Outback 2.5i uses just 9.5 L/100km city and 6.9 L/100km highway (30 mpg city/41 mpg hwy), as good as or better than many front-wheel-drive vehicles of the same size.
Front and Rear Subframes and Double-wishbone Rear Suspension
Outback employs a front cradle mount system and rear subframe to enhance comfort, handling, and safety. The strut-type front suspension features L-shaped lower arms with liquid-filled rear bushings and anti-dive geometry. The front cradle mount system is designed to also enhance frontal crash protection by helping to shunt the powertrain under the car in a strong impact and acting as a suspension cross member.
The rear suspension is a double-wishbone configuration. The rear suspension is mounted to a full subframe that is isolated from the body structure. The double-wishbone design provides excellent ride and handling characteristics as well as a wide and low trunk space.
Symmetrical Full-time All-Wheel Drive - The Subaru Advantage
Subaru offers three different symmetrical full-time All-Wheel Drive systems in the Outback line, tailored to the engine and type of transmission. In all Outback models equipped with the 6-speed manual transmission, the viscous-coupling limited-slip centre differential full-time AWD system distributes power 50/50 front to rear.
Models equipped with the Lineartronic CVT use the Multi-plate Transfer Clutch (MPT) version of Subaru symmetrical full-time AWD. An electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch actively controls power distribution in response to driving conditions.
Outback 3.6R models exclusively feature the advanced Variable Torque Distribution (VTD) All-Wheel Drive with a 5-speed electronic direct control automatic transmission. A planetary centre differential works with an electronically controlled, continuously variable hydraulic transfer clutch to manage power distribution. The VTD system normally sends more power to the rear wheels to enhance handling agility, and it continuously adjusts power distribution in response to driving and road conditions.
Vehicle Dynamics Control
All Outback models are equipped with Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC), which combines stability and traction control capability. The 2012 Outback uses an enhanced VDC system featuring integrated lateral-g and yaw sensors.
VDC monitors input from the ABS system, steering wheel angle, yaw and lateral g-force sensors. The system adjusts individual wheel braking as needed, helping to maintain vehicle control under a variety of driving conditions. A VDC 'off' switch is useful for driving out of slushy roads, deep snow, or gravel. The 'off' position deactivates the traction control system, but stability control remains engaged for an added level of safety.
In Outback models with the CVT or 5-speed automatic transmission, VDC also actively controls the centre differential's power distribution
The Subaru Outback Safety Package
The Outback, like all Subaru models, consistently earns top scores in government and insurance industry crash tests. Shortly after this generation of Outback was launched, it was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) - a designation it has maintained in every model year since. To qualify as a Top Safety Pick, a vehicle must earn the highest rating of "Good" in the Institute's front, side, and rear impact tests and be equipped with electronic stability control.
Subaru's ring-shaped reinforcement frame safety structure, proven over a decade in all Subaru models, forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety. In addition, the engine cradle mount system enhances frontal crash protection by helping to direct the powertrain under the car in a strong impact, allowing the main frame to absorb more energy from a frontal collision.
Outback's front seats provide protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision, and all Subaru models incorporate pre-tensioners and load limiters in the front three-point seatbelts. These systems work together to gradually restrain the occupants and absorb the impact energy of a frontal collision.
Outback models are also equipped with the Subaru Advanced Frontal Airbag System. This intelligent air bag system employs dual-stage-deployment driver and front passenger air bags. The passenger side front seat incorporates an occupant detection module that classifies the seat as empty or the occupant as an adult or infant/child to control the force of air bag deployment.
In addition, Outback is equipped with front seat side impact air bags for thorax-area protection and side curtain air bags (full side coverage) for head protection. Mounted in the upper sides of the front seatbacks, the front seat side-impact airbags offer protection regardless of seat position. The side curtain air bags deploy from the headliner and include a rollover sensor.
Every Subaru is equipped with the LATCH system (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) for securing specially equipped child seats in the rear seat.
About Subaru Canada, Inc.
Subaru Canada, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. of Japan. Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts and accessories through a network of over 85 authorized dealers across Canada. For more information on all Subaru models, including complete specifications, please go to Link.
