When it comes to blending practicality, comfort, and all-weather capability, few vehicles have stood the test of time like the 2012 Subaru Outback. A unique crossover that straddles the line between a rugged SUV and a spacious station wagon, the Outback offers a compelling mix of features that make it just as relevant today as it was over a decade ago. Whether you’re tackling snowy backroads, hauling camping gear, or simply getting the family to school and back, the 2012 Outback remains a go-to choice for those who value reliability and versatility in their everyday drive.
Highlights
Efficient: Getting up to 29 mpg highway1 and over 500 miles of range (highway) with the available Lineartronic® CVT, Outback is made to help you do more with less
Strong: Between its structural reinforcements, rugged suspension and the choice of two powerful engines, you have an Outback that will run smoothly when you work it hard.
Versatile: Smartly equipped with an array of compartments, pockets, holders, and space, Outback will make sure that all of your gear is just as comfortable as you are.
Protective: Outback earns its reputation for safety, thanks to intelligent active and all-around-you passive safety systems making it in a worst-case scenario one of your best possible bets.
Symmetrical AWD: With an almost perfectly symmetrical layout, our unique all-wheel drive system offers better balance for stability and a more efficient flow of power to all four wheels for greater grip and control.
Exceptional Control: The balance of the SUBARU BOXER® engine and the grip of Subaru AWD help give you the power and responsiveness you need on those twisty roads and unpredictable conditions. This poise is combined with VDC electronic stability control, which can intervene to help you stay in control
Passenger Protection: Our body structure design, the Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame, is designed to absorb and direct impact energy away from the passenger cabin, while an array of airbags—all standard
—further help prevent injury.
Rewarding Technology: Available features like dual-zone climate control help keep you comfortable, while a USB for your iPod®, HD Radio™, XM® Satellite Radio2 and Bluetooth® hands-free connectivity keep you connected and entertained.
Specs and Features
| Engine and Drivetrain | Specs |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.5-liter SOHC aluminum-alloy 16-valve horizontally opposed 4-cylinder Subaru Boxer® engine with i-Active Valve Lift System. 3.6-liter DOHC aluminum-alloy 24-valve 6-cylinder horizontally opposed Subaru Boxer engine with Dual Active Valve Control System |
| Power | 170 hp @ 5,600 rpm 256 hp @ 6,600 rpm |
| Torque | 170 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm 247 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Manual transmission | Fully synchronized 6-speed manual 2.5i and 2.5i Premium: Standard 2.5i Limited: Not available |
| Automatic transmission | Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with 6-speed manual mode and paddle shifters. 2.5i and 2.5i Premium: Optional 2.5i Limited: Standard 3.5R Standard 5-speed automatic with manual mode, paddle shifters and downshift rev-matching control. |
| CA Emissions | SULEV2 (PZEV)1 and LEV2 LEV2/ULEV2 |
Traction and Stability
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive Standard
Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC): VDC electronic stability control utilizes sensors which constantly monitor wheel speeds, steering angle, brake pressure, vehicle yaw rate and lateral g-forces. If VDC detects a difference between the driver’s intended path and the one the vehicle is actually taking, VDC applies braking power and/or reduces engine torque to help correct vehicle path.
Traction Control System (TCS) VDC also incorporates an all-wheel, all-speed traction control system which senses a loss of traction and applies braking force to the slipping wheel or wheels as necessary to maintain vehicle motion.
Fuel & MPG
| Fuel economy (city/highway/combined) | Manual: 2.5R 19/27/22 mpg 3.5R 18/25/20 mpg |
| Fuel requirement | Unleaded gasoline (87 octane) |
| Fuel capacity | 18.5 gallons |
Chassis
| Steering | Power-assisted rack-and-pinion. Turning circle: 36.8 feet |
| Suspension | 4-wheel independent raised suspension. Front: MacPherson strut type. Rear: Double-Wishbone. Front and rear stabilizer bars. |
| Brakes | 4-wheel disc (2.5i models: ventilated front. 3.6R models: ventilated front and rear). 4-channel, 4-sensor ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD). |
| Brake discs (front/rear) | 11.6 inches/11.3 inches 12.4 inches/11.4 inches |
| Brake Assist | When emergency braking is detected by how quickly the brake pedal is pressed, maximum brake pressure is immediately applied. |
Wheels and Tires
| Wheels | 2.5i: 16 x 6.5-inch steel with covers 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and Alloy Wheel Package: 17 x 7.0-inch, 6-spoke aluminum-alloy |
| Tires | 2.5i: 215/70 R16 99S all-season 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and Alloy Wheel Package: 225/60 R17 98T all-season |
Dimensions
| Length/Width/Height | 188.2 inches/71.7 inches/66.1 inches (with roof rails and cross bars in position) |
| Wheelbase | 107.9 inches |
| Track (front/rear) | 61.0 inches/61.0 inches |
| Headroom (front/rear) | 40.8 inches/39.3 inches (with available moonroof: 38.7 inches/39.3 inches) |
| Legroom (front/rear) | 43.0 inches/37.8 inches |
| Shoulder room (front/rear) | 56.3 inches/56.1 inches |
| Passenger volume | 105.4 cubic feet (with available moonroof: 102.4 cubic feet) |
| Cargo volume | 34.3 cubic feet |
| Maximum cargo volume | 71.3 cubic feet with rear seatback lowered |
| Ground clearance | (at base curb weight) 8.7 inches 8.7 inches |
| Maximum towing capacity | 2,700 lbs 3,000 lbs |
2012 Subaru Outback Exterior Features
- Projector-beam low-beam (with Auto-on) and multireflector high-beam headlights
- Fog lights
- Front underguard
- Black folding side mirrors
- Body-color folding side mirrors
- Windshield wiper de-icer and heated side mirrors (All-Weather Package)
- Roof rails with integrated and retractable cross bars (150 lbs maximum capacity)
Seating and Trim
- 6-way manually adjustable driver’s seat. 4-way manually adjustable front-passenger’s seat.
- 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power adjustable lumbar support.
- 4-way manually adjustable front-passenger’s seat.
- 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat with power adjustable lumbar support.
- 4-way power adjustable front-passenger’s seat.
- Heated front seats (All-Weather Package)
- Reclining rear seats
- 65/35-split flat-folding rear seatback
- Cloth upholstery
- Leather-trimmed upholstery
- Silver metallic trim on doors and console
- Woodgrain-patterned accent trim on doors and console
2012 Subaru Outback Safety Features
Active
- Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD)
- SUBARU BOXER® engine
- 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
- Brake Assist
- Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Daytime Running Lights (DRL)
Passive
- Dual-stage deployment driver and front-passenger front airbags
- Subaru advanced frontal airbag system
- Side-curtain airbags protecting front and rear outboard occupants
- Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags
- Height-adjustable front seat head restraints
- Three individual rear seat head restraints
- Height-adjustable 3-point front seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters.
- 3-point rear seatbelts at all seating positions.
- Rear child-safety door locks
- LATCH system: Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children
- Rollover sensor
Optional Equipment
- Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
- 440-watt 9-speaker single-CD Harman Kardon premium audio system with amplifier, subwoofer, HD Radio™, USB port/iPod® control, XM® Satellite Radio4, and Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free phone connectivity
- Navigation System Package: Voice-activated 8-inch high-resolution touch-screen GPS navigation
- system and single-CD/DVD player, Rear-Vision Camera, and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®
- Power Moonroof Package: Power tilt/sliding-glass moonroof (96% UV light reducing), auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® and Rear-Vision Camera
- All-Weather Package: Windshield wiper de-icer, heated side mirrors and heated front seats
- Alloy Wheel Package: 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, All-Weather Package
- SIRIUS® Satellite Radio5
- XM® Satellite Radio5
How Much Can a 2012 Subaru Outback Tow?
If you’re considering a 2012 Subaru Outback for light hauling or adventure travel, you’re probably wondering how much weight it can tow. This guide breaks down the towing capacity, engine options, equipment considerations, and safety tips for towing with a 2012 Outback.
2012 Subaru Outback Towing Capacity Overview
The towing capacity of the 2012 Subaru Outback depends on the engine and whether the vehicle is equipped with a factory-installed towing package.
Base Towing Capacity (Without Tow Package)
- 2.5i models (4-cylinder):
- Up to 1,000 lbs
With Factory Tow Package
- 2.5i models (4-cylinder):
- Up to 2,700 lbs
- 3.6R models (6-cylinder):
- Up to 3,000 lbs
Important: Always check your owner’s manual or VIN-specific specs to confirm the towing limits for your vehicle, especially if you’re buying used.
Why the 2012 Subaru Outback Is Still a Great Family Car in 2025
Even after more than a decade on the road, the 2012 Subaru Outback remains a surprisingly solid choice for families in 2025. While newer SUVs dominate showrooms, this generation of Outback continues to deliver in the areas that matter most: safety, reliability, space, and all-weather confidence.
Here’s why the 2012 Outback still holds its own.
1. Proven All-Wheel Drive Performance
Every 2012 Outback comes with Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This makes it ideal for families living in regions with snow, rain, or uneven terrain.
- Stable handling in bad weather
- Great for weekend camping or hiking trips
- Light off-road capability for adventurous families
Still one of the best AWD systems in its class—even 10+ years later.
2. Excellent Safety Ratings
The 2012 Outback earned strong safety scores:
- IIHS Top Safety Pick (2012)
- Multiple airbags, ABS, traction control
- Optional rearview camera and electronic stability control
Even by 2025 standards, these features still meet the basic safety needs for family transportation.
3. Spacious Interior and Cargo Room
One reason families love the Outback? It’s a wagon/SUV hybrid that doesn’t sacrifice comfort or utility.
- Over 71 cubic feet of cargo space with seats folded
- Ample legroom for both front and rear passengers
- Split-folding rear seats for flexible loading
Perfect for strollers, sports gear, luggage, or Costco runs.
4. Affordable Price and Maintenance
In 2025, a well-maintained 2012 Outback typically costs between $6,000 and $10,000, depending on mileage and condition.
- Lower insurance and registration costs
- Widely available, inexpensive parts
- Good DIY support and online repair guides
If you’re budget-conscious, it’s one of the best-value family haulers around.
5. Solid Reliability (If Maintained)
Subaru’s 2.5L engine and CVT combo is reliable if properly serviced. The 3.6R model adds more power and durability, especially for towing or highway use.
Known issues to watch for:
- Head gasket (on some early 2.5L models)
- CVT maintenance (fluid changes are critical)
- Suspension bushings and wheel bearings
With regular upkeep, many 2012 Outbacks are crossing 200,000+ miles.
6. Family-Friendly Features
While not high-tech by 2025 standards, it still offers:
- Bluetooth (on most trims)
- USB/Aux inputs for music and charging
- Heated front seats (on Premium and Limited)
- Rear A/C vents
You can also upgrade the stereo or add Android Auto/Apple CarPlay with an aftermarket head unit for a modern feel.
Final Verdict: A Hidden Gem for Families
In a world of $40,000+ new SUVs, the 2012 Subaru Outback offers unbeatable value, dependability, and utility—making it an excellent family car even in 2025.
- Safe
- Spacious
- Budget-friendly
- Great in all weather
If you’re looking for a reliable used car for a growing family, don’t overlook this Subaru classic.
