Overview

What's New for 2012:

• Updated standard radio
• Redesigned steering wheel
• Minor cosmetic changes

Exterior Features
The 2012 Subaru Outback is a midsize crossover utility vehicle offered in six different trim levels. Sixteen-inch steel wheels are standard, with larger wheels available on higher grades.

Interior Features
The 2012 Subaru Outback offers seating for 5 passengers. The entry-level trims are configured with cloth upholstery, air conditioning, full power accessories, automatic headlights, roof rails, cruise control, and more. Higher trim levels are equipped with tinted glass, automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, 8-way power-operated driver seat, and other premium appointments.

Optional Features
Options on the 2012 Subaru Outback include a power moonroof package, navigation system, iPod interface, and satellite radio.Under the Hood
Subaru Outback models are fitted with one of two engines. The standard is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder rated at 170 horsepower. It is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). The optional engine is a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder rated at 256 horsepower mated to a standard 5-speed automatic transmission. All Subaru models, including the Outback, are fitted with full-time all-wheel drive as standard equipment.

Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy figures for the 2012 Subaru Outback are:

• Subaru Outback with 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and CVT: 22/29 mpg (city/highway)
• Subaru Outback with 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine and CVT: 18/25 mpg (city/highway)

Safety
Standard safety features of note on the 2012 Subaru Outback include side air bags for driver and front passenger and curtain air bags for both rows of passengers. In government crash tests, the 2012 Subaru Outback received a rating of 4 (out of 5) stars for rollover, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), but was not assigned an overall or side-impact rating. In tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Outback received a "Good" rating-the Institute's highest-for frontal-offset and side-impact crashes. The Outback also earned a "Good" rating in the Institute's roof strength tests.