
Driving tips/Loading your vehicle
&Vehicle capacity weight
The load capacity of your vehicle is
determined by weight, not by available
cargo space. The maximum load you can
carry in your vehicle is shown on the
vehicle placard attached to the driver ’s side door pillar. It includes the total weight
of the driver and all passengers and their
belongings, any optional equipment such
as a trailer hitch, roof rack or bike carrier,
etc., and the tongue load of a trailer.
&
GVWR and GAWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating and
Gross Axle Weight Rating)
Certification label
The certification label attached to the
driver ’s side door shows GVWR (Gross
Vehicle Weight Rating) and GAWR (Gross
Axle Weight Rating).
The GVW (Gross Vehicle Weight) must
never exceed the GVWR. GVW is the
combined total of weight of the vehicle,
fuel, driver, all passengers, luggage, any
optional equipment and trailer tongue load. Therefore, the GVW changes de-
pending on the situation.
In addition, the total weight applied to
each axle (GAW) must never exceed the
GAWR. The front and rear GAWs can be
adjusted by relocating luggage inside the
vehicle.
Even if the total weight of your luggage is
lower than the vehicle capacity weight,
either front or rear GAW may exceed the
GAWR, depending on the distribution of
the luggage.
When possible, the load should be evenly
distributed throughout the vehicle.
If you carry heavy loads in the vehicle, you
should confirm that GVW and front and
rear GAWs are within the GVWR and
GAWR by putting your vehicle on a
vehicle scale, found at a commercial
weighing station.
Do not use replacement tires with a lower
load range than the originals because they
may lower the GVWR and GAWR limita-
tions. Replacement tires with a higher load
range than the originals do not increase
the GVWR and GAWR limitations.
8-14

Engine oil
CAUTION
.If the level gauge is not pulled out
easily, twist the level gauge right
and left, then pull it out. Other-
wise, you may be injured acci-
dentally straining yourself.
. Use only engine oil with the
recommended grade and vis-
cosity.
. Be careful not to spill engine oil
when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
engine oil gets on the exhaust
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
& Engine oil consumption
Some engine oil will be consumed while
driving. The rate of consumption can be
affected by such factors as transmission
type, driving style, terrain and tempera-
ture. Under the following conditions, oil
consumption can be increased and thus
require refilling between maintenance
intervals:
. When the engine is new and within the
break-in period .
When the engine oil is of lower quality
. When the incorrect oil viscosity is used
. When engine brakin g is employed
(repeatedly)
. When the engine is operated at high
engine speeds (for extended periods of
time)
. When the engine is operated under
heavy loads (for extended periods of time)
. When towing a trailer (Outback)
. When the engine idles for extended
periods of time
. When the vehicle is operated in stop
and go and/or heavy traffic situations
. When the vehicle is used under severe
thermal conditions
. When the vehicle accelerates and
decelerates frequently
Under these or similar conditions, you
should check your oil at least every 2nd
fuel fill-up and change your engine oil
more frequently. Different drivers in the
same car may experience different results.
If your oil consumption rate is greater than
expected, contact your authorized
SUBARU retailer who may perform a test
under controlled conditions.
& Checking the oil level
1. Park the vehicle on a level surface and
stop the engine. If you check the oil level
just after stopping the engine, wait a few
minutes for the oil to drain back into the oil
pan before checking the level.
2.5 L models
1) Oil level gauge
2) Oil filler cap
3) Oil filter
Maintenance and service/Engine oil
–CONTINUED –
11-11

CAUTION
.For 2.5 L models, be careful not
to touch the engine oil filter when
removing the oil filler cap. Doing
so may result in a burn, a
pinched finger, or may cause
some other injury.
. Use only engine oil with the
recommended grade and vis-
cosity.
. Be careful not to spill engine oil
when adding it. If oil touches the
exhaust pipe, it may cause a bad
smell, smoke, and/or a fire. If
engine oil gets on the exhaust
pipe, be sure to wipe it off.
To add engine oil, remove the engine oil
filler cap and slowly pour engine oil
through the filler neck. After pouring oil
into the engine, you must use the level
gauge to confirm that the oil level is
correct.
NOTE
To prevent overfilling the engine oil, do
not add any additional oil above the full
level when the engine is cold.
& Changing the oil and oil filter
Change the oil and oil filter according to
the maintenance schedule in the “War-
ranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
NOTE
.Changing the engine oil and oil filter
should be performed by a well-trained
expert. Contact your SUBARU dealer
for changing the engine oil and oil filter.
Fully trained mechanics are on standby
at a SUBARU dealer to utilize the
special tools, spare parts and recom-
mended oil for this work, and also,
used oils are properly disposed of.
. If performing oil replacement your-
self, observe the local regulations and
dispose of waste oil properly.
& Recommended grade and
viscosity
CAUTION
Use only engine oil with the recom-
mended grade and viscosity.
Refer to “Engine oil ”F 12-4.
NOTE
Engine oil viscosity (thickness) affects
fuel economy. Oils of lower viscosity provide better fuel economy. However,
in hot weather, oil of higher viscosity is
required to properly lubricate the en-
gine.
&
Synthetic oil
You should use synthetic engine oil that
meets the same requirements given for
conventional engine oil. When using
synthetic oil, you must use oil of the same
classification, viscosity and grade shown
in this Owner ’s Manual. Refer to “Engine
oil ”F 12-4. Also, you must follow the oil
and filter changing intervals shown in the
Warranty and Maintenance booklet.
NOTE
Synthetic oil of the grade and viscosity
noted in chapter 12 is the recom-
mended engine oil for optimum engine
performance. Conventional oil may be
used if synthetic oil is unavailable.
Maintenance and service/Engine oil11-13

&Engine coolant
! Checking the coolant level
1) “FULL ”level mark
2) “LOW ”level mark
Check the coolant level at each fuel stop.
1. Check the coolant level on the outside
of the reservoir while the engine is cool.
2. If the level is close to or lower than the
“LOW ”level mark, add coolant up to the
“FULL ”level mark. If the reserve tank is
empty, remove the radiator cap and refill
as required.
3. After refilling the reserve tank and the
radiator, reinstall the caps and check that
the rubber gaskets inside the radiator cap
are in the proper position.
CAUTION
. Be careful not to spill engine
coolant when adding it. If coolant
touches the exhaust pipe, it may
cause a bad smell, smoke, and/or
a fire. If engine coolant gets on
the exhaust pipe, be sure to wipe
it off.
. Do not splash the engine coolant
over painted parts. The alcohol
contained in the engine coolant
may damage the paint surface.
! Changing the coolant
It may be difficult to change the coolant.
Have the coolant changed by your
SUBARU dealer if necessary.
The coolant should be changed according
to the maintenance schedule in the
“Warranty and Maintenance Booklet ”.
Air cleaner element
WARNING
Do not operate the engine with the
air cleaner element removed. The air
cleaner element not only filters
intake air but also stops flames if
the engine backfires. If the air
cleaner element is not installed
when the engine backfires, you
could be burned.
CAUTION
When replacing the air cleaner ele-
ment, use a genuine SUBARU air
cleaner element. If it is not used,
there is the possibility of causing a
negative effect to the engine.
The air cleaner element functions as a
filter screen. When the element is perfo-
rated or removed, engine wear will be
excessive and engine life shortened.
The air cleaner element is a dry type. It is
unnecessary to clean or wash the ele-
ment.
Maintenance and service/Air cleaner element
–CONTINUED –11-15

&Engine
Engine model
FB25
(2.5 L, DOHC, non-turbo) EZ36
(3.6 L, DOHC, non-turbo)
Engine type Horizontally opposed, liquid cooled 4 cylinder,
4 stroke gasoline engine Horizontally opposed, liquid cooled 6 cylinder,
4 stroke gasoline engine
Displacement cu-in (cc) 152 (2,498) 221.5 (3,630)
Bore 6Stroke in (mm) 3.70 63.54 (94.0 690.0) 3.62 63.58 (92.0 691.0)
Compression ratio 10.3 : 1 10.5 : 1
Firing order 1 –3– 2–4 1
–6–3 –2–5– 4
& Fuel
Fuel requirement Fuel tank capacity
Unleaded gasoline with87 AKI (90 RON) or higher 18.5 US gal (70 liters, 15.4 Imp gal)Specifications/Specifications
–CONTINUED –
12-3

&Manual transmission, front differential and rear differential gear oil
Oil Manual transmission oil Front differential gear oil (CVT models) Rear differential gear oil
Oil grade .
SUBARU Extra MT*3
.API classification GL-5 (75W-90)*4API classification GL-5
SAE viscosity
No. and applic-
able tempera-
ture — .
75W-90*
. 90
*: Recommended
Oil capacity*
13.5 US qt
(3.3 liters, 2.9 Imp qt) 2.5 L models: 1.3 US qt (1.2 liters, 1.1 Imp qt)
3.6 L models: 1.5 US qt (1.4 liters, 1.2 Imp qt)
0.8 US qt (0.8 liters, 0.7 Imp qt)
Remarks*
2“ Manual transmission
oil ”F 11-19 “
Front differential gear oil (CVT models) and
rear differential gear oil ”F 11-19 “
Front differential gear oil (CVT models) and rear differ-
ential gear oil ”F 11-19
*1: The indicated oil quantity is only a guideline. The necessary quantity for replacement may differ slightly depending on the temperature and other
factors. After refilling the gearbox with oil, the oil level should be checked.
*2: For more details about maintenance and service, refer to the indicated section.
*3: The vehicle is filled at the factory with this type of manual transmission oil/front differential gear oil.
*4: You may use this type of manual transmission oil/front differential gear oil. However, using this type of oil will detract from driveability and fuel
efficiency. Specifications/Specifications
–CONTINUED –
12-7

Consumer information and Reporting safety defects/Tire information
rubber compounds.
.Cracking
Any parting within the tread, side-
wall, or inner liner of the tire
extending to cord material.
.Curb weight
The weight of a motor vehicle with
standard equipment including the
maximum capacity of fuel, oil and
coolant, and if so equipped, air
conditioning and additional weight
optional engine.
.Extra load tire
A tire designed to operate at higher
loads and higher inflation pressure
than the corresponding standard
tire.
.Groove
The space between two adjacent
tread ribs.
.Innerliner
The layer(s) forming the inside sur-
face of a tubeless tire that contains
the inflating medium within the tire.
.Innerliner separation
The parting of the innerliner from
cord material in the carcass.
.Intended outboard sidewall
(1)The sidewall that contains a
whitewall, bears white lettering
or bears manufacturer, brand,
and/or model name molding that
is higher or deeper than the
same molding on the other side-
wall of the tire, or
(2)The outward facing sidewall
of an asymmetrical tire that has
a particular side that must al-
ways face outward when mount-
ing on a vehicle.
.Light truck (LT) tire
A tire designated by its manufac-
turer as primarily intended for use
on lightweight trucks or multipur-
pose passenger vehicles.
.Load rating
The maximum load that a tire is
rated to carry for a given inflation
pressure.
.Maximum inflation pressure
The maximum cold inflation pres-
sure to which a tire may be inflated.
.Maximum load rating
The load rating for a tire at the maximum permissible inflation
pressure for that tire.
.Maximum loaded vehicle weight
The sum of:
(a)Curb weight
(b)Accessory weight
(c)Vehicle capacity weight
(d)Production options weight.Maximum permissible inflation
pressure
The maximum cold inflation pres-
sure to which a tire may be inflated.
.Measuring rim
The rim on which a tire is fitted for
physical dimension requirements.
.Normal occupant weight
150 lbs (68 kg) times the number of
occupants specified in the second
column of Table 1 that is appended
to the end of this section.
.Occupant distribution
Distribution of occupants in a vehi-
cle as specified in the third column
of Table 1 that is appended to the
end of this section.
.Open splice
Any parting at any junction of tread,
13-6

Winter.................................................................... 8-8
E
ECO gauge ............................................................... 3-12
Electrical system ........................................................ 12-9
Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) system .......... 7-34
Warning ................................................................ 3-20
Electronic parking brake. ............................................. 7-43
Automatic release function by accelerator pedal ......... 7-45
Hill Holder ............................................................. 7-45
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-21
Warning ........................................................ 3-21, 7-47
Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) ............................. 1-17
Engine Compartment overview ........................................... 11-9
Coolant ........................................................ 11-15, 12-8
Exhaust gas (carbon monoxide) ............................. 6, 8-2
Hood .................................................................... 11-7
Low oil level warning indicator ................................. 3-17
Oil............................................................... 11-11, 12-4
Overheating .......................................................... 9-13
Starting & stopping ........................................... 7-9, 7-12
Event data recorder ......................................................... 9
Exterior care .............................................................. 10-2
F
Flat tires ..................................................................... 9-5
Floor mat .................................................................. 6-15
Fluid level Brake .................................................................. 11-20
Clutch .................................................................. 11-21 Continuously variable transmission
......................... 11-19
Fog light Bulb .......................................................... 11-42, 12-14
Indicator light ......................................................... 3-32
Steering responsive fog lights system ....................... 3-56
Switch ................................................................... 3-56
Front Differential gear oil ........................................ 11-19, 12-7
Seatbelt pretensioners ............................................ 1-24
Side marker light .................................................. 11-42
Turn signal light .................................................... 11-42
Front seats ................................................................. 1-2
Forward and backward adjustment ............................ 1-4
Head restraint adjustment ......................................... 1-8
Memory function ...................................................... 1-6
Power seat ............................................................. 1-5
Reclining ................................................................ 1-4
Seat height adjustment (driver ’s seat) ........................ 1-4
Fuel ........................................................................\
... 7-3
Consumption indicator ............................................. 3-38
Economy hints ........................................................ 8-2
Filler lid and cap ...................................................... 7-4
Gauge ................................................................... 3-11
Requirements ................................................. 7-3, 12-3
Fuses .....................................................................
11-38
Fuses and circuits .................................................... 12-10
G
GAWR (Gross Axle Weight Rating) .. ............................. 8-14
Glove box ................................................................... 6-6
GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) ........................... 8-14
Index14-5