Overview & Reviews

The 2012 Subaru Outback's Premium trim level gets a new standard sound system with an iPod interface and Bluetooth phone and audio streaming capability. A new nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio system is now part of the Premium model's options list.

• Strong crash scores
• Spacious interior
• Simple controls on lower trims.
• Commendable off-road performance for a wagon
• Excellent visibility
• Comfortable and composed ride

• Lacks agility
• Poor base stereo
• Fussy controls on upper trims.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 57.00

• 

  Happy With 2012....Should we have waited for 13? - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By rayjayjjr - September 5 - 2:51 pm

  Our first AWD, now with 4500 miles. Needed something that had towing capacity and could pull 2000 lb. boat out of steep sandy boat launch. Certainly fits those needs with added plus of 31 mpg at 70 mph and 27 suburban with AC off. Will drop a couple mpg with AC. Does have an issue with steering drift. I dont think I would want a stiffer ride. This handles reasonably and soaks up wash board roads better than our soft riding minivan. Seats are somewhat hard. Engine and tran will roar at hard acceleration but is quiet at cruising speed. You may want to upgrade to model with power passenger seat.

• 

  Horrible technology... - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By colonative - May 19 - 1:29 pm

  I purchased this Outback in March. I travel a lot for work. I currently have over 22,000 miles on ths 2012.I purchased this vehicle for the mileage. It has met ALL of those expectations. I average 29 to 30 mph. I have EVERY option available HOWEVER, the technology is HORRIBLE! I have the GPS, top of the line electronics. The bluetooth is marginal (I dont use it anymore) I use 4000 minutes a month on my cell phone. The steering wheel controls will NOT let you switch to the next preprogrammed station on the XM. It takes you to the next station, but NOT the ones you have saved. You have to reach up and touch the screen. The voice controls are terrible as well.

• 

  Who Needs A Minivan? - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By dr_nano - May 4 - 7:36 am

  Our 04 Nissan Quest had reached the end of its wretched life (poor build quality & reliability) and we needed something to take the kids around, the trash to the transfer station, and the dog to the vet while dealing with the NH roads and weather. Plus my wife has to park in muddy fields when she works at a local school and she has to get out of those fields. The Outback does all of these very well. It is smaller than her Quest but we found that we only need that extra space about 0.001% of the time and we can rent a proper van when we do. Well take the better fuel mileage, the solid feel, and the confidence we can go anywhere of the Outback over any minivan.

• 

  Excellent do-it-all machine - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By lashleroux15 - March 10 - 3:35 pm

  Just purchased a 2012 Premium 2.5i with moonroof package. This replaced a 2008 nissan altima because I just needed more trunk/carry space but decent mileage. I compared it to the Equinox/Terrain twins plus others. After looking at all the options, the Subaru had the best overall package for my needs. Drives great and is very comfortable. Mileage is good (averaging 26 MPG in mixed driving). Back seat is actually bigger than my Altima (fits 3 kids easily) yet takes up the same space in the garage. AWD is excellent (works great in snow so far) with no worries about grip. Handling dynamics are good for the higher stance....

• 

  The Wanderer - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By wil12345 - May 26 - 6:39 am

  This car would be perfect if it would only track down the road. This is our 6th Subaru and all the previous Outbacks drove fine. We have had it aligned 3 times, the rack and pinion has been adjusted, but the steering wheel will not return to center when traveling on the highway. Because of this, the car needs constant correction to drive in a straight line. We only have 2700 miles on it and if this problem cant be resolved, this car will be gone and it will be our last Subaru.

• 

  handling - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By tonysboy2 - June 25 - 3:39 am

  I have to agree that I am one of those who have driven subaru for 15 years and am disapointed in my 40,000 dollar purchase. It wiggles all over the place and does not stay on track. 6,000 miles and had my second alignment? wonder why?

• 

  Head Gasket Blew at 69,000 miles - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Working Mom - April 25 - 5:27 pm

  I bought this car new off the lot in December 2011. I was thrilled with the fact that I could get such a nice car with a 6 speed manual transmission. It was perfect for me and my family - easy to park, utilitarian and good to drive. However, that changed last month when every light on my dash started flashing just before getting home, and the coolant overflowing in my driveway. Thank God I have AAA to tow it to the dealer. Three weeks later, my dealer tells me that it was the head gasket and that they replaced all the seals as well as the timing belt. Since I have the extended warrantee, it didnt cost me any more than my deductible ($100). Now Im wondering how long its going to be before the head gasket fails again. I love this car but now I question its reliability.

• 

  New Subaru Owner - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By 1gman - September 30 - 4:37 am

  I just purchased a 2012 OB Limited with the sunroof package. The car seems to be great so far, my wife loves it. I like the look and performance of it. She came out of a 98 Volvo wagon. She wanted a wagon again so that limited the choices. We narrowed it down between the Venza and the OB. Toyota was difficult to work with, would never call me back so I gave up on them and bought the OB. I will update in a month or two about how it is doing. I got the car for about $450 below invoice through the Costco auto program which made the process much easier.

• 

  they dont make them like they used to - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By subienut - September 9 - 7:38 am

  Just bought my 5th subaru wagon. My 2003 is getting a bit rattly, and my 17 yr old needed a car, so for the first time, I didnt have a valuable subaru trade in, but she has a great car. In fact, every time I see that car, or others of that vintage, I feel a twinge of sadness. Those were the good ones! The 2012 doesnt have the same zippy pick up, the six speed has very short ratios in lower speeds, they dont offer a manual in the best edition, so had to add after market leather seats and interior wood trim, but these dont really look so hot. Handles like an SUV, interior is not well designed at all, and the dog barrier is a dangerous, clunky contraption that could injure a dog!

• 

  2012 New Outback Limited 2.5 - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By oldhollow - April 18 - 3:04 am

  Just got the Limited 2.5 with sunroof, naviagtion and I’m really impressed with the fit and finish of the car. Everything works as designed, and the quality of the paint is excellent. I am coming from an 2008 MDX that had a terrible paint job from the factory, the paint was very thin and would mark very easily. I got the car for the gas millage and was concerned that I would not have enough power. That is not the car, no need for the 3.6 for me.