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

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  Best family car ever - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By rkymtnhi - November 7 - 5:32 pm

  We now have about 13,200 miles on our Outback. Mostly been used for toting the kids to school, events and all the other household chores. We took it on a trip from Colorado to Minnesota over the holidays. First opportunity to drive on icy and snowy roads. The car is great in these conditions. Regarding MPGs. We average 28-32 in normal highway and byway roads. On the highway to MN with a fully loaded car, we dropped to 24-25 MPG with a fully loaded car going mostly about 75MPH. On the way back, I added a Thule 1600 Ascent for extra cargo space and dropped about 1-2 MPG more. There was a lot of wind in Iowa and Nebraska so its hard to tell how bad the damage was from the cargo carrier.

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  Love my Outback - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By gms4868 - January 26 - 11:24 am

  After nearly 20 years of exclusively buying and leasing Nissans and one month into a 2012 Outback 2.5i limited, I couldnt be more pleased. The vehicle is very comfortable and nicely appointed and fit and finish is excellent. Granted, the pickup for the 4 cylinder engine isnt the best, but it gets you up to whatever speed at which youre comfortable and easily keeps up with the traffic flow. Dont know what the steering "wander" fuss is about, as the R&P system results in a sure-handling sports car feel. Moreover, overall fuel economy in the first month of driving has run from 25.5 to as much as 29.5 mpg over the course of two 600 mile NYS thruway round-trips and local driving.

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  1st Subaru - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By twrangham - September 12 - 11:20 am

  Ok, me being a newbie to the Subies, I wanted to give my initial impression as it only has 1k miles. So far so good. I went for the Premium model only because of the Bluetooth Audio (must-have if you own an iPhone). Other features such as Heated seats, power drivers seat, and the add-on rubber mats make this wagon pretty cool. I was a bit hesitant at first when trading in my almost new 2011 5.0 Mustang in for something more family-friendly, but the smooth CVT transmisison and great gas mileage are nice. Looking forward to some vacations and many miles in my new car. Only thing a bit odd was how the 3.6 wasnt really offered outside of the Limited model in my area.

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  Whats not to like? - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By swtracker - April 30 - 4:28 pm

  We researched for a long time, driving nearly 20 vehicles over 9 months before deciding on this model. On the road it is extremely quiet. I like the leg and headroom and the fit and finish is remarkable. I have been averaging 28 MPG overall with the CVT and am really surprised by that. While the Outback is not considered a SUV, it has almost the same cargo space as our Mid-sized SUV. We live in the mountains and have found the AWD to be very adequate for rough forest service roads and it was able to get through 8 inches of snow with the standard factory highyway tires.

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  5 Years,8 Months with an Outback - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Paul Hudson - February 11 - 8:20 am

  Car is great, dealer support for maintenance has deteriorated after 100,000 miles. Some "techs" tend to recommend repairs for issues without detailed research into problem source. This sometimes leads to un-needed repairs and cost without correcting the original problem. Dealer not anxious to offer any compensation for un-needed work.

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  great car - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By 67celtic - January 26 - 7:36 pm

  After 16000 miles, no problem with my wifes 2012 outback. No problem on the highway at high speeds. Great car, different ride than our 05 outback.

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  Love my Subaru! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Linda - November 30 - 5:01 am

  Its hard to believe some of the other reviews are talking about the same car. This is my 3rd Subaru (one Forester and 2 Outbacks). I bought it pre-owned from the dealer with 35K miles on the odometer. Im at 50K and change now. These cars run forever with just basic maintenance. When I wanted a Subaru my husband said, "thats a Mom-Mobile". Then he drove it and agreed that this is a great car. Solid handing in wet or dry conditions, I have never experienced the drift some reviewers mention. I do notice better handling since I bought new tires, I got better quality than the ones that came stock on the car. I dont like the placement of the clock (my 2007 Outback had it near the speedometer) and the AC/Heater controls on the 2007 were more user friendly. But those are pretty trivial complaints. I love the All Weather package (heated seats!). I dont need a heated steering wheel. My 2007 had navigation, I wish this one had it but I just use my smartphone. It could have more pep but its a 4 banger and not a sports car. Love the Blue Tooth. I took the middle headrest out of the back seat to improve rear visibility (it pops right out). I feel safe in this car.

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  165,000 and counting - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By AWD Boxer LUVR - August 20 - 9:05 am

  We have always had japanese cars in our family including Honda accords, Acura MDX, so Infinity g35 so we had high expectations of reliability with our Subaru and it has not disappointed us. We love the look of the Outback, it is a utilitarian vehicle with a bit of an attitude. The 4 cyl engine gets us about 24 mpg around town and up to 31 mpg on the highway. The CVT transmission can be a bit noisy during hard acceleration but it is quiet at cruising speed. The materials and build quality of the interior is excellent, my only complaint is that the sheet metal on the exterior seems thinner than I am used to. When waxing the car the body panels and hood flop and flex quite a bit more than I am used to so I actually have to be careful not to press too hard for fear of denting the panels in certain spots. I like to DIY the oil changes and basic maintenance on the car and I love the fact that Subaru has made things like oil,air,and cabin filter changes easy. We dont get a lot of snow where we live so I cant comment much on the AWD on the car. So after 165,000 miles the car still runs like new, only maintenance items so far have been regular oil and filter changes, a timing belt replacement, spark plugs, tires, and brakes, and a battery. I do plan to change the CVT transmission fluid very soon though. Update: I am now at 170,000 miles and I still love my Subie. I do a lot of outdoor activities including fishing and hiking and the Outback gives me plenty of room for all of my gear. I just took a 1200 mile trip with the family. 4 people 2 dogs and luggage stowed in a Yakima roof top box, the Outback got 26 mpg and is still running flawlessly at 170k miles.

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  Thought I loved my Murano but really love the Outback - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By uscrph - April 12 - 10:55 am

  I owned a 2009 Nissan Murano LE AWD with 20 inch wheels/navigation and all the upgrades. I had 60,000 miles but had issues with the electronic system from nearly the first year of ownership. It was the best driving SUV I have had and was supper loaded and nice --- the big problem was it was dependable with being able to crank it up due to dead batteries - suspect from all of the electronic gadgets placing drain on the car all of the time. Decided to go with the 2012 Subaru which was 6 months old and had 22,000 miles on it from one driver. The car was in almost new condition from front to back. Getting 24 mpg average for both city/highway traffic which is right in line with the specs.

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  AMAZING! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By drorcutt - November 14 - 8:28 am

  I previously owned Toyota, and was very hesitant to go away from a brand I have loved so much. However...once I decided to test drive a Subaru, I was in love! I was looking for something practical, yet stylish, and found what I was looking for in the outback. My family loves the outdoors, camping, etc., and we often move large items. The outback provides enough space to haul loads when you need to, or take the family on a camping trip as well. We love this car and will tell all of our friends and family as well!