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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  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.

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  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.

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  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.

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  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....

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  Do not buy this car - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By 2012outback - March 10 - 8:06 am

  This car has a 60,000 transmission warranty. Our transmission needs to be replaced at 67,000 miles. The car is less than 2 years old and the mileage is all highway miles. I could not recommend this vehicle to anyone. When the transmission went out I was on the highway with children in the car. I cannot express how horrifying this experience was. Dont buy this car.

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  Not happy - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By gideon2 - February 19 - 6:06 am

  I hate this car. Traded Grand Cherokee for new Outback 2.5 Premium. Car is running like cement mixer at low speeds. Can not adjust driver seat to be comfortable. After 30 minutes of driving seat is cutting of circulation in my leg and that is everyday struggle. Engine is noisy on highway and AC in summer is not so good. Gas mileage is as posted in manual.I can’t wait to get rid of this car.

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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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  Engine Blew at 107,000 - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By Jody Miller - November 24 - 8:57 pm

  Car is just 3 years old, all highway driving. Followed maintenance schedule, last service for timing belt, 105,000 requested to do diagnostic testing and check engine carefully for my friend same car and year transmission went. One month later no signs or warning, when driving, dash board lights came on, pulled over and within 5 minutes the coolant poorer out, had towed and told that engine, radiator, valves, engine shot. needs a total rebuilt. Have a compliant in with Subura , told that this happen, not often, but car millage over warranty. How many people even have their car paid off by 3 years, costly repair, wish I could just get rid of the car, not great for resale either. Will see if Subrura pulls through and helps?!

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  Dont Buy a Subaru! - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By leodog1 - July 13 - 2:31 am

  Car has more blind spots than Hellen Keller! A death trap on wheels. Minor dent in rear finder costs $2K to repair! Gimmic rear view camera -- doesnt help backing at all. Grossly overpriced. Stay away from Subaru at all costs!!!!! Rattles like my Grandmother! Expect it to come apart at any minute. 5 months old and 2 recalls already. Replaced the new sunroof already! No free oil changes! God, what a mistake I made buying this thing! Never again!