DecodedCars2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 27 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 17% better than the average 2012 compact car (25.6 MPG).
- Few owner complaints0 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 53 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 23 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl and 2.5L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 35 highway), 17% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2012
- Engine added: 2.0L 4-cyl
- Engine dropped: 2.5L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 22 to 30
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Impreza/Outback Sport →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +17% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +21% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 28 | +9% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | +9% | $2,500 | 329 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -18% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 25 / 21 | -15% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Impreza AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -26% | $4,350 | 468 |
| Impreza Wagon/Outback Sport AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -23% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport (this car) | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Ford Focus | 32 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Impreza/Outback Sport years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Impreza/Outback Sport | 32 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 Impreza/Outback Sport | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 Impreza/Outback Sport | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →