DecodedCars2012 Subaru Legacy/Outback
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo, 3.6L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Subaru Legacy/Outback is a midsize car offered with 3 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl turbo and 3.6L 6-cyl) and all-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 30 highway), 5% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 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
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Legacy/Outback — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Legacy/Outback →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | +5% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 28 / 24 | +26% | $2,800 | 370 |
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | -8% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +16% | $3,050 | 404 |
| Legacy AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 25 / 21 | -12% | $3,900 | 423 |
| Legacy AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | -16% | $3,350 | 444 |
| Outback Wagon AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 24 / 20 | +5% | $3,350 | 444 |
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 Legacy/Outback.
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Subaru Legacy/Outback.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Subaru Legacy/Outback is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Subaru Legacy/Outback in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Subaru Legacy/Outback 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 Legacy/Outback. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Legacy/Outback years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Legacy/Outback | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 Legacy/Outback | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 Legacy/Outback | 29 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 Legacy/Outback | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 Legacy/Outback | 27 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 Legacy/Outback | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 Legacy/Outback | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 Legacy/Outback | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 Legacy/Outback | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 Legacy/Outback | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 Legacy/Outback | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 Legacy/Outback | 23 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →