Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2012 Subaru Outback
With an overall Carivo score of 6.8/10, the 2012 Subaru Outback earns a Good rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.7/10, while Technology at 5.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 7.3/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 7.7/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.1/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $17,920–$23,279, 15 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Outback sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. Value lands at 7.0/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2012 Subaru Outback, but it needs the right buyer. Its performance and technology scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2012 Subaru Outback ranks #2205 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 10% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $17,920 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 50%.
Across the Outback model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Reliability scores are mid-pack; some owners report higher-than-expected maintenance needs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 15 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2012 Subaru Outback (16 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 09/01/2019 · 19V008000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of…
Parking brake 13/09/2018 · 18V626000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 09/01/2019 · 19V007000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana,…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 09/01/2019 · 19V009000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa,…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 02/01/2020 · 20V002000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of…
Showing 5 of 16 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Common Questions — 2012 Subaru Outback
Is the 2012 Subaru Outback reliable?
We rate the 2012 Subaru Outback's reliability 7.3/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 16 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2012 Subaru Outback have?
16 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2012 Subaru Outback worth buying?
It scores 6.8/10 overall, ranking #2205 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 10% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2012 Subaru Outback cost?
The 2012 Subaru Outback starts at $17,920 and ranges up to $23,279 across trims (MSRP when new). At 15 MPG, expect roughly $3,500/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
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Similar SUV to Consider
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Representative photo — may show another model year
