SUBARU OUTBACK 2021 Getting Started Guide

For vehicles with an X-MODE®Dual Mode System, select NORMAL, SNOW/DIRT or DEEP
SNOW/MUD:
• SNOW/DIRT is suitable for driving on slippery road surfaces such as snow or gravel,
where the points of contact between the tires and road surface are visible.
• DEEP SNOW/MUD provides maximum torque from the engine and the optimal amount
of slip in the driving wheels, enabling the vehicle to free itself more effectively. It is
suitable for driving on a roads where the tires can become buried, such as deep snow,
dry sand, or muddy roads.
Hill Descent Control (HDC)
This function helps maintain a constant vehicle speed when driving down steep hills or
declines. HDC is automatically engaged with X-MODE®and functions with the select lever
in the “D” or “R” position.
TURNING OFF THE VEHICLE
Without Push-button Ignition
To stop the engine:
1. Stop your Subaru completely.
2. Move the select lever to the “P” position.
3. Turn the ignition switch to “OFF”.
NOTE: The front windows will remain active for about 40 seconds and the SUBARU
STARLINK
®Multimedia System will remain on for about three minutes or until a door is
opened, whichever occurs first.
With Push-button Ignition
To stop the engine:
1. Stop your Subaru completely.
2. Move the select lever to the “P” position.
3. Press the ignition switch.
NOTE: The front windows will remain active for about 40 seconds and the SUBARU
STARLINK
®Multimedia System will remain on for about three minutes or until a door is
opened, whichever occurs first.
OPERATING THE VEHICLE
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FUEL FILLER LID
The fuel filler lid is located toward the rear of the
passenger side. To open the lid:
1. Make sure your Subaru is stopped and the select
lever is placed in PARK. Then turn the ignition to
the "LOCK"/ "OFF" position.
2. The fuel filler lid is automatically unlocked when the
ignition is moved to the ”LOCK”/OFF” position, or
by unlocking using the access key fob/transmitter
or door handles.
3. Push the rear side of the lid.
4. When the lid opens slightly, open it further by hand.
While refueling, place the fuel filler cap on the cap
holder inside the lid.
After refueling, put the cap back on and turn it
clockwise until you hear a clicking noise. Be certain
not to catch the tether under the cap while tightening.
To close the lid, press it until you hear it latch.
NOTE: If the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks or if the tether is caught under the
cap, the Check Engine warning light may illuminate.
FUEL
Use regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 AKI or higher. Do not use fuels
with more than 10% ethanol for 2.5 L models or 15% ethanol for 2.4 L models.
For more information, please refer to the Owner’s Manual.
FUEL CAPACITY
Capacity
Full Fuel Tank
18.5 US gallons
Low Fuel Warning Light
2.6 US gallons
Fuel Filler Lid and Cap
REFUELING
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FOLDING THE REAR SEATS
The rear seats can be folded down from the
back seat or from the cargo area.
First, lower the headrests. Then, push the
release button until you see the red around the
button and fold down the seats. To return the
seatback to its original position, raise the
seatback until it locks into place. You will no
longer be able to see the red when the seat is
locked.
Release latches are located on either side of
the cargo area. Pull the release latch on the
seat side that you want to fold down.
You can also recline the rear seats by pulling
up on the lever on the side of the seat and
pushing back.
PASSENGER/CARGO AREAS
51

CHILD SAFETY LOCKS
The child safety locks are located on the inside
edges of the rear doors. In the locked position,
the rear doors can only be opened from the
outside.
PASSENGER/CARGO AREAS
52

LATCH/ANCHOR
Your Subaru is equipped with Lower Anchors
and Tethers for Children (LATCH). For
maximum safety, first carefully read the LATCH
system instructions from the device
manufacturer, as well as the installation
instructions in your Owner’s Manual, to
properly install the LATCH compatible restraint
system. Use the appropriate seatbelts or
anchorages provided in your Subaru. Children
age 12 and under must properly occupy the
rear seat at all times.
PASSENGER/CARGO AREAS
53

REAR SEAT REMINDER
The Rear Seat Reminder system assists you in
preventing a child or pet from being left in your
Subaru. The system monitors the opening and
closing of the rear side door. It does not
physically sense the presence of a child or pet.
The system turns on if your Subaru is started
within 30 minutes of a rear side door opening
or closing. It also turns on if a rear side door is
opened and closed when your Subaru is
running and stationary. The system remains on
if your Subaru is turned off and back on again
within 30 minutes and the rear side doors
remained closed.
When you turn your Subaru off, the system warns you audibly and with a “Reminder, Look
in Rear Seat” message in the Combination Meter Display (CMD).
The system operates only one time with each ignition cycle and opening and closing of a
rear side door. You can turn the Rear Seat Reminder off with the touchscreen by selecting
“Settings”, then the “Car” menu.
Passenger Occupant Detection and Seatbelt Reminders
To help keep your passengers
safe, your Subaru has a
passenger occupant detection
and seatbelt reminder system for
each seat, including the rear
seats.
If passengers in the rear seats do
not fasten their seatbelts while the
ignition is in the "ON" position,
the seatbelt warning lights
illuminate or blink for the specific
seat, and a warning chime may
sound.
For more information, please
refer to “Seatbelt Warning Light and Chime” in your Subaru Owner’s Manual.
PASSENGER/CARGO AREAS
54

CARGO COVER(if equipped)
The cargo cover is provided to cover the
cargo area and to protect its contents from
direct sunlight. It has an easy lift-up function,
eliminating the need to rewind the cover all the
way when accessing the cargo. The cover can
also be detached to make room for additional
cargo.
Hold the cover by the handle in the center, tilt
it up and pull it out to extend the cover. Then
insert the stoppers into the catches.
To lift the cover to access cargo, pull down the
handle in the center to release the stoppers
from the catches, and allow the stoppers to
slide up the grooves.
Store the cover under the floor of the cargo
area when not in use. Instructions for
operation are included on the cargo cover
housing.
Cargo Area and Cover
PASSENGER/CARGO AREAS
55

SPARE TIRE
The jack and other maintenance tools are
stored in the tool bucket on top of the spare
tire. Remove the tools to access the spare tire.
For more information, please refer to your
Owner’s Manual.
PASSENGER/CARGO AREAS
56

HOOD PROP
The hood prop is located on the
left underside of the hood.
Release it from the retainer and
insert the end into the slot marked
with an arrow.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
57

2.5L ENGINE
1Brake Fluid Reservoir
2Main Fuse Box
3Battery
4Windshield Washer Tank
5Engine Oil Filler Cap6Radiator Cap
7Engine Coolant Reservoir
8Engine Oil Filter
9Engine Oil Dipstick
10Air Cleaner Element
Please refer to the Warranty and Maintenance Booklet for recommended replacement
intervals.
ENGINE COMPARTMENT
58