Mike Shaw Subaru
2012 Subaru Outback
Now available at Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO
- Starting MSRP$23,295
- Horsepower170–256 hp
- EPA MPG18–22 city / 25–29 hwy
- Max Towing2,700–3,000 lbs
The 2012 Subaru Outback brings five-seat SUV practicality and all-wheel drive to Thornton, Colorado, where Mike Shaw Subaru serves drivers along West 104th Avenue near Interstate 25. This page gives shoppers a clear look at the Outback’s trim-range pricing, flat-engine configurations, fuel economy, towing capacity, dimensions, and cargo space. It also places the Outback alongside the 2012 Subaru Forester and 2012 Subaru Tribeca, helping northern Denver drivers compare Subaru options for weekday commuting, family errands, and changing Front Range weather.
- Starting MSRP
- $23,295
- Horsepower
- 170–256 hp
- EPA MPG
- 18–22 city / 25–29 hwy
- Max Towing
- 2,700–3,000 lbs
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- All Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Unleaded
- Body Style
- SUV
How the 2012 Subaru Outback Compares With Subaru’s Lineup
Pricing, power, efficiency, towing, drivetrain, and fuel requirements help define the differences among Subaru’s 2012 SUVs. The 2012 Subaru Outback starts at $23,295, and MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.
| Spec | 2012 Subaru Outback | 2012 Subaru Forester | 2012 Subaru Tribeca |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $23,295 | $20,595 | $30,595 |
| Horsepower | 170–256 hp | 170–224 hp | 256 hp |
| EPA MPG | 18–22 city / 25–29 hwy | 19–21 city / 24–27 hwy | 16 city / 21 hwy |
| Max Towing | 2,700–3,000 lbs | 2,400 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Drivetrain | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded / Premium Unleaded (Required) | Regular Unleaded |
Manufacturer figures for the model year shown; a range spans that model's trims. Starting MSRP excludes tax, title, registration, and dealer fees.
Compared with the 2012 Subaru Forester, the Outback starts at $23,295 versus $20,595 and offers a horsepower range of 170–256 hp versus 170–224 hp. The Forester’s 19–21 city / 24–27 highway EPA MPG and 2,400-pound maximum towing favor shoppers focused on a lower starting price and compact utility, while the Outback’s 18–22 city and 25–29 highway range, 2,700–3,000-pound towing range, and all-wheel drive suit buyers weighing broader power and towing choices.
Compared with the 2012 Subaru Tribeca, the Outback starts at $23,295 versus $30,595. The Tribeca provides 256 hp, 16 city / 21 highway EPA MPG, and 3,500 pounds of maximum towing, favoring shoppers who prioritize maximum listed towing, while the Outback offers 170–256 hp, 18–22 city and 25–29 highway MPG, and all-wheel drive with regular unleaded fuel.
Specifications and Configuration
The 2012 Subaru Outback is an SUV with seating for five, an all-wheel-drive drivetrain, regular unleaded fuel, and a flat engine layout. Across its nine trims, engine choices range from a 2.5-liter four-cylinder to a 3.6-liter six-cylinder, with horsepower ranging from 170 to 256 hp and torque from 170 to 247 lb-ft.
Transmission choices include a six-speed manual, a continuously variable transmission, and a five-speed automatic. City fuel economy ranges from 18 to 22 MPG, while highway fuel economy ranges from 25 to 29 MPG. Maximum towing ranges from 2,700 to 3,000 pounds.
The Outback measures 188.2 inches long, 71.7 inches wide, and 65.7 inches high, with a 107.9-inch wheelbase. It has an 18.5-gallon fuel capacity, 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, and curb weight ranging from 3,389 to 3,631 pounds.
Buying a 2012 Subaru Outback in Thornton
Mike Shaw Subaru is anchored along the West 104th Avenue corridor in Thornton, serving as a prominent automotive landmark in Denver’s northern suburbs. Located just west of Interstate 25, this commercial lifeline bridges the established neighborhoods of Northglenn with the growing communities of Westminster and Broomfield.
The Outback’s five-seat layout, all-wheel drive, and 2,700–3,000-pound towing range align with the area’s multi-car suburban households and changing seasonal driving needs. The store receives vehicles on a rolling basis, so shoppers can search inventory for current listings and use value your trade resources when planning a purchase.
What to Weigh Before Buying
Trim selection changes the Outback’s engine, transmission, fuel economy, horsepower, torque, and towing capacity. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder configurations produce 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, while the 3.6-liter six-cylinder configurations produce 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque.
Consider whether a manual transmission, continuously variable transmission, or five-speed automatic best fits daily driving. It is also useful to compare the 18–22 city MPG range with the 25–29 highway MPG range, along with cargo room, fuel capacity, curb weight, and the towing requirement for regular use.
What is the starting price of the 2012 Subaru Outback?
The 2012 Subaru Outback starts at $23,295 MSRP.
Across the nine trims, starting MSRP ranges from $23,295 to $31,695. MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.
- Base starting MSRP: $23,295
- Top listed starting MSRP: $31,695
- Trim selection changes equipment and powertrain specifications
Does the 2012 Subaru Outback have all-wheel drive?
Yes, the 2012 Subaru Outback has all-wheel drive.
Its all-wheel-drive layout suits drivers who regularly encounter changing road conditions around Thornton and the northern Denver suburbs. The vehicle uses regular unleaded fuel.
- Drivetrain: all-wheel drive
- Fuel type: regular unleaded
- Body style: SUV
What engines and transmissions are available?
The 2012 Subaru Outback offers 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 3.6-liter six-cylinder engines.
Transmission choices include a six-speed manual, a continuously variable transmission, and a five-speed automatic. Output ranges from 170 to 256 hp and from 170 to 247 lb-ft of torque.
- Engine size: 2.5 to 3.6 liters
- Cylinder count: four to six
- Engine layout: flat
How fuel-efficient is the 2012 Subaru Outback?
The 2012 Subaru Outback is rated from 18 to 22 city MPG and 25 to 29 highway MPG across trims.
Fuel economy varies with engine and transmission configuration. The listed fuel capacity is 18.5 gallons.
- City MPG range: 18–22
- Highway MPG range: 25–29
- Fuel capacity: 18.5 gallons
How much can the 2012 Subaru Outback tow?
Maximum towing ranges from 2,700 to 3,000 pounds across the 2012 Subaru Outback trims.
The towing figure varies by configuration, with the six-cylinder Outback reaching the top of the listed range. The vehicle also provides 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
- Maximum towing range: 2,700–3,000 pounds
- Rear-seat cargo capacity: 34.3 cubic feet
- Seating capacity: five
Should I choose the Outback or the 2012 Subaru Forester?
The Outback suits shoppers comparing greater towing and power ranges, while the Forester starts at a lower MSRP.
The Forester starts at $20,595, offers 170–224 hp, and has a 2,400-pound maximum towing rating. The Outback starts at $23,295, offers 170–256 hp, and has a 2,700–3,000-pound towing range.
- Both models have all-wheel drive
- Forester EPA MPG: 19–21 city / 24–27 highway
- Outback MPG range: 18–22 city / 25–29 highway
How can I see a 2012 Subaru Outback in person?
Check Mike Shaw Subaru’s live inventory before planning a visit in Thornton.
Inventory changes on a rolling basis, and the dealership serves the West 104th Avenue corridor near Interstate 25. Use the online inventory tools to review current vehicle listings before contacting the store.
- Dealership: Mike Shaw Subaru
- Location: Thornton, CO
- Search inventory





