Can you put premium in a Subaru Outback?
Yes, you can put premium fuel in a Subaru Outback. While the manufacturer recommends using regular unleaded gasoline, the Outback's engine is designed to handle higher octane premium fuel without any issues.
Understanding Fuel Requirements for the Subaru Outback
The Subaru Outback is a popular mid-size crossover SUV known for its all-wheel-drive capability and versatility. According to the owner's manual, Subaru recommends using regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum octane rating of 87 for the Outback. This is the standard recommendation for most of Subaru's vehicle lineup.
However, the Outback's engine is also capable of running on premium fuel with a higher octane rating of 91 or higher. Using premium fuel can provide a few benefits, such as:
- Improved performance: Premium fuel has a higher resistance to premature ignition, allowing the engine to run at higher compression ratios and produce more power.
- Better fuel efficiency: The higher octane rating of premium fuel can lead to slightly improved fuel economy, especially in turbocharged or high-performance engines.
- Reduced engine knocking: Premium fuel is less prone to causing engine knocking or pinging, which can be detrimental to the engine over time.
While using premium fuel is not required for the Subaru Outback, it can provide these potential benefits. However, it's important to note that the manufacturer's recommended fuel is regular unleaded, and using premium fuel will not significantly improve performance or fuel economy in a non-turbocharged Outback model.
Considerations When Using Premium Fuel
If you choose to use premium fuel in your Subaru Outback, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Cost: Premium fuel is typically more expensive than regular unleaded, so the potential benefits may not outweigh the higher fuel costs, especially if you don't notice a significant difference in performance or efficiency.
- Compatibility: Make sure to check your owner's manual to confirm that your specific Outback model is compatible with premium fuel. Some older or lower-trim Outback models may have engine specifications that require regular unleaded fuel.
- Switching between fuels: If you decide to switch between regular and premium fuel, be aware that the engine may experience a slight change in performance and fuel economy, but this is generally not a cause for concern.
In summary, while the Subaru Outback is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline, you can safely use premium fuel in your Outback if you desire the potential benefits of improved performance and fuel efficiency. However, the decision to use premium fuel should be based on your driving needs and budget considerations.
What fuel should I use in a Subaru Outback?
Non-Performance Subaru Models
For the majority of Subaru models, such as the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent, regular 87-octane fuel is perfectly adequate.
What happens if I put premium gas in my regular car?
If your car has a high compression ratio, premium gas will prevent fuel knocks and allow the engine to live up to its performance potential. If your car has a lower compression ratio, then nothing of note will happen — you'll just be spending more on fuel for no good reason.
Is premium or limited Outback better?
Difference Between Limited and Premium Subaru Outback
Both the Outback Premium and the Outback Limited are rugged Subaru vehicles built for years of journeys ahead. The Premium offers great features not available in the Base model, while the Limited offers an even more comfortable ride for both drivers and passengers.
Can I put 85 in my Subaru?
In the higher-elevation states of Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, you can buy 85-octane gasoline. In other areas of the country, your Subaru model is designed to run on 87 octane. Buying regular 87-octane gasoline and avoiding premium gas can save you hundreds of dollars in additional fuel costs annually.
