How far can a Subaru Outback go on a tank of gas?
On a full tank, the Subaru Outback typically covers about 450 to 600 miles, depending on the engine, model year, and driving conditions. Most current models hover around the 500-mile mark per tank.
The distance a tank can take you depends on tank size, fuel economy, and how you drive. By multiplying the vehicle’s fuel tank capacity by its miles-per-gallon (mpg) rating, you get an estimate of the range per tank. The Outback uses an 18.5-gallon tank and offers different mpg figures by engine, so ranges vary accordingly.
Estimated range by engine variant
In current production Outbacks, fuel economy and tank size yield the following approximate ranges per tank. These figures assume a full tank and typical driving conditions; actual values vary.
- 2.5-liter engine with CVT (base models): about 450–550 miles per tank (725–885 km).
- 2.4-liter turbo engine (on higher trims): about 480–525 miles per tank (773–846 km).
- Note: Real-world mileage is influenced by speed, terrain, climate control usage, and all-wheel-drive engagement; highway cruising tends to yield the higher end of these ranges.
Bottom line: For most drivers, a full tank yields roughly half a thousand miles, with the exact figure tied to engine choice and driving habits.
How to compute your own range and maximize it
To personalize the estimate for your Outback, use your model year’s official mpg figures and the standard 18.5-gallon tank. The following factors can move your actual range up or down from those baselines.
- Maintain correct tire pressure and avoid unnecessary weight to improve efficiency.
- Drive smoothly: gentle acceleration and steady speeds reduce fuel use.
- Use cruise control on highways when conditions allow to minimize speed fluctuations.
- Limit aerodynamic drag by removing unused roof racks or cargo boxes.
- Keep up with routine maintenance and use recommended engine oil and filters for optimal performance.
Employing these practices can push real-world range toward the upper end of the published estimates.
Summary
Across model years, the Outback’s range per tank generally sits around 450–550 miles for the base engine and about 480–525 miles for the turbocharged version, assuming an 18.5-gallon tank. Real-world range depends on engine choice, driving style, and conditions, so plan accordingly and adopt efficient-driving habits to maximize mileage per tank.
