How many miles can a Subaru Outback go on a tank of gas?
Typically, a Subaru Outback can travel roughly 480–560 miles on a full tank of gas, depending on engine choice, trim and driving conditions.
Understanding that range requires looking at the car’s fuel-tank size, the available engine options, and how real-world driving affects efficiency. The following sections break down these factors and provide typical estimates for planning trips.
Tank size and fuel-economy basics
Before listing typical ranges, note the key variables that determine how far the Outback can go on a tank: capacity, engine choice and how you drive.
- Fuel-tank capacity: 18.5 gallons (about 70 liters) for most U.S.-market Outback models.
- Engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder (non-turbo) and a 2.4-liter turbo; mpg varies by configuration and year.
- Drivetrain and transmission: all-wheel drive with a CVT, common across trims, influences fuel economy relative to a front-drive configuration.
- Driving conditions: highway cruising, city stops-and-go, cargo load and weather all affect mpg and thus miles per tank.
Taken together, these factors mean the miles per tank can vary widely, from a bit under 500 miles in tougher conditions to well over 550 miles on efficient highway runs.
Estimated miles per tank by engine when new
The following ranges reflect typical EPA-estimated combined mpg for common U.S. configurations and the 18.5-gallon tank. Use your exact model’s rating for precise planning.
- 2.5-liter engine (non-turbo) with AWD/CVT: roughly 26–29 mpg combined; about 480–537 miles per tank.
- 2.4-liter turbo engine: roughly 26–28 mpg combined; about 481–518 miles per tank.
Note: These figures assume average driving conditions and are intended as planning guides. Real-world numbers will vary with speed, terrain, cargo and climate.
Real-world driving scenarios
To illustrate how conditions affect range, here are typical outcomes across common scenarios.
- Highway cruising: at steady highway speeds with light cargo, you might see the upper end of the range, roughly 520–610 miles per tank depending on gear and speed.
- City and stop-and-go driving: urban trips tend to reduce mpg, yielding about 420–480 miles per tank for many drivers, with turbo models sometimes edging toward the lower end of that range depending on acceleration.
- Mixed daily driving: a practical expectation is about 450–550 miles per tank, depending on your mix of highway and city driving.
In short, most Outbacks achieve roughly half a thousand miles per tank in typical usage, with highway-focused trips pushing toward the upper end of that band.
Summary
The Subaru Outback’s per-tank range depends on engine choice, model year, and driving conditions. With an 18.5-gallon tank, expect about 480–560 miles per tank under normal use, and more on efficient highway trips. Always reference your specific EPA rating and consider current road conditions when planning long drives.
