How many miles can a Subaru Outback go on empty?
Typically about 50 to 60 miles (80–95 km) of driving remain after the low-fuel warning, depending on engine, drivetrain, and driving conditions.
When the dashboard indicates empty, the exact remaining distance a Subaru Outback can travel depends on several variables. The vehicle’s fuel tank holds about 18.5 gallons, and the amount of fuel left when the gauge hits E, plus the current fuel economy (mpg), will determine how far you can go. Differences between model years, engines (non-turbo 2.5L vs. turbo 2.4L), transmission, payload, and terrain all affect the estimate. This article provides a practical guide to estimating remaining miles and tips to avoid getting stranded.
Understanding remaining range and what affects it
The Outback’s fuel tank capacity is 18.5 gallons. When the fuel gauge reaches E, you typically have only a few gallons left, though the exact amount varies by year and trim. To estimate remaining miles, multiply the remaining gallons by your current miles-per-gallon (mpg), which itself depends on driving conditions and style.
Before outlining typical ranges, consider these baseline figures for planning purposes:
- Fuel tank capacity: 18.5 gallons (70 liters).
- Estimated remaining range with about 2 gallons left: roughly 50–65 miles (80–105 km) at common mixed driving mpg (~25–33 mpg).
- Estimated remaining range with about 1.5 gallons left: roughly 38–50 miles (61–80 km).
- Estimated remaining range with about 1 gallon left: roughly 25–33 miles (40–53 km).
These figures are approximate and can vary based on current mpg, terrain, weight, climate, and driving habits. Treat them as planning estimates rather than exact forecasts.
Practical tips to maximize remaining miles
Conserving fuel and understanding limits
To stretch the remaining fuel when you’re near empty, employ conservative driving and routine maintenance. The following tips can help you eke out more miles when you’re running low:
Before listing, consider these planning notes:
- Drive smoothly with gradual acceleration and steady speeds to improve mpg.
- Plan routes to minimize stop-and-go traffic and steep hills when possible.
- Keep tires properly inflated; under-inflated tires reduce efficiency.
- Lighten the load by removing unnecessary cargo.
- Use cruise control on highways to maintain a consistent pace where appropriate.
- Follow the maintenance schedule to keep the engine and fuel system operating efficiently.
Note: Running a vehicle with very low fuel can increase sediment intake and, with repeated practice, stress the fuel pump. It’s wise to refuel before you risk running out.
Model-year and engine variability
Outback models differ in fuel economy, which affects remaining-range estimates. The non-turbo 2.5L engine generally delivers higher mpg in mixed driving than the turbocharged 2.4L option, influencing how far you can go on a near-empty tank. For precise figures, check the EPA ratings for your exact year and trim and adjust estimates based on your own driving conditions.
Summary
In practical terms, expect roughly 50–65 miles of range after the Outback shows a low-fuel warning, with exact numbers influenced by engine choice, mpg, and driving style. Always refuel in a timely fashion and use the remaining miles to plan your next fuel stop safely. By understanding your model’s typical mpg and staying aware of real-time driving conditions, you can avoid getting stranded and make smarter fuel decisions.
