How many miles can you get out of a Subaru Outback?
A modern Subaru Outback can typically travel about 500 to 600 miles on a full tank, depending on engine and driving conditions.
The range you can expect depends on the engine choice (2.5-liter versus 2.4-liter turbo), the fuel tank size (recent models use about an 18.5-gallon tank), and real-world factors such as speed, terrain, cargo, and climate. Here is a closer look at current engines and how far they can take you per tank.
Engine choices and fuel economy
The Outback has two main engine options in recent years. Here’s how their fuel economy typically breaks down and what that means for range per tank.
- 2.5-liter engine — EPA estimates: 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway / 29 mpg combined. With an 18.5-gallon tank, approximate range per tank is about 480 miles in the city, 610 miles on the highway, or roughly 540 miles combined.
- 2.4-liter turbo engine — EPA estimates: 23 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined. With an 18.5-gallon tank, approximate range per tank is about 425 miles in the city, 555 miles on the highway, or roughly 480 miles combined.
Note: Real-world numbers vary by model year, trim, wheel size, all-wheel-drive usage, and driving style. The figures above reflect EPA estimates and a typical 18.5-gallon fuel tank used on recent Outbacks.
What affects real-world range
Several factors can reduce or extend the miles you get per tank. Consider these common influences when estimating your own range.
- Driving speed and style: brisk acceleration and high-speed cruising consume more fuel.
- Terrain and load: hilly terrain, towing, and heavy cargo reduce efficiency.
- Climate control: running the AC or heater in extreme temperatures lowers MPG.
- Wind resistance and tires: larger wheels or more aggressive tires can affect efficiency.
- Maintenance and drivetrain usage: all-wheel drive, CVT tuning, and regular maintenance (spark plugs, oil, air filters) impact efficiency.
In practice, many Outback owners report ranges that align with EPA estimates, with real-world figures typically landing in the 450–600 mile range per tank depending on conditions.
Real-world scenarios
To illustrate how conditions translate into miles per tank, consider these common driving profiles.
- Highway cruising (steady speeds around 60–70 mph): expect the upper end of the range, often around 550–610 miles on a full tank with the 2.5-liter engine.
- Urban/suburban commuting (frequent stops and starts): ranges commonly fall in the 450–520 mile range, depending on traffic and climate control use.
- Cold weather or heavy cargo: miles per tank may drop toward 400–480 miles as the engine works harder to reach operating temperature and power accessories.
All numbers are approximate and depend on the actual tank size of your model year and your personal driving habits.
Summary
For most recent Subaru Outbacks, a typical full tank yields roughly 480–610 miles, with the 2.5-liter engine tending to deliver the higher end of that range. The 2.4-liter turbo offers similar overall range but at the cost of a small drop in combined efficiency. Real-world mileage varies with driving conditions, weather, and cargo, so use EPA estimates as a baseline and adjust for your own terrain and habits.
