How many miles per gallon does a 1997 Subaru Outback get?
The 1997 Subaru Outback typically posts mid-20s miles per gallon, with highway running in the upper 20s and city driving in the low-to-mid 20s. Exact numbers depend on engine choice and transmission.
That year primarily offered a 2.5-liter flat-4 engine paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic. All models used all-wheel drive, which affects efficiency compared with similar two-wheel-drive wagons. Real-world mileage varies with driving style, payload, terrain, and maintenance, but the figures below reflect the period’s EPA estimates for common configurations.
Fuel economy by configuration
The following summarizes typical EPA estimates for the main 1997 Outback configurations:
- 2.5-liter H4, 5-speed manual: City about 23 mpg, Highway about 28–29 mpg, Combined around 25–26 mpg
- 2.5-liter H4, 4-speed automatic: City about 23 mpg, Highway about 28–29 mpg, Combined around 25–26 mpg
Note: These figures are approximate EPA estimates from the era. Real-world mileage can vary based on load, tire choice, maintenance, and driving conditions.
Real-world mileage considerations
In everyday use, highway cruising tends to yield the best efficiency, especially at steady speeds with proper tire inflation. City driving, hill climbs, heavy luggage, and frequent starts can reduce mpg. Regular maintenance—air filters, spark plugs, and timing belt/water pump as recommended—helps preserve as-close-to-original efficiency as possible.
Summary
In short, a 1997 Subaru Outback generally delivers mid-20s mpg combined, with highway efficiency closer to the upper 20s and city mileage in the low 20s. The primary differences come from the choice between a manual or automatic transmission, while the all-wheel-drive setup remains a constant factor affecting overall fuel economy.
