How many miles per gallon does a 2.4 turbo Outback get?

On the latest Outback models equipped with the 2.4-liter turbo engine, you can expect about 25 miles per gallon combined (roughly 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway) with all-wheel drive and the standard CVT. Real-world results vary based on driving conditions and setup.

The question centers on Subaru’s 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, introduced in the Outback in the 2020 model year. This engine pairs with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and its fuel economy is published by the EPA as window-sticker figures. The following sections break down the official numbers and the factors that influence actual mileage.

EPA fuel economy for the 2.4T Outback

Official fuel economy figures come from the EPA and Subaru’s window stickers. For the 2.4-liter turbo in the Outback, the typical EPA ratings are:

• 2020–2024 Outback 2.4T AWD CVT: 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, 25 mpg combined.

These figures provide a baseline for typical driving. Actual results can vary slightly by year, wheel/tire size, and trim package.

Model-year variations

Across the 2020–2024 Outback run, the numbers have remained stable for the 2.4T engine. Minor differences can occur due to wheel and tire choices or testing updates, but the general profile stays around 23/30/25.

In practice, the EPA estimates are a starting point; real-world mileage depends on a range of factors beyond the engine itself.

Real-world mpg and how to improve

Real-world fuel economy often deviates from EPA estimates. Drivers report a typical range influenced by terrain, payload, and driving style. Here’s what commonly affects mpg in the 2.4T Outback:

• Driving style: smooth, steady acceleration and gradual braking help mileage.


• Terrain: city driving, hills, and mountainous routes reduce mpg compared with flat highway cruising.


• Cargo and roof equipment: roof racks and heavy loads increase aerodynamic drag and lower mpg.


• Tire type and inflation: properly inflated tires with low-rolling-resistance designs can improve efficiency.


• Climate control: frequent use of AC in hot weather or heating in cold weather can affect mpg.


• Maintenance: timely oil changes, clean air filters, and healthy engine components help preserve efficiency.

In short, mpg is sensitive to many variables, but mindful driving and routine maintenance can help close the gap with EPA estimates.

Tips to maximize mpg on a 2.4T Outback

Consider these practical steps to improve efficiency without sacrificing safety or capability:

• Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressures and rotate them as advised.


• Avoid unnecessary roof cargo and remove racks when not needed for long trips.


• Use cruise control on highways and plan routes to minimize stop-and-go traffic.


• Combine errands into fewer trips to reduce cold-start fuel usage.


• Stay up to date with maintenance, including air filters and routine service as recommended by Subaru.

Implementing these tips can help you approach the EPA numbers and improve overall fuel economy in daily driving.

Summary

The 2.4-liter turbo Outback typically delivers about 23 mpg in the city, 30 mpg on the highway, for a combined figure around 25 mpg with AWD and a CVT. Real-world results vary by driving conditions and setup, but informed driving and regular maintenance can help you stay close to those estimates.

How many miles per gallon does a 2.4 XT Outback get?

22/29 MPG
2.4-Liter Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER Four-Cylinder
As far as fuel efficiency for this engine goes, trims with “XT” in their name offer an EPA-estimated 22/29 MPG (City/Highway),1 while the Wilderness earns an EPA-estimated 21/26 MPG (City/Highway).

Is the Subaru 2.4 turbo a good engine?

Yes, the Subaru 2.4L turbo engine is generally considered a good engine, offering significantly more power than the naturally aspirated versions while being built to be reliable and overbuilt. It provides better acceleration, towing capacity, and performance at high altitudes, but it is also more complex than a non-turbo engine and has lower fuel economy. Proper maintenance, such as more frequent oil changes, can help ensure long-term reliability.
 
Advantages of the 2.4L turbo engine

• More power and torque: It provides a significant increase in torque, making it feel much more responsive than the 2.5L non-turbo engine. This is especially beneficial for passing and merging. 
• Stronger performance: The engine is more capable in situations that require more power, like climbing hills or towing. 
• Built for reliability: It's considered an overbuilt engine, designed to be more reliable than older Subaru turbo engines, addressing some of the issues seen in previous generations. 
• Can use regular fuel: The engine is designed to run on 87 octane regular gasoline. 

Potential considerations for the 2.4L turbo engine

• Fuel economy: The turbo engine generally gets slightly lower fuel economy compared to the 2.5L non-turbo. 
• Complexity: Turbocharged engines are more complex than naturally aspirated ones, which can mean more potential maintenance points, such as oil supply bolts and gasket leaks. 
• Maintenance: To maximize longevity, frequent oil changes (every 3,750 to 5,000 miles) are recommended to prevent potential oil-related issues. 

Verdict
The Subaru 2.4L turbo is a good engine if you prioritize power and performance. It's a reliable and capable engine, especially when you perform diligent maintenance. If your priority is the lowest possible maintenance complexity and fuel cost, the 2.5L naturally aspirated engine might be a better fit.

How many miles per gallon does a Subaru Outback 2.5 turbo get?

Models with the standard 2.5-liter engine score an EPA-estimated 26/32/28 MPG (City/Highway/Combined). Most Outback trims with the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder let you enjoy an EPA-estimated 22/29/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).

What is the fuel economy of the Subaru Outback turbo?

The Subaru Outback turbo (2.4L turbocharged engine) has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of approximately 22 MPG city / 29 MPG highway / 25 MPG combined for most models, with the Wilderness trim getting an estimated 21 MPG city / 26 MPG highway / 23 MPG combined. This is lower than the standard 2.5L engine, which is estimated at 26 MPG city / 32 MPG highway / 28 MPG combined. 
Turbo (2.4L) Outback MPG by trim 

• Most XT models: (Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, Touring XT):
  • 22 MPG city / 29 MPG highway / 25 MPG combined
• Wilderness trim:
  • 21 MPG city / 26 MPG highway / 23 MPG combined 

Standard (2.5L) Outback MPG 

• Base, Premium, Limited, and Touring trims:
  • 26 MPG city / 32 MPG highway / 28 MPG combined