How many miles per gallon does a Subaru 2.4 turbo get?
Most Subaru models equipped with the 2.4-liter turbo engine return roughly 26 mpg in combined driving, with city driving in the low 20s and highway figures around 30 mpg or higher. Exact numbers depend on the specific model, year, drivetrain, and transmission. The following estimates reflect typical EPA ratings for common 2.4-liter turbo configurations currently in circulation.
Which Subaru models use the 2.4-liter turbo engine?
The 2.4-liter turbo engine is used in several well-known Subaru models, including the Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and the WRX. Each model has its own EPA ratings based on drivetrain and transmission, so the mpg you see will vary by configuration.
EPA fuel-economy estimates for representative AWD, automatic- transmission configurations are shown below.
- Outback 2.4T (AWD, automatic): 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined
- Legacy 2.4T (AWD, automatic): 23 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, 26 mpg combined
- Ascent 2.4T (AWD, automatic): 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 22 mpg combined
- WRX 2.4L turbo (AWD, manual or automatic): about 20 mpg city, 27 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined
These figures are typical for recent model years and reflect the aggressive performance tuning that accompanies the 2.4-liter turbo. Actual results can vary based on year, transmission choice, tires, octane level, and driving conditions.
What factors influence mpg numbers?
Understanding why mpg can differ helps explain the spread you’ll see across models and trims. Several factors routinely affect real-world fuel economy:
- Vehicle weight and aerodynamics
- Drive mode and throttle response of the turbocharged engine
- Transmission type and gearing (CVT versus stepped automatic)
- All-wheel-drive complexity and tire rolling resistance
- Maintenance, including tire pressure and engine condition
In practice, the most efficient results come from steady highway cruising with properly inflated tires and a light right foot. City driving, heavy acceleration, and frequent stops tend to reduce mpg more noticeably on turbocharged Subarus than on their naturally aspirated counterparts.
How to maximize fuel economy with a 2.4 turbo Subaru
Owners looking to squeeze more miles per gallon can adopt several strategies. Keeping tires inflated to the recommended pressure, regular maintenance, smoother acceleration, steady speeds on highways, and mindful use of roof racks or added weight can all help. The turbo engine tends to be efficient at steady cruising but can incur penalties in stop-and-go conditions if driven aggressively.
Summary
For most Subaru models equipped with the 2.4-liter turbo, expect a typical range around 26 mpg combined, with city figures in the low 20s and highway figures near 30 mpg or higher, depending on the model. Outback 2.4T and Legacy 2.4T generally offer strong highway mileage, while the Ascent tends to be a bit less efficient due to its size and weight. The WRX, though fast, sits in a lower mpg band. Always check the exact EPA ratings for your specific year, model, and drivetrain to get the precise figure.
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 Legacy 2.4 Turbo get?
2.4L Turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® 4-Cylinder Engine: 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined*
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).
