How many miles per gallon does a Subaru Outback get on the highway?
The Subaru Outback, a popular midsize crossover SUV, is known for its versatility and off-road capabilities. One of the key factors that many consumers consider when purchasing a vehicle is its fuel efficiency, especially for highway driving. So, how many miles per gallon (MPG) does the Subaru Outback get on the highway?
Subaru Outback Highway MPG Ratings
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Subaru Outback with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive configuration achieves an estimated 29 MPG on the highway. This rating applies to the latest model year Outback, which has been optimized for improved fuel efficiency without sacrificing the vehicle's off-road performance and capabilities.
It's important to note that the actual fuel efficiency experienced by Outback owners may vary depending on factors such as driving conditions, driving style, and vehicle maintenance. However, the EPA's highway MPG rating of 29 is a reliable estimate that can be used as a general guideline when comparing the Outback's fuel efficiency to other midsize SUVs or crossovers.
Factors Affecting Subaru Outback Highway Fuel Efficiency
The Subaru Outback's highway fuel efficiency is influenced by several factors, including:
- Engine and Transmission: The Outback's standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), is designed for optimal fuel efficiency without compromising performance.
- All-Wheel Drive: The Outback's standard all-wheel drive system, which helps provide excellent traction and stability, does contribute to a slight decrease in fuel efficiency compared to front-wheel-drive models.
- Aerodynamics: The Outback's design, including features like the roof rails and spoiler, has been optimized to reduce wind resistance and improve aerodynamics, which helps boost highway fuel efficiency.
- Driving Conditions: Factors such as terrain, weather, and traffic can all impact the Outback's real-world fuel efficiency, with highway driving generally providing better MPG than city driving.
By understanding these factors, Subaru Outback owners can take steps to maximize their vehicle's highway fuel efficiency, such as maintaining proper tire pressure, avoiding excessive idling, and adopting a smooth, fuel-efficient driving style.
Why is Subaru's fuel consumption so high?
The reason is because the motor was designed in the 80s so it's ancient technology, and it's a low compression motor so it doesn't burn fuel efficiently at light throttle. It's also a very heavy car at nearly 3500lbs. All this combines to give it poor gas mileage and dated performance numbers.
Are Subaru Outbacks good for long distance driving?
No matter what your travel plans look like, maybe you're heading to the mountains, visiting friends and family across the state, or taking your kids to the beach, the Subaru Outback can be considered the perfect road trip vehicle. Why? Because it is built to handle just about any challenge you throw at it.
How far can a Subaru Outback go on a full tank of gas?
A Subaru Outback can go between approximately 426 and 518 miles on a single tank of gas, depending on the model and driving conditions. The exact range varies by trim, with the standard engine models getting a longer range and the turbocharged XT and Wilderness trims having a shorter range.
Estimated range by trim
- Standard 2.5L Engine: Can get up to 518 miles per tank, based on its EPA-estimated combined fuel economy.
- Turbocharged XT or Wilderness Trims: Can get up to 462 miles (XT) or 426 miles (Wilderness) per tank, due to a less efficient engine.
Factors that affect your actual range
- Driving style: Aggressive acceleration and braking will decrease your gas mileage.
- Driving conditions: City driving typically results in lower mileage than highway driving.
- Terrain: Driving in mountainous areas will lower your MPG.
- Vehicle maintenance: Things like tire pressure and engine cleanliness can affect efficiency.
- Fuel quality: The quality of the fuel you use can also play a role.
How many miles to the gallon does a Subaru Outback get?
A Subaru Outback gets between 26 mpg city/32 mpg highway for the 2.5L engine and 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway for the 2.4L turbocharged engine. The exact mileage depends on the engine and trim level, with the Wilderness model having a slightly lower rating of 21 mpg city/26 mpg highway.
Engine and MPG breakdown
- 2.5L 4-Cylinder Engine:
- City: 26 mpg
- Highway: 32 mpg
- Combined: 28 mpg
- 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine:
- City: 22 mpg
- Highway: 29 mpg
- Wilderness Trim (with 2.4L Turbo):
- City: 21 mpg
- Highway: 26 mpg
