How much fuel does a Subaru use per km?
Subarus typically use about 0.06–0.10 liters of fuel per kilometer (6–10 liters per 100 kilometers), which translates to roughly 23–39 miles per gallon (US) in mixed driving. Exact figures depend on model, engine, transmission, and conditions.
Understanding the metric
Fuel economy can be expressed either as liters per 100 kilometers (L/100 km) or liters per kilometer (L/km). To convert L/100 km to L/km, divide by 100. To express the same fuel use in miles per gallon (US), use mpg = 235.214 / (L/100 km). All Subaru figures cited here reflect EPA-estimated combined values for recent model years and vary with drivetrain, trim, and driving style.
In everyday terms, you’ll see a broad range across the lineup, from efficient hybrids to turbocharged performers. The next section provides representative figures for popular models.
Fuel economy by Subaru model family
Below are representative, EPA-estimated combined fuel-economy figures for popular Subaru models as of recent model years. Ranges account for differences between gasoline, hybrid, and trim choices, and between city/highway conditions.
- Crosstrek Hybrid: about 5.7 L/100 km (41 mpg US) combined.
- Crosstrek (gasoline): roughly 6.8–7.6 L/100 km (31–38 mpg US), depending on trim and CVT vs manual.
- Forester (2.5L with CVT): around 7.0–8.8 L/100 km (27–34 mpg US).
- Outback (2.5L): about 7.0–8.0 L/100 km (29–34 mpg US).
- Impreza (where sold in your market): roughly 7.5–8.5 L/100 km (28–31 mpg US).
- WRX (turbocharged 2.0L): typically 9.0–10.0 L/100 km (23–26 mpg US).
Note: These figures are representative and can vary by model year, drivetrain (AWD vs. FWD), transmission, tire size, and driving style.
Factors that influence fuel per kilometer
Several variables can push actual consumption above or below official figures. The most influential ones are listed below.
- Drivetrain and model design, including all-wheel drive and turbocharged vs. naturally aspirated engines.
- Transmission type and behavior (CVT vs. traditional automatic or manual).
- Driving style, including acceleration habits and speed, which affect engine RPM and drag.
- Terrain and climate, such as hilly routes and cold starts that reduce efficiency.
- Tire condition and size, as underinflated tires increase rolling resistance.
- Vehicle load, roof racks, cargo weight, and accessory usage (air conditioning, heaters).
Real-world results vary, but these factors typically account for deviations of a few tenths to several liters per 100 kilometers from the published estimates.
Tips to optimize fuel per kilometer
Implementing practical driving and maintenance habits can reduce fuel consumption and improve efficiency across Subaru models.
- Drive smoothly: steady acceleration and gradual braking minimize engine strain and drag from high RPMs.
- Maintain proper tire pressure: keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI to reduce rolling resistance.
- Plan routes to minimize idle time and stop-and-go traffic; use cruise control on highways when appropriate.
- Keep up with maintenance: regular air-filter changes, spark plug replacements, and fuel-system cleaning help preserve efficiency.
- Minimize roof load: remove roof racks or other exposed gear when not in use to reduce aerodynamic drag.
- Choose eco-friendly driving modes if your model offers them and reset expectations for performance vs. economy.
- Consider hybrid or more efficient trims if fuel economy is a priority for your typical use case.
Adopting these practices can typically yield incremental improvements, with larger gains if your baseline includes frequent hard acceleration or heavy loads.
Summary
In summary, a typical Subaru's fuel use lands in the 0.06–0.10 L per kilometer range (6–10 L per 100 km), corresponding to about 23–39 mpg US in mixed driving. Hybrids such as the Crosstrek Hybrid push closer to the 41 mpg US mark, while larger or turbocharged models lean toward the lower end of the range. Real-world results depend on model, drivetrain, driving style, and conditions, but informed driving and regular maintenance can meaningfully reduce consumption over time.
