How to increase Subaru mpg?
To improve Subaru fuel economy, focus on smart maintenance, efficient driving, and reducing aerodynamic drag and weight. Expect modest gains, typically a few miles per gallon depending on model and conditions.
Understanding efficiency in Subaru vehicles
Subaru’s all‑wheel‑drive systems, engine choices, and vehicle weight influence real‑world mileage. While AWD improves traction, it can also add rolling resistance and weight compared with two‑wheel drive setups. The exact mpg you can achieve depends on the model (Forester, Crosstrek, Outback, Legacy, etc.), driving conditions, and how well the vehicle is maintained.
Maintenance and mechanical checks
Keeping the vehicle in peak mechanical condition helps ensure it runs as efficiently as designed. The following steps address common powertrain and efficiency culprits.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and check them monthly; underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and reduce mpg.
- Use the engine oil grade and viscosity recommended by Subaru; consider synthetic oil if appropriate for your climate and driving patterns, and follow the suggested oil change interval.
- Replace a dirty or clogged air filter promptly; restricted airflow can lower engine efficiency and fuel economy.
- Replace worn spark plugs and inspect oxygen sensors and other emissions components as indicated by maintenance schedules or diagnostic trouble codes.
- Ensure the mass airflow sensor and related fuel-injection components are clean and functioning, and address any drivability or misfire issues promptly.
Regular maintenance prevents efficiency losses from wear or faults and helps preserve designed fuel economy.
Driving habits and route planning
How you drive has a direct impact on mpg. The following habits can deliver measurable gains in everyday use.
- Drive smoothly: gentle acceleration, gradual braking, and steady speeds; use cruise control on highways when conditions allow.
- Avoid long idling; if you’ll be stopped for more than a minute, turning the engine off saves fuel.
- Plan trips to minimize cold starts and combine errands to reduce total miles driven.
- Use Subaru’s ECON or similar efficiency modes when available, which optimize throttle response and climate control for better city efficiency.
- Limit aero drag by removing roof racks or cargo boxes when not in use; even light loads on the roof raise drag, especially at highway speeds.
Real‑world results vary, but disciplined driving and smart trip planning commonly yield noticeable fuel savings over time.
Aerodynamics, weight, and fuel system considerations
Drag and weight play a big role at cruising speeds, where air resistance becomes a major factor in fuel use.
- Minimize aerodynamic drag: remove roof racks, spoilers, or cargo boxes when not needed; keep windows closed at highway speeds to reduce drag.
- Maintain proper wheel alignment and tire condition to minimize rolling resistance and improve handling efficiency.
- Lighten loads where possible and avoid carrying unnecessary heavy items in the trunk or cargo area.
- Use only the octane recommended by Subaru for your engine; higher octane generally does not improve mpg unless the engine requires it to prevent knocking.
Reducing drag and excess weight yields tangible mpg improvements, particularly on highway driving where air resistance dominates consumption.
Model-specific features and best practices
Subaru offers features designed to aid efficiency, and keeping these systems functioning properly helps maximize mpg across scenarios.
- Utilize ECO/ECON modes when appropriate to optimize throttle mapping and climate control for city driving;
- Monitor emissions-related components (oxygen sensors, catalytic converter, etc.) and address faults promptly, since problems can significantly lower mpg.
- Adhere to the manufacturer’s service schedule to maintain peak engine and transmission efficiency.
When used as intended, these features and maintenance habits contribute to steadier, higher real‑world fuel economy.
Summary
Boosting Subaru mpg hinges on a blend of proactive maintenance, efficient driving, and smarter load and aero management. Key steps include keeping tires properly inflated, sticking to Subaru‑recommended maintenance, planning trips to minimize unnecessary miles, reducing drag from roof loads, and using efficiency modes judiciously. The exact fuel economy gains depend on model, driving style, and conditions, but a consistent program of maintenance and mindful driving can yield real, noticeable improvements across Subaru’s lineup.
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.
How to increase MPG on a Subaru Outback?
Consider the following strategies:
- Accelerate gently.
- Maintain steady speeds.
- Plan your routes.
- Check tire pressure regularly.
- Using the manufacturer-recommended grade of motor oil improves engine efficiency and offers better ways to improve gas mileage.
- Follow the recommended service schedule for your Subaru.
What ways does Subaru improve fuel economy?
Seven Key Ways Subaru Enhances Fuel Economy
- Hybrid Electric Drive Systems.
- Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) Technology.
- Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Subaru BOXER Engine Design.
- Aerodynamic Enhancements.
- Efficient Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
- Lightweight Materials and Subaru Global Platform.
Why is my Subaru getting bad gas mileage?
A clogged filter can add strain to your engine, and it will use more fuel than necessary. Don't carry extra weight! If you have vehicle add-ons, such as a roof or bike rack, remove it if you only use it occasionally. It increases resistance and decreases your fuel tank.
