Is the Subaru Outback 33 miles per gallon?

Yes. In highway driving, many Subaru Outback models with the 2.5-liter engine can approach 33 mpg, though overall fuel economy varies by year, trim, and conditions.

Engine options and mpg ranges

The Outback’s mileage depends largely on which engine and drivetrain are chosen. The most common configuration—2.5-liter flat-four with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive—is typically EPA-rated around 26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway, and about 29 mpg combined for recent model years. A turbocharged 2.4-liter option, while delivering more power, generally records lower city mpg and around 28–30 mpg on the highway, with combined figures in the mid-20s to high-20s. Real-world results can vary based on route, speed, cargo load, and climate control use.

2.5-liter engine (non-turbo)

For the 2.5-liter non-turbo engine with CVT and all-wheel drive, EPA estimates commonly show about 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and roughly 29 mpg combined. In everyday driving, factors like winter heating and heavier loads can reduce that figure somewhat.

2.4-liter turbo engine

The 2.4-liter turbocharged model prioritizes performance. It typically posts around 23 mpg in city driving, with highway numbers near 28–30 mpg and a combined rating in the mid-to-high 20s. Actual results depend on how aggressively the turbo is used and highway speeds.

Can you actually hit 33 mpg in daily driving?

Yes, but mainly on long, steady highway trips with light loads. The highway portion of the Outback’s EPA rating for the 2.5-liter engine is about 33 mpg, and drivers who maintain a consistent pace, minimize idling, and keep tires properly inflated can approach that figure. In city or mixed driving, expect lower results in the mid-to-high 20s.

Tips to maximize mpg on the Outback

Below are practical steps you can take to approach the highway mileage targets and improve overall efficiency:

• Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure; under-inflation reduces mpg and increases wear.


• Drive at steady speeds on the highway; using cruise control on flat stretches can trim fuel use.


• Avoid abrupt acceleration and heavy braking; gradual throttle improves fuel economy.


• Remove roof racks or other aero-drag items when not in use to reduce wind resistance.


• Limit idling; turning off the engine during long stops saves fuel.


• Use air conditioning sparingly on city driving; at highway speeds the effect is smaller, but it still influences mpg.


• Keep routine maintenance up to date; a well-tuned engine and clean filters help efficiency.

Implemented together, these habits can help you approach EPA highway numbers, though real-world results will still vary with terrain, climate, and load.

Real-world performance and considerations

Automotive testing and owner reports generally show highway mileage for the Outback near the EPA highway estimates when driving at steady speeds on flat, long trips. On mixed or city routes, many drivers see mpg in the mid-20s to low-30s depending on speed, traffic, and load. The turbocharged variant tends to yield similar highway efficiency but lower overall mpg in typical daily use due to its performance-oriented tuning.

Summary

The Subaru Outback can reach around 33 mpg on the highway with the 2.5-liter engine and CVT, aligning with its EPA highway rating for recent years. However, overall fuel economy depends on engine choice, driving conditions, and load. For most drivers, expect about 29 mpg combined with the 2.5L setup in typical mixed driving, with higher highway efficiency possible on long, steady trips and lower efficiency in city conditions. If highway efficiency is your priority, the 2.5-liter configuration offers the best chance of approaching the 33 mpg mark under favorable conditions, while the turbo 2.4-liter balances power with lower city mpg.

Which Subaru has the best gas mileage?

The most fuel-efficient Subaru is the 2025 Forester Hybrid, with a combined EPA rating of 35 mpg, and 35 mpg city / 34 mpg highway. For a purely gasoline-powered vehicle, the 2025 Legacy leads with 35 mpg highway, while the 2025 Crosstrek and 2025 Impreza also offer strong efficiency, achieving up to 34 mpg highway. If you are considering electric, the Solterra has a combined 104 MPGe, but MPG does not apply to electric vehicles.
 
Hybrid and gasoline models

• Forester Hybrid (2025): 35 mpg combined (35 city / 34 highway)
• Legacy (2025): 35 mpg highway (27 city / 35 highway)
• Impreza (2025): 32 mpg combined (28 city / 36 highway)
• Crosstrek (2025): 30 mpg combined (28 city / 33 highway) 

Electric model

• Solterra (2025): 104 MPGe combined (114 city / 94 highway). The "MPGe" (miles per gallon equivalent) is a metric for electric vehicles. 

Other fuel-efficient options

• Outback (2025): 29 mpg combined (26 city / 33 highway)
• Forester (Non-hybrid): 29 mpg combined (26 city / 33 highway) 

What is a common problem with a Subaru Outback?

Common problems for the Subaru Outback include weak windshields, excessive oil consumption, and issues with the cooling system and CVT transmission, especially in specific model years. Other frequent complaints involve airbag defects, electrical problems like battery drain, and vibration during acceleration.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the history of Subaru head gasket issues: 1mMrSubaru1387YouTube · Aug 11, 2024
Engine and powertrain 

• Excessive oil consumption: Many models, particularly older 2.5L engines, may burn oil between oil changes due to leaks from seals. 
• Cooling system failures: Overheating can lead to blown head gaskets, and the cooling system itself is a common point of failure. 
• CVT transmission problems: Some model years are more susceptible to issues like rough shifting or failure. 
• Vibration during acceleration: Some owners report a shudder or vibration when accelerating. 
• Older head gasket issues: The EJ-series engines (roughly 1997–2012) had an inherent head gasket failure problem, though this was mostly resolved in later models. 

Body and electrical

• Weak windshields: The glass is prone to cracking from stress or minor impacts. 
• Airbag defects: Some models have a history of airbag problems, leading to recalls. 
• Electrical issues: Problems can include unexpected battery drain and issues with the ABS control module. 

Other common issues

• Oxygen sensor failure: The front O2 sensor can fail, sometimes leading to a recall. 
• Premature brake wear: Some models experience faster-than-average brake wear. 
• Suspension wear and tear: Like many vehicles, suspension components will eventually wear out. 

How many miles does a Subaru Outback get per gallon?

A Subaru Outback gets between 26 city/32 highway mpg for the standard engine and around 23 city/30 highway mpg for the turbocharged engine. Specific models like the Wilderness Edition get lower mileage, around 22 city/26 highway mpg, due to its off-road enhancements.
 
Standard Engine (2.5L)

• City: 26 mpg
• Highway: 32-33 mpg
• Combined: 29 mpg 

Turbocharged Engine (2.4L) 

• City: 23 mpg
• Highway: 30 mpg
• Combined: 26 mpg 

Wilderness Edition (2.4L Turbo)

• City: 22 mpg
• Highway: 26 mpg
• Combined: 24 mpg 

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.