What is the gas mileage on a Subaru Outback 2.4 turbo?
Typical fuel economy for the Subaru Outback with the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine (XT trim) is around 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, and about 26–27 mpg combined, depending on year, tires, and driving conditions.
The question concerns how far the Outback can travel per gallon with its 2.4L turbo engine. The Outback uses Subaru's turbocharged 2.4-liter horizontally opposed engine paired with a continuously variable transmission and all-wheel drive. MPG numbers are published by EPA and can differ by trim, wheel size, and equipment. This article outlines the typical EPA estimates, factors that affect real-world mileage, and practical tips to improve efficiency.
How the 2.4-liter turbo engine influences mileage
The Outback’s 2.4-liter turbo is designed for power and efficiency under preferred conditions. It produces about 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, with efficiency benefits from direct injection and variable valve timing. Real-world mpg depends on driving style and load; highway cruising with light throttle yields the best results.
Engine specs at a glance
Key figures for commonly equipped Outbacks with the 2.4-liter turbo include:
- Displacement: 2.4 liters
- Layout: Horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder
- Horsepower: About 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm
- Torque: About 277 lb-ft @ 2,000–4,800 rpm
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive with a CVT
The above specs help explain the blend of performance and efficiency that buyers can expect, but actual mpg is an EPA-rated estimate influenced by conditions.
EPA fuel economy estimates by year/trim
Before listing typical numbers, note that EPA ratings apply to new vehicles under standard test cycles and can vary slightly by model year and wheel/tire packages. Here are the commonly cited estimates for 2.4L turbo Outbacks with AWD and CVT:
- EPA estimates for recent model years: 23 mpg city, 30 mpg highway, about 26 mpg combined.
- Variations based on tires and packaging (e.g., larger wheels can lower highway mpg slightly).
- Older and some market-specific calibrations may show a few mpg difference, but the general range remains around 23/30/26.
Real-world experience often tracks close to the EPA numbers on highways but can dip in city traffic or with heavy loads. Drivers who frequently tow or carry roof racks may see lower combined mpg.
Real-world performance and tips to maximize mpg
Owners report a range of real-world numbers depending on conditions. On highways with consistent speeds, some drivers see closer to the 30 mpg highway figure; in dense city driving, mpg can fall into the low-to-mid 20s. Here are some practical tips to improve efficiency:
- Maintain proper tire inflation and alignments to minimize rolling resistance.
- Keep up with scheduled maintenance: air filters, spark plugs, and fuel system care.
- Use cruise control on highways to maintain steady speed.
- Avoid excessive idling; plan routes to minimize stop-and-go conditions.
- Remove roof racks when not in use to reduce aerodynamic drag.
With careful driving and proper maintenance, the Outback 2.4 turbo can approach its EPA highway estimates and offer solid overall efficiency for its class.
Summary
The Subaru Outback 2.4 turbo typically achieves around 23 mpg in city driving, about 30 mpg on the highway, and roughly 26–27 mpg combined with AWD and a CVT. Real-world results vary with driving conditions, tires, and payload. For most buyers, the balance of performance and efficiency remains a key selling point of the 2.4L turbo Outback.
