Subaru Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD
21 MPG The 2009 Subaru Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD is EPA-rated at 21 MPG combined (18.8 city / 25 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 714 gallons, $2286 a year in fuel, or $0.152 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2003–2009 run it averages 21 MPG, essentially flat across 7 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.119 | $1190 | $1786 | $2381 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.143 | $1429 | $2143 | $2857 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.152 | $1524 | $2286 | $3048 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.167 | $1667 | $2500 | $3333 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.190 | $1905 | $2857 | $3810 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.214 | $2143 | $3214 | $4286 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.238 | $2381 | $3571 | $4762 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 21 MPG | 18.8 | 25 | $3410 | 424 | 5 |
| 2008 | 21.2 MPG | 19.2 | 25.4 | $3380 | 421 | 5 |
| 2007 | 21.3 MPG | 18.8 | 24.8 | $3300 | 419 | 4 |
| 2006 | 21 MPG | 18.8 | 25 | $3350 | 424 | 4 |
| 2005 | 21.3 MPG | 18.8 | 25.5 | $3313 | 420 | 4 |
| 2004 | 20.5 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3425 | 435 | 4 |
| 2003 | 20.5 MPG | 18.3 | 24.5 | $3400 | 434 | 4 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 76 small station wagons models tracked here, the Subaru Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD ranks 62 on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Honda Accord Wagon (21.3), Chevrolet Cavalier Wagon (22), Pontiac Vibe AWD (22), Toyota Corolla All-Trac Wagon (22), Toyota Matrix AWD (22).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 424 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.4 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Subaru Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD get?
The 2009 Subaru Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD is rated at 21 MPG combined by the EPA — 18.8 city and 25 highway. Across all 7 model years in the database it averages 21 MPG, ranging from 19 to 23 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Subaru Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD cost in fuel per year?
At 21 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 714 gallons — roughly $2286 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.152 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2009 model is $3410.
Has the Subaru Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 21 MPG today against 20.5 in 2003 — essentially flat across 7 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Subaru Impreza Wagon/Outback SPT AWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 62 of 76 in the Small Station Wagons class on current figures, against a class average of 29.5 MPG. That is 8.5 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.