Subaru Outback AWD
25.5 MPG The 2026 Subaru Outback AWD is EPA-rated at 25.5 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 588 gallons, $1882 a year in fuel, or $0.125 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2005–2026 run it averages 24.8 MPG, improving by 5.5 MPG over 17 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 | $0.098 | $980 | $1471 | $1961 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.118 | $1176 | $1765 | $2353 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.125 | $1255 | $1882 | $2510 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.137 | $1373 | $2059 | $2745 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.157 | $1569 | $2353 | $3137 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.176 | $1765 | $2647 | $3529 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.196 | $1961 | $2941 | $3922 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 25.5 MPG | 23 | 30 | $2450 | 350 | 2 |
| 2025 | 26.5 MPG | 24 | 30.5 | $2350 | 335 | 2 |
| 2024 | 26.5 MPG | 24 | 30.5 | $2350 | 335 | 2 |
| 2023 | 26.5 MPG | 24 | 30.5 | $2350 | 335 | 2 |
| 2022 | 27.5 MPG | 24.5 | 31.5 | $2275 | 326 | 2 |
| 2021 | 27.5 MPG | 24.5 | 31.5 | $2275 | 326 | 2 |
| 2020 | 27.5 MPG | 24.5 | 31.5 | $2275 | 326 | 2 |
| 2019 | 25 MPG | 22.5 | 29.5 | $2525 | 359 | 2 |
| 2018 | 25 MPG | 22.5 | 29.5 | $2525 | 359 | 2 |
| 2017 | 25 MPG | 22.5 | 29.5 | $2525 | 359 | 2 |
| 2016 | 25 MPG | 22.5 | 29.5 | $2525 | 359 | 2 |
| 2015 | 25 MPG | 22.5 | 29.5 | $2525 | 359 | 2 |
| 2014 | 23.3 MPG | 21.3 | 27.3 | $2700 | 384 | 3 |
| 2013 | 23.3 MPG | 21 | 27.3 | $2700 | 386 | 3 |
| 2007 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 24.5 | $3350 | 424 | 2 |
| 2006 | 21 MPG | 18.5 | 25 | $3350 | 424 | 2 |
| 2005 | 20 MPG | 17 | 23 | $3850 | 444 | 1 |
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 130 small sport utility vehicle 4wd models tracked here, the Subaru Outback AWD ranks 55 on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Audi Q5 (26), Buick Encore AWD (26), Chevrolet Equinox AWD (26), Chevrolet Trax AWD (26), Fiat 500X AWD (26).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 350 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 5.3 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Subaru Outback AWD get?
The 2026 Subaru Outback AWD is rated at 25.5 MPG combined by the EPA — 23 city and 30 highway. Across all 17 model years in the database it averages 24.8 MPG, ranging from 20 to 29 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Subaru Outback AWD cost in fuel per year?
At 25.5 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 588 gallons — roughly $1882 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.125 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2026 model is $2450.
Has the Subaru Outback AWD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20 MPG in 2005 to 25.5 in 2026 — an improvement of 5.5 MPG, or 28% across 17 model years.
Is the Subaru Outback AWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 55 of 130 in the Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 29.2 MPG. That is 3.7 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.