Subaru Outback Wagon AWD
22 MPG The 2012 Subaru Outback Wagon AWD is EPA-rated at 22 MPG combined (19.3 city / 26 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 682 gallons, $2182 a year in fuel, or $0.145 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2005–2012 run it averages 21.2 MPG, improving by 1.6 MPG over 8 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 | $0.114 | $1136 | $1705 | $2273 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.136 | $1364 | $2045 | $2727 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.145 | $1455 | $2182 | $2909 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.159 | $1591 | $2386 | $3182 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.182 | $1818 | $2727 | $3636 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.205 | $2045 | $3068 | $4091 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.227 | $2273 | $3409 | $4545 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 22 MPG | 19.3 | 26 | $2850 | 406 | 3 |
| 2011 | 22 MPG | 19.3 | 26 | $2850 | 406 | 3 |
| 2010 | 22 MPG | 19.7 | 27 | $2850 | 406 | 3 |
| 2009 | 20.8 MPG | 18.6 | 25 | $3450 | 428 | 5 |
| 2008 | 20.8 MPG | 18.4 | 24.8 | $3450 | 428 | 5 |
| 2007 | 21 MPG | 18.4 | 24.6 | $3410 | 424 | 5 |
| 2006 | 20.4 MPG | 18.2 | 24.4 | $3530 | 438 | 5 |
| 2005 | 20.4 MPG | 18.2 | 24.2 | $3530 | 438 | 5 |
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 97 sport utility vehicle - 4wd models tracked here, the Subaru Outback Wagon AWD ranks 12 on current figures, against a class average of 18.4 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Jeep Patriot 4WD (22.3), Toyota RAV4 4WD (22.5), Volvo XC90 AWD (22.5), Nissan Pathfinder 4WD (23), BMW X5 xDrive35d (25).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 406 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.1 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Subaru Outback Wagon AWD get?
The 2012 Subaru Outback Wagon AWD is rated at 22 MPG combined by the EPA — 19.3 city and 26 highway. Across all 8 model years in the database it averages 21.2 MPG, ranging from 19 to 24 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Subaru Outback Wagon AWD cost in fuel per year?
At 22 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 682 gallons — roughly $2182 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.145 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2012 model is $2850.
Has the Subaru Outback Wagon AWD become more efficient over time?
Yes. It has gone from 20.4 MPG in 2005 to 22 in 2012 — an improvement of 1.6 MPG, or 8% across 8 model years.
Is the Subaru Outback Wagon AWD efficient for its class?
It ranks 12 of 97 in the Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD class on current figures, against a class average of 18.4 MPG. That is 3.6 better 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.