Subaru has always been a manufacturer that sticks closely to its core designs, and the current model lineup shows that. Where you’ll find other brands making a wide variety of cars with different engine choices, if you buy a Subaru you know exactly what you’re getting – a solid Boxer engine, and great off-road capability. But what about the fuel economy of modern Subarus?
In this article, we wanted to answer that question – which current Subaru offers the best gas mileage? With better technology and the introduction of hybrid systems, the Subaru range features some surprises, and some impressive gas mileage numbers. But which Subaru is best?
Let’s get started!
5. Subaru Outback: 26 Urban / 32 Highway
The first Subaru model on our list is the Outback. This off-road-focused SUV comes in nine trim levels, and every model includes all-wheel drive. The lower spec models (with the better MPG) are powered by a 2.5 liter, naturally aspirated Boxer engine at 182 bhp. High-spec models include a turbocharged 2.4 liter Boxer, putting out 260 bhp.
All Subaru Outback MPG Figures:
- Base: 26 / 32
- Premium: 26 / 32
- Onyx: 26 / 32
- Limited: 26 / 32
- Touring: 26 / 33
- Onyx XT: 22 / 29
- Wilderness: 21 / 26
- Limited XT: 22 / 29
- Touring XT: 22 / 29
As with most SUV models, the urban MPG figures aren’t great reading. At 26 mpg, the lower spec models are liveable, but there are better cars for city driving than the Outback. The worst performing model, the Wilderness, is probably the best trim of them all and focused heavily on off-roading. After all, no one will be buying an Outback for good gas mileage.
With a fuel capacity of 18.5 gallons, you should achieve a journey of:
- Urban driving distance on a single tank of fuel: 390 – 480 miles
- Highway driving distance on a single tank of fuel: 480 – 590 miles
4. Subaru Forester: 26 Urban / 33 Highway
Next up is the Subaru Forester. With six trim levels, the Forester range is powered by the same 2.5 liter Boxer engine we saw in the Outback, with 182 bhp. All models have all-wheel drive and share similar gas mileage stats across the range.
All Subaru Forester MPG Figures:
- Base: 26 / 33
- Premium: 26 / 33
- Sport: 26 / 33
- Wilderness: 25 / 28
- Limited: 26 / 33
- Touring XT: 26 / 33
At 3,500 lbs, the Forester isn’t designed for fuel economy, and the relatively small tank size means long-distance trips may be a challenge. Even so, the 26 urban MPG is acceptable, and for most owners, the fuel capacity won’t be an issue.
With a fuel capacity of 16.6 gallons, you should achieve a journey of:
- Urban driving distance on a single tank of fuel: 415 – 430 miles
- Highway driving distance on a single tank of fuel: 460 – 550 miles
3. Subaru Legacy: 27 Urban / 35 Highway
In third place is the Subaru Legacy. This family sedan manages to keep most of the Subaru DNA, with all-wheel drive and a mixture of Boxer engines. Lower spec versions keep the 2.5-liter engine, with higher spec Legacys fitted with the turbocharged 2.4-liter option. Like the Outback, those models containing the turbocharged Boxer suffer in the MPG figures the most.
All Subaru Legacy MPG Figures:
- Base: 27 / 35
- Premium: 27 / 35
- Sport: 23 / 31
- Limited: 27 / 35
- Touring XT: 23 / 31
The Legacy has an impressive fuel tank size for a sedan, with 18.5 gallons. With a highway range of around 600 miles, this won’t let you down on longer journeys, but other sedans will beat this in the city figures. If you’re after gas mileage, then it’s worth staying clear of the Sport and Touring XT models, with the thirsty 2.4-liter Boxer.
With a fuel capacity of 18.5 gallons, you should achieve a journey of:
- Urban driving distance on a single tank of fuel: 425 – 500 miles
- Highway driving distance on a single tank of fuel: 570 – 650 miles
2. Subaru Crosstrek: 27 Urban / 34 Highway
The runner-up in our list is the Subaru Crosstrek. This is Subaru’s entry-level SUV, with five trim levels. It’s also the first car on our list to feature the smaller 2.0 liter Boxer engine, with a reduced 152 bhp for lower trim models. That lack of power shows in the gas mileage, with solid figures for urban driving on the Base and Premium models.
All Subaru Crosstrek MPG Figures:
- Base: 28 / 33
- Premium: 28 / 33
- Sport: 27 / 34
- Limited: 28 / 34
- Hybrid*: 90 combined mpge
*We’ve discounted the hybrid from the overall comparison
On the highway, the increased power of the 2.5-liter Boxer shines through here on the Sport and Limited models. The smaller fuel tank means you won’t be able to get as far in the Crosstrek as some of the other models on this list, but the difference is minor. It’s worth mentioning the hybrid option too, with a claimed average of 90 mpge.
With a fuel capacity of 16.6 gallons, you should achieve a journey of:
- Urban driving distance on a single tank of fuel: 450 – 460 miles
- Highway driving distance on a single tank of fuel: 550 – 560 miles
1. Subaru Impreza: 28 Urban / 36 Highway
In the first place, we have the Subaru Impreza. The Impreza name has been used for a variety of Subaru models over the years, but the current generation Impreza is a mid-size hatchback. The ‘toning down’ of this famous brand won’t impress everyone, but it’s hard to be disappointed at the gas mileage here.
All Impreza MPG Figures:
- Base: 28 / 36
- Premium: 28 / 36
- Sport: 27 / 36
- Limited: 28 / 36
The Impreza comes in seven trims, all featuring the 2.0 liter Boxer engine. Rarely seen on family cars, you have the option of manual or automatic transmission on some models, which can affect mpg. For the best results, the automatic transmission will be best, and you’ll need that with the limited fuel tank size. As a hatchback, the Impreza isn’t designed for longer journeys, so it’s good to see a range of 370 miles for urban driving.
With a fuel capacity of 13.2 gallons, you should achieve a journey of:
- Urban driving distance on a single tank of fuel: 370 miles
- Highway driving distance on a single tank of fuel: 475 miles
Subaru Electric Vehicles
Currently, the only electric model in the Subaru range is the Solterra. This SUV Crossover comes in three trim levels, with MPGe values between 93 and 114 from urban and highway use. The range of each Solterra model is below:
- Premium: 228 miles
- Limited: 222 miles
- Touring: 222 miles
These aren’t the best figures for an electric SUV on the market, but the Solterra should be capable as a daily driver for most owners.
FAQs
Which Subaru has the best fuel economy?
With a combined 32 MPG, the Impreza has the best fuel economy of any gasoline-powered Subaru.
Which Subaru has the worst fuel economy?
With a combined 21 MPG, the Ascent SUV has the worst fuel economy of any gasoline-powered Subaru.
Which Subaru has the largest fuel tank?
The Ascent SUV has the largest fuel tank of any Subaru, at 19.3 gallons
Final Thoughts
Compared to most manufacturers, the Subaru range is consistent with their gas mileage figures. This is mostly down to the limited set of Boxer engines available and a small range of vehicles. Even with those limits, there are some strong choices here, especially for anyone needing a car to handle on and off-road driving. Like every manufacturer, these mpg figures will be measured in ‘perfect’ conditions, but if you’re after a Subaru with great gas mileage, the Impreza and Crosstrek are the choices for you.
Subaru Models with the best MPG:
5. Subaru Outback: 26 Urban / 32 Highway
4. Subaru Forester: 26 Urban / 33 Highway
3. Subaru Legacy: 27 Urban / 35 Highway
2. Subaru Crosstrek: 27 Urban / 34 Highway
1. Subaru Impreza: 28 Urban / 36 Highway
If you liked this article and want to see more gas mileage figures or find out more about Subaru models, check out the links below:
Which Honda Has The Best Fuel Economy?
Which Hyundai Has The Best Fuel Economy?
The Most Expensive Subaru Models
