Subaru Outback MPG, towing capacity, gas tank size, and tire pressure

The EPA rates the 2026 Subaru Outback at 27 mpg combined with the 2.5L engine and 24 mpg with the 2.4L turbo. A 2015–2025 Outback with the 2.5L gets 28 to 29 mpg combined, and the 3.6R six-cylinder of 2015–2019 gets 22. The gas tank holds 18.5 gallons on 2010–2025 models and 18.0 gallons on the 2026, and an Outback can tow 2,700 lb with the 2.5L or 3,500 lb with the 2.4L turbo.

Published November 13, 2026 · Sources · Share

On this page (10 sections)

Outback generations at a glance

  • 2008–2009 (3rd generation): a 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 3.0-liter six-cylinder. The 3.0L is the only Outback engine that called for premium fuel.
  • 2010–2014 (4th generation): a larger body with a 2.5L four, paired with a CVT or a 6-speed manual, or a 3.6L six with a 5-speed automatic.
  • 2015–2019 (5th generation): the 2.5L and the 3.6R, both with a CVT. No manual gearbox.
  • 2020–2025 (6th generation): the 2.5L or a new 2.4L turbo (XT trims, and the Wilderness from 2022). The six-cylinder is gone.
  • 2026 (7th generation): a new body, the same two engines, and a slightly smaller tank.

Every Outback has all-wheel drive, so the EPA lists each one as “Outback AWD.”

Outback gas mileage by year

Outback mpg jumped twice. In 2013 the updated 2.5L with a CVT reached 26 mpg combined, up from 24. In 2015 it reached 28 mpg, and it has stayed at 27 to 29 since. The 2.4L turbo trades about 3 to 4 mpg for more power, and the Wilderness, with its all-terrain tires and taller ride, loses another 1 to 2. Choose a year to see every EPA version:

202623–27 mpg combined · 3 versions
2026 Subaru Outback: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Outback AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD272531
Outback AWD2.4L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD242129
Outback Wilderness AWD2.4L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD232127
202523–28 mpg combined · 3 versions
2025 Subaru Outback: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Outback AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD282632
Outback AWD2.4L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD252229
Outback Wilderness AWD2.4L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD232126
202423–28 mpg combined · 3 versions
2024 Subaru Outback: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Outback AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD282632
Outback AWD2.4L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD252229
Outback Wilderness AWD2.4L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD232126
202323–28 mpg combined · 3 versions
2023 Subaru Outback: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Outback AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD282632
Outback AWD2.4L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD252229
Outback Wilderness AWD2.4L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD232126
202224–29 mpg combined · 3 versions
2022 Subaru Outback: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Outback AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD292633
Outback AWD2.4L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD262330
Outback Wilderness AWD2.4L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD242226
202126–29 mpg combined · 2 versions
2021 Subaru Outback: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Outback AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD292633
Outback AWD2.4L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD262330
202026–29 mpg combined · 2 versions
2020 Subaru Outback: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Outback AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD292633
Outback AWD2.4L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S8), AWD262330
201922–28 mpg combined · 2 versions
2019 Subaru Outback: EPA MPG by version
VersionCombinedCityHighway
Outback AWD2.5L 4-cyl, CVT (AV-S7), AWD282532
Outback AWD3.6L 6-cyl, CVT (AV-S6), AWD222027
2010–2018ranges by year · details on fueleconomy.gov
Subaru Outback, 2010–2018: EPA MPG range across versions
YearCombinedCityHighwayVersions
201822–2820–2527–322
201722–2820–2527–322
201622–2820–2527–322
201522–2820–2527–322
201420–2618–2424–303
201320–2618–2424–303
201220–2418–2124–283
201120–2418–2124–283
201020–2418–2225–293

EPA estimates for new vehicles from fueleconomy.gov (U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE), data retrieved November 12, 2026. Your mileage will vary with how and where you drive. EPA data on this site starts with the 2010 model year.

Roof boxes, bike racks, and winter tires lower real-world mpg on a wagon like this. To see where 28 mpg sits among other SUVs, read what is good gas mileage.

Outback gas tank size and range

An Outback holds 18.5 gallons from 2010 through 2025. The 2026 Outback holds 18.0 gallons, and the 2008–2009 Outback 16.9 gallons, according to Subaru’s owner’s manuals and spec sheets. Every Outback from 2010 on runs on regular 87-octane gas, the 2.4L turbo included.

Subaru Outback: fuel tank and estimated range (tank × EPA combined MPG)
YearsEngineFuel tankEPA combinedRange on a full tank
20262.5L 4-cylinder18 gal2127 mpgabout 490 miles
20262.4L turbo 4-cylinder18 gal2123–24 mpgabout 410–430 miles
20202.5L 4-cylinder18.5 gal1529 mpgabout 540 miles
2021–20242.5L 4-cylinder18.5 gal1728–29 mpgabout 520–540 miles
20252.5L 4-cylinder18.5 gal1828 mpgabout 520 miles
20202.4L turbo 4-cylinder18.5 gal1526 mpgabout 480 miles
2021–20242.4L turbo 4-cylinder18.5 gal1723–26 mpgabout 430–480 miles
20252.4L turbo 4-cylinder18.5 gal1823–25 mpgabout 430–460 miles
2015–20192.5L 4-cylinder18.5 gal1228 mpgabout 520 miles
2015–20193.6L 6-cylinder18.5 gal1222 mpgabout 410 miles
20102.5L 4-cylinder18.5 gal422–24 mpgabout 410–440 miles
20112.5L 4-cylinder18.5 gal522–24 mpgabout 410–440 miles
20122.5L 4-cylinder18.5 gal722–24 mpgabout 410–440 miles
2013–20142.5L 4-cylinder18.5 gal724–26 mpgabout 440–480 miles
20103.6L 6-cylinder18.5 gal420 mpgabout 370 miles
2011–20143.6L 6-cylinder18.5 gal720 mpgabout 370 miles
2008–20092.5L 4-cylinder16.9 gal2Before EPA data hereCheck your owner’s manual
2008–20093.0L 6-cylinder16.9 gal2Before EPA data hereCheck your owner’s manual

Range is the tank times your real mpg, so a loaded car on the highway goes farther than one on short winter trips. Plan a long drive with the trip gas cost calculator.

Outback tire size and pressure

A 2015–2026 Outback takes 35 psi front and 33 psi rear when the tires are cold. Older Outbacks take 32 psi front and 30 rear. If your tires are not the factory size, use the label on the driver’s door jamb.

Subaru Outback: tire size and pressure (cold) by trim
YearsTrimTire sizeFrontRear
2026Premium, Limited, Touring (18-inch wheels)225/60R182135 psi33 psi
2026Wilderness (17-inch all-terrain tires)225/65R172135 psi33 psi
2026Limited XT, Touring XT (19-inch wheels)225/55R192135 psi33 psi
2021–202417-inch wheels225/65R171735 psi33 psi
2021–202418-inch wheels225/60R181735 psi33 psi
2022–2024Wilderness (17-inch all-terrain tires)225/65R171735 psi33 psi
2015–201917-inch wheels225/65R171235 psi33 psi
2015–201918-inch wheels225/60R181235 psi33 psi
2010–201416-inch wheels215/70R16732 psi30 psi
2010–201417-inch wheels225/60R17732 psi30 psi
2008–200916-inch wheels225/60R16232 psi30 psi
2008–200917-inch wheels225/55R17232 psi30 psi

Keep all four tires the same size, brand, and wear level: Subaru’s manuals ask for this to protect the all-wheel-drive system. If the warning light comes on, see tire pressure light.

Oil at a glance

The 2.5L has taken 0W-20 synthetic since 2013 (5.1 quarts with the filter through 2019, 4.4 quarts for 2021–2024). The 3.6R takes 5W-30. The 2026 2.5L moves to 0W-16, while the 2.4L turbo stays on 0W-20. Each year and engine is on the Outback oil page.

Subaru Outback oil at a glance
YearsEngineOilCapacity
20262.5L 4-cylinder0W-16214.7 qt (4.4 L) with filter
20262.4L turbo 4-cylinder0W-20214.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter
20202.5L 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2021–20242.5L 4-cylinder0W-20174.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter
20252.5L 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
20202.4L turbo 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2021–20242.4L turbo 4-cylinder0W-20174.8 qt (4.5 L) with filter
20252.4L turbo 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2015–20192.5L 4-cylinder0W-20125.1 qt (4.8 L) with filter
2015–20193.6L 6-cylinder5W-30126.9 qt (6.5 L) with filter
20102.5L 4-cylinder5W-3044.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter
20112.5L 4-cylinder5W-3054.4 qt (4.2 L) with filter
20122.5L 4-cylinderCheck your owner’s manualCheck your owner’s manual
2013–20142.5L 4-cylinder0W-2075.1 qt (4.8 L) with filter
20103.6L 6-cylinder5W-3046.7 qt (6.3 L) with filter
2011–20143.6L 6-cylinder5W-3076.9 qt (6.5 L) with filter
2008–20092.5L 4-cylinder5W-3024.2 qt (4.0 L) with filter
2008–20093.0L 6-cylinder5W-3025.8 qt (5.5 L) with filter

Outback towing capacity

A 2020–2026 Outback with the 2.4L turbo can tow 3,500 lb. With the 2.5L, every Outback from 2008 to 2026 is rated 2,700 lb. The 3.6L six of 2010–2014 and the 3.0L of 2008–2009 are rated 3,000 lb. For the 2015–2019 3.6R, the 2015 and 2016 manuals say 3,000 lb, while later manuals and Subaru’s spec sheets say 2,700 lb; plan on 2,700 lb unless your own manual says more.

  • 7th generation (2026): up to 3,500 lb21
  • 6th generation (BT) (2020–2025): up to 3,500 lb17
  • 5th generation (BS) (2015–2019): up to 2,700 lb12
  • 4th generation (BR) (2010–2014): up to 3,000 lb7
  • 3rd generation (BP) (2008–2009): up to 3,000 lb2

These are maximums for a trailer with its own brakes. The tongue weight, passengers, and cargo all count against the load limit on the door-jamb label. Read the towing section of your owner’s manual for the hitch, wiring, and speed rules before the first trip.

Recalls: check by VIN

Recalls follow build dates and parts, not model years alone. Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see any open recall. The VIN is on the driver’s side of the dashboard, seen through the windshield, and on your registration. Subaru dealers fix recalls at no charge.

What to record in your log

An Outback often does double duty: a commuter on weekdays, a gear hauler on weekends. A log shows what each one costs:

  • Every fill-up: date, odometer, and gallons. Two full tanks in a row give your real mpg, and the MPG calculator does the math.
  • Trips with a roof box, a trailer, or dirt roads, because Subaru’s booklet moves oil changes sooner for dusty roads and towing.
  • Each oil change with the grade used, and each tire rotation.

Keep it in a fuel log and a car maintenance log. Service intervals are on the Outback maintenance schedule page, and Subaru’s system in general on the Subaru maintenance schedule page.

FAQ

What is the gas mileage of a Subaru Outback?

The EPA rates the 2026 Outback at 27 mpg combined with the 2.5L and 24 mpg with the 2.4L turbo. The 2015–2025 2.5L is rated 28 to 29 mpg combined.

How much can a Subaru Outback tow?

3,500 lb with the 2.4L turbo (2020–2026) and 2,700 lb with the 2.5L. Older six-cylinder Outbacks are rated 2,700 to 3,000 lb depending on the year.

How big is the Outback gas tank?

18.5 gallons on 2010–2025 models, 18.0 gallons on the 2026, and 16.9 gallons on 2008–2009 models.

What tire pressure does a Subaru Outback take?

35 psi front and 33 psi rear on 2015–2026 models, and 32 front and 30 rear on 2008–2014 models, with the tires cold. Your door-jamb label has the number for your tires.

Milealot is an independent site, not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru of America. Subaru and Outback are trademarks of their owner and are used here only to name the vehicles.

Sources

  1. 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback Owner’s Manual (MSA5M0804A) (checked November 12, 2026)
  2. 2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback Owner’s Manual (MSA5M0904A), Specifications and Driving tips (checked November 12, 2026)
  3. 2008 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, Schedule of Inspection and Maintenance Services (checked November 12, 2026)
  4. 2010 Subaru Legacy/Outback Owner’s Manual (MSA5M1004A), Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  5. 2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback Owner’s Manual (MSA5M1104B), Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  6. 2013 Subaru Legacy/Outback Owner’s Manual (MSA5M1304B) (checked November 12, 2026)
  7. 2014 Subaru Legacy/Outback Owner’s Manual (MSA5M1404A), Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  8. 2014 Subaru Outback specifications (subaru.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  9. 2010 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  10. 2014 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, Legacy/Outback maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  11. 2015 Subaru Legacy/Outback Owner’s Manual (MSA5M1504A) (checked November 12, 2026)
  12. 2019 Subaru Legacy/Outback Owner’s Manual (MSA5M1903B), Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  13. 2015 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  14. 2019 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  15. 2020 Subaru Outback specifications (subaru.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  16. 2021 Subaru Legacy/Outback Owner’s Manual (MSA5M2104B), Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  17. 2024 Subaru Legacy/Outback/Outback Wilderness Owner’s Manual (MSA5M2404A), Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  18. 2025 Subaru Outback specifications (subaru.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  19. 2020 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  20. 2024 Subaru Warranty and Maintenance Booklet, maintenance schedule (checked November 12, 2026)
  21. 2026 Subaru Outback Owner’s Manual, Specifications (checked November 12, 2026)
  22. 2026 Subaru Outback specifications (subaru.com) (checked November 12, 2026)
  23. U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE, fueleconomy.gov vehicle data (MPG; retrieved November 12, 2026)