Subaru Outback Wilderness MPG

[MPGypped]

The 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness is rated to get 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 23 mpg average. I've had mine for about a year and I only get around 18.5 mpg average despite careful driving and best efforts with all the known fuel efficiency tips. I drive mostly city miles, maybe 70/30 ratio. I am disappointed that this car is getting an average mpg that is lower than the pure city driving rating.

I see statistics on the Fuelly mpg chart from other people with this car who are reporting 24 mpg average and higher. I'm wondering if their reports are faulty or if my car is.

If you have an Outback Wilderness, what is your experience with your mpg?


(I have researched and understand how EPA fuel economy ratings are calculated.)

[trollbait]

I'm over EPA highway with my Touring, but my city/highway mix is 30/70.

Tire air pressure should always be the first check. Then your car is still new. EPA tests are done with about 4000 miles worth of wear on the tires. Depending where you are at, seasonal fuel blend plays a part. Winter has less energy content, and I believe the switch usually happens in May. Your best tank could have been on summer blend.

Otherwise, how long is your typical trip? Short ones will drag the fuel economy down for all ICE cars.

[guessoutfit]

Driving habits, route choices, and environmental conditions can cause significant MPG variations between individual drivers.

[JJay45]

I have a 24 OB Wilderness and my MPG has gotten better since I got the TCM update and started using non-ethanol fuel. My last fill up I got 23.4 MPG and that is with quite a bit of stop and go driving and the highway driving I did during that tank was 80mph so not very efficient. I am happy if I keep it in that range though. In a few weeks ill be driving out in the county and hope to get some good numbers. My wilderness likes a good quality fuel though and I noticed a difference when on 87 with responsiveness and fuel mileage. I also keep my tires 1 psi above whats on the door when cold.

[EthaneConors]

Originally Posted by MPGypped

The 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness is rated to get 21 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, 23 mpg average. I've had mine for about a year and I only get around 18.5 mpg average despite careful driving and best efforts with all the known fuel efficiency tips. I drive mostly city miles, maybe 70/30 ratio. I am disappointed that this car is getting an average mpg that is lower than the pure city driving rating.

I see statistics on the Fuelly mpg chart from other people with this car who are reporting 24 mpg average and higher. I'm wondering if their reports are faulty or if my car is.

If you have an Outback Wilderness, what is your experience with your mpg?


(I have researched and understand how EPA fuel economy ratings are calculated.)

It’s frustrating when real-world MPG doesn’t match expectations, especially with careful driving. Given your 70/30 city-to-highway ratio, you’d hope to at least hit the 21 mpg city rating, if not better. It’s possible other owners on Fuelly drive more highway miles or have different conditions affecting their numbers. If you haven’t already, you might want to check for any mechanical issues, tire pressure, or software updates that could be impacting efficiency.