Base and Premium Trim Levels: Balancing Efficiency and Power

The Base and Premium trims in the Outback lineup give buyers access to this wagon’s expansive cabin at a relatively affordable price. Both trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine capable of producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission. This setup is good for 33 mpg at highway speeds and 26 mpg on city roads. For a vehicle that can compete with many compact crossovers for cabin space, these numbers are impressive. The Outback’s fuel efficiency is even stronger if you keep in mind that all models are equipped with all-wheel drive. AWD typically reduces gas mileage by a mile or two, so the fact that you can still get over 30 mpg on the highway is a great example of Subaru’s efficient vehicles. The Outback’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system isn’t just fuel efficient. It’s extremely effective at providing poise and balance under a wide range of driving conditions. With the X-MODE driving system, the Outback’s symmetrical AWD works with hill descent control to improve your traction and control on steep gradients.

Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring  XT: Turbocharged Efficiency

In the higher trims, you can get a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that significantly increases the potency of the Outback’s powertrain. These Outbacks generate 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Fuel efficiency drops a bit with this engine, but you’ll still have respectable gas mileage. The turbocharged Outback manages 30 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in the city. You gain major capabilities with the larger engine. For example, you can tow up to 3,500 pounds compared to 2,700 pounds with the base engine.

Outback Wilderness: Adventure-Ready Efficiency

The Wilderness has the same 2.4-liter turbocharged engine as the XT trims, so its gas mileage is about the same. However, the Wilderness features some off-roading upgrades that may reduce on-road fuel efficiency slightly. For instance, the Wilderness has a higher 9.3-inch ground clearance and all-terrain tires. The Wilderness gets 26 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city, so you’ll lose a bit of fuel efficiency due to the equipment changes. This issue probably won’t be a dealbreaker if you’re a serious off-roader, since the added performance on rough terrain makes the reduced gas mileage a price worth paying.

Maximizing Your Outback’s MPG

The official fuel efficiency numbers are one thing. Getting the best gas mileage out of your Outback for years to come is another. Gas mileage can be affected by various factors, including the age of your vehicle, driving conditions, and whether your Outback is routinely maintained. There are many things you can do to ensure that your Subaru achieves its best fuel efficiency on the roads around Dallas. Some of these tasks are pretty simple, while others need a bit of planning and consistency. However, you’ll find it worthwhile over time.

Keep Up With Routine Maintenance

Sticking to your regular maintenance appointments is a key step in ensuring your Outback achieves good fuel efficiency. Changing your engine oil according to Subaru’s recommended timelines ensures your engine remains well lubricated and doesn’t lose its efficiency due to increased friction. Old motor oil often gets contaminated and can reduce your engine’s performance. That’s because the components have to work a lot harder to generate power if they’re not well oiled.

Rotate Your Tires

Regular tire rotations are also important for fuel efficiency. Your tires wear out over time, often at different speeds depending on where they are on your vehicle. By having them rotated, you can balance this process out and lengthen your tires’ lifespan. Tires with uneven wear that haven’t been rotated can reduce your vehicle’s handling and hamper steering, which contributes to a reduction in fuel efficiency.

Check The Tire Pressure

You also need to make sure that your tires are properly inflated at all times. Regularly checking your tire pressure guards against tire deflation, which can reduce your Outback’s efficiency. Soft tires have to work harder to travel on the road, using up more power from the engine and therefore more fuel. Monitoring your tire pressure is as simple as using a pressure gauge, and we’ll also top up the air pressure at our dealership when you stop by for your next appointment.

Keep Your Driving Habits in Mind

Paying attention to your driving habits can also make a difference to fuel efficiency. If you often find yourself hitting the accelerator hard in the city and hitting the brakes just as hard to stop in traffic or at a light, you may not be driving in the most fuel-efficient way. In low-speed environments, it’s best for fuel efficiency if you accelerate slowly so you don’t need to hit the brakes so hard when it’s time to stop. This approach puts less strain on your engine, which uses less fuel.

Keep It Light When You Can

A final tip is to check what you’re carrying in the back of your Outback regularly. There’s no point in lugging your camping gear for the weekend around during the week, especially because the extra weight in your vehicle is another factor impacting on your fuel economy. The lighter you can travel, the better for saving on gas.

Embrace Efficiency With the 2024 Subaru Outback at Hiley Subaru of Fort Worth

Now that you know how fuel-efficient the 2024 Outback is, why not schedule a test drive with us to see for yourself how it performs on the road? Here at Hiley Subaru in Fort Worth, we’d be delighted to help you choose the right trim, get you set up with auto financing, and answer any other questions you have about the Outback.