24 MPG combined is what you’ll see when researching the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness. It’s not going to win any hypermiling awards, but that number buys you a capable off-road wagon civilized enough for daily driving. This isn’t your neighbor’s Outback for gravel driveways. This one is built for people who get dirt on their tires, and the fuel economy reflects that.

City and highway performance

The 2022 Outback Wilderness gets an EPA-estimated 22 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The difference isn’t stark, showing that the turbocharged 2.4L engine and automatic (AV-S8) transmission are programmed to deliver consistent power, regardless of driving environment. Stop-and-go traffic doesn’t punish this powertrain as severely as it might in a larger, less efficiently geared vehicle. However, the lower highway figure compared to standard Outback models reveals the aerodynamic cost of the Wilderness’s lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and more aggressive styling. It’s a compromise those who prioritize capability over pure efficiency are willing to make.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness at $1,800. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using the national average fuel price. It’s a useful baseline for comparing the Wilderness to other vehicles, but your actual costs could vary widely depending on your driving habits, location, and fluctuations in gasoline prices. Someone who drives short distances in the city will likely exceed this estimate, while someone who covers more highway miles might see a slightly lower annual fuel bill.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standardized benchmark, but real-world fuel economy often differs. The Outback Wilderness is interesting because of how people will use it. Owners using it primarily for commuting may find the 24 MPG combined to be accurate, or slightly optimistic. However, those venturing off-road or using the vehicle’s increased towing capacity will likely see a drop in fuel efficiency. The all-terrain tires, while beneficial on trails, increase rolling resistance on pavement, further impacting MPG. Keep these factors in mind when assessing the OUTBACK MPG across all years and making comparisons to other vehicles.

How it compares

Compared to other vehicles, the Outback Wilderness’s fuel economy is about in the middle. A similarly equipped Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk with its 3.2L V6 manages around 21 MPG combined. The Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road fares slightly better, achieving around 28 MPG combined, but it has less interior space and towing capacity than the Outback Wilderness. Even the standard Subaru Outback, without the Wilderness’s off-road enhancements, gets a better 29 MPG combined with its naturally aspirated 2.5L engine. Buyers choose the Wilderness knowing they are trading some fuel efficiency for enhanced capability and a distinct look. They’re also choosing a Subaru, and you can view all Subaru fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Outback Wilderness has fuel economy limitations, so mindful driving habits are critical. Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The turbocharged engine responds readily to throttle inputs, but pushing it hard burns more fuel without significantly increasing progress. Gentle acceleration and anticipating stops will conserve fuel and reduce wear on your brakes.

Check your tire pressure regularly. The all-terrain tires on the Wilderness have a naturally higher rolling resistance, but underinflated tires make this worse, decreasing fuel economy. Maintaining the recommended tire pressure ensures optimal efficiency and extends tire life. Refer to the sticker on your driver’s side doorjamb for the correct pressure.

Minimize roof rack use. The Outback Wilderness comes standard with a reliable roof rack system, and it’s tempting to leave items strapped up top for convenience. However, adding cargo to your roof significantly increases aerodynamic drag, which hurts fuel economy, especially at higher speeds. Remove cargo carriers when not in use.

Service your Outback Wilderness according to the factory-recommended schedule. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, air filter replacements, and spark plug inspections, ensures that the engine is running efficiently. Neglecting service can lead to decreased performance and reduced fuel economy. Sticking to the maintenance schedule ensures you get the most out of your vehicle.