The 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness gets 23 MPG combined. Drivers who value its reliable capability and distinctive look more than saving on gas willingly accept this trade-off. This isn’t a commuter car, it’s an adventure vehicle designed to tackle trails and haul gear, and its fuel economy reflects that prioritization.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Outback Wilderness achieves 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the toll taken by stop-and-go traffic on the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. The automatic transmission with 8 simulated gears (AV-S8) helps optimize fuel usage, but the added weight of the Wilderness trim’s off-road hardware, including lifted suspension, all-terrain tires, and skid plates, further impacts efficiency in urban environments. Highway driving, with its more consistent speeds, allows the engine to operate more efficiently, netting a slightly better return, though even here, the aggressive tire tread and less aerodynamic profile reduce efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness at $1,900. This calculation is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the EPA’s combined MPG figure, and assuming national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of fuel you purchase, and local fuel prices. Aggressive driving or consistent use of premium fuel will likely increase your annual expenditure. Prioritizing fuel-efficient driving techniques and sticking with regular unleaded can help you get closer to the $1,900 estimate.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy for the Outback Wilderness often falls slightly below the official numbers. This is particularly true if you regularly engage in off-roading, carrying heavy loads, or driving in challenging weather conditions. The all-terrain tires, while excellent in mud and snow, create more rolling resistance on pavement, impacting fuel efficiency. The lifted suspension and revised bumpers contribute to a less aerodynamic profile, increasing drag at higher speeds.

Expect to see numbers closer to 20 MPG in mixed driving and potentially lower if your daily routine involves a lot of stop-and-go traffic or sustained off-road use.

How it compares

The Outback Wilderness’ fuel economy sits in a particular niche compared to other adventure-oriented SUVs. The standard Subaru Outback, with its naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, achieves a significantly better 29 MPG combined. However, buyers rarely cross-shop the two because the Wilderness is chosen for its specific capabilities and aesthetic. The Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk, another off-road focused competitor with a similar turbocharged engine, clocks in at an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined. The Toyota 4Runner, a body-on-frame SUV known for its durability, manages only 17 MPG combined. Even a more modern offering like the Ford Bronco Sport Badlands, designed for similar outdoor adventures, achieves only 26 MPG combined, highlighting the Outback Wilderness’ middle-ground position. For a broader view of Subaru’s efficiency, see all Subaru fuel economy data. Or, you can reference OUTBACK MPG across all years if you’re just interested in this model.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Outback Wilderness isn’t designed for hypermiling, but adopting a few key strategies can help you get more from each tank. Avoid aggressive starts and stops: smooth acceleration and gentle braking conserve fuel and reduce wear and tear on your vehicle. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible.

The Outback Wilderness is equipped with all-terrain tires, make sure they are properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, significantly impacting fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb.

Minimize the use of accessories that draw power from the engine, such as air conditioning and heated seats. These features enhance comfort, but they also increase fuel consumption. Use them sparingly and only when necessary.

Distribute the weight evenly and avoid overloading the vehicle when carrying cargo. Excess weight puts a strain on the engine, leading to increased fuel consumption. Consider a roof box for bulky items, but be aware that it will negatively impact aerodynamics and reduce fuel efficiency, especially at highway speeds.

Consider the grade of fuel you are purchasing. The Outback Wilderness runs fine on regular unleaded, but some drivers experiment with premium fuel. Unless you are experiencing engine knocking, the added cost of premium fuel is unlikely to translate into a noticeable improvement in fuel economy or performance.