The 2015 Subaru Outback AWD 3.6L gets 22 MPG combined, a number that most buyers find acceptable. This wagon isn’t bought for Prius-like efficiency. Active individuals and small families buy it because they prioritize cargo space, all-weather capability, and Subaru’s reputation for reliability. The 3.6L engine provides more power for those who frequently load up the Outback with gear and passengers, even if it uses more fuel.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway for the 2015 Outback 3.6R. Stop-and-go traffic hurts the fuel economy of larger engines, and the 3.6L Outback is no exception. Expect real-world city driving to often dip below 20 MPG, especially with an aggressive driving style or frequent short trips in cold weather. The highway figure is more attainable, but still requires careful driving. Maintaining a steady speed and avoiding excessive acceleration are critical for maximizing fuel efficiency on longer journeys. The Outback’s full-time all-wheel drive system constantly sends power to all four wheels, which increases rolling resistance compared to a comparable front-wheel drive vehicle.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R at $2,000. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using the national average fuel price at the time of calculation. Individual fuel costs will vary depending on local gas prices and driving habits. Drivers who primarily drive in the city, or those with a heavy foot, can expect to exceed this estimate. However, those who do mostly highway driving and practice fuel-efficient driving techniques may be able to come in under this amount. The $2,000 figure is a useful comparison point to other vehicles in its class, but it’s just an estimate.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides standardized testing, but real-world MPG figures are often different. Many owners of the 2015 Subaru Outback 3.6R report combined fuel economy in the 20-24 MPG range, depending on their driving style and the roads they frequent. If you regularly carry passengers and cargo, or drive in hilly or mountainous terrain, expect fuel economy closer to the lower end of that spectrum.

Winter driving conditions, with cold temperatures and increased use of all-wheel drive, can also negatively impact fuel efficiency. Checking online forums and owner reviews can provide more specific information about what to expect.

How it compares

The 2015 Outback 3.6R wasn’t designed to be a fuel economy leader. If you’re considering alternatives, the Toyota Venza AWD offers a larger vehicle and a similarly strong V6, but gets around 22 MPG combined. (The Venza was discontinued after 2015 but was reintroduced in 2021 as a hybrid-only model.) A 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4×4 with its V6 typically achieves around 21 MPG combined. The Acura RDX, while not a direct competitor in terms of cargo space, offers a more premium experience and returns around 22 MPG combined with its V6.

The four-cylinder 2015 Subaru Outback achieves a noticeably better 28 MPG combined, which is attractive to some Outback shoppers but requires sacrificing the 3.6L’s extra power. For drivers who prioritize lower fuel costs, exploring all Subaru fuel economy data and specifically the OUTBACK MPG across all years is important.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The 3.6L engine does best with smooth acceleration. Avoid pressing hard on the gas pedal, especially from a standstill. Gradual acceleration improves fuel economy and reduces wear and tear on the engine and transmission. The Outback’s automatic transmission is programmed to shift efficiently, but drivers can override it with aggressive use of the accelerator.

Keep your tires properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which reduces fuel economy. Check your tire pressure regularly, especially during temperature changes, and inflate them to the recommended pressure listed on the driver’s side doorjamb. Proper tire pressure is a simple and effective way to improve fuel efficiency.

Reduce your use of accessories. Running the air conditioning, especially at full blast, puts strain on the engine and reduces fuel economy. Minimize electrical loads like heated seats unless needed. Planning your trips so that you do several errands in one trip will save you money.

Consider cruise control on the highway. Cruise control helps maintain a consistent speed, which can improve fuel economy on long drives. Be mindful of hilly terrain because cruise control may downshift to maintain speed uphill, negating some of the fuel-saving benefits. Disengaging cruise control on steep inclines and managing your speed manually can sometimes be more efficient.