23 MPG combined won’t win any hypermiling contests, but for the 2017 Subaru Legacy AWD 3.6L, it’s an acceptable figure. This isn’t a Prius competitor, it’s a mid-size sedan with a strong six-cylinder engine and standard all-wheel drive. The target demographic values sure-footedness and confident power delivery over ultimate fuel savings, and Subaru delivers both with this powertrain. They’re buying practicality and peace of mind, and they understand there’s a trade-off.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates suggest 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. These city figures reflect the larger engine and the added weight and drag of the all-wheel drive system in stop-and-go traffic. The six-cylinder provides ample torque for merging and accelerating, making urban driving effortless, if not particularly economical.

On the highway, the Legacy AWD 3.6L gets better mileage, but the all-wheel-drive system still affects fuel consumption compared to front-wheel-drive competitors. The automatic transmission (AV-S6), a continuously variable transmission tuned for six simulated gears, helps keep the engine in its best range, balancing performance and fuel efficiency.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2017 Subaru Legacy AWD 3.6L at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with a mix of city and highway driving, and assumes national average fuel prices for regular gasoline. Individual fuel costs will vary based on driving habits and local gas prices. It’s a useful benchmark for comparing running costs with other vehicles in its class, and it helps potential buyers budget. This $1,900 per year is a good number to keep in mind when considering other options for all Subaru fuel economy data; you should compare this Legacy alongside its siblings.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates provide a standardized baseline, but real-world fuel economy will always vary. Aggressive driving, frequent short trips, and carrying heavy loads will negatively affect fuel consumption. Conversely, smooth acceleration, consistent highway speeds, and careful maintenance can help you achieve figures closer to, or even slightly exceeding, the EPA estimates. Owners who live in areas with hilly terrain or experience frequent inclement weather might see lower average MPG figures, as the all-wheel-drive system will be engaged more often. Keep an eye on your trip computer, and adjust your driving to optimize fuel economy.

How it compares

Compared to its competitors, the 2017 Subaru Legacy AWD 3.6L is in the middle of the group for fuel economy. A 2017 Toyota Camry with its standard four-cylinder engine achieves a combined 28 MPG, which is better, but it lacks all-weather capability. A V6 Camry gets about 25 MPG combined, a closer comparison, but it’s still a front-wheel-drive vehicle. The Honda Accord, another popular mid-size sedan, gets similar mileage to the Camry. The all-wheel-drive Nissan Altima, especially the V6, is a closer match in terms of drivetrain, but its fuel economy is slightly lower, around 22 MPG combined. The Legacy offers standard all-wheel drive, which many of its competitors don’t. For buyers in snowy or wet climates, this is an important feature, and they’re willing to accept a few less MPG to get it. You should also compare the LEGACY MPG across all years before making a decision.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Avoid excessive idling. The 3.6L engine consumes fuel even when it’s not moving. If you’re expecting to be stopped for more than a minute, switch off the engine. This can save fuel.

Keep proper tire inflation. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and reducing fuel economy. Check your tire pressure and inflate them to the recommended level, which is on a sticker inside the driver’s side doorjamb.

Anticipate traffic and maintain a steady speed. Avoid sudden acceleration and hard braking, which waste fuel. By anticipating traffic flow and maintaining a consistent speed, you can minimize unnecessary fuel consumption. The Subaru’s automatic transmission provides optimal fuel efficiency.

Reduce weight. Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle reduces fuel economy. Remove unneeded items from the trunk or backseat. Extra weight makes the engine work harder, increasing fuel consumption.