The 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness achieves 23 MPG combined. It’s not trying to compete with a Prius. This number reflects a trade-off accepted by those who want reliable capability and off-pavement adventures more than extreme fuel savings. It’s what you give up for increased ground clearance, knobby tires, and a turbocharged engine tuned for low-end torque instead of hyper-miling.

City and highway performance

The Outback Wilderness gets an EPA-estimated 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city number shows how much fuel is used in stop-and-go traffic, where the turbocharger is constantly working and the all-wheel-drive system is engaged. The highway number is better, but the Wilderness’s lifted suspension and all-terrain tires aren’t made for aerodynamic efficiency. These tires create more rolling resistance than standard road tires, hurting highway fuel economy. The automatic (AV-S8) transmission tries to keep the engine in its most efficient range, but physics win. These numbers aren’t award-winning, but they’re justifiable, even expected, considering what the vehicle is for.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness at $1,900. This is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will change depending on your driving habits and local fuel prices. Drivers who spend more time in cities or frequently go off-road will probably spend more than this, but those who mainly use the Outback Wilderness for highway commuting might see slightly lower annual costs.

Real-world expectations

The EPA provides a standard, but real-world fuel economy often differs. Outback Wilderness owners report different MPG numbers based on how they use their vehicles. Those who regularly drive on trails and unpaved roads often see numbers closer to the low end of the EPA range, or even a little lower. Drivers who mainly stick to paved roads and avoid aggressive driving can sometimes get figures closer to, or slightly above, the highway estimate. Factors like weather conditions (cold weather decreases fuel economy) and cargo weight also matter. Consider the EPA figures a guideline and understand that your personal fuel economy will depend on how you drive your Outback Wilderness.

How it compares

The Outback Wilderness’s fuel economy falls in a specific place when compared to other adventure vehicles. The Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium gets around 17 MPG combined, making the Outback Wilderness more efficient. Even Subaru’s own Outback Onyx Edition XT (which also uses a 2.4L Turbo engine) achieves 26 MPG combined. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk gets around 19 MPG combined with its V6 engine, offering more power and luxury. See OUTBACK MPG across all years for more information. The difference in MPG matters to those calculating their budget. Someone planning extended overland trips prioritizes range and might consider the MPG difference when choosing between vehicles. Access all Subaru fuel economy data here.

Tips to maximize efficiency

The Outback Wilderness isn’t made for maximum fuel efficiency, but some things can help you get better MPG. Keep your tires properly inflated to reduce rolling resistance. Check the pressure regularly and keep it at the recommended levels. This is important with the Wilderness’s all-terrain tires, which are more sensitive to pressure changes.

Avoid accelerating too fast and braking hard. The turbocharged engine has plenty of torque, but using it too much burns fuel. Accelerate gently and coast when you can to improve your MPG. Plan your routes to avoid stop-and-go traffic, even if it takes a little longer. The Outback Wilderness uses more fuel in stop-and-go conditions than on the open road.

Reduce the weight you carry. Too much cargo adds to the vehicle’s load and reduces fuel economy. Take out what you don’t need for your daily trips to lighten the load. Use cruise control when driving on the highway to keep a consistent speed. This helps avoid sudden changes in throttle position and improves fuel efficiency.

Be aware of accessories that affect aerodynamics. Roof racks and cargo carriers can increase drag, especially at highway speeds. Remove them when you aren’t using them to reduce wind resistance and improve MPG. Use a more aerodynamic cargo carrier if you regularly carry items on the roof.