Best MPG has been 20.5 mpg on 2013 2.5i premium

[there4igraham]

Originally Posted by Husker Rob

I've had 4 vehicles with CVT's and I've always done the press to 2000-2500 then hold and let the gears catch up. Car magazines always talk about the rubber band feel of the CVT but I've never felt that. Writers like to floor the gas every chance they get.

That's because it's more fun to drive in a spirited manner. This is my first CVT so it took a little getting used to but I've gotten to the point of where I can get to speed without any fuss.

[dboz]

Get up to speed, then lift off the gas and it should settle in around 1200 RPM city. Highway you cant control. 70/30 city/highway we have lifetime 25.6 MPG with almost 14000 miles. It would be better if I drove it more. My wife tends to not let off. You need to learn to drive the CVT differently.

[rockthebeef]

Originally Posted by Husker Rob

I've had 4 vehicles with CVT's and I've always done the press to 2000-2500 then hold and let the gears catch up. Car magazines always talk about the rubber band feel of the CVT but I've never felt that. Writers like to floor the gas every chance they get.

It took a while for me to get used to the CVT and learn how to use it properly. Auto journalists only have a car for a day or two (sometimes a week). That's why I think CVTs get bad press. It's a very odd feeling to be accelerating while the engine RPMs are decreasing. Actual gear shifts are more fun, but the CVT makes a lot of sense.

I definitely felt the rubber band effect when I test drove the OB. I've only driven one other CVT and that was a Lexus CT200h. That also had the rubber band feel.

[bmobuell]

Well I hear your guys points, and I heve calculated it on the fill up ,drive, fill up and divide miles by gas used. Also I've driven 4-5 tanks with maintaining under 2500 rpm. Really trying to best my mpgs. That's when I got 20.3, 20,5, 20.1...ect. I love the car but the car gets 24 mpg advertised, and 20mpg just seems not right at all.

[dboz]

You need to be under 1500 not 2500.

[bmobuell]

I meant during acceleration. Then very light pedal to maintain speed

[Adam07]

My first 2 tanks were 21 MPG, but it was also never above 30* out. Now it is warmer, 48* today, and I am hitting 24.4 MPG with 70/30 Highway/City. I am not quite at 1,000 miles though. I did notice once I put in premium gas it helped a bit, but then again it also became warmer out.

[Outback474]

I was looking on Subaru Website. I know they redesign the CVT, and horsepower increase and torque increase. Horsepower is 173@5600, Torque is 174@4100. Little bit more weight.

I don't know if that was the different or not.

I know that we have to change the driving habit and it can help to save mpg.

[Efmall]

Hi, I've on my 2nd 2013 OB now and mpg has been compatible at current winter conditions with warm up, snow covered roads, below freezing temps and winter fuel.
Winter conditions I'm getting 26-27 mpg
This past fall, Warner temps getting 29-30 mpg

My driving is 65% highway, 35% country roads
No real city roads.
Habits are no real jack rabbit starts. Steady highway @ 65-70 mph

I think 20 mpg is real low for a 2.5 cvt OB

[edawg]

Originally Posted by bmobuell

I meant during acceleration. Then very light pedal to maintain speed

If you try a highway run at 70mph or less and don't get better than 27 (closer to 30) MPG, then something's up mechanically or electronically. Go get it checked out at your dealer. It's not the design of the Outback. If I drive mine like I stole something (rarely), the average MPG is still always over 24.