Gasoline brand can make a big difference too.
Outback fuel mileage regression for 2013
I was a buyer that waited until the 2013's were available because of the new engine and CVT, and the promised increased fuel mileage of the new 2.5.
I've been disappointed, to say the least, with mileage in the 24's for a mix of about 75% highway driving. We took one 1200 mile trip of all highway mileage, and it delivered just over 27 mpg cruising at 70 on flat roads.
Prior to buying, my principle experience had been driving 2011 and 2012 Outbacks which were loaner cars at my local Porsche dealer. And, in exactly the same conditions, their computers showed 27-28 mpg where mine shows 24 now.
So, my assertion is that the changes Subaru made to the 2013s actually reduced fuel economy rather than improved it. Looking at fuelly.com data seems to support that.
Two reactions to likely arguments.
1. The mileage of 2013s is all low mileage vehicles, and mileage will improve after break-in. I'd love to see any study that shows that mileage improves after break-in in more than a negligible way. I've tracked mileage in every car I've owned, and have only noticed an extremely small, if any, improvement. And my Outback has shown absolutely zero improvement after 3500 miles.
2. The EPA rates the 2013s higher, and their testing must have better results than prior years. Although the EPA actually tests very few cars, and generally takes and reports data from the manufacturer. And given scant resources at the EPA, they generally only test major model changes, so it is unlikely that the 2013 Outback would have been tested.
My mileage is not terrible, but is disappointing. It's not a deal breaker for me, but I do think it important that potential buyers know that the 2013s don't deliver better fuel mileage.
I've been disappointed, to say the least, with mileage in the 24's for a mix of about 75% highway driving. We took one 1200 mile trip of all highway mileage, and it delivered just over 27 mpg cruising at 70 on flat roads.
Prior to buying, my principle experience had been driving 2011 and 2012 Outbacks which were loaner cars at my local Porsche dealer. And, in exactly the same conditions, their computers showed 27-28 mpg where mine shows 24 now.
So, my assertion is that the changes Subaru made to the 2013s actually reduced fuel economy rather than improved it. Looking at fuelly.com data seems to support that.
Two reactions to likely arguments.
1. The mileage of 2013s is all low mileage vehicles, and mileage will improve after break-in. I'd love to see any study that shows that mileage improves after break-in in more than a negligible way. I've tracked mileage in every car I've owned, and have only noticed an extremely small, if any, improvement. And my Outback has shown absolutely zero improvement after 3500 miles.
2. The EPA rates the 2013s higher, and their testing must have better results than prior years. Although the EPA actually tests very few cars, and generally takes and reports data from the manufacturer. And given scant resources at the EPA, they generally only test major model changes, so it is unlikely that the 2013 Outback would have been tested.
My mileage is not terrible, but is disappointing. It's not a deal breaker for me, but I do think it important that potential buyers know that the 2013s don't deliver better fuel mileage.
41 - 60 of 119 Posts
Can't really imagine why your MPG is so low. I have not gotten less that 24-25 on my worst tank and have gotten over 31 on my best. I only have 6k on the car.
Thanks all for the comments. Just filled up, computer was at about 26, hand calculation was 24.0, 70% highway. My mileage goes down slightly every tankful, based on the hand calculation. Perhaps it is the winter blend, if it's made it down here to Texas yet, where we'll be in the mid-80s today.
I don't think I have an issue with driving the CVT effectively, it always cruises below 2000, and rarely do I get it to 3000 or above. I've raised the tire pressure to 34 (from 32) and have no results from that (except that the tires handle even better on curves!). I go in for 3750 oil change on Friday, and hope that helps some, as has been reported. Beyond that, I'll keep my fingers crossed and be hopeful for some improvement.
Great car besides the mpg. To be honest, I'll take the lower mileage in the 13 to get the improved handling, I think it drives like a sports sedan.
I don't think I have an issue with driving the CVT effectively, it always cruises below 2000, and rarely do I get it to 3000 or above. I've raised the tire pressure to 34 (from 32) and have no results from that (except that the tires handle even better on curves!). I go in for 3750 oil change on Friday, and hope that helps some, as has been reported. Beyond that, I'll keep my fingers crossed and be hopeful for some improvement.
Great car besides the mpg. To be honest, I'll take the lower mileage in the 13 to get the improved handling, I think it drives like a sports sedan.
This is tank I'm averaging about 26.5 after being at 29 all summer. I live in the north Dallas suburbs so I would say the winter gas has arrived.Perhaps it is the winter blend, if it's made it down here to Texas yet, where we'll be in the mid-80s today.
Yes, mine experience is the same as you. Never saw 30. Only 24 on highway. Will wait to summer to see what it will be but I suspect I will never see close to 30.
Weird. I guess it would be interesting to see what the car can get at 60 mph. I've been running my car at 70 mph up here where it is legal and I'm still averaging 26+. I don't think there are huge changes that should make things worse for the 2013's.Thanks all for the comments. Just filled up, computer was at about 26, hand calculation was 24.0, 70% highway. My mileage goes down slightly every tankful, based on the hand calculation. Perhaps it is the winter blend, if it's made it down here to Texas yet, where we'll be in the mid-80s today.
I don't think I have an issue with driving the CVT effectively, it always cruises below 2000, and rarely do I get it to 3000 or above. I've raised the tire pressure to 34 (from 32) and have no results from that (except that the tires handle even better on curves!). I go in for 3750 oil change on Friday, and hope that helps some, as has been reported. Beyond that, I'll keep my fingers crossed and be hopeful for some improvement.
Great car besides the mpg. To be honest, I'll take the lower mileage in the 13 to get the improved handling, I think it drives like a sports sedan.
I thought your oil changes were the same as mine at 7500 miles? If you drive mostly hwy, why are you changing them so often?
Take it on a gently rolling hill straight state hwy. I once averaged well over 30 going 60-65 on a state hwy. 60-65 is the Outback's sweet spot
I've got just less than 1000 Miles on my 2013, and am getting almost 25 on the dot average 50/50 highway and city with some hills here and there. when I first got the car at 10mi I struggled to get 24. All regular gas. I'm not too impressed, but my MPG IS improving after each fill-up. This includes driving in all of this wet nor-cal weather.
give her some time, she'll come around.
give her some time, she'll come around.
Have 2013 CVT with over 13K, long trips to Arizona and Seattle from SF at 70-85mph and average 27mpg. My wife drives faster than I do. If it was just me driving, I would suspect we would average 29-30. Computer is accurate but verified with calculator at fill ups.
I'm getting my first change (today in fact) at 3750 because the dealer is willing to do it for free, even though it's the 3.6 that requires a change at that point.I thought your oil changes were the same as mine at 7500 miles? If you drive mostly hwy, why are you changing them so often?
Given new car, potentially miniscule shavings in the oil, maybe a little bit of hope that it will flush some of the heavy lubricants out of the engine and improve my mileage are the general reasons I'm doing this. And, of course, you can't beat the price!
You're doing the first change at the correct time. Does more than one person drive your OB? The other driver may not be as gentle on the throttle as you're being.
Your OB is still pretty young so your numbers could be appropriate especially if you live in a hilly area. Highway Cruising speed shouldn't affect your numbers too much if you're keeping it below 70mph though it does a lot better between 60 and 65. It's around town that really kills it. Keep in mind that getting 3500lbs up to speed (especially if you drive 5 to 10mph over) is what burns the most fuel. The more often you have to accelerate back up to speed the worse your fuel economy is going to be.
Derby mentioned gas. The cheapest gas station isn't always going to be the best option. I typically advise paying the extra $1.80 per tank (yes, that's all you're saving) and go to a name brand station as their additives usually burn better. I also recommend refueling at the same station.
I've got the "less efficient" 2012 and my current mileage is actually less than yours. I'm getting between 27 and 30mpg city. I expect my numbers to improve as I put more miles on. My secret is to accelerate easily and never exceed the posted speed limit.
Your OB is still pretty young so your numbers could be appropriate especially if you live in a hilly area. Highway Cruising speed shouldn't affect your numbers too much if you're keeping it below 70mph though it does a lot better between 60 and 65. It's around town that really kills it. Keep in mind that getting 3500lbs up to speed (especially if you drive 5 to 10mph over) is what burns the most fuel. The more often you have to accelerate back up to speed the worse your fuel economy is going to be.
Derby mentioned gas. The cheapest gas station isn't always going to be the best option. I typically advise paying the extra $1.80 per tank (yes, that's all you're saving) and go to a name brand station as their additives usually burn better. I also recommend refueling at the same station.
I've got the "less efficient" 2012 and my current mileage is actually less than yours. I'm getting between 27 and 30mpg city. I expect my numbers to improve as I put more miles on. My secret is to accelerate easily and never exceed the posted speed limit.
I agree with those, who are saying that the brand of gasoline you put in your vehicle may greatly affect your mileage. I found the "high" turnover gas stations, such as Costco or USA, to be the best because their gas is more frequently changed and they are up to date with all various additives in various climate zones and various seasons of the year in this country.
Did the first oil change at 4100 miles with an OEM filter and 0W-20 Mobile1. Mileage (90% highway/10% city) immediately jumped from 27 mpg to 30 mpg. I don't know what is added to the factory oil but there is definitely something else in it that affected my mileage.
verrry interrresting.....did the first oil change at 4100 miles with an oem filter and 0w-20 mobile1. Mileage (90% highway/10% city) immediately jumped from 27 mpg to 30 mpg. I don't know what is added to the factory oil but there is definitely something else in it that affected my mileage.
Not surprising... lighter weight oil has less viscosity. I thought they recommended 5w-30 though...Did the first oil change at 4100 miles with an OEM filter and 0W-20 Mobile1. Mileage (90% highway/10% city) immediately jumped from 27 mpg to 30 mpg. I don't know what is added to the factory oil but there is definitely something else in it that affected my mileage.
For 2013 they recommend 0WNot surprising... lighter weight oil has less viscosity. I thought they recommended 5w-30 though...
Got my first oil change today at 3700. Not sure what the factory load was, but they put in 0W.Did the first oil change at 4100 miles with an OEM filter and 0W-20 Mobile1. Mileage (90% highway/10% city) immediately jumped from 27 mpg to 30 mpg. I don't know what is added to the factory oil but there is definitely something else in it that affected my mileage.
Fingers crossed that I get the same results!
Regardless, I'll be back to report in a week or so.
Fuel mileage shouldn't even be discussed until after your first oil change at 7,500.
This is a good point. There is also the point of trying to measure fuel consumption in roughly the same weather, at the same speed, over the same course of driving, using the same driving techniques, and with approximately the same load in the car. Unless all these variables (and some I've probably forgotten) are taken into consideration, any calculation of miles per gallon is relative only to that car, and not to EPA or any other figures.Fuel mileage shouldn't even be discussed until after your first oil change at 7,500.
(NB: I forgot having grandma's chest of drawers strapped to the roof rack tends to disturb the ærodynamics somewhat.)
I'm at 21.5 mpg average in the city, haven't done any highway driving yet, I have around 350 miles on the vehicle now.
Q: so what is the break in period on the 2.5 engine?
Q: when should the 1st oil change be, 7500 miles or before?
I am being told by the dealer that I will have synthetic oil changes at around 7500.
Q: so what is the break in period on the 2.5 engine?
Q: when should the 1st oil change be, 7500 miles or before?
I am being told by the dealer that I will have synthetic oil changes at around 7500.
41 - 60 of 119 Posts
- This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Subaru Outback Forums
Welcome to the Subaru Outback Owners Forum, we have tons of information about your Subaru Outback, from a Subaru Outback Wiki to customer reviews.
Full Forum Listing
Recommended Communities
