2023 Subaru Outback AWDFuel Economy & MPG Ratings

Gasoline Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDAll-Wheel Drive
City
26
MPG
Highway
32
MPG
Combined
28
MPG

Real-World MPG

Based on 4 owner reports via EPA fueleconomy.gov

26.2MPG average-6.6% vs EPA label
EPA combined: 28 MPG · Owner reported avg: 26.2 MPG

Range: 23–31 MPG

Driving mix: City 65% / Highway 35%

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov “Your MPG” owner submissions. Real-world results vary by driver behavior, conditions, and equipment.

Owner reported MPG for this vehicle averages 26.2 real world MPG based on 4 owner reports. EPA combined rating is 28 MPG.

Trim Comparison

Automatic (AV-S8)
Regular
City
26
Hwy
32
Comb
28
Fuel cost: $2,400/yr
Automatic (AV-S8)
Regular
City
22
Hwy
29
Comb
25
Fuel cost: $2,700/yr
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,400

Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year

5-Year Fuel Savings
$0

vs. average new vehicle

EPA Fuel Economy Score: 6/10
GHG Score: 6/10

Environment

CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
314 g/mile
Annual Petroleum Consumption
10.6 barrels

Specifications

Engine
2.5L 4-cyl
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
AWD
Body Style
SUV/Crossover
GVWR
Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)

Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.

Engine & Efficiency Details

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

Engine Size
2.5L, 4-cylinder
Induction Type
Direct Injection
Efficiency Tech
Auto Start-Stop
Fuel Type
Regular Gasoline

Annual Fuel Cost by State

Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA

National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$2,405/yr
California
$5.957/gal$3,191/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$2,083/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$2,216/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$2,423/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$2,416/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$2,995/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$2,474/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$2,327/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$2,383/yr

Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 28 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.

NHTSA Safety Ratings

Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov)
Overall Safety Rating
5/5
2023 Subaru Outback SW AWD

Crash Test Scores

Front Crash — Overall
Front Crash — Driver Side
Front Crash — Passenger Side
Side Crash — Overall
Side Crash — Driver Side
Side Crash — Passenger Side
Side Pole Crash
Rollover
Rollover Probability18.5%

Safety Equipment

Forward Collision Warning: Standard & OptionalLane Departure Warning: Standard
84
Owner Complaints
2
Recalls
0
Investigations

Recall History2

Source: NHTSA

Owner-Reported Problems84 complaints

Source: NHTSA

NHTSA has received 84 owner complaints for the 2023 Subaru Outback AWD. Top reported issues include advanced safety (adas), visibility / wipers and electrical system. The data below is sourced from consumer complaints filed directly with NHTSA.

Problems by System / Component

Advanced Safety (ADAS)
21
Visibility / Wipers
19
Electrical System
16
Brakes
6
Lighting
6
Power Train
4
Locks & Latches
3
Speed Control
3

2023 Subaru Outback AWD problems by category: Advanced Safety (ADAS): 21 complaints, Visibility / Wipers: 19 complaints, Electrical System: 16 complaints, Brakes: 6 complaints, Lighting: 6 complaints, Power Train: 4 complaints, Locks & Latches: 3 complaints, Speed Control: 3 complaints.

14
Crashes Reported
3
Fires Reported
5
Injuries Reported

Sample Owner Complaints

Electrical SystemFiled: 07/22/2025ODI#11675441
My 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness experienced multiple complete failures to start over a 2-day period at 51,930 miles, creating significant safety risks and stranding situations.Component Failure: Bat…
Visibility / WipersFiled: 09/18/2023ODI#11545197
When driving east into direct sunshine, the entire windshield sparkles with thousands of diamonds, making it hazardous to drive. Just bought the car June 8, 2023, as a Certified Pre-Owned (it had bee…
Electrical SystemFiled: 03/22/2023ODI#11513176
I purchased a new 2023 Subaru Outback in December 2022. The two displays on my 2023 Subaru Outback (both the main entertainment one and the tiny dash one) randomly restart without notice and/or freeze…

Complaint data is sourced from the NHTSA Complaints Database. Reports are filed by vehicle owners and may not reflect confirmed defects. Last updated via NHTSA API.

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