Subaru’s With The Best Gas Mileage Guide
Which Subaru Has the Best Gas Mileage?
The Subaru with the best gas mileage is typically the Subaru Impreza, followed closely by the Subaru Legacy and Subaru Crosstrek. Among SUVs, the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Outback offer the strongest MPG ratings. Exact fuel economy varies by engine and trim, but Subaru sedans generally deliver the highest MPG in the lineup.
If fuel efficiency is your top priority, this guide breaks down which Subaru models get the best gas mileage and why.
Why Subaru Gas Mileage Matters in Minnesota
For drivers in Minneapolis and St. Paul, fuel economy affects:
• Daily commuting costs
• Winter driving efficiency
• Long highway trips up north
• Overall cost of ownership
Cold weather can reduce MPG slightly, so choosing a fuel-efficient vehicle helps offset seasonal fuel loss.
What Makes Subaru Fuel Efficient?
Subaru vehicles balance fuel economy with standard all wheel drive on most models. Here are the key technologies that support MPG performance.
1. Boxer Engine Design
Subaru uses a horizontally opposed Boxer engine. This design lowers the center of gravity and improves balance. Efficient combustion and smooth power delivery help maintain consistent MPG.
2. Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Most Subaru models use a CVT. This transmission keeps the engine operating at optimal RPM levels, which improves fuel efficiency in both city and highway driving.
3. Lightweight Platform
The Subaru Global Platform improves rigidity while reducing unnecessary weight. Less weight helps improve MPG without sacrificing safety.
4. Aerodynamic Engineering
Modern Subaru sedans and crossovers are shaped to reduce drag. Better airflow improves highway fuel efficiency.
Subaru Models With the Best Gas Mileage
Below are the most fuel-efficient Subaru models ranked by overall MPG performance. EPA estimates vary slightly by year and trim.
Subaru Impreza MPG
The Subaru Impreza is typically the most fuel-efficient non-hybrid Subaru.
Estimated MPG:
Up to approximately 28 MPG city / 36 MPG highway
Why it performs well:
• Compact size
• Efficient four-cylinder engine
• Standard AWD without major MPG sacrifice
Best for: Commuters who want AWD with sedan-level fuel economy.
Subaru Legacy MPG
The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that balances space and efficiency.
Estimated MPG:
Up to approximately 27 MPG city / 35 MPG highway
Why it performs well:
• Aerodynamic sedan design
• Efficient CVT transmission
• Standard all wheel drive
Best for: Drivers who want more cabin space without moving to an SUV.
Subaru Crosstrek MPG
The Subaru Crosstrek is one of the most searched Subaru models for fuel economy.
Estimated MPG:
Up to approximately 27 to 28 MPG city / 33 to 34 MPG highway
Why it performs well:
• Compact crossover size
• Efficient engine options
• Standard AWD with higher ground clearance
Best for: Drivers who want SUV versatility with strong MPG.
Subaru Outback MPG
The Subaru Outback offers SUV capability with competitive efficiency.
Estimated MPG:
Up to approximately 26 MPG city / 32 to 33 MPG highway
Why it performs well:
• Wagon-like aerodynamics
• Standard AWD
• Efficient base engine option
Best for: Families and outdoor drivers who still care about MPG.
Subaru Ascent MPG
The Subaru Ascent is a three-row SUV built for families.
Estimated MPG:
Approximately 20 to 21 MPG city / 26 to 27 MPG highway
Why it ranks lower:
• Larger size
• Turbocharged engine
• Three-row capacity
Best for: Families needing space over maximum fuel efficiency.
Which Subaru SUV Has the Best Gas Mileage?
The Subaru Crosstrek typically offers the best MPG among Subaru SUVs. The Subaru Outback follows closely behind.
If you want the highest MPG in the entire lineup, choose the Subaru Impreza or Subaru Legacy.
Subaru Gas Mileage vs Standard AWD
Many drivers ask:
Does Subaru AWD reduce gas mileage?
Subaru’s Symmetrical All Wheel Drive is designed for efficiency. While AWD can slightly lower MPG compared to front wheel drive competitors, Subaru engineers tune the system to minimize fuel loss.
For Minnesota drivers, the added traction often outweighs the small MPG difference.
How to Maximize Subaru Fuel Economy
You can improve real world MPG by:
• Keeping tires inflated properly
• Reducing excess cargo weight
• Using cruise control on highways
• Maintaining regular oil changes
• Avoiding aggressive acceleration
Cold weather will reduce MPG slightly, which is normal in Minnesota winters.
Get A Fuel-Efficient Subaru at Walser Subaru St. Paul Today
The Subaru Impreza typically gets the best gas mileage in the lineup. Among SUVs, the Subaru Crosstrek delivers the strongest MPG while maintaining standard all wheel drive capability.
If you want fuel efficiency with winter confidence, Subaru offers one of the best AWD fuel economy combinations available.
To compare current MPG ratings and trims, visit Walser Subaru St. Paul and explore which fuel-efficient Subaru fits your driving needs.