2026 Subaru Outback MPG
23–27 mpg combined across 3 EPA-rated versions. Best: Outback AWD (AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 25 city / 31 hwy / 27 combined; lowest: Outback Wilderness AWD (2.4L 4-cyl, CVT) at 23.
Every version
| Version | Engine | Trans. | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 25 | 31 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Outback AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Outback Wilderness AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 21 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
How it compares
- 2026 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD: class average 25.7 mpg over 147 versions; best Outback +1.3 (#37).
- 2025: 28 mpg best (−1 for 2026).
- 2027: 27 mpg best.
- Fuel cost spread: $2,500–$2,900 a year ($400 difference).
- 2027 model: 27 mpg best (no change).
Safety
35 owner complaints: Forward Collision Avoidance 9, Unknown Or Other 9, Electrical System 8, Vehicle Speed Control 3. Crashes 1, fires 0, injuries 6.
| Complaint area | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 9 | 26% |
| Unknown Or Other | 9 | 26% |
| Electrical System | 8 | 23% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 3 | 9% |
| Structure | 3 | 9% |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | 9% |
| Tires | 2 | 6% |
| Seats | 2 | 6% |
Recent owner reports: Forward Collision Avoidance
“The pre-collision breaking system activated while I was driving 35mph on a straight road with no cars or obstacles present. There was enough force generated in the abrupt stop that the seatbelt locked and unsecured items were thrown to the floor.”
“I have owned this vehicle since January 2026. It's the first vehicle I have owned with a forward collision warning system and active emergency braking. And this is the first time this "failure" has happened, so far...”
“I was pulling into a handicapped parking spot at the grocery store, turning right into it, and was almost stopped, with my right foot on the brake, when the vehicle suddenly accelerated at top speed, surging over the median strip, flattening the "Handicapped Parking" sign, and racing ahead into the street beyond. I drove forward and turned left back into the parking lot and parked the car.”
Owner reports are unverified and filed directly with NHTSA.
Recalls
No NHTSA recall campaigns are listed for 2026.