Subaru Outback running costs and reliability

2021 onwards (change model)

Running costs rating: 2.5 out of 52.5

Written by Keith Adams Updated: 29 July 2024

Miles per pound (mpp) ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only, and typical current fuel or electricity costs.

Petrol engines	4.8 mpp

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy ⓘ

Low figures relate to the least economical version; high to the most economical. Based on WLTP combined fuel economy for versions of this car made since September 2017 only.

Petrol engines	33 mpg

View mpg & specs for any version

Fuel consumption better than we expected
No full hybrid or diesel option
Subaru’s reliability offers peace of mind

What are the running costs?

This is one of the Outback’s biggest flaws, and one that will prove to a barrier for many buyers. It comes with one engine option and it’s not a particularly frugal one. At 2.5-litres it’s quite large and does without a turbocharger or any hybrid tech to help it out. We’re expecting the firm to add a self-charging hybrid system to the Outback range in 2025, to help improve the situation.

It has an claimed combined average of 32.8mpg. Our real-world testing regime undertaken on a combination of motorways, A-roads, and rural roads resulted in an average of 39.3mpg, which is better than we were expecting. With this figure, when we refilled the indicator showed a range of 540 miles. That’s a best case scenario, though. However, expect nearer to 30mpg in town driving, and for it to drop further if you’re making faster progress out of town.

As it stands, many petrol rivals such as the SEAT Leon and Skoda Octavia estates are far more economical. The tax situation for the Subaru Outback isn’t great either. It sits in band K, which makes it one of the most tax inefficient cars you can buy for the money. Check out our Subaru Outback tax pages for detailed numbers.

Servicing and warranty

Subaru dealers tend to be local businesses with a reputation for good customer service. Not that they particularly need it, as Subarus very rarely go wrong, so you’re unlikely to need to head back to the dealer for any reason but your yearly service.

However, it’s a shame the warranty is just for three years and 60,000 miles. That’s similar to premium rivals but far behind the likes of Hyundai, Kia and Toyota.

Reliability

Subaru’s reputation is one of toughness and reliability. Certainly, our owner reviews of this model and its predecessor add substance to that.

There was a recall earlier in 2022 for the Subaru Outback caused by an issue with the car’s EyeSight system, which could accidentally engage emergency braking. This recall affected 152 cars.