Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Subaru Outback estate - MPG, running costs & CO2 emissions

Neither of the engines available in the Subaru Outback is hugely efficient

Carbuyer Rating

3.6 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.6 out of 5

Read owner reviews
MPG, running costs & CO2 Rating

3.0 out of 5

A petrol engine with a CVT automatic gearbox is the only option in the Outback, so it’s not the best in terms of fuel economy versus some rivals. The car is reasonably cheap to insure, but you may need the money you've saved for servicing because, at the time of writing, Subaru doesn't offer a fixed-price servicing package.

Subaru Outback MPG & CO2

The petrol-only Outback is only available with the Lineartronic gearbox; a combination capable of 32.8mpg combined and CO2 emissions of 193g/km. That puts the Subaru Outback into the top 37% Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) bracket for company-car tax, meaning it’s unlikely to be a popular choice for company users, who will pay some of the highest rates around. Subaru’s all-electric Solterra is likely to be a better choice in this regard.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Subaru's 'boxer' engines have a reputation for being on the thirsty side, but with current numbers based on the more accurate WLTP ratings introduced around 2018, you should at least see numbers relatively close to the official figures.

Insurance

A Subaru Outback in Limited trim starts in insurance group 27 (out of 50), rising to group 29 for Field models and group 30 for the top-spec Touring.

Servicing

The Outback requires a service every 12 months or 9,000 miles. At the moment, Subaru doesn't offer any fixed-price service plans, which makes maintenance slightly more expensive than for many of its rivals.

The other problem is that Subaru dealers aren't as common as Ford or Vauxhall garages, so taking your car for a service might not be quite as convenient as you'd hope. If you do decide to go for the Outback, it's worth checking where you'd need to take the car for servicing first.

Warranty

Subaru currently offers a 3-year or 60,000 mile warranty on all its UK models, which isn’t bad but is far from the best on the market.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Subaru Outback review - your favourite estate car
Subaru Outback estate
In-depth reviews
26 Oct 2023

Subaru Outback review - your favourite estate car

Most Popular

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?
Polestar 4 Prototype drive front quarter
News
22 Mar 2024

New Polestar 4 coupe SUV – how is the £60k EV shaping up?

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
28 Mar 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s top car offers

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide
Public EV charge point
Tips and advice
11 Jan 2023

Electric car charging stations: a complete guide

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
best electric cars
Best cars
28 Mar 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024