Is Subaru Fuel-Efficient?
In this year’s EPA Automotive Trends Report, Subaru ranked third among automakers with the lowest greenhouse gas emissions and best fuel economy. Subaru has always aimed to provide reliable, flexible, and efficient vehicles to consumers, which continues to be seen in current and future model designs. With each model’s design, Subaru strives to engineer vehicles that achieve the highest potential in fuel efficiency and gas mileage. To do that, Subaru’s fuel-efficient features include the Lineartronic CVT, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Subaru Boxer Engine, Subaru StarDrive Technology, and Aerodynamic Design.
How does Subaru Improve Fuel Economy?
Subaru’s Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) adjusts instantly to match your acceleration, ensuring maximum fuel efficiency. This eliminates the need to shift gears since the Lineartronic CVT automatically shifts to the most optimal gear for whatever weather, driving style, or road conditions you encounter. This automated feature gives you all of the driving power you need while achieving the most efficient gas mileage.
In 2020, Subaru incorporated smaller turbocharged engines and direct injection technology in all all-wheel-drive models. These turbocharged versions of the Subaru Boxer Engine are tuned to generate improved torque and horsepower, while still delivering excellent fuel efficiency. 2021 models of the Outback, Forester, Legacy, and Crosstek also include the Auto Stop-Start feature. This will turn off the engine when you come to a complete stop, reducing fuel consumption for better gas mileage.
In 2020, Subaru incorporated smaller turbocharged engines and direct injection technology in all all-wheel-drive models. These turbocharged versions of the Subaru Boxer Engine are tuned to generate improved torque and horsepower, while still delivering excellent fuel efficiency. 2021 models of the Outback, Forester, Legacy, and Crosstek also include the Auto Stop-Start feature. This will turn off the engine when you come to a complete stop, reducing fuel consumption for better gas mileage.
Is AWD Less Fuel-Efficient?
All-Wheel Drive components are heavier and tend to place more weight on the engine. This can bring a vehicle’s fuel efficiency down by 1-2 mpg. However, Subaru models with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive counteract this dip in gas mileage by mounting the engine in line with the drivetrain, providing an unnoticeable transfer of power to all four wheels. Models with more complex drivetrain designs may necessitate additional parts and prove to be less fuel-efficient since they require more power and burn more fuel. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, on the other hand, is designed to use as little fuel and send out as much power as possible.
Are Boxer Engines More Fuel-Efficient?
Unlike traditional vertically-opposed engines, the Subaru Boxer Engine is built with horizontally-opposed pistons facing away from each other in a 180-degree layout. This configuration limits the length each piston must travel, helping to conserve power and fuel. These short piston strokes also result in a quicker acceleration time. By taking less time to get up to speed, the Subaru Boxer Engine saves energy without working as hard as other engines and increases fuel efficiency.
What other Subaru Features Contribute to its Fuel Efficiency?
The 2021 Crosstrek Hybrid uses Subaru StarDrive Technology to combine the efficiency of a plug-in electric vehicle with the wider capability of the Subaru Boxer Engine. The gas engine charges the electric battery even if you can’t plug it in, eliminating the risk of running out of power. The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid provides up to 90 MPGe and up to 480 miles of total vehicle range and supreme fuel efficiency!
In every Subaru model, Aerodynamic Design plays a key role in fuel efficiency. Subaru vehicles have steeply raked windshields and lower rooflines, which help to mimic the smooth flow of air under and around the vehicle. Other features like Active Grille Shutters, alloy wheels, and rocker sills also manage the airflow, distributing air smoothly from front to back.
Which Subaru is the Most Fuel-Efficient?
Although the Crosstrek Hybrid can achieve the highest mileage with electric and gas combined, the most fuel-efficient Subaru model is the 2021 Impreza. While the Crosstrek Hybrid can achieve 35 mpg from the Boxer engine alone, the Impreza has a slight edge in fuel efficiency with 36 mpg. The Impreza combines all of the features above to make this remarkable gas mileage possible.
Contact Rafferty Subaru About Your Next Fuel Efficient Vehicle!
At Rafferty Subaru, we have plenty of used and new models that showcase the high level of fuel efficiency that Subaru strives for. Stop by today to see and test drive any of the models in our inventory of fuel-efficient vehicles!
