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Subaru has become one of the most popular SUV makers in the world. The Japanese automaker is widely known for its killer AWD system that has built a family adventure brand like no other. While the Subaru WRX STI and Impreza are both legendary in their own right, the SUVs are leading the brand. In our current world of fluctuating gas prices and insanely high car prices, value is everything. If you are shopping for a Subaru SUV, you might want to know which one gets the best gas mileage. 

Rear view of green 2024 Subaru Crosstrek at sunset.
2024 Subaru Crosstrek | Subaru of North America, Inc.

What are all of the 2023 Subaru SUVs? 

Subaru has managed to stretch the term “SUV” pretty far. There are only two Subaru SUVs that fit into the traditional category, the Subaru Forester and the Subaru Ascent. The latter being the largest offering. The other two are strange little hatchback/station wagon creatures that offer all the Sport and Utility you expect from an SUV but without any of the bulk. The Subaru Crosstrek and Outback are two of the most adventure-ready vehicles in the game. Since 2019, Subaru also added a hybrid version of the Crosstrek, Subaru’s smallest SUV. 

Which Subaru SUV gets the best gas mileage? 

A blue 2023 Subaru Outback, which is a midsize SUV best for you, driving outdoors in front of a mountain and body of water.
2023 Subaru Outback | Subaru of America, Inc.

The Subaru SUV with the best gas mileage is the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. The Crosstrek is the smallest SUV in the lineup and the only model that offers a hybrid powertrain. According to Consumer Reports, the Crosstrek Hybrid is bringing down an impressive 42 mpg combined (City 38 / Hwy 45 mpge). 

The Crosstrek Hybrid is powered by a 148-hp 2.0-liter hybrid engine paired with a CVT. As with most Subaru models, the Crosstrek Hybrid isn’t focused on power and speed but instead on capability. All Soobs come with AWD and one of the best standard safety systems on the market, Subaru EyeSight. 

Are Subaru SUVs good on gas? 

This Subaru Forester in the snow is one of the safest small SUVs according to Consumer Reports
A 2023 Subaru Forester | Subaru

The Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid beats the other Subaru SUVs by a bit on gas mileage; the rest of the bunch aren’t bad. 

2023 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid: Overall 42 / City 38 / Hwy 45 mpge

2023 Subaru Crosstrek: Overall 29 / City 20 / Hwy 39 mpg

2023 Subaru Outback: Overall 24 / City 16 / Hwy 32 mpg

2023 Subaru Forester: Overall 28 / City 20 / Hwy 38 mpg

2023 Subaru Ascent: Overall 22 / City 14 / Hwy 32 mpg

What is the best Subaru SUV? 

The best Subaru is a tough pick. All Subaru SUVs offer the same basic things; safety, reliability, capability, and a sense of adventure. At the risk of oversimplifying, the main difference between these models is gas mileage and size. Other than the hybrid, most of them also share one of two engines; either the 2.4-liter turbo or the 2.5-liter. However, the Crosstrek also has a 2.0-liter option. 

Subaru is popular with buyers because the cars are simple, efficient, and reliable. This recipe is the backbone behind the family adventure brand loved by so many.