- Newest year: 2009
- Gas
- Small cars
2005-2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback MPG & Fuel Cost
5 model years · 19–23 MPG combined
15,000 mi/yr · regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026)
Cheaper to fuel than 6 of 10 small car configurations, MY2009. Ranked against all rated configurations, not sales-weighted.
2005-2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback at a glance
The 2005-2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback covers 5 model years in the EPA database (67 configurations in all), rated 19–23 MPG combined. The newest model year, 2009, costs about $2,970 a year to fuel for its most efficient version, the Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD (22 MPG), at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026). EPA changed the ratings in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The best combined rating in the generation, 23 MPG, was reached in 2005, 2006 and 2007.
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
2005-2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback by model year
| Model year | Powertrains | Combined | $/yr | EPA ratings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Gas | 20–22 MPG | $2,970–$4,020 | Ratings changed |
| 2008 | Gas | 20–22 MPG | $2,970–$4,020 | Ratings changed |
| 2007 | Gas | 20–23 MPG | $2,840–$4,020 | Ratings changed |
| 2006 | Gas | 19–23 MPG | $2,840–$4,230 | Ratings changed |
| 2005 | Gas | 19–23 MPG | $2,840–$4,230 | First year |
What the 2009 Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD costs to drive
Per month
$248
$2,970 a year ÷ 12
Per 25 miles
$4.95
Per 100 miles
$19.80
Five years
$14,850
5 × the yearly cost, prices held at today's level
vs the small car median
$520less a year
Class median $3,490 a year, MY2009
Based on 15,000 miles a year and regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback MPG
Versus 2008: The most efficient configuration stays at 22 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,970.
Gas configurations (11)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,830 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 6-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Legacy 3.0L 6-cyl | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
Show 1 more configuration
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback Wagon 3.0L 6-cyl | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
7 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback MPG
20–22 MPG · $2,970–$4,020/yr
Versus 2007: The most efficient configuration moves from 23 to 22 MPG, down 1. Its annual cost goes from $2,840 to $2,970, $130 more.
Gas configurations (11)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,830 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 6-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
Show 1 more configuration
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Outback Wagon 3.0L 6-cyl | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Legacy 3.0L 6-cyl | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
7 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2007 Subaru Legacy/Outback MPG
20–23 MPG · $2,840–$4,020/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2006: The most efficient configuration stays at 23 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,840.
Gas configurations (16)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) (Most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Legacy Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Legacy Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 19 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Outback 2.5L 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
Show 6 more configurations
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,830 |
| Legacy Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 25 | 21 | $3,830 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,830 |
| Outback 3.0L 6-cyl | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Outback Wagon 3.0L 6-cyl | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 6-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Legacy Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
9 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2006 Subaru Legacy/Outback MPG
19–23 MPG · $2,840–$4,230/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Versus 2005: The most efficient configuration stays at 23 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,840.
Gas configurations (15)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) (Most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Legacy Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Legacy Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
Show 5 more configurations
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback 2.5L 4-cyl | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Legacy Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Outback 3.0L 6-cyl | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Outback Wagon 3.0L 6-cyl | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 24 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,230 |
| Legacy Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,230 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,230 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,230 |
8 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
2005 Subaru Legacy/Outback MPG
19–23 MPG · $2,840–$4,230/yr
EPA re-estimated ratings of 1985-2007 vehicles under its 2008 method; these figures are the re-estimated values.
Gas configurations (14)
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd (Most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Legacy Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Legacy Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,840 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD Automatic (S4) | 2.5L 4-cyl | 4WD | 20 | 26 | 22 | $2,970 |
Show 4 more configurations
| Trim | Engine | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Outback Wagon 3.0L 6-cyl | 3.0L 6-cyl | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 20 | $4,020 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,230 |
| Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,230 |
| Legacy Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,230 |
| Legacy Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,230 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Manual 5-spd | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,230 |
| Outback Wagon 2.5L 4-cyl turbo 4WD Automatic (S5) | 2.5L 4-cyl turbo | 4WD | 17 | 23 | 19 | $4,230 |
8 configurations require or recommend higher-octane gasoline and are costed at premium gasoline $5.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026).
Fuel cost by state
Yearly cost of the Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD: $4,040 in California and $2,590 in Texas, a $1,450 difference.
- California $4,040
- Washington $3,740
- New York $2,970
- Florida $2,810
- Texas $2,590
Similar cars
Closest combined MPG among MY2009 small car models.
Generations
- 2000-2004 (3rd gen)
- 2005-2009 (4th gen)
- 2010-2014 (5th gen)
- 2015-2017 (6th gen)
Frequently asked questions
What gas mileage does the 2005-2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback get?
EPA rates the 2005-2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback at 19–23 MPG combined across 67 configurations and 5 model years. The most efficient version, the 2007 Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD, is rated 23 MPG (20 city, 28 highway).
Which years had the best MPG in the 2005-2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback?
The Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD reached the generation's best combined rating, 23 MPG, in 2005, 2006 and 2007. The lowest top rating, 22 MPG, was in 2008 and 2009.
Did EPA ratings change during the 2005-2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback?
Yes. Ratings changed in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.
How does the 2005-2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback compare with the previous generation?
The previous generation (2000-2004 Subaru Legacy/Outback) is rated 19–22 MPG combined and costs $2,970–$4,230 a year to fuel; the 2005-2009 model is rated 19–23 MPG and costs $2,840–$4,230 a year.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback per year?
Driving 15,000 miles a year at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), the Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD costs about $2,970 a year. Across all 11 configurations the cost runs $2,970–$4,020 a year. That is a $1,050 difference between the cheapest and the costliest configuration.
How much does it cost to drive a 2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback 100 miles?
About $19.80 per 100 miles for the Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD at regular gasoline $4.36/gal (U.S. average, Sep 2026), and between $19.80 and $26.80 across all configurations. That is the annual cost over 15,000 miles divided by 150.
Is the 2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback more efficient in the city or on the highway?
The Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD is rated 20 city and 27 highway MPG, so it is more efficient on the highway, by 7 MPG.
How does the 2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback compare with other small car configurations?
The Legacy 2.5L 4-cyl 4WD costs about $2,970 a year to fuel, $520 less than the class median of $3,490, and less than 6 of 10 small car configurations. The comparison covers all 336 rated small car configurations for MY2009, not weighted by sales.
Is the 2009 Subaru Legacy/Outback different from the 2008 model?
The most efficient configuration stays at 22 MPG. Its annual cost stays at $2,970. EPA lists 11 configurations for 2009 against 11 configurations for 2008. See the 2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback for that year.