2013 Subaru Outback — Full Specifications
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The 2013 Subaru Outback is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) / 26 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 24–31 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Subaru Outback workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (variable gear ratios) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Length | 4700 mm |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 31 combined / 29 urban / 36 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 26 combined / 24 city / 30 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 212 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,600 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 3 configurations for the 2013 Subaru Outback across 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 20 to 26 mpg (US), or 24 to 31 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | All-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (24/30) | 212 | $2,600 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/28) | 233 | $2,800 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (S5) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 20 (18/24) | 275 | $3,350 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2013 Subaru Outback
Running Costs: 2013 Subaru Outback
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2013 Subaru Outback at 31 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,173 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2013 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 12 safety recall campaigns that include the 2013 Subaru Outback (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (7), Electrical system (2), Parking brake (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 20V003000, reported 2 January 2020. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 20V002000, reported 2 January 2020. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Air bags — campaign 20V001000, reported 2 January 2020. Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Electrical system — campaign 19V297000, reported 11 April 2019. Risk: The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Showing the 4 most recent of 12 campaigns.
Owners have filed 297 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Subaru Outback. The most-reported areas are Engine (67), Power train (60), Air bags (42). Complaints include 18 reported crashes, 6 reported fires, 13 reported injuries, 1 reported death. That is close to the median of 380 complaints across the 14 Subaru Outback model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2013 Subaru Outback
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Air bags (7 recall campaigns · 42 owner complaints) — Confirm any air bag inflator or module recalls were completed — enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Engine (67 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
- Transmission & drivetrain (60 owner complaints) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
- Steering (34 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Subaru Outback compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 31 mpg figure is 4 mpg better than that average. Its 212 g/km CO₂ figure is 41 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Subaru models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2013 Subaru Outback's 31 mpg is 2 mpg below that make average.
Of the 14 Subaru Outback model years we cover, the 2013 ranks 13th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (31 mpg UK combined, against a high of 35 mpg). See every Subaru Outback year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2013 Subaru Outback
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2013 Subaru Outback have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2013 Subaru Outback: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a automatic (variable gear ratios).
What is the fuel economy of the 2013 Subaru Outback?
The most efficient configuration returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, or 26 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 24 to 31 mpg.
How much does the 2013 Subaru Outback cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,600 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2013 Subaru Outback have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2013 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 12 safety recall campaigns that include the 2013 Subaru Outback (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Air bags (7), Electrical system (2), Parking brake (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2013 Subaru Outback?
Among the 297 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Engine (67 complaints), Power train (60 complaints), Air bags (42 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Subaru Outback's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 31 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.