Ameer Randolph
Subaru vehicles are built to perform best using particular fuel octane ratings. The octane rating of a fuel is a measure of its ability to resist knocking or pinging during combustion. This is caused by the air and fuel mixture pre-igniting or detonating prematurely in the engine. The higher the octane rating, the greater the fuel's resistance to knocking. For the majority of Subaru models, such as the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent, regular 87-octane fuel is perfectly adequate. However, performance-oriented models, including the WRX, WRX STI, and BRZ, require premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel type | Gasoline, with up to 10% ethanol |
| Gasoline additives | Detergent additives, some of which are required by law |
| Octane rating | 87-94 |
| Fuel grade | Regular, mid-grade, premium, super premium |
| Fuel economy | Up to 25 mpg in the city and 33 highway mpg |
| Range | 540 miles with one full tank of fuel |
| Engine management system | Constantly monitors the state of combustion inside the cylinders |
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What You'll Learn
Subaru fuel tank capacity
The fuel tank capacity of a Subaru vehicle depends on the model and its production year. For instance, the 2023 Subaru Forester has a fuel tank capacity of 16.6 gallons, while the 2025 Subaru Outback has an 18.5-gallon fuel tank. The 2021 and 2022 Subaru Outback models have a capacity of 18.0 gallons, while the 2019, 2020, and earlier models from 2011 to 2018 have an 18.5-gallon capacity. The 2009 and 2008 models have a smaller capacity of 16.9 gallons.
When it comes to fuel type, Subaru vehicles typically use gasoline. While diesel engines are not an option for modern Subaru models, some Subaru engines are built for higher compression and require premium gasoline. Additionally, Subaru vehicles can use ethanol blends, such as E85 or E15, but the compatibility depends on the specific model and engine type. It is recommended to refer to the owner's manual or consult a dealership to determine the suitable fuel type and ethanol blend for a particular Subaru model.
Regarding gasoline options, Top Tier gasoline is considered optimal due to its superior additive and detergent composition. While pure gasoline is largely the same across regions, different companies add detergent additives, some of which are mandated by law, to prevent carbon buildup and other issues. It is worth noting that higher octane fuels do not provide additional benefits for engines designed to run on regular fuel.
The choice of fuel for a Subaru vehicle depends on various factors, including the model, engine specifications, and available fuel options in a given region. It is always advisable to refer to the owner's manual or consult authorized Subaru service centers for specific recommendations regarding fuel type and tank capacity.
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Fuel grades and octane ratings
The type of fuel tank used by Subaru is not standard across all models. The gas tank capacity of the 2023 Subaru Forester, for example, is 16.6 gallons.
When it comes to fuel grades and octane ratings, it's important to understand that these factors play a crucial role in optimising your vehicle's performance and maintaining its longevity. Octane ratings are standard measures of a fuel's ability to withstand compression in an internal combustion engine without causing engine knocking or detonation. The higher the octane rating, the more compression the fuel can withstand before detonating.
It's worth noting that octane ratings do not directly impact the power output or energy content of the fuel per unit mass or volume. Instead, they indicate the fuel's resistance to detonating under pressure without a spark. The performance and efficiency of a higher octane fuel depend on the design of the engine. In general, higher-compression engines may yield higher power when using fuels with higher octane ratings.
There are typically three main grades of gasoline based on octane levels: regular, mid-grade, and premium. Regular gasoline, typically with an octane rating of around 87, is suitable for most everyday vehicles with standard engines. It offers a balance between performance and affordability. Mid-grade gasoline, also known as plus or mid-octane fuel, usually has an octane rating ranging from 89 to 90. This type of fuel is often chosen for vehicles that require slightly higher performance than what regular fuel provides. Premium gasoline, with octane ratings from 91 to 94, offers maximum resistance to knocking and is recommended for high-performance or high-compression engines, such as those found in sports cars, luxury cars, and some high-end SUVs.
While most regions offer these three standard grades, the specific octane ratings may vary. For example, in Canada, the standard grades are 87 (regular), 89 (mid-grade), and 91–94 (premium). In China, commonly available options include 92 RON and 95 RON. In Norway, 95 RON is widely available, while 98 RON is offered by select companies.
It's important to refer to your Subaru model's owner's manual or consult a dealership service center to determine the recommended octane rating and ethanol blend for your vehicle.
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Ethanol blends
The type of fuel tank used by a Subaru depends on the model. Most Subaru models run on 87-octane regular unleaded gasoline, making them cost-effective for everyday use. However, performance models such as the WRX, WRX STI, and BRZ require premium fuel to support higher compression engines and advanced performance tuning.
Regarding ethanol blends, it is important to note that ethanol is a plant-based fuel that has a lower chemical energy content compared to gasoline but boasts a higher octane rating. In the United States, most gasoline is about 10% ethanol and 90% pure gasoline. This 10% ethanol blend has been deemed safe for use in almost all modern cars with fuel injection technology.
There are, however, other ethanol blends available at the pump, including E85 (also known as Flex Fuel), which comprises 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. E85 should only be used in Flex Fuel Vehicles to avoid issues with the vehicle's fuel system. For instance, the 2020 Subaru Outback with a standard 2.5L engine has a 10% ethanol limit, while the 2.4L turbocharged engine variant can safely use up to 15% ethanol, making it compatible with E15 fuel.
While ethanol blends like E85 can be used in some Subaru models, it is important to consult the owner's manual to determine the appropriate ethanol blend for your specific Subaru model. Additionally, it is worth noting that while ethanol blends may offer certain benefits, using a higher-octane fuel in Subaru models designed for regular fuel will not provide any additional performance advantages.
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Diesel engines
Subaru vehicles are built to perform optimally using particular fuel octane ratings. While using a higher octane rating than recommended won't enhance performance, choosing a lower octane rating than is recommended can diminish your car's performance potential.
For the majority of Subaru models, such as the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent, regular 87-octane fuel is perfectly adequate. These vehicles are designed to run efficiently on regular fuel, providing a good balance of performance, fuel economy, and cost savings.
Subaru's performance-oriented models, including the WRX, WRX STI, and BRZ, require premium fuel with an octane rating of 91 or higher to perform as intended. These models are equipped with high-compression engines that benefit from the anti-knock properties of premium fuel. While it’s possible to use lower octane fuel in a pinch, doing so may result in reduced performance and could potentially harm the engine over time.
It's worth noting that Subaru has been making a diesel BOXER® engine for some time, but it is not available in the United States. The company has indicated that they plan to stop producing diesel engines and focus on electric vehicles instead. Therefore, if you drive a modern Subaru model, you won't have to worry about finding a diesel fuel pump since Subaru doesn't currently offer a diesel engine.
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Electric vehicles
Subaru has indicated that they are shifting their focus from diesel engines to electric vehicles. The Subaru EV lineup includes the Subaru Solterra EV SUV, which is equipped with the North American Charging Standard (NACS), and the 2026 Trailseeker, which was unveiled at the 2025 New York International Auto Show. The Solterra can be charged at home using a Level 1 120V charger or a Level 2 240V charger. A Level 1 charger is included with the purchase of the Solterra, and a Level 2 charger can be professionally installed in your home for faster charging. The 2026 Trailseeker is an all-electric SUV with 375 horsepower and 8.3 inches of ground clearance. It also features the North American Charging Standard (NACS), allowing for quick charging at over 15,000 locations across the country.
Subaru electric vehicles offer several benefits over traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. EVs are more fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective, as they do not require fuel and have lower maintenance costs due to fewer moving parts. Additionally, certain states allow electric vehicles to access high-occupancy vehicle lanes and carpool lanes, making everyday driving more convenient.
Subaru's electric vehicles, such as the Solterra, also come with advanced safety features and the trusted longevity and reliability that Subaru vehicles are known for. The Solterra, for example, is equipped with a powerful electric motor that offers instant torque for better performance and a quieter ride due to the absence of engine vibrations. It also has a fast-charging capability, allowing it to charge from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes, even in freezing temperatures.
Overall, Subaru's electric vehicles offer a combination of performance, safety, and sustainability, making them a smart investment for the future. With their commitment to electric vehicle technology, Subaru is providing drivers with a more sustainable and enjoyable driving experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Subaru vehicles are built to perform best using particular fuel octane ratings. The octane rating is a measure of a fuel’s ability to resist “knocking” or “pinging” during combustion.
Regular Subaru models such as the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent are designed to run on 87 octane, or regular fuel.
Performance Subaru models such as the WRX, WRX STI, and BRZ have a premium fuel requirement with an octane rating of 91 or higher.
Yes, ethanol is a plant-based fuel that has been found to be safe to use in virtually all modern cars with fuel injection technology. The standard 2020 Subaru Outback, for example, has a 10% ethanol limit.
