Real-world mileage for XT

[21fred]

Greetings,

I am agonizing over which model/engine to get on an Outback.

I am looking for good mileage because I travel for work.

I also want to be able to put a 4 bike rack on the back w/o issue. The tongue rating for the regular engine is about 250, and the XT rating is 350 or 380.

I doubt the frame or suspension is any different due to the engine size?

I was tempted to just get the XT version (or wilderness version which looks so cool) to alleviate any concern about the tongue weight (my 4-bike rack with 4 bikes, I believe will exceed the 250 number).

What's holding me back is the low MPG rating of the XT/Wilderness. I was wondering if, by chance, the real-world mileage of the XT is better than stated (I also believe in the tooth fairy...lol).



Andy advise?

Thanks

 

[bmart]

Four motorcycles or four bicycles? Just about any car won't even notice four bicycles. Have you seen the size of humans these days???

 

[Hjulbyhavn]

I have verified the mileage for my OB Wilderbeast, on 55mh Wisconsin country roads you can get over 28 on regular gas. As you hit 70 the mileage drops to 26. I use cruise and get 26-28 on 200 mile trips and I get 24-25 in suburban town driving.
I got about 26 this January driving from Minneapolis to Memphis and back with the temps ranging from Zero to 35f at posted speeds from 60-70. If you drive like it's a WRX you should be able to get under 20mpg.
The Turbo is quieter and you mileage will vary depending on tires.
The Wilderbeast has a higher rear axle ratio so wait for the turbo to kick in at low rpm (2000) and you mileage will be great.

 

[Bugzilla46310]

Very similar to Hjulbyyhavn on our 2021 Outback XT but I would bump it up to 29.

 

[mayanees]

I have a 2022 Outback with the 260 hP XT engine that I bought new, and it has about 100,000 miles on it. I'd say Hjulbyhavn is spot on with the mpg. The power is awesome, as I only lose when I pull off the line with a Tesla!