Best Subaru SUVs for long distance driving
On long Kansas miles, range, comfort and fuel economy count most. We compare the Subarus for the long haul, then we drive I-70 together.
What is the first thing to know about a Subaru for long distance driving?
Range on a tank starts with two figures, the MPG and the tank size. Multiply them and you have the range in ideal conditions.
We work out the real figure for your own route, with the people and the gear you carry. That is the number to plan a long drive with.
The Crosstrek shares the top MPG here with the Forester and is the compact of the group. Over ten hours with a full car, the extra room in a Forester or an Outback is what you feel.
What does this come down to for you?
The Crosstrek and Forester lead on MPG
On EPA highway/city MPG the Crosstrek and Forester share the top figure. The Outback follows at 31/25, and the Ascent carries seven at up to 26/19.
Your range comes from your route
Every model has its own tank capacity. We take the MPG and the tank size and work out what your own route gives you.
Comfort counts as much as economy
On a ten-hour drive, space for everyone and the Outback's upgraded 2026 EyeSight count for more than two MPG.
How does a visit to Briggs Subaru of Topeka go?
Step 1: Tell us the drives you do
Kansas City twice a week and Denver twice a year point to different cars.
Step 2: Have us work out the range for your route
With the MPG and the tank size for that trim, we work out the range your own drive gives you.
Step 3: Take an hour-long test drive
Seat comfort is the one thing you can only judge from the seat. A long drive is where it counts.
Step 4: Pack it the way you travel
Bring the people, the bags and the dog. The space figures are maximums, and your own gear is the real test.
Step 5: Check the EyeSight version on that trim
The Outback's 2026 version has enhanced sensors and available Hands-Free Assist for the long interstate hours.
Step 6: Get your tires right before winter
All-wheel drive gets you going. Tires are what stop you, and we fit the set for a Kansas winter.
Take it for the drive you do most.
Tell us the drive you do most often, and we set up a test drive like it. That can be an hour on I-70, if that is your week.
Bring the people and the bags. The seat you will sit in for ten hours is the one to judge from.
Book a test drive
What do Topeka drivers ask us about a Subaru for long distance driving?
Can I take it out for a proper drive?
Yes, ask for a full hour behind the wheel, well beyond a quick loop around the block.
- Get out on the highway, beyond the ring road.
- Drive it at the speed you normally cruise.
- Sit in it long enough to know the seat stays comfortable past the first few minutes.
- Swap drivers halfway if two of you travel together.
Seat comfort shows itself at forty minutes, long after the first four.
Which models can I compare?
The Crosstrek, Forester, Outback and Ascent, and we set up the two you are weighing on the same day.
- We tell you which models are in our inventory.
- We show you the trims in that group.
- We show you the seats in each one.
- Ask us to bring one over for you.
Trims differ most in the details you notice over four hours on the road. We show you what each trim carries before you plan the trip.
Can I load it the way I travel?
Yes, and bring the bags and the cooler you pack for a real trip.
- Load it yourself, out in the parking lot.
- Put the dog crate in if one travels with you.
- Try the roof rails if you use them.
- See what space is left for the passengers.
A cargo area that looks big empty can be tight once it is packed. Twenty minutes of loading here shows you the difference.
How do you narrow it down for me?
We start from the drives you make each week, and that narrows the list fast.
- Tell us where you go and how often.
- Tell us who travels with you.
- Tell us how long the longest run is.
- We show what the higher trim adds beyond this one.
We work at your pace, and we point you to the size that fits.
Which Subaru uses the least fuel on a long drive?
The Crosstrek and the Forester share the top EPA figure, with the Outback next at 31/25.
- Crosstrek: the compact of the group.
- Forester: the same top figure, with more room.
- Outback: 31/25, with the upgraded 2026 EyeSight.
- Ascent: seven seats, at up to 26/19.
On a ten-hour drive, the room inside counts for more than two MPG.
How far will it go on a tank?
The MPG times the tank size gives the range in ideal conditions, and we work out the real figure for your own route.
- The MPG for that trim.
- The tank size for that trim.
- The people and the gear you carry.
- The route you drive most.
The figure for your own route is the number to plan a long drive with.
Planning a long trip in a Subaru? Ask us
We take the tank capacity from Subaru's spec sheet for that exact trim. We work it against the EPA figure and your route, so the figure fits your trip.
Ask our teamBriggs Subaru of Topeka customer reviews
| What people mention | In their words |
|---|---|
| A friendly team | “Very friendly. Worked with us on what we wanted. Ensured we were happy with all details of the transaction. Super excited to be driving and love love LOVE my new Subaru Outback Wilderness.” JoRita Barker (Jodie), 5-star Google review |
| An easy visit | “Everyone was amazing! Haley, Corey, Ronnie are the best sales consultants you could ask for!!! The managers are straight forward and honest which was such a relief!! Thank you Briggs Subaru for making this a simple pleasurable experience.!!” MICHAEL FIGUEROA, 5-star Google review |
| Every question answered | “Great experience working with the sales staff at Briggs Subaru. The sales staff were very friendly and very knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Subaru if you are looking for a new or even used vehicle.” Mark Vose, 5-star Google review |
Sit in it before the long trip
The seat decides how hour nine feels. Take the two you are weighing out on the highway first.
Book a test driveWhich Subaru SUV is best for long trips?
1. Subaru fuel economy by model
| Model | Highway and city MPG | Room on board |
|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek | 33/26 | The compact of the group. |
| Forester | 33/26 | Up to 74.4 cubic feet of cargo. |
| Outback | 31/25 | The most cargo, up to 80.5 cubic feet. |
| Ascent | Up to 26/19 | Three rows, seats up to eight. |
There is about seven highway MPG between the top and the bottom of the range. Over a long drive that adds up. It is also the difference between a compact two-row and a three-row that seats eight. These are EPA estimates, and speed, load and a crosswind on I-70 all shape your own figure.
Every one of these has Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive standard. It is designed to optimize traction in rain, snow and on bad roads.
Tell us the drives you do most weeks. We put the economy figures against your real miles, on the exact trim.
2. Subaru range on a tank, by tank size and MPG
| The figure | Where it comes from | What it tells you |
|---|---|---|
| Highway MPG | The EPA rating for every model | 33/26 down to 26/19 across the range. |
| Fuel tank capacity | Subaru's trim spec sheet | Outback 18 gallons, Forester 16.6, Ascent 19.3. |
| Range on a tank | Tank size multiplied by MPG, in ideal conditions | Speed, load, cold and terrain all shape it. |
| The window sticker | MPG and annual fuel cost | The spec sheet carries the tank size. |
The MPG times the tank size gives the range in ideal conditions, meaning a warm day, a steady speed and a light car. An Outback with an 18-gallon tank at 31 highway is a long leg, and the same car loaded into a January headwind on I-70 is a shorter one.
We plan each leg with margin under that figure, and a long drive stays relaxed. Range figures rest on EPA combined economy and a full tank, and actual range varies.
Tell us the route, and we work it out with you on the exact car you are looking at. It takes a minute.
3. The most comfortable Subaru for long drives
| What you need on a long drive | The model | Behind the pick |
|---|---|---|
| Space for people | Ascent | 153.2 cubic feet of passenger volume. |
| Cargo for a week away | Outback, up to 80.5 cubic feet | Ascent 75.6, Forester 74.4 with the rows down. |
| Driver assistance | Outback | EyeSight upgraded for 2026 with enhanced sensors, and Hands-Free Assist available by trim. |
| Top fuel economy | Crosstrek and Forester, 33/26 | The same figure in two sizes. |
| Towing on the trip | Ascent 5,000 pounds, Outback up to 3,500 | By trim, and trailer brakes may be required. |
For ten hours with four people and their luggage, the Outback is the one we would pick for I-70. For the Kansas City run with two aboard, the Crosstrek is hard to better.
On a long drive, two things count for more than two MPG. One is a seat that stays comfortable at hour eight. The other is EyeSight Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering. The Outback carries the most cargo of the four and the 2026 EyeSight with enhanced sensors.
We set up an hour in each of the two you are weighing, on the same day.
4. Subaru EyeSight on a long highway drive
| What EyeSight does | When it works | How it helps on I-70 |
|---|---|---|
| Holds a gap and centers the car in the lane | With cruise engaged | Turns four hours of pedal work into steering. |
| Watches the traffic ahead | Continuously | Two cameras behind the windshield, upgraded for 2026 on the Outback. |
| Brakes when a collision is imminent | When the cameras see the hazard | A second set of eyes on the traffic ahead. |
| Sees through the windshield | Always | A clean windshield gives the cameras their clearest view. |
EyeSight uses dual-color cameras, mounted near the rearview mirror, that continuously scan the road ahead. On I-70, Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering can maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. It also helps keep the car centered in its lane. It is standard on the Forester and upgraded for 2026 on the Outback.
It sees with cameras, so it works best with a clear view. Dusk, glare, heavy rain and blowing snow affect it as they affect any driver.
EyeSight makes a well-planned drive easier. The driver stays responsible for safe and attentive driving. A stop every couple of hours keeps a long day comfortable.
5. Subaru pre-trip checklist
| What to check | How to check it | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| The actual tank size | Subaru's trim spec sheet | The window sticker shows MPG and fuel cost instead. |
| Sit in it for an hour | A real test drive on the highway | Comfort is something you can only judge from the seat. |
| Load it as you would travel | Bags, people, the dog | Space claims are maximums. |
| Which EyeSight the trim has | Ask, per trim | The Outback's 2026 version is the most capable. |
| Tires and pressures | Before you leave, every time | The small check that keeps a long day simple. |
An hour-long test drive shows how the seat feels long after the first few minutes. That is the drive we set up for you.
Load the car as you would travel, with bags, people and the dog. The space figures are maximums with the seats folded. Loading your own week's luggage shows how it fits with four aboard.
We set up a proper drive on the kind of road you drive. Book a visit before a long trip, and we check the tires and pressures.
6. Long drives from Topeka to Kansas City, Denver and along I-70
| The drive | What it demands | What we would weigh |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City and back | An hour each way, often | Where the MPG difference compounds. |
| Lawrence or Manhattan | A regular drive | Comfort counts for more when you drive it this often. |
| Denver or the mountains | A full day on I-70 | Where the seat and the driver assistance count for more than two MPG. |
| Crosswind on the plains | Constant small corrections | Lane Centering helps keep the car centered in its lane. |
| Fuel stops | Planning ahead | MPG and tank size give the range, and speed and load shape it. |
An hour out of Topeka is an hour of open highway. A drive made twice a week and one made twice a year ask different things of the car.
On the plains, lane centering holds a straight line against a side wind for four hours at a time.
Tell us the drives you do most weeks. We point you at the car built for them, and the trim with the assistance you will use.
7. Subaru winter highway driving in Kansas
| What to check | Why it counts in winter | How it is handled |
|---|---|---|
| Tires | The single biggest variable in snow | Tread measured before December. |
| The 12 volt battery | Cold tests a battery fast | Tested in the fall and replaced on the test. |
| All-wheel drive | Standard on every model here | It helps you go, and the tires are what stop you. |
| Washer fluid and wipers | Salt spray on I-70 | Winter blades and a full reservoir before the trip. |
| A full tank before you go | Cold weather reduces real economy | Plan the leg with margin. |
On a winter interstate, tires and visibility count as much as traction. On a slick on-ramp, Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive provides extra traction and stability when it detects slippage. Stopping distance comes from the tires and the ABS. That is why we measure tread before December.
Salt spray on I-70 empties a washer reservoir in an afternoon. Winter blades handle the ice buildup that regular blades smear.
Book the visit a week before the trip and we cover all five checks in one stop.
How do you want to buy your Subaru?
Pay in full, and your Subaru is yours outright from day one, to drive as far as you like.
Pick the term that suits your household. The whole agreement is on one sheet, and we read it with you before you sign.
A set term and a mileage allowance on a new Subaru. When it ends you can return it, buy it, extend it or start a new lease.
Your trade is appraised on its own and written down separately from the Subaru you are choosing.
Long distance Subaru questions, answered
Fuel economy
Which Subaru SUV is best on gas?
The Crosstrek and Forester lead at 33/26 highway/city MPG, and the Outback follows at 31/25. The three-row Ascent is rated up to 26/19 and carries seven. These are EPA estimates, and actual mileage varies with driving conditions.
Does standard all-wheel drive use more fuel?
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard on the Crosstrek, Forester, Outback and Ascent. Their EPA estimates are already for all-wheel-drive cars. It is engaged at all times, without any extra action required by the driver.
What MPG does the Outback get?
31/25 highway/city, rated up to 31 MPG.
Range on a tank
How far can a Subaru go on a full tank?
That depends on the model and on how you drive it.
Multiply the highway MPG by the tank capacity to get the range in ideal conditions. The tank holds 16.6 gallons on the Crosstrek and Forester, 18 on the Outback and 19.3 on the Ascent. Speed, load, cold and terrain all shape it on the road.
Ask us and we do that arithmetic against the car you are looking at and the route you drive.
Does the range on a tank vary?
Yes. Range figures are based on EPA-estimated combined fuel economy and a full tank of fuel. Actual mileage and range may vary.
Where do I find the tank size?
On the trim specification sheet for that model year, or in the owner's manual. The window sticker carries EPA fuel economy and running costs. We will look it up with you on the actual car.
Choosing the right one
Should I buy the most economical model for long drives?
It depends on who travels with you. The Crosstrek and the Forester share the top MPG here. Over ten hours with a full car, the Outback's space and its upgraded 2026 EyeSight are what you notice. Drive both on the same day and you will know.
Which Subaru has the most space for a road trip?
It depends which space you mean. For cargo the Outback carries most, up to 80.5 cubic feet with the rows down. The Ascent follows at 75.6 and the Forester at 74.4.
For people the order reverses. The Ascent carries up to 153.2 cubic feet of passenger volume and seats up to eight. The Outback follows at 112.3 and the Forester at 110.8.
Which has the best driver assistance?
The Outback, where EyeSight is upgraded for 2026 with enhanced sensors and Hands-Free Assist is available. We will show you which trims carry it.
Can I tow on a long trip?
The Ascent tows 5,000 pounds and the Outback up to 3,500 pounds. Maximum towing varies by trim, and trailer brakes may be needed.
Driver assistance
How does EyeSight help on a long drive?
With cruise control engaged, EyeSight can maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. It also helps keep the car centered in its lane. The driver stays in charge and is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. EyeSight may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. We plan a stop every couple of hours into a long day.
Is EyeSight standard?
It is standard on the Forester and Crosstrek, and on the Outback it is upgraded for 2026.
Comfort on a long drive
How do I know if it is comfortable for hours?
Take a long test drive. Ask for a full hour on the kind of road you drive. Load it the way you travel, and swap drivers halfway if two of you go. Seat comfort shows itself at forty minutes, and it is the one thing no specification sheet can tell you.
People also ask
Which Subaru is best for long road trips?
For space and driver assistance, the Outback, where EyeSight is upgraded for 2026. For economy, the Crosstrek or Forester at 33/26 highway/city MPG. For seven or eight people, the Ascent.
What is the best gas mileage Subaru SUV?
The Crosstrek and Forester, both rated 33/26 highway/city MPG by EPA estimate.
How many miles can a Subaru Outback go on a full tank?
The Outback carries an 18 gallon tank and is rated 31 MPG highway. Multiplying the two gives its range in ideal conditions. We adjust that figure for speed, load, cold and terrain on your route.
Do Subarus get good gas mileage?
Yes. The Crosstrek and Forester lead the Subaru range at 33/26 highway/city MPG. Every figure is for an all-wheel-drive car, with all four wheels driven all the time.
Does Subaru have adaptive cruise control?
EyeSight Driver Assist is standard on the Forester and Crosstrek. It is upgraded for 2026 on the Outback, which also offers Hands-Free Assist. It supports an alert driver, who stays in charge of the car.
Sources & references
- Subaru Crosstrek, rated 33/26 highway/city MPG www.subaru.com/vehicles/crosstrek.html
- Up to 31 MPG and durable SUBARU BOXER www.subaru.com/vehicles/outback.html
- Impressive fuel economy of up to 26/19 hwy/city MPG www.subaru.com/vehicles/ascent.html
- Fuel tank capacity: 18 gallons www.subaru.com/vehicles/outback/2026/specs-trim.html
- Fuel capacity: 16.6 gallons www.subaru.com/vehicles/forester/2026/specs-trim.html
- Forester passenger volume, up to 110.8 cubic feet www.subaru.com/vehicles/forester.html
- Google reviews for Briggs Subaru of Topeka, rating and review count maps.google.com/?cid=12872951754881663481
Ask us to check any figure here against the specific vehicle.
Ready to visit Briggs Subaru of Topeka? We are in Topeka.
3115 S Kansas Ave
Topeka, KS 66611
Sales 8:30am–7pm Mon–Thu · 8:30am–6pm Fri–Sat · closed Sun
Service 7am–6pm Mon–Fri · 7am–2pm Sat · Closed Sun
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Take a proper test drive, and ask us to work out a real range for your route.
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Reviewed by
General Sales Manager · reviewed September 2026
