The Outback does all the work of an SUV better than most SUVs but without any pretense. It combines a station wagon's practicality, comfort, easy-driving character and fantastic outward visibility with the ground clearance, ride compliance and all-weather sure-footedness of an SUV. We have our complaints, but there are more strengths than weaknesses.
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Pros
Spacious cabin and smooth, comfortable ride
Optional turbocharged engine provides plenty of power
Loading the roof or cargo area is easier than in most SUVs
Above-average off-road ability
Cons
Slow acceleration from standard engine
Clunky engine auto stop-start system
What's new
Subtle exterior styling updates
Smoother operation of the adaptive cruise control system
Updated infotainment system with the 11.6-inch screen
Part of the sixth Outback generation introduced for 2020
Overview
The 2023 Subaru Outback straddles the line between wagon and SUV, drawing upon the strengths of each to provide you with a pretty versatile vehicle. Its wagon-like profile doesn't allow for quite as much maximum cargo space as some rival midsize SUVs do, but the upside is a lower-than-typical roof that makes it easier to load gear up there. As for the SUV stuff, you get standard all-wheel drive and impressive ground clearance, which are great for discovering new off-road trails or just driving in inclement weather.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.32 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
For 2023, the Outback receives a slight appearance change, with new plastic cladding under the headlights as well as around the wheel arches that are similar to what's on the Wilderness trim that debuted last year. Oddly enough, that Wilderness trim does not receive these new treatments as it returns with an almost unchanged look. In-car tech also gets an upgrade, most notably with an updated infotainment system that allows you to wirelessly connect your smartphone into the center 11.6-inch touchscreen without having to use a USB cord. Finally, the Onyx Edition now offers either the base or turbo engine, the latter now called the Onyx Edition XT. Like before, it's the most affordable turbo option in the lineup.
The Outback's distinctive design presents you with some interesting shopping decisions. Even among the many SUVs available, only a handful have comparable off-road capabilities. These include the Honda Passport and Jeep Cherokee. For more challenging terrain, the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner could be intriguing alternatives, albeit with noticeably compromised ride quality on pavement. As it stands, the 2023 Subaru Outback's unique traits should appeal to a wide variety of shoppers.
What's it like to live with?
For more in-depth coverage, check out our long-term test of the Subaru Outback. There, you'll get a clearer picture of the ownership experience and read what our experts discovered after driving an XT Onyx Edition for a year.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Please note that this rating may change slightly once we test the Outback's updated touchscreen for 2023.
average
7.6/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The Outback does all the work of an SUV better than most SUVs but without any pretense. It combines a station wagon's practicality, comfort, easy-driving character and fantastic outward visibility with the ground clearance, ride compliance and all-weather sure-footedness of an SUV. We have our complaints, but there are more strengths than weaknesses.
How does the Outback drive? The Outback is slow, but that's about the only negative in this category. Our test vehicle, an Outback Limited with the base four-cylinder engine, accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. You'll want to upgrade to the turbocharged engine to get power similar to what rivals such as the Honda Passport and Ford Edge are capable of. At least the transmission shifts quickly and promptly to help you keep pace with traffic.
There's some noticeable body roll when making turns, but in general the Outback is well behaved. The steering offers good on-center feel and feedback from the road. The best part? With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and standard all-wheel drive, the Outback can go pretty much anywhere its SUV competitors can — and some places they can't.
Comfort
8.0/10
How comfortable is the Outback? You'll be hard-pressed to find a more comfortable vehicle for the money. The front seats are great. They're soft but supportive, offering a decent amount of bolstering without feeling tight. Overall, these are welcoming seats, pleasant to settle into when you're tired and easy to stay in for a long time.
The Outback's ride quality is also excellent overall, even if certain road surfaces can create some vibrations in the cabin. Potholes, speed humps and drainage ditches are absorbed easily, yet there's no real floatiness to the vehicle. It's an impressive balance of compliance and control.
The climate system works well to regulate cabin temperature. Unfortunately, making any adjustments beyond temperature requires using the complicated touchscreen interface.
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MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Retailer sets actual price. Certain equipment may be required in specific states, which can modify your MSRP. See your retailer for details. 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness with available equipment shown has an MSRP of $41,805
How’s the interior? From a space standpoint, the Outback is fantastic. Some might prefer a more upright SUV-like seating position, but the Outback offers plenty of seat adjustability. Backseat passengers will be treated to excellent head- and legroom, and the cabin feels airy and open. The big windows also make for easy visibility all around and help eliminate blind spots.
Unfortunately, in Subaru's pursuit of reducing button clutter for drivers, most of the Outback's controls are routed through the touchscreen. The screen can be slow to respond and very distracting to use. Changing any setting requires navigating through multiple menus, adding time and distraction to even simple tasks.
Technology
6.5/10
How’s the tech? [Editor's note: We've yet to fully test the 2023 Outback. This section is still based on last year's Outback, and it did not have the 2023 model's updated infotainment and touchscreen that should remedy many of the problems discussed here. As such, the scoring and evaluation of this year's Technology section will change once we test the 2023 Outback. In the meantime, know that the rest of our Expert Rating still applies.]
A nice-sounding stereo and plenty of charge ports are pluses, but Subaru's vertical 11.6-inch infotainment screen is a wasted opportunity. It's pretty but not very functional. It's easy enough to find settings and selections, but the complicated menu structure adds time to any task. Subaru's native voice command system is also subpar and struggles to recognize even basic requests.
Subaru's EyeSight is one of the most capable driver assistance systems you can get, but it's also annoying at times. While everything from adaptive cruise to lane keeping works well, all of it subjects you to almost constant beeping notifications.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? Because the Outback is more a lifted station wagon than an SUV, it loses out just a bit in terms of total cargo capacity. But at least the cargo floor is low and flat, making loading and unloading a breeze. It's also easy to install gear on the Subaru's roof rails because the Outback isn't quite as high as your typical SUV.
Cabin storage is clever but lacking in volume. There's a nice phone shelf for front passengers, and rear passengers get bottle holders in their doors and seatback pockets on both sides, but the center console box is smaller than the ones in most SUVs. Ultimately there's less space to stash your stuff.
Installing child safety seats should be a breeze thanks to easily accessible seat anchors and plenty of room.
Fuel Economy
7.0/10
How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates you'll get 29 mpg in combined city/highway driving with the base engine, which is better than competitors manage. With our test Outback, however, we only managed around 20 mpg. This could be because the anemic power source demands a lead-footed approach to keep pace with busy traffic.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Outback a good value? Most competitors have stronger standard engines, but otherwise the Outback offers an excellent value. The base model isn't lacking any practicality. And when loaded with extra luxuries and technology features, it costs less than similarly equipped competitors. The equation changes a bit if you want the more powerful XT models, which are priced closer to traditional SUV competitors.
The Subaru doesn't offer any particular ownership advantages. The warranty is average for the segment. And while the Outback feels well put together, the design and quality of materials don't really stand out in any particular way.
Wildcard
8.5/10
The Outback does SUV things better than most SUVs, and does them without pretense. We wish that meeting fuel economy estimates was easier, but in its unassuming competence the Outback reminds us of the value of putting function before image.
Yes, the Outback is a little bland, but it's also very sure of itself. With plenty of ground clearance, full-time AWD and a smooth ride, it invites you to tackle potholes or unpaved roads. All told, it makes driving on bad city roads or unkept country roads altogether more pleasant. In fact, the Outback's strength is that it invites relaxation.
Which Outback does Edmunds recommend?
The upgraded turbocharged engine makes a big difference in the Outback's overall appeal, which is why we suggest the Onyx Edition XT. It's the least expensive way to get the kind of power this vehicle needs.
Subaru Outback models
The 2023 Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV offered in nine trim levels: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT and Touring XT. Base through Touring trims are powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (182 horsepower, 176 lb-ft of torque) paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). XT and Wilderness trims come with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine (260 hp, 277 lb-ft) paired to the same transmission. All-wheel drive comes standard on every Outback. Standard feature highlights include:
Base
Starts off with:
17-inch alloy wheels
Hill descent control
LED headlights and foglights
Roof rails with integrated crossbars
Dual 7-inch center touchscreens
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Automatic climate control
The Base Outback also comes with these driver assist features:
Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the Subaru and the car in front)
Forward collision warning with automatic braking (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Lane keeping assistance (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Automatic high beams
Premium
Adds more comfort and convenience features, such as:
Heated and power-folding exterior mirrors
Windshield wiper de-icer
Tinted rear windows
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Rear air vents
Heated front seats
11.6-inch touchscreen display (replaces the dual 7-inch screens)
Wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Onyx Edition Features here generally mirror those on the Premium trim, but with a few upgrades including:
18-inch wheels
Additional off-road-oriented driving modes
Hands-free power liftgate
Water-repellent simulated leather upholstery
Blind-spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while reversing)
Evasive steering assist (enhances the forward collision warning system with steering-based collision avoidance)
Limited
Includes all Premium features plus blind-spot warning, evasive steering assistance, hands-free liftgate, and keyless ignition and entry. You also get:
18-inch wheels
Driver's seat memory settings
Power-adjustable front passenger seat
Heated rear outboard seats
Leather upholstery
Harman Kardon audio system
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
Touring
Has all of the above plus:
Sunroof
Onboard navigation system
Heated steering wheel
Ventilated front seats
Upgraded leather with contrasting stitching
Improved pedestrian and cross-traffic detection for the frontal collision warning system
Digital rearview mirror (allows you to see out the back even with a fully loaded cargo area)
Wilderness
The Wilderness trim is an off-road-oriented package for the Outback. Like the Onyx Edition, it gets similar features to the Premium trim. Changes and upgrades include:
Upgraded all-wheel-drive system with low-ratio setting
17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
Lifted suspension for increased ground clearance
Front skid plate
Upgraded roof rack with 700-pound weight limit
Black exterior badging
Copper trim accents
Revised bumper and fender flare design
Water-repellent simulated leather upholstery
Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT and Touring XT
These trims offer the same standard and optional features as the non-XT trims but add the upgraded turbocharged engine.
Certain standard features on the upper trim levels are also available on the lower trims as part of optional packages.
Subaru's design philosophy and choices have always jived with my Mechanical Engineering sensibilities.
The boxer engine, the wagon-ness, symmetrical awd, safety tech, the turbo, enclosed eyesight cameras, cooled seats and wireless android auto, regular gas, java brown leather seats at this price point are all the main selling points.
I factory ordered myself a 2023 Subaru Outback … Touring XT in Grey Metallic with the Java brown interiors.
After the longest 8 weeks of my life, i finally picked it up around Thanksgiving.
Once i picked up the car, i was blown away by the plush seats, the audio system, quiet cabin, and the comfortable yet sure footed ride.
Not to mention the highest power to weight ratio for the price.
I have no complaints about the 11.6" screen, auto start stop or especially the cvt.
Blatant CVT haters are purely wrong to hate on it.
And if they understood what goes on inside a transmission, they'd appreciate the amazing innovation that is the CVT.
My only gripe is the lack of a massive sunroof.
My suggestion to Subaru is that the wilderness should retain the small sun roof because they need the added roof strength. For the touring and touring xt, Subaru really ought to install a humongous sun/moon roof and to assuage any concerns, zero roof rails.
The Yokohama Avid GTs from the factory are fine so far, but I'll keep an eye out for winter performance.
I can't say enough good things about this car and I'm so glad i finally got one.
I've been trying to get a Subaru since 2012, but never was able to for one reason or another.
Especially been ogling at the Outback product since 2015.
People who know me might heave a sigh of relief hoping I'd stop talking about this car after 7-10 years of me talking about it.
But i guess they now get to hear all about it as i fall in love with everything i expected and more!
5/5 stars, Many improvements over the Gen 5 model
Desert Mountain Biker,
Touring XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
This our 3rd Outback. Previous were Gen 3 and Gen 5, a 2016 3.6R which was a very nice car. Primary differences are that the new version has less body roll, more Euro ride, better acceleration when you want it, nicer appointments and a more adjustable passenger seat. There is no overwhelming reason to trade up but my motivation was related to the unusually high value of the 2016, the … upcoming 100000 mi maintenance, and my desire to try a turbo- powered car.
The version has a nice ride, decent handling for the size but it is not a sportscar. Acceleration from a stop can be slow or very fast depending on how much throttle one uses. Once the turbo comes up around 2000 rpm, the vehicle can take off like a shot but it will cost fuel economy. My average fuel economy is 25+ mpg with no long trips in 7000+ miles and all in the high air-conditioning environment of the southwest. My driving is a combination of near rural (50-55 mph with lights every 1-2 miles), low congestion city and some freeway at up to 75mph. I typically ease away from traffic lights so more aggressive drivers will probably do worse. I have seen little turbo lag. Power always seems to be available instantly. Many complain about the center stack menus but for my driving style it is set and forget. The key things like a/c fan speed and temperature are easy to set. The seat fans seem to help somewhat in the hot southwest. The center stack lets you adjust anything that is factory set but I have found that the factory settings are generally acceptable. The LED headlights are much brighter and reach farther than the HID headlights.
Subaru did cheapen some things like the hood struts and the rocker panel covers. I really liked the faux wood but not the price on the 2022. The fuel economy is likely better with the 2022: 2-3 mpg on my current driving cycle. The fuel algorithm is also improved ~ 3.5% high or about 1 mpg over reality based on more than a dozen fill-ups. I need some long trips to get a better feel for highway economy. There is noticeably less engine braking compared to the 3.6 so I often downshift when slowing from 50 mph. The life of the rear brakes will also be reduced. The fuel gauge isn’t as accurate at 1/4 full as the previous model so I use the 80+/- 10 range estimate to determine when to fill up. As with the previous model, there is a significant inflection point near ½ full and then the gauge reading falls quickly.
The info on the space next to the speedometer is much more extensive – it is nice to know the tire pressure which correlates well with manual measurements. The auto-start stop is ok though somewhat rough. I haven’t had any problems others have listed for moving out smartly on left turns from lights. The driving position seems different, perhaps a bit lower than the previous generation and much more bolstered as the previous generation were flatter. The older generation also had better arrangement of controls on the steering wheel but this works ok. Moving the blind spot warning inboard from the mirror and also in the heads-up display is a great improvement. Back seat leg room is also a bit better and the 2 position setting for the “trunk” cover is another improvement. The map lights are better positioned and the passenger light can be used without blinding the driver. Recently downloaded the new Starlink software and the local maps through WiFi. That is a nice feature. So many features that are not covered well or at all in the manuals but one can find videos.
I did not set up the facial recognition software so I don’t face the irritation of dealing with that. There are only 2 drivers so we just use the buttons on the door to adjust seats and side view mirrors. The one irritating feature is the “keep your eyes on the road” warning and beeping when I back into the garage. They need to sense that the car is in reverse and obviate that warning.
There is resonance in the rear door areas at low speeds on rougher roads but not apparent at highway speed. Will have the dealer check it out.
5/5 stars, The best!
GingaNinja,
Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
We needed a new family car. Tied for most important criteria were fuel mileage and a spacious back seat. Preferred options were heated seats and roof rails. After weeks of poring over reviews and specs, we widdled it down to a shortlist of: Subaru Outback, Subaru Forester, Nissan Rogue, Honda CRV, and Toyota RAV4. The Rogue and CRV eventually were crossed off because they got too … expensive for the features we wanted, when more affordable options existed. Really it came down to back seat space and proximity of the nearest dealership that gave the Subarus the edge over the RAV - and, as luck would have it, our local hometown dealership had a red Outback Premium in stock (most dealerships don't seem to carry the lower trims or fancy colors, but this had been a special order where the would-be buyer got impatient and wound up picking another one off the lot; they say it takes about 2 months for an order to come in). We checked it out after hours, loved the look, and made an appointment the next morning for a test drive. Love love love the way it drives! Handles very easy - all of the mechanisms are responsive but not jerky, ride is super smooth, I don't find any of the safety controls bothersome and most can be turned down or turned off if I did. The engine power is a little underwhelming going up hills, but it's capable of maintaining speed with extra pedal pressure, and I understand that's just the tradeoff for the good mileage. People complained about the touch screen on older models but they seem to have fixed those problems and I find it intuitive and user-friendly. I'm averaging about 32.3mpg with my best driving behavior (which probably won't last, but it's nice to know it is, indeed, capable of the higher numbers should I choose!). The back seat feels even more spacious than in the huge Ford Expedition it replaced, comfortable even for adults, and plenty of trunk space for our day-to-day needs - or for road trips if we can learn to not pack half the house. It has even won over my husband, a "car guy" who traditionally picks his cars based on looks and the 0-60mph rate, and he's been finding excuses to take her out.
UPDATE: Edmunds won't let me update my original review so I'm posting a second one. After over a month of driving my new 2023 Outback Premium around, I'm more in love than ever! Driving "normal" (versus being extra gentle to maximize mileage, when I was able to get about 32mpg over several days), on about 70% rural roads and the rest equal parts freeway (~70-75mph) and city, I'm averaging 28.5 mpg. Very smooth ride, and the gas and brake are just right - not jerky at all. I love the automatically adjusting cruise control, and the lane centering feature comes in handy on the highway. The automatic engine off/on is seamless, and the button to turn it off is always there on the bottom of the screen if I don't want it. Car is plenty roomy for all of my family-of-four's day-to-day needs, which include trips to the dump & recycling center, hauling two bales of straw or one bale plus a few 50-lb bags of critter food, eating carry-out in our seats during our jam-packed Thursday evenings, and we're betting we'll be able to fit all of our luggage for an upcoming road trip without even needing the car-top carrier. Absolutely no problem strapping a 9-ft Christmas tree on top last weekend, with room to spare. It also drives well in the rain - it slices right through the puddles on the road and still brakes well. The heated seats warm up quickly for mornings when I forget to get the car pre-heating. The extra ground clearance is great for pulling in and out of uphill driveways and parking lots.
Cons are minor, and all tech-related. My main gripe is the stupid seatbelt alarm; it's alarmed at me when I put groceries in the passenger seat (moving the milk to the floor made it stop), if I unbuckle before I put it in park (and then it doesn't stop even if I get out without shutting the car off - when I was at the dump last week it kept beeping until I came back and buckled the empty seat because it was irritating even through the open liftgate), and if I hop out at the bottom of the driveway to grab a package or something, it immediately yells at me to re-buckle when I put it in D for the short trip back to the house. Even my old 2015 Expedition allowed a short grace period before alarming and stopped when it was in park, and that tech is over 7 years old. I don't bother with the "high beam assist" because it turns the brights off for yard lights and reflections off road signs, while a car waiting at an intersection/driveway as I pass doesn't trigger them off. The low beams must be fairly bright, too, because I'm getting flashed a lot. The Starlink has failed to connect a couple times so I couldn't remote start the car once and I couldn't use satellite radio once. And the hands-free power rear gate doesn't always work so I mostly don't bother trying, the button is right there. I should add that the lock/unlock feature built into the driver's door works flawlessly. But yes, the tech is still a little glitchy (I wonder if they can just push a software update when they work out the bugs from their R&D section?) but it's all stuff I can work around; as far as the actual car goes, it drives like a dream and has plenty of space for our day-to-day needs, convenient roof rails for more space, and decent towing capacity for lots more space.
4/5 stars, keeps getting better
stew,
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Prior to 2017, I owned a number of Subaru Outback Limiteds. In 2017 I switched over to the Honda CRV Touring. The 2017 Honda CRV power train was much better than the Subbi, as was the look of the exterior, and the quality of the interior appointments (I did outfit the CRV with the Sport Package bumpers and the interior "blue package" which gave the CRV quite a different look). I have … been wanting to buy a new family vehicle for the last couple of years (I usually trade every three years or so), but dealer lots have been bare. The 2023 Honda CRVs and Subaru Outbacks are finally showing up. I test drove the 2023 Honda CRV and the CRV hybrid, and both showed improvement in driving comfort over my 2017 CRV. After 5 years, I never had a lick of trouble with the CRV. However, the interior of the new 2023 CRV seemed cheap, with hard plastic everywhere. I was disappointed with the look - my 2017 looked a lot better than the 2023. I recently came across a 2023 Subaru Outback Limited on the show room floor, outfitted just the way I would order one. This Subbi is a step above the new CRVs in most categories. The interior of the Subbi extensively utilizes soft materials, and the dash layout is much better than the CRV. The ride of the Subbi is much more compliant than Outbacks of old and my 2017 CRV, and the handling of the Outback is very responsive. The Outback overall length and whee base is longer than the CRV, The interior of the Outback is also more comfortable. So far, the only area where I judge the CRV to be better is the gas mileage. I was always able to clock > 30 mpg combined on my CRV (34 highway), whereas I have yet to achieve advertised mpg on the Outback. One gripe I had with the 2017 CRV was the small gas tank. The Outback gas tank is about four gallons larger which should give the Outback about 100 miles longer range. I am not a fan of the appearance of the funky wheel well moulding design on the Outback, which was almost a deal breaker for me. But then I saw how they looked when matched with the Magnetite Grey paint. Look at how the wheel moulding looks on a white Outback body paint and compare to the look on the grey paint. The center touch screen on the Outback is well positioned (and easy to use), compared to most other mfg's which have a center screen that sticks up quite a bit, vertically above the dash, dominating the interior. I am wondering what it will be like to wash the Outback in "bug season" - the nose of the Outback is a maze of small geometric shapes with recessed sharp corners to act as the final resting spots for the onslaught of all of those bugs to accumulate and avoid the reach of the wash mitt ...
[MUSIC PLAYING] SPEAKER: This is the 2020 Subaru Outback we've been evaluating for the past year as part of our long-term test program.
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Where our staff can use them over an extended period of time, just like normal owners. We wanted to test this Onyx Edition XT trim level because it's the least expensive turbo Outback you can get.
The Outback starts right around $28,000, while the turbo Onyx costs closer to $36,000. It comes decently equipped, such that our only options were things like scuff protectors and bumper covers. As always, don't forget to hit the Like and Subscribe buttons below and head over to edmunds.com/sellmycar to get a cash offer on your vehicle.
What was it like living with our Outback? Generally positive, with 266 horsepower, the turbo 4 cylinder has decent acceleration around town. The fact that it's turbocharged meant the engine was affected less at altitude. On the other hand, this Outback like most new cars on the road today has an auto stop-start system that turns the engine off when you come to a stop and restarts it when you're ready to move to save fuel. This system was super clunky on engine restarts, such that one team member's kid asked if everything was OK. And you can disable the system but you have to go through the menus every single time you start up the car.
Our Outback went on more than a few long distant drives and everyone came back pleased with the seat comfort and ride quality. As one person put it, it's the kind of comfort you don't even think about, and that's what makes it good. The all-wheel-drive Outback has the right amount of clearance and traction we took this Outback camping plenty of times and only found concerns with clearance when we started trying challenging terrain like deep staggered ruts. This Outback will get most people to most campsites. On those trips, we appreciated the cargo space, which was more than enough for four people and gear. We also love the optional rubber floor and seat back protector accessories, they are a huge help for keeping things clean and free from damage.
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How about technology? The Outback had two consistent points of feedback in the logbook. The first is this big display, you see, we skipped the roughly $2,000 package that included amongst other things, navigation because Android Auto and Apple CarPlay come standard. We figured that'd be enough and it was. But when using CarPlay the buttons on the side of the screen are super small and hard to hit, which is annoying because of how much space you have available. We don't know if this is a Subaru or an Apple issue but either way, it's a bit of an annoyance.
Our Outback also has Subaru's advanced driver aid system called EyeSight. It handles adaptive cruise control, lane departure, collision mitigation, and so on. The system generally worked well for us and we like that you can adjust the aggressiveness of its responses.
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There have been three recalls for the 2020 Subaru Outback. These range from a potential fuel pump failure, loose or missing bolt-on bracket on the brake pedal assembly, to a rearview camera shutdown. The good news is that our car was unaffected by any of these recalls.
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Our Outback had two scheduled maintenance visits, and like most modern new cars they aren't anything dramatic. The first was right around 6,000 miles for an oil and filter change. And the second was at 12,000 miles for another oil and filter change with an inspection and tire rotation. If you have the inclination and tools, you could handle this all at home. We visit dealerships to evaluate the experience for ourselves though. In the case of our Outback, it went smoothly and cost nothing thanks to Subaru's two-year, 24,000-mile complimentary maintenance program that runs in our area.
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What was reliability like? Totally perfect, nothing broke on our Outback over a year of ownership and everything appears to be holding up well. That's less common than you might think. So good on you, Subaru.
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Our Outback is rated by the EPA at a combined 26 miles per gallon. We're averaging 21.8 MPG. While we typically come in under EPA combined average, this is even lower than our usual. Part of this may have to do with more city driving and the fact that turbo engines generally do worse in the real world because the pleasing way they make power tends to make us want to give them the gas pedal more. Either way, expect your mileage to vary.
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So what's our Outback worth now? Well, the only way to know for sure is by selling it but by using the Edmunds appraisal tool we can get a solid estimate for our specific trim level, options, mileage, condition, and location. After tallying it all up for our region and calculating based on our higher than average mileage, our values are around $31,500 for a private party sale and $29,000 for a trade-in. That's a very small decrease, which is great. But remember that we're still reeling in the after-effects of the 2020 pandemic and that means values during the time of filming could be different by the time you see this video.
So what have we learned in a year of ownership besides a few annoyances for a smaller screen size and the start-stop? Well, the Outback remains an excellent option. Its available turbo engine, cargo space, comfortable ride, and decent clearances make it great for commuting and weekend outings for mildly outdoorsy owners. It's easy to see why the Outback is such a favorite.
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One Year With the Subaru Outback | 2020 Subaru Outback Long-Term Review | MPG, Maintenance & More
NOTE: This video is about the 2020 Subaru Outback, but since the 2023 Subaru Outback is part of the same generation, our earlier analysis still applies.
The 2020 Subaru Outback is a midsize SUV that we purchased about a year ago and added to our long-term fleet. In this video, Mark Takahashi from Edmunds reviews the 2020 Outback after we lived with it for a year and put 13K miles on it. Mark talks about what we liked and didn't like,… how the Outback drives, what maintenance and recalls we experienced, and much more. Do we consider the 2020 Outback one of the best midsize SUVs after living with it for a year? Watch to find out. This is our long-term wrap-up review of the 2020 Subaru Outback.
It's been four years since the Honda Passport's revival, and it remains one of the top SUVs in its class. We give it points for its potent V6 engine, roomy cabin, and commendable levels of comfort. To better compete with the Outback's off-road chops, we suggest the TrailSport trim. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Honda Passport.
It's difficult to talk about off-roading without mentioning Jeep. The Cherokee isn't as hardcore as the Wrangler, making it a better SUV for city driving and road trips. We recommend the V6-powered Trailhawk model, which surpasses the Outback's all-terrain capabilities without substantially compromising comfort.
The Toyota 4Runner is one of the more accomplished off-road SUVs on the market, but time has not been kind to it. It was last redesigned in 2010, and it hasn't fully benefited from all the latest advances in ride quality, fuel efficiency or technology. Even with this in mind, the 4Runner could be a good fit for those seeking more challenging adventures.
MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Retailer sets actual price. Certain equipment may be required in specific states, which can modify your MSRP. See your retailer for details. 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness with available equipment shown has an MSRP of $41,805
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Outback safety features:
EyeSight Driver Assist Technology
Scans the road ahead to enable adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning and automatic foglights.
Blind-Spot Detection/Lane Change Assist
Uses radar sensors to detect vehicles in blind spots and shows a visual indicator in the side mirror. Indicator also warns of an unsafe lane change.
Subaru DriverFocus
Monitors the driver's focus using infrared sensors in the dashboard, warning when the driver has become drowsy or loses focus on the road.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
4 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
18.5%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
The Subaru Outback is a perennial fan favorite. It does a fine job straddling the line between crossover and wagon, which is likely why it's so popular. In fact, Subaru's hold on the Outback's segment is so strong it hardly has any direct competition. So it's no surprise that only small changes will dot the interior and exterior on the 2023 Outback.
Of the revisions, the most obvious are no doubt the slight nip and tuck to the Outback's bodywork. There is some new plastic body cladding that flanks the headlights on the car's reworked front bumper. The wheel arches also get some beefier cladding — closely matching the bodywork revisions we've seen from the more off-road-focused Outback Wilderness model. It's worth noting, however, that the Wilderness trim won't get these exterior changes, and it'll look exactly as it does now for 2023.
Subaru says it's also reworked its standard EyeSight safety tech by making the field of view wider and reworking the software behind the system. Hopefully the sudden stops we've become used to from Subaru's safety tech will be mitigated or done away with altogether. Interestingly, only top-spec Touring models get a new wide-angle mono camera that Subaru says further expands the camera field of view to better detect pedestrians and cyclists when you're entering junctions at low speed.
The smallest of changes will greet 2023 Outback's interior space. The car's infotainment gets updated to the latest version of Subaru's Starlink system, and it now includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility. Other details, including pricing, will be revealed later this year, but we expect prices for the new Outback to largely mirror those for the current car when it hits dealerships this fall.
We don't love the Outback's sluggish base engine, and Subaru has made no revisions to the Outback's powertrains for the new model year. Thankfully, the optional turbocharged powerplant with 260 horsepower is a substantial improvement and didn't need changing. The Outback also comes with an impressive interior and surprisingly adept storage capability, and the whole package makes it a solid competitor against vehicles such as the Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe and Volkswagen Atlas Cross.
Edmunds says
The 2023 Subaru Outback is not quite an SUV in its capabilities, but it blends comfort with plenty of ground clearance, standard all-wheel drive and a smooth ride for a character uniquely its own.
FAQ
Is the Subaru Outback a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 Outback both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Outback gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 36 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Outback has 32.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru Outback. Learn more
What's new in the 2023 Subaru Outback?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 Subaru Outback:
Subtle exterior styling updates
Smoother operation of the adaptive cruise control system
Updated infotainment system with the 11.6-inch screen
Part of the sixth Outback generation introduced for 2020
To determine whether the Subaru Outback is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Outback. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Outback's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2023 Subaru Outback a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 Subaru Outback is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 Outback and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Outback gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 36 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 Outback is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2023 Subaru Outback?
The least-expensive 2023 Subaru Outback is the 2023 Subaru Outback 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $28,395.
Other versions include:
4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $28,395
Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $30,695
Onyx Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $33,495
Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $35,295
Wilderness 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $38,445
Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $38,595
Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $39,695
Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $39,845
Touring XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $42,295
If you're interested in the Subaru Outback, the next question is, which Outback model is right for you? Outback variants include 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), Onyx Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), and Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT). For a full list of Outback models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more