2023 Subaru Outback

Price Range: $28,395 - $42,295 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness 4dr SUV Exterior

2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

360°

2023 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV Exterior

+249

The 2023 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, ranging from the anemic engine to the frustrating infotainment screen, but there are more strengths than weaknesses.Read full review

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$25,750

2023 Subaru Outback Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
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 Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Subaru Outback 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 $2.95 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$128/mo

$172/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

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

Our Verdict^{The 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.}

Good

7.7

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

7.5/10

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

8/10

How comfortable is the Outback? The Outback is a very good midsize SUV for the money. The front seats are great — soft but supportive, they offer 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. The updates to the climate touchscreen interface make it a better experience than before, but adjustments beyond temperature require two to three steps.

Interior

8/10

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 headroom 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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $7,396 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $7,396 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Touring XT trim.}

2023 Subaru Outback pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Technology

7/10

How’s the tech? A nice-sounding stereo and plenty of charge ports are pluses. Subaru's 11.6-inch infotainment screen is functional, and it's easy enough to find settings and selections, but there's still a complicated menu structure that adds time to some tasks, such as some climate controls.

Plug in a smartphone or connect wirelessly, and your experience depends on whether you use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Apple CarPlay maximizes the display while Android Auto is crammed into the top half of the screen, rendering the bottom half totally useless. Subaru's native voice command system is also subpar and struggles to recognize even basic requests.

Subaru's driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control and lane keeping, work well. But the various beeping alerts can get annoying over time.

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.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? The EPA estimates you'll get 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving the Outback with the base engine, which is better than competitors, but with a big caveat: Every major rival employs a turbocharged four-cylinder, a V6 or hybrid power for more grunt underhood. The good news? Even the Outback's available turbo engine is more efficient than others in this class (except for the hybrids).

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 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.

Compare 2023 Subaru Outback trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

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 Outback Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.3

57 reviews

5(67%)

4(16%)

3(5%)

2(5%)

1(7%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Everything I expected and more!

URM, 11/29/2022

2023 Subaru Outback Touring XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)

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 …

Exactly what I needed

Mike, 03/01/2023

2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)

This car is exactly what I needed, if not everything I wanted. I am your stereotypical Subaru customer. I love camping, rock climbing, hiking, the great outdoors, you name it. I wanted a car that would be able to competently deal with most trails, I could throw AT tires on for the really rough stuff, and also keep me on the road in the snow. I also have a long commute to work everyday … and MPG and normal driving performance is important to me which ruled out the XT models (along with the added price). Pros: Honestly though, there are very few times when I think I would truly have wanted the extra power from the turbo. The engine still has plenty of oomph to get the car going. So far after just over 6,000 miles, I am averaging 30mph which is just what I expected. Steering feeling is not too light, not too heavy, and easy to maneuver in car parks. Brakes have nice feeling to them and can bring the car to a stop very quickly. AWD system is great! Within a month of having the car, the midwest got slammed with snow and -30F wind chills and the car was able to take me up steep snowy, hills lined with cars that couldn't make it, with ease. The massive screen is a great feature especially for using maps and navigation. Audio quality (no Harman system) is perfectly acceptable. Seats are amazing comfortable even after 2+ hour drives. AC works great and can warm up or cool down the car quickly, and the seat heaters are perfect in the winter. Wireless Apple CarPlay connects quickly and painlessly and doesn't drop ongoing calls. Cons: The active cruise control can be a bit funny. I have it set to its most passive mode for acceleration but the second a slower car moves out of the way the car floors it which I find annoying. I have also found that using the active lane centering system tends to have the car gently weaving side to side in the lane so I never turn it on. The car is definitely on the louder side. The engine noise is droning under acceleration from the CVT and at highway speeds there is quite a bit of road and wind noise. For the price though I guess it is okay. The climate control switches are permanently on the main screen which is nice but I would definitely prefer if they were physical buttons. In the rain, there is a pronounced trickling noise in the doors. I know it is not an issue but it is annoying. Overall though I am incredibly pleased with my Outback. Sure there are a few things I would prefer on it and it has its little flaws here and there but they are so significantly outweighed by all the positives. When considering cost, I think it is one of the best cars out there.

Many improvements over the Gen 5 model

Desert Mountain Biker, 11/26/2022

2023 Subaru Outback 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.

keeps getting better

stew, 01/04/2023

2023 Subaru Outback 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 ...

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2023 Subaru Outback videos

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…

2023 Subaru Outback Features & Specs

Trim:

Base

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$28,395
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$128/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	32.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

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Subaru Outback vs. Honda Passport

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.

Compare Subaru Outback & Honda Passport features

Subaru Outback vs. Jeep Cherokee

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.

Compare Subaru Outback & Jeep Cherokee features

Subaru Outback vs. Toyota 4Runner

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.

Compare Subaru Outback & Toyota 4Runner features

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.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Good
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

2023 Subaru Outback First Impressions

byNick Yekikian

•1/14/2022 (updated 4/13/2022)

What is the Subaru Outback?

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 7.7 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 Outback gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 57 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

Learn more

Is the Subaru Outback reliable?

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 7.7 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 Outback gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 57 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

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What are the different models of Subaru Outback?

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

2023 Subaru Outback

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2023 Subaru Outback Review

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What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Subaru Outback 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 $2.95 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

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Edmunds Expert Rating

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Save as much as $7,396 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $7,396 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Touring XT trim.

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Everything I expected and more!

Exactly what I needed

Many improvements over the Gen 5 model

keeps getting better

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2023 Subaru Outback videos

One Year With the Subaru Outback | 2020 Subaru Outback Long-Term Review | MPG, Maintenance & More

2023 Subaru Outback Features & Specs

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Our experts’ favorite Outback safety features:

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

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2023 Subaru Outback First Impressions

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 Subaru Outback 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 $2.95 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Save as much as $7,396 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $7,396 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Touring XT trim.}