2023 Subaru Outback is a station wagon with modern crossover trim. It’s not an SUV, but it offers a compromise between the light road behavior of a wagon and the more luxurious offerings of a Ford Bronco Or Jeep Wrangler.
The Outback will give you a bit of adventure in the form of standard all-wheel drive and another camping-friendly packaging, but it’s not made for rock crawling.
The Outback received a major redesign in 2020, and we don’t see any major changes in 2023 based on Subaru’s usual design cadence. By 2022, Subaru is introducing Outback Wilderness to further strengthen its wilderness credibility.
The Wilderness gives you 9.5 inches of ground clearance, an extra inch over the standard model, and a standard front slip plate. That goes along with the all-terrain tires and improved roof rack.
We didn’t like the Outback’s sluggish base engine, but the optional 260 horsepower turbocharged powerplant is a substantial upgrade.
The Outback also comes with an impressive 2023 Subaru Outback Interior and incredibly proficient storage capabilities, and the whole package makes it a strong contender against vehicles like the Honda Passport, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Volkswagen Atlas Cross.
2023 Subaru Outback Review
The Subaru Outback 2023 sits on a fine line between the world of SUVs and station wagons. While technically a wagon, the 2023 Outback has the rugged styling, standard all-wheel drive and upright seating that car buyers love in a typical SUV.
What the Outback wagon lacks is a fuel-hungry SUV, or a clunky way of handling when navigating busy traffic or winding roads.
Fresh from a complete redesign for the 2020 model year, we don’t expect seismic changes to the Outback lineup in 2023. Look for the usual modifications to color and trim options, and minor changes to the available options pack, at most.
That’s partly because Subaru added a new Wildnerness trim to its Outback lineup just last year. The Outback Wilderness sits on an elevated suspension that is complemented by thicker all-terrain tires.
It also has a roof rack capable of supporting 700 pounds, plus special modes the driver can choose from to slog through snow and mud.
Inside, the Outback won’t win any awards for cutting-edge design, but all key controls are within easy reach and the two available infotainment systems (7-inch, or 11.6-inch) don’t require a master’s degree from MIT to navigate.
There’s plenty of room for adults in both rows, and cargo space rivals many SUVs in terms of the area behind the rear seatbacks.
There are two engine options — a 2.5-liter turbocharged 182-horsepower 4-cylinder engine, or a 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder 260-hp. Each comes standard with an all-wheel-drive and is paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission.
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2023 Subaru Outback Changes
The big news for the 2022 Subaru Outback is the all-new Outback Wilderness off-road trim for outdoor enthusiasts. How will Outback 2023 change if customers wait until next year to buy?
For the Subaru Outback 2023 model change, this midsize SUV will be doing a refresh or “big model change” (BMC) in the fourth year of its product cycle. That’s when Subaru gave a refresh to its core model with improvements to the exterior and interior.
Subaru usually gives its fourth-year models a new front fascia on the outside (headlights, bumper, hexagon grille) and unique interior upgrades with changes to the fabric inside and new exterior colors.
A complete overhaul from the ground up will be made in 2024 for the Outback along with the Legacy sedan and Ascent 3-Row family carrier.
Subaru of America got new upgrades before many other global markets, but Subaru Corporation announced the new Japanese specification Outback and received the latest safety technology.
What will happen to the US Outback 2023 model?
The Subaru Outback 2023 for Subaru of America customers must now include the next-generation Subaru EyeSight safety technology. Here’s what’s coming with the new Outback 2023.
The US Outback models will be outfitted like the new Japanese-spec Outback which is equipped with a driver assistance system using a stereo camera that has nearly double the viewing area extended for collision prevention.
Subaru’s new generation EyeSight uses new image recognition software with eleven safety functions: advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering function, emergency lane assist, speed sign recognition with intelligent speed limiter, lane departure warning with steering wheel vibration, lane departure prevention (also recognizes lane departure warning).
Dividing lines such as grass and curbs) and a pre-collision braking system with extended support to avoid collisions at intersections.
The new EyeSight Outback also includes reverse automatic braking, rear vehicle detection, rear seat reminder, and multi-display monitors: front, rear, and side view monitors that reduce vehicle blind spots.
How secure is the new Outback with next-generation technology?
The 2022 Subaru Outback earns the highest 5-Star European NCAP safety rating with the next-generation EyeSight system. The new Outback also achieved the highest score in its class for child passenger protection last week.
For customers waiting for the 2023 model change, the Subaru Outback 2023 will be the safest vehicle in the midsize SUV category and a good choice for families who are concerned about safety.
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2023 Subaru Outback Redesign
The Subaru Outback 2023 is expected to be a carryover model from 2022 ahead of the slightly updated version.
For 2022, the Outback two-row crossover SUV receives the new Wilderness trim level. The Outback Wilderness uses a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that is more powerful than the XT variant, but incorporates different exterior cladding and design details to increase ground clearance and show off its toughness.
There are a few more design cues in it, but the Wilderness’ main claim is that it’s much more capable off-road than the other Outbacks due to its 9.5-inch ground clearance, more aggressive tires, and low-speed crawl mode.
There are currently eight trim levels: Outback, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT and Touring XT. Everything is expected to return in 2023.
Most Outback versions use a 2.5-liter 182 horsepower four-cylinder engine, while the Wilderness and XT versions have a 260 horsepower, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder. All have a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive.
The Outback has an outstanding safety rating, with the highest five stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in overall testing. And the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Outback the 2022 Top Safety Pick+, its highest honor.
When Was The Last Subaru Outback Redesign History shows the facelifted Outback will appear for 2024 when simple styling and trim changes are expected.
It’s possible Subaru could add some electrification, but that’s more likely for the next generation given the company owns the Crosstrek Hybrid and will soon be offering the all-electric Solterra SUV.
2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness Edition
2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness, the all-new Subaru Outback Wilderness. Our first Wilderness Family has just arrived, and it takes Subaru’s abilities to another level. With higher ground clearance, a turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine, and a drivetrain tuned for serious climbing, the Outback Wilderness lets you go further than Subaru has ever done before.
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is paired with aggressive new wheels and tough all-terrain tires, and the dual-function X-MODE® has new functionality for rough terrain.
Inside, you’ll find our most technologically advanced interior, clad in durable StarTex® upholstery and featuring a standard 11.6-inch touchscreen. With many improvements and modifications, standard EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology and other safety features have been re-tuned to suit new vehicle heights and off-road capabilities. Get ready to take your adventure to the next level in a new kind of Outback.
The Subaru Outback Wilderness is ready for a real off-road adventure with tough exterior cladding in black trim and Anodized Copper finish accents, offering extra protection around the wheelbase and lower impact zone.
With an elevated ground clearance of 9.5 inches, you can take the Outback Wilderness over rougher terrain. The front and rear bumpers have been redesigned to improve approach, break-over, and departure angles, so you can easily get over bigger obstacles.
The dual-function X-MODE has also been upgraded and resets, with settings for heavy snow, sand and mud allowing additional wheels to slip to power through adverse conditions.
The Outback Wilderness features a standard 260-horsepower direct-injection SUBARU BOXER turbocharged engine that produces 277 pound-feet of torque and 3,500 pounds of towing capacity.
The drivetrain features reset gears with revised front and rear gear ratios to improve low-speed climbing – up to 40 percent incline. It all powers our proven standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and makes the Outback Wilderness the most reliable Subaru we’ve ever built.
The new standard 17-inch matte black off-road alloy wheels and Yokohama GEOLANDAR® all-terrain tires provide increased performance in all types of conditions – from mud, snow and gravel to boulders and rocks. A full-size spare is hidden under the cargo area for extra peace of mind when you’re out on the road.
The Outback Wilderness makes choosing your path a little easier with a unique matte black hood sticker to help reduce glare on trails.
The Outback Wilderness isn’t just rough on the outside. The cab is protected with a durable StarTex waterproof coating with a textured honeycomb design.
The interior features high-quality materials accented with an Anodized Copper finish, trim and contrast stitching for a premium look and feel exclusive to Outback Wilderness.
The Outback Wilderness cabin is packed with technological advancements. Its stunning centerpiece is the high-resolution 11.6-inch standard touchscreen, which provides easy and intuitive access to your apps, entertainment, and navigation available on the STARLINK Multimedia system with Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ integration.
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2023 Subaru Outback Hybrid
The 2022 Subaru Outback with a 1.8-liter turbocharged engine broke in Japan. This is why customers in the US can see the next-generation Outback 2025 with a smaller turbo engine.
Subaru announced the new 2022 Outback in Japan this week and is powered by a new direct-injection 1.8-liter turbocharged Boxer engine.
This is the same engine that the Japanese automaker first installed in the next-generation Levorg and the Japanese-spec Forester Sport 2022. Will Subaru of America bring its turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder Boxer to US customers?
Subaru will likely use a 1.8-liter turbocharged direct-injection (DIT) engine in the next-generation Outback 2025. But Subaru will pair the small turbocharged engine with the hybrid technology they are now developing with Toyota.
Subaru announced last year that 40 percent of its global sales will have some form of electric power by mid-2025 to 2030, and the Japanese automaker has set a target to “sell only electric vehicles” worldwide in the first half of the 2030s.
Subaru will achieve this goal with the help of Toyota’s hybrid technology and a 1.8-liter turbocharged Boxer engine.
The Subaru Outback 2022 1.8-liter turbocharged direct-injection (DIT) four-cylinder, slim-burn Boxer engine, announced last week in Japan, produces 175 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. It is an ideal power plant coupled with two electric motors offering increased fuel efficiency.
Subaru reports the new 2022 Forester Sport’s 1.8-liter turbocharged engine gets 24.2/35.7 mpg city/highway and 33.6 mpg combined (10.3km/liter) (15.2km/liter) (14.3km/liter) . When combined with hybrid power, the torque will be greater and the fuel mileage is better.
Will Subaru Ever Make A Hybrid
The Subaru Outback 2023 will be in the fourth year of its product cycle. It will refresh with some exterior styling changes, new safety technology, and perhaps new exterior colors and wheels.
The Subaru Outback 2024 will get a few changes last year before getting a complete overhaul in 2025. The Subaru Outback 2025 is a model to watch out for and could get a new 1.8-liter direct-injection turbocharged (DIT) four-cylinder, slim-burn Boxer engine combined with hybrid technology.
Subaru is likely to offer US customers a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine in the XT model, ditch the non-turbocharged 2.5-liter engine used in the Outback base Premium and Limited 2022 models, and unveil the new 1.8-liter Outback 2025 hybrid model.
Subaru has yet to confirm this information, but it fits with their goals and the Japanese automaker’s Vision 2020 plans that they announced earlier. Stay tuned.
2023 Subaru Outback Colors
2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness Colors
- Abyss Blue Pearl.
- Brilliant Bronze Metallic.
- Crystal Black Silica.
- Ice Silver Metallic.
- Magnetite Gray Metallic.
- Crystal White Pearl.
- Autumn Green Metallic.
- Crimson Red Pearl.
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2023 Subaru Outback XT
How soon is Outback 2020? The base model of the 2020 Subaru Outback can go from 0 to 60 mph in 8.7 seconds.
That’s nearly a second faster than the 2019 model, and the engine in the 2020 Outback is 90 percent new, says Subaru. The turbocharged engine allows the Outback XT to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.9 seconds.
2023 Subaru Outback Price
We expect the 2023 Subaru Outback wagon to have a starting price of around $27,000. Keep in mind that all-wheel drive is standard on every trim, as is Subaru’s suite of active safety features, known as EyeSight.
This includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise control, fixed lane assist, and more.
While the added power of the optional 260-horsepower turbo 4-cylinder is tempting, you’ll have to pay thousands more to add it to the Outback. We think most wagon/SUV buyers will be fine with saving money by sticking with the basic engine, even if the available power is warmer.
As for Outback Wilderness 2023, we expect its initial price to remain around $37,000. At the top of the range, the Outback Touring XT trim pushes the price of this Subaru wagon into the $40,000 region.
- Limited $34,970 $35,530 (est)
- 2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT $36,520 $36,897 (est)
- Wilderness $38,370 $38,971 (est)
- 2023 Subaru Outback Touring $38,870 $39,317 (est)
2023 Subaru Outback Release Date
Without any significant changes, the Outback 2023 will likely be priced the same as the current model. Subaru Outback 2022 is priced from $28,320 to $41,320.
When Does The 2023 Subaru Outback Come Out
What Month Does Subaru Release New Models
When Will The 2023 Subaru Outback Be Available
Expect Outback 2023 to go on sale in late summer or early fall 2022.
