Your 2023 Subaru Outback Buyer’s Guide

Subaru has been in the market for a long time. Sure, a host of automobiles have been available from big named manufacturers for as long as you may remember, but nothing holds a candle to the impeccable Subaru lineup. The SUVs in Subaru’s lineup have interesting stories; some have lengthy histories, while others have had far less time to flourish in the market. For example, the Subaru Outback came out for the 1995 model year and quickly took the world by storm, rising to be one of Subaru’s most popular models. Now, we are seeing the release of the 2023 Outback and everything it has to offer. As your Subaru Outback dealer, we are here to break down everything that makes this year’s model unique and exciting for you.

However, before we get too deep into it, quickly look at the pricing of the Outback, and what trim levels you’ll have to choose from. The 2023 Outback has a total of nine trims. Prices start at $28,395 for the Base trim and go up to over $42,000 for the top-of-the-line Touring XT. ^[a] The Outback Base has a breadth of features coming standard, from an intricate infotainment center complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability to a fully-fledged safety suite in the form of the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The 2023 model is one of the most exciting prospects we’ve seen in a while, with stellar performance, superior fuel efficiency, and next-gen technology starting right from the bottom trim.

Pick From Two Powertrains

Those familiar with recent Outback models know you can expect to get one of two powertrains. The Outback utilizes Subaru’s Boxer engines, most known for their low-profile and custom design that allows for better airflow. However, the most notable benefit is exceptional efficiency compared to the I-4 or V6 engines you’ll find in countless other vehicles on the market. The Outback has come standard with a 2.5L Boxer-4 engine for over a decade, and the 2023 model continues that tradition with an engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5L Boxer-4 engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), can tow up to 2,700 lbs, and earns EPA-estimated ratings of 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway with standard all-wheel drive.

The 2023 Subaru Outback does offer a second engine option to those whole like to have a little more power in their daily commute. You can get a 2.4L Turbo Boxer-4 engine that increases output to 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. The 2.4L Turbo Boxer-4 engine is paired with the CVT, just like the standard engine, and all-wheel drive is still the only option, as Subaru is known for. The 2023 Outback with the turbo engine gets a nearly 30% increase in towing capacity to 3,500 lbs, and fuel efficiency, while lower than the base engine, still churns out a respectable 22 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway.

Exciting Interior Upgrades

Like most any model on the market, the 2023 Outback packages its features into nine exciting trim levels, so you can choose the model with the best configuration for you. For example, you might like having power-adjustable seating, but if you stick with the Base level Outback, then manually-adjustable seating is what you get. However, moving up one trim level and appearing on every succeeding trim is a ten-way power-adjustable driver’s chair. Additionally, some trim levels, like the Wilderness and Onyx Edition XT, give the front-row passenger an eight-way power-adjustable seat to replace the four-way manually-adjustable seat that comes standard.

The seats in the Outback are highly versatile and customizable. For example, cloth seats come standard on the Base and Premium trims, and genuine leather seats come with the Limited and Touring and their XT variants. StarTex water-repellent seats are standard on the Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, and the Wilderness, which are perfect for those regularly traveling with their families. If spills from a trip to the drive-thru with the kids happen once a week, the StarTex water-repellent seats are nice to have.

Like the power-adjustable seats, if you purchase any trim except the Base trim, you’ll have plenty of technology not available to the entry-level Outback. The Base Outback comes with a seven-inch infotainment center, which isn’t terrible, mind you. The seven-inch infotainment center also includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto––a relatively robust system. However, every other trim has an 11.6-inch screen with the added benefit of Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Having fewer or no wires can go a long way to cleaning up and organizing your interior, and the infotainment center gives you more screen real estate to view whichever application you have open. Additionally, trims such as the Touring and Onyx Edition XT add integrated turn-by-turn navigation. However, if you’re utilizing wired or wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto with your cell phone, you can opt to use your preferred navigation app.

The upgraded infotainment center also includes a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, another wireless feature worth discussing. Having a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot means you’ll have private and secure internet built directly into your Outback. When connected to your phone and using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you’ll have a constant internet connection for your media streaming, connectivity, and navigation features. The trim levels with the 576W Harman Kardon premium audio system made up of a dozen speakers around the cabin are the Limited, Touring, Limited XT, and the Touring XT.

Driver-Assist and Safety Features

The 2023 Outback is a rare case of a majority of the integrated safety features coming standard, and only a few are reserved for higher trim levels or additional packages. The standard safety features of the 2023 Outback are courtesy of the integrated EyeSight Driver Assist Technology safety suite. The EyeSight Driver Assist Technology includes a handful of tech, all of which help you stay safe. For example, the safety suite includes Pre-Collision Braking, which will identify potential collisions and if an impact seems imminent, will automatically apply the brakes. Working in tandem with the Pre-Collision Braking system is Automatic Emergency Steering, which will kick in and try to help you maneuver around a potential accident.

While the Base trim is well equipped, higher trims do have some other features you might like to have, such as Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert. The Blind Spot Detection will let you know when the lanes around you are clear to merge into, and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert will let you know when it is safe to back out of a parking space or driveway. Other available features include Reverse Automatic Braking and the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System.

The 2023 Subaru Outback Is Worth It

The Outback is one of the Subaru vehicles we recommend to our customers the most because of its perfect blend of features and price. The 2023 Outback gives you the performance and efficiency necessary to be a daily commuter or an adventure machine. If driving with your family, the Outback provides one of the safest experiences you can buy. We hope that we have been able to give you a little insight into what makes this model great, but if you still have questions or want to see this model in person, get in contact with us or stop by the dealership today.

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^[a] MSRP may change without notice. See dealer for complete details.

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