2023 Subaru Outback

A red 2023 Subaru Outback Premium on a white background.

The 2023 Subaru Outback has undeniably come a long way from its origins as a trim option for the Legacy L wagon in the mid-1990s. The first-generation Outback was marketed by Crocodile Dundee, which gave rise to the Outback’s popularity as a rugged alternative to its more traditional rivals. Fast forward nearly three decades and the Outback continues that legacy, yet, it’s also become so much more by proving its versatility as a family-friendly SUV with a fondness for adventure.

The Outback stays true to its roots but offers a modern twist for 2023. Its reputation as an adventurer finally matches its appearance, with the 2023 Outback looking the part with its lifted ride height and aggressive stance. Likewise, its Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and Boxer engine give it a distinct advantage in the segment. At the same time, its design lends itself to practicality by providing ample room for passengers and cargo. These characteristics make the 2023 Outback a must-have for adventurers and families alike.

Even more impressive is that Subaru delivers a stunning and capable SUV that’s affordably priced and incredibly versatile. The 2023 Outback starts at $28,395 and lays the foundation for the lineup with a healthy suite of standard features.[a] For example, the base model comes equipped with Subaru’s superior EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and the Subaru STARLINK Multimedia system with smartphone integration. It also physically sets the stage for the Outback, offering a ground clearance of 8.7 inches and functional features like roof rails with integrated crossbars and tie-down points to match every cargo-hauling need.

But what else can you expect from the 2023 Outback? Why is it such an enticing option for so many drivers across the country? Here’s a closer look at the award-winning Outback built by one of the most trusted brands in the automotive industry. 

MSRP: $28,395[a]
Fuel Economy (city/hwy MPG): 26/32
Horsepower (hp): 182-260
Max Cargo Space (cu.ft.): 75.7

Close-up of the rear brake light on a brown 2023 Subaru Outback.

Design

Upgraded Styling for 2023

The Outback’s lineup enjoys several new design updates for 2023. The Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims now feature a bolder front fascia with a prominent grille, redesigned LED lighting, and a ruggedized cover for the front bumper. These updates complement the Outback’s expanded cladding around the wheel arches, giving it an athletic appearance and providing additional protection from the elements and terrain. In addition, the Onyx Edition adds black-finish details to these updates along with 18-inch wheels, an exclusive gray two-tone interior, and StarTex upholstery.

Inside, the Outback maximizes its interior space to provide ample room for passengers and cargo, plenty of conveniences, and modern technology. Subaru uses the Outback’s wide windshield and streamlined dashboard to give the cabin an open, airy feel that’s enhanced by a variety of finishes and details. For example, the top-tier Touring trim adds luxury with Black Nappa leather seating and contrasting stitching, chrome plating on the door handles, satin tone plated side mirrors, and high gloss-black pillar modeling that completes the look.

Upgrade Your Trim to Upgrade Your Amenities

Depending on the trim, you’ll find plenty of other amenities and design details. For example, every Outback features welcome lighting, a sound-insulated windshield, and one-touch folding rear seats. Moving up the lineup adds unique features, like the All-Weather Package, a ten-way power driver’s seat, and dual-zone automatic climate control that come standard on the Premium. The Limited updates the Outback’s cloth interior to leather and gives your copilot more opportunities to relax with an eight-way power passenger seat. From there, the Touring comes equipped with a power moonroof, heated steering wheel, and ventilated front seats for the ultimate luxury and comfort.

Practically speaking, the Outback’s many conveniences are only fully appreciated when considering how much space you have for passengers and cargo. The Outback’s cargo floor measures 75 inches when the rear seats are folded, giving you up to 75.7 cubic feet of cargo room. Accessing this area is convenient thanks to the Outback’s wide rear gate opening. For example, you can opt for the hands-free power gate, which makes it easier to open the hatch and grab your camping gear, groceries, stroller, luggage, golf clubs, or other large items without reaching for the latch or your key fob.

A blue 2022 Subaru Outback with bikes on the roof, driving on a dusty desert trail

Performance

Two Excellent Boxer Engines

Subaru is known for defying the industry's standard powertrain design by using a Boxer engine and outfitting most of its lineup with standard all-wheel drive. These components give models like the 2023 Outback an advantage over rivals. But what do they mean in terms of performance and capability?

The 2023 Outback comes standard with a naturally aspirated 2.5L Boxer engine mated to a Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The combination gives the Outback an impressive power output of 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque for smooth handling and acceleration. Fortunately, this power doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency, with the fuel-sipping Outback offering a combined average of 26 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway.

Subaru makes the Outback more enticing to drivers with a penchant for speed by equipping its XT lineup with a 2.4L turbocharged Boxer engine. The engine relies on the same Lineartronic continuously variable transmission but lives up to its turbocharged name to deliver enhanced capability, like the highest tow rating in Outback history at 3,500 pounds. This hauling power comes from the engine’s output of 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, giving the Outback incredible off-the-line acceleration. Fortunately, this power doesn’t compromise the Outback’s efficiency, with the 2.4L turbo averaging 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway.

The Outback’s multi-engine lineup guarantees it has the necessary power, but Subaru doesn’t stop there. Standard features like Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, Vehicle Dynamics Control, X-Mode with Hill Descent Control, and Active Torque Vectoring let drivers harness that power to their needs. For example, the Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system constantly works to optimize traction by evaluating the Outback’s steering, acceleration, and handling so that every wheel has the power it needs. When it detects wheel slippage, it transfers power to the wheels with the most grip to help you stay in control.

A blue 2022 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition driving through a small brook in the woods.

Technology

Everything You Need in an SUV

The 2023 Outback sets new standards of excellence with its affordability and versatility. It also showcases Subaru’s commitment to giving drivers everything they want and need in a vehicle, especially regarding technology. This technology ranges from the Outback’s digital cockpit to a host of safety and driver-assist features that work behind the scenes to minimize the potential for collisions. So, what can you expect from the Outback’s cutting-edge tech?

The Outback comes equipped with an 11.6-inch display home to the STARLINK Multimedia Plus system with standard smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The high-resolution touchscreen also gives you access to Bluetooth capability, SiriusXM All-Access Radio, SiriusXM Travel Link, and HD Radio. It’s also part of Subaru’s over-the-air update system, which updates the Outback’s software over a WiFi connection to keep the vehicle up-to-date and performing its best.

Depending on trim, the Outback’s center display is home to the Multimedia Navigation system powered by TomTom and SiriusXM Travel Link. The 2023 Outback also makes history as the first in the Subaru fleet to integrate what3words into its technology suite. The feature helps you navigate any location using its what3word address, making it easier to find hard-to-reach places like those off the pavement and down the trail.

Surrounded in Safety and Driver Assist Features

Beyond connectivity and navigational tools, the 2023 Outback also comes standard with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. The suite includes remarkable technology like the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System and Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering. You can expand this suite with upgrades like the EyeSight Assist Monitor with a head-up display and Reverse Automatic Braking.