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2023 Subaru Outback review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Subaru Outback highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Spacious cabin
  • Smooth and comfortable ride
  • Good off-road capability
  • Powerful available turbocharged engine

Cons

  • Slow acceleration from base four-cylinder engine
  • Clunky automatic stop-start system

Mileage (EPA estimate)

21 city, 26 highway, 23 combined

Pricing for current inventory

(no current inventory)

Price
Year
Mileage

All Subaru Outback years

What is new for the 2023 Subaru Outback?

  • The Outback is available in a new trim called the Onyx Edition.
  • Outback trims have been upgraded with Full Roof Rack as standard equipment this year.
  • The Limited trim now comes with Navigation System as standard equipment.
  • The Touring trim now comes with Memory Seat(s) as standard equipment.
  • The Touring XT trim now comes with Memory Seat(s) and Parking Sensors as standard equipment.
  • The Onyx Edition XT trim now comes with Sunroof(s), Parking Sensors, and Navigation System as standard equipment.
  • The Limited XT trim now comes with Parking Sensors and Memory Seat(s) as standard equipment.

2023 Subaru Outback trims

Curious how Subaru Outback trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

Base:

  • 182-hp, 176-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Traction Control
  • Rear View Camera
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Power Mirrors
  • Cloth Seats
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • View our Subaru Outback inventory

Premium:

Limited:

  • Includes all features available on the Premium
  • Leather Seats
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Smart Key
  • Memory Seats
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Navigation System
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • View our Subaru Outback Limited inventory

Limited XT:

Touring:

Touring XT:

Onyx Edition:

  • Includes all features available on the Touring XT
  • Leatherette Seats

Onyx Edition XT:

Wilderness:

5 reasons to buy the 2023 Subaru Outback

1. AWD as standard

Every 2023 Subaru Outback comes with symmetrical all-wheel drive to help you get where you need to go, no matter the conditions. With the standard 2.4L Boxer® engine, this means you'll be able to get up to an EPA-estimated 32 mpg on the highway or a total of 28 mpg combined.

There's also a 2.4L turbocharged engine available—it'll do an EPA-estimated 25 mpg combined.
The Outback is a good choice if you're looking for an all-wheel-drive companion that can really rack up the miles.

2. Built for adventure

It's not just the standard AWD that makes the Outback built for adventure. It also has 8.7 inches of ground clearance to help you tackle rough terrain but if you need more, take a look at the Wilderness trim, which ups that to 9.5 inches alongside some rugged design details. If your camper, ATV, or boat needs to come with you into nature, you'll be pleased to know the Outback Wilderness and its turbocharged engine can tow up to an estimated 3,500 lbs when properly equipped.

3. Sophisticated tech

You might want to rough it in the wilderness but you can still have all the conveniences of a modern SUV. All models include Subaru's Eyesight driver-assist technology with features such as pre-collision braking, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and more. On top of this, you'll also enjoy standard smartphone connectivity, automatic climate control, and a rearview camera. Look out for the Outback Limited trim if you love music as it comes with a premium Harman Kardon® sound system.

4. Stretch-out space

With 109 cu-ft of total passenger volume, everyone has space to stretch out. Front-seat passengers get 42.8 inches of legroom while those in the back get 39.5 inches. This makes the Subaru Outback comfortable for everyone, no matter how long the trip. With a car full of passengers, you've still got 32.6 cu-ft in the trunk for all their stuff. If you need a bit more space, you can fold the split-folding rear seats for a maximum cargo volume of 75.6 cu-ft.

5. Something for everyone

With six trims and two engine options, you're bound to find the 2023 Outback that suits you. The Onyx Edition, Limited, Wilderness, and Touring models can be found with the optional 260-hp turbocharged engine—look out for the XT designation. All other models come standard with the 182-hp 2.5L engine. The top-tier Touring is for anyone who loves little luxuries like ventilated seats and a 180-degree front-view monitor. If adventure is more your style, the Wilderness trim features water-repellant upholstery, roof rails, and heated rear seats.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.5 out of 5

4 customer reviews
4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Subaru Outback an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru Outback 10th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru Outback

Subaru Outback features and specs

Limited 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 4WD/AWD
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Hatch/Deck Lid
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Traction Control
  • CD Audio
  • Heated Steering Wheel
  • Remote Start
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

2.5L

Horsepower

182

Torque (ft-lbs)

176

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

18.5

Wheelbase

108.1"

Overall length

191.1"

Width

73"

Height

66.4"

Leg room

F 42.8"/R 39.5"

Head room

F 40.1"/R 39.1"

Front tires

P225/60HR18

Rear tires

P225/60HR18

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

270/2700 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2023 Subaru Outback FAQ

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