What New Features Are in the 2023 Subaru Outback?

Saying that the Subaru Outback is wildly popular would be an understatement. The model isn’t only the most successful Subaru model ever, but it’s also one of the most popular station wagons in the US. Therefore, it isn’t surprising that there’s massive interest and chatter whenever a new Outback model comes out.

While the global semiconductor shortage affected the sales of the 2022 Outback (and most vehicles at that), the 2023 Outback model looks set to break sales records. It has the body of a mid-range SUV while still being as practical and tough as station wagons are meant to be.

The article below highlights the best features of the 2023 Subaru Outback. It looks at how it differs from its predecessor, the Outback 2022, and other past Outback versions.

2023 Subaru Outback Appearance

2023 Subaru Outback by Subaru.com

For the most part, the Subaru Outback 2023 doesn’t seem much different from the 2022 edition. However, if you look closely, you’ll notice minor differences that give the 2023 Outback a classier, more modern look. For example, the 2023 model has a larger grille and sharper headlights, its hood is more defined, and the bumper is relatively flat.

The 2023 Outback also has noticeably thicker wheel arches, presumably part of Subaru’s efforts to improve the model’s off-road performance. In addition to the regular Outback trims, Premium, Limited, Touring, and Touring XT, the Outback 2023 also marks the debut of the Onyx trim. The trim isn’t markedly different from the others but features more black accents on the bumpers, rocker panels, and wheel arches. It also has a more user-friendly grey interior and bigger gunmetal alloy wheels.

The 2023 Outback’s most distinctive feature is the black ribbon that runs across the bottom part and goes up to the front headlights. Indeed, from the front, the 2023 Outback looks more similar to the electric Subaru Solterra 2023 than any other Outback model.

Notably, the 2023 Outback Wilderness looks more like the 2022 Outback edition than other 2023 trims, mainly because its front end remains unchanged. The Wilderness, however, appears taller due to its 9.5-inch ground clearance, slightly higher than the 8.5 inches on the 2022 Outback and the other 2023 trims.

2023 Subaru Outback Engine and Performance

For the Outback 2023, Subaru chose to stick with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder, naturally aspirated engine that worked so perfectly on the 2022 Outback. In both models, the engine in basic trims produces 182 horsepower. In the 2023 Outback’s higher trims, such as the Wilderness and Limited XT, the horsepower goes up to 260. The Outback 2023’s premium trims also come with turbo-charged 2.4-liter engines, which give them massive performance boosts. The 2023 Onyx Edition now comes with the option for a non-turbo engine, which was lacking in the 2022 Outback and other previous models.

Otherwise, the two models have similar engine and performance specs, which is unsurprising considering they were manufactured within one year of each other. Identical features include continuously variable transmissions, all-wheel-drive powertrains, and hill-descent controls.

Subaru Outback Software and Drivability Features

Being both an off-road and family model, Subaru has consistently sought to add new safety and drivability features on each Outback release. The 2023 model is no different. It comes with an enhanced EyeSight Driver Assist suite, which is smoother and faster than previous safety suites and contains more variations and features.

For instance, the new model has a broader field of view and the integration of an electric brake booster, which was lacking in the 2022 Outback. Even the standard features, such as the adaptive cruise control and lane centering, work more seamlessly on the Outback 2023 courtesy of the advanced software.

Another prominent addition to the 2023 Outback (the Touring trim) is a wide-angled monocular camera. The camera serves as an additional eye and helps to identify humans and objects outside of EyeSight’s field of view. Like the EyeSight and DriverFocus systems, the mono camera can alert you if your car gets too close to an object and applies brakes when necessary to avoid collisions.

The 2023 Outback also has an improved and user-friendly safety suite, including enhanced blind-spot detection and a rear cross-traffic alert. There’s also a pre-collision braking system that helps to avoid collisions at lower speeds, in conjunction with EyeSight’s automatic emergency steering function.

The 2023 Outback Touring contains an LCD rear-view mirror that was missing in all the 2022 versions and the other 2023 trims. The mirror gives the driver the best possible view, enabling smooth and safe decision making. Subaru has integrated compass, auto-dimming, and HomeLink features into the rear-view mirror.

Admittedly, the fuel economies of both models aren’t as far apart as you would expect. For instance, the 2023 Outback has an average of 32 mpg on highways and 26 mpg on city roads, while on the 2022 Outback, the corresponding figures are 33 mpg and 26 mpg. It’s only a matter of time before Subaru releases a hybrid Outback. Hopefully, future versions will have significantly more range.

 Outback Additional Features

On the convenience and entertainment fronts, the 2023 Outback has some notable improvements. All trims now come with the latest STARLINK infotainment system with SiriusXM All-Access Radio and SiriusXM Travel Link. The STARLINK system also includes concierge services that allow you to book restaurants and schedule service appointments on the move, along with a navigation feature.

With more phone manufacturers moving to the USB-C charging port format, Subaru was considerate enough to include USB-C on the 2023 Outback’s front and back seats. These appear side-by-side with the standard USB-A ports, giving you more charging options for your devices.

The 2023 edition of the Subaru Outback looks classier and more modern and comes with a host of noticeable improvements across various sectors. It’s definitely going to be a hit in 2023, with only a few high-end SUVs coming close to bettering it.

If you’re not sure which of the two models to buy, pop by our Hiley Subaru center in Fort Worth, Texas, for a closer look at both. You can also request a test drive to get a clear idea of what the new Subaru Outback feels like. Our sales team will be at hand to answer your questions or address any problems you may have.