Subaru recently debuted the 2023 Subaru Outback crossover SUV at the New York International Auto Show. It has a refreshed design and new technologies. Read more to find out the release date, price, specs, and new features of the 2023 Outback.

When will the 2023 Subaru Outback be released and available?

The release date of the 2023 Subaru Outback will be in Fall 2022. It will be available to buy at Subaru dealerships throughout the United States, as well as in select international markets. The Subaru Outback is built at Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana, along with the Subaru Legacy, Impreza, and Ascent.

How much does the 2023 Subaru Outback cost?

Subaru didn’t yet release the price information of the 2023 Outback. However, given the refreshed design and new features, the 2023 Outback will likely cost slightly more than the 2022 Outback. The starting price of the 2022 Outback ranges from $27,145 MSRP for the Base trim up to $40,145 MSRP for the Touring XT trim.

2023 Subaru Outback specs: Engine options, fuel economy, and towing

The 2023 Subaru Outback offers the same two engine options as the 2022 Outback: a naturally-aspirated 2.5-liter flat-four-cylinder engine (182 hp) and a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four-cylinder engine (260 hp).

The only change is for the Onyx Edition. Previously, the Outback Onyx Edition only offered the turbocharged engine, but for the 2023 model year, it offers the naturally-aspirated engine as well. Like all Subaru models, the Outback comes standard with a traction-enhancing all-wheel drive system.

New design for the 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback has a refreshed design, except for the recently released Wilderness trim. The most significant design change for the Outback is for the front end, which resembles the all-electric Solterra crossover SUV. This includes redesigned LED headlights and fog lights, a more prominent grille, and a more rugged front bumper cover. Also, the 2023 Outback has expanded wheel arch cladding for added protection.

New driving assistance technology features and upgrades for the 2023 Subaru Outback

All 2023 Subaru Outback models come standard with the latest version of the EyeSight driving assistance technologies. EyeSight can now operate more effectively in a broader range of conditions. This improved effectiveness is due to a “wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster.”

The Outback Touring trims add a Wide-Angle Mono Camera. It “expands the field of view to recognize pedestrians and bicycles sooner when the vehicle enters an intersection at low speed.” Another new feature for the Outback Touring trims is a “full LCD Smart Rear-View Mirror with auto-dimming, compass, and Homelink.” Also, some Outback trims have a new Automatic Emergency Steering feature, which helps “avoid a collision at speeds less than 50 mph.”

In addition to the new driving assistance features and upgrades, the 2023 Outback has an upgraded multimedia system. This includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration with a full-screen display.

As more information about the 2023 Subaru Outback becomes available, we’ll provide updates. This includes the official release date and the official price information with the cost range for the Outback trim lineup.

2023 Subaru Outback Starting at $29,000

Overview

Its lifted ride height and tough-looking exterior allow the 2023 Subaru Outback to blend in among SUVs, but its station wagon body gives you added practicality. While it can venture further off-road than a traditional station wagon, you won’t see the Outback tackling trails in Moab next to Jeep Wranglers or Ford Broncos.

Shoppers have the choice of either a nonturbo or turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but all Outbacks come standard with all-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). Rivals including the Audi A4 Allroad and the Volvo V60 Cross Country offer similar looks, but the Outback has the lifted-station-wagon aesthetic and capability for thousands less than those luxury cars.

What’s New for 2023?

Subaru has made a few alterations to the 2023 Outback. Tweaked front-end styling includes a larger grille, revised headlamps, and a new front bumper. The car’s driver-assistance features are improved by cameras with a wider field of view.

We think the Premium model has the best set of standard and optional features for the price. While it’s only available with the standard 182-hp four-cylinder, upgrading to the turbocharged 260-hp engine costs at least $6000. We don’t think the turbo’s improved acceleration and the 800 pounds of extra towing capacity are worth the money considering what buyers will be looking for in a vehicle.

The Outback Premium comes standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a 4G LTE mobile hotspot, heated front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, more USB ports, and options that aren’t offered on the base model. Among those, we’d opt for the more affordable package that adds blind-spot monitoring, a hands-free power liftgate, and passive entry with push-button start.

 

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Outback lineup features a pair of flat-four-cylinder engines: a 182-hp 2.5-liter is standard and a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter is optional. Both mate to a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) that mimics an eight-speed gearbox to mitigate annoying engine drone. Of course, all Outbacks have standard all-wheel drive, which is a Subaru staple (except for the rear-drive BRZ sports coupe).

The Outback we tested with the standard engine delivered unremarkable acceleration and lazy transmission behavior. While the turbocharged version was considerably quicker, it was plagued by the same recalcitrant transmission. Still, most Outback owners are more concerned with ride quality and the car’s ability to handle light off-road driving.

With 8.7 inches of ground clearance and all-wheel drive, the wagon is easily able to navigate inclement weather and even muddy, rutted roads; for maximum go-anywhere capability, select the Wilderness model, which boasts 9.5 inches of ground clearance as well as a beefed-up suspension, skid plates to protect its underside, and a drive mode selector with Snow and Mud modes.

The Outback’s suspension provides a docile ride, and its steering is accurate and easy to manage on the highway. However, it lacks any athleticism, which might surprise WRX fans switching to the more practical wagon. The wagon’s standard engine also can tow 2700 pounds, while the turbocharged version can pull 3500.