2023 Subaru Outback Review

Let’s analyze the engine options of this lineup, their performance, and how comfortable the cabin feels.

Thanks to its rugged image and dedicated off-road-focused trims, it’s a must that the engines are powerful. The lineup performs especially well in uneven terrains and highways, but city rides are not bad either.

Engine

Outback’s engine options are reliable—one is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder generating 182 hp @ 5800 rpm and torque of 176 pound-feet @ 4400 rpm, and another is a  2.4-liter turbocharged variant with an output of 260 hp @ 5600 rpm and torque of 277 pound-feet @ 2000 rpm.

Transmission

The engines pair with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).

Suspension

It comes with front struts and rear multi-link suspension.

Steering 

Its tilt and telescopic electric-powered steering wheel has transmission, audio, and cruise controls located on the wheel. The accurate steering is swift to control. Expect comfortable rides on the highway.

Subaru Outback received a 5-star NHTSA safety rating, and it’s also a part of IIHS’ Top Safety Pick+.

Brakes

Subaru Outback is equipped with 12.4-inch vented front disc and 11.8-inch vented rear disc. Emergency braking assist is available as standard.

Airbags

The lineup comes with dual front side-mount airbags, front and rear head airbags, and passenger airbag occupant sensing deactivation are available as part of the standard safety suite.

Electronics

The automaker provides ample safety and driver-assist features in this lineup. The key features include blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, accident avoidance system, stability control, pre and post-collision safety systems, tire sensing monitoring, remote anti-theft alarm, keyless ignition, adaptive cruise control, and rear parking sensors, to mention a few.

Lights

Adaptive headlights, self-leveling headlights, daytime running lights, and front fog lights are available as standard features in this vehicle. You can add auto-dimming exterior lighting for an additional $285.

Traction control

Traction control is available as a standard feature in this lineup. It identifies when wheels lose traction, helping the vehicle retain a good grip of the road. The traction control system applies the brakes automatically and prevents the slippage of wheels.

Subaru Outback’s fuel economy is on the higher side, especially if you go with the base engine. The numbers definitely aren’t as impressive as those of electrified SUVs, but it’s adequate for both city cruising and driving on highways.

Engine size

Outback’s standard engine has a capacity of 2.5 liters, and there’s also a 2.4-liter turbo variant available for anadditional $6000.

Gas per mileage consumption

The basic engine offers 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbocharged version offers 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

With a total seating capacity of 5, 2023 Outback is spacious enough for a small family. The cabin is practical but doesn’t look fancy at all, which could be a turn-off for some buyers. The seats are covered with premium quality upholstery, there’s plenty of cargo area to haul your luggage, and you also get access to premium features like ventilated seats. Overall, it’s a good package.

Seats 

Here you get a front legroom of 42.8 inches, with 8-way power adjustable bucket seats, leather upholstery, height adjustment feature, and multi-level heating. Rear seats offer a 39.5-inch legroom with heated and reclining seats.

Design 

While the exterior design of Outback gives off a rugged vibe, the interior fails to keep pace. It looks way too simple for a 2023 model—you might be disappointed because of its boring design.

Infotainment 

While the base models get 7-inch touchscreen displays, the rest of the trim levels get a bigger 11.6-inch display. The infotainment system is quick to respond, with built-in features like wifi hotspot, wireless charging, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Specialties like a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system is available in the top trim levels.

Overall height and space

This SUV is 191.3 inches long, 74.6 inches wide, and 66.9 inches in height. It has a 103 cubic feet of passenger volume and 3973 pounds of curb weight.

Trunk space

When the rear seats are upright, you’ll get a cargo area of 32.6 cubic feet. You can maximize it up to 75.6 cubic feet by folding down the rear seats.

Subaru Outback offers a trim level for every buyer, which is definitely a positive aspect of this vehicle. Considering that it belongs to the midsize SUV segment, the entry-level trims are reasonably priced. The lineup offers a great number of standard features, even for the basic trims. If you’re looking to get the most value for your money, you can consider the ‘Limited’ trim—the price is justified for the wide range of standard and optional driver-assist, safety, and comfort features the trim brings to the table.

The present iteration of Subaru Outback comes in 8 trim levels—Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Wilderness, Limited XT, Touring, and Touring XT.

AWD/FWD

All-wheel drive is standard across all trim levels.

Warranty

The lineup is covered by a 3-year or 36,000 miles basic warranty and 5-year or 60,000 miles of drivetrain warranty. Rust warranty is available for 5 years or unlimited miles, along with roadside assistance for 3 years or 36,000 miles.

Extras

2023 Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of 3500 pounds.