2023 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback is expected to continue in a similar set of trims as available in the outgoing iteration. As a result, we expect as many as eight variants and two engine options to be available at the buyers’ disposal. The prices for the current MY are expected to start at $29,000, going up to $42,000 for the top-tier Touring XT option. Standard specifications available include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, Eyesight Driver Assist Technology, and automatic climate control.

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As always, the Subaru Outback Limited option is the most dignified choice in the trim setup. Not only does it provide an impressive load of advanced features, but the wagon also manages to bestow great efficiency and a higher degree of comfort at a price that is only diminutively more than the base counterparts.

Release Date

The 2023 Subaru Outback release date has not yet been confirmed. However, considering the current developments and past trends, we believe that the vehicle might be available in the dealerships by the third quarter of 2022.

With no changes confirmed to its mechanical setup, the 2023 Subaru Outback continues with two engine options. The base unit is a 2.5L flat-4 option, which is typically found in most vehicles from the brand and produces 182hp and 176lb.-ft of torque. On the higher trims, however, a beefier turbocharged unit of the same engine assumes importance. It is good for 260hp and 277lb.-ft of torque and with the kind of power it bestows, the wagon can smoke most of its competitors. With the standard engine, the vehicle takes 8.8 seconds to hit the 60 MPH mark, while the turbocharged unit can achieve similar results in 6 seconds.

In all other aspects, the mechanical components remain similar. Both engines come mated to a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), which is not the most refined option in the segment. Together the duo transfer power to all the wheels of the vehicle, which is a typical setup for most Subaru offerings. As for general performance, the base engine is underpowered, while the optional unit is cogent.

In comparison with the class, the 2022 Ford Escape with its turbocharged inline-3 unit delivers best-in-class performance. It completes the 60 MPH sprint in 7.7 seconds and breaches the quarter-mile mark in 15.9 seconds, making it quicker than all of its rivals. On the other hand, SUVs from Toyota and Kia deliver diminutively better performances only and are one-tenth of a second quicker. Apart from the statistical differences, all adversaries come with a standard FWD setup and make use of an 8-speed automatic transmission unit. 

2023 Subaru Outback Ride and Handling

With no changes listed about its mechanical setup, we expect the 2023 Subaru Outback to uphold an easy-going aura like most of its previous models. The station wagon will remain a potent option, both on and off the road, and be one that can take on any road conditions without a minimum of fuss, thanks to its all-wheel-drive setup. However, for city drivers and family-oriented buyers as well, the Outback’s agility and athleticism will provide an enjoyable experience, every time you take the vehicle out for a spin. Though there might be a slight body roll at higher speeds, Subaru’s tryst with perfection will ensure that the riding experience does not become overwhelming for any occupant.

2023 Subaru Outback Braking Performance

The braking statistics of the 2023 Subaru Outback have not yet been revealed. Neither the rotor sizes nor the halting distance information is currently available to the buyers. Nonetheless, keeping in mind past performances, and a cogent setup that includes 4-wheel ABS and front and rear disc brakes, we expect the vehicle to be efficient in its performance.

As compared to its adversaries, the largest option in the class, the Kia Sorento, has the best figures in its class. It manages to come to a halt from the 60 MPH mark at 116ft., which is at least 6ft shorter than the 2022 RAV4. It also makes use of the largest brake rotors, which measure 12.8 and 12 inches, respectively. At the bottom of this table, however, lies the Ford Escape, which despite its impressive acceleration falls short in deceleration.

The 2023 Subaru Outback shines when frugality is concerned. With its base engine, the wagon-cum-SUV manages to average 26 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway. It comes equipped with an 18.5-gallon fuel tank that allows the vehicle to average a combined range of 537 miles, which is the best in the segment. With the bigger engine, the frugality decreases as expected. Yet, Subaru manages to keep the efficiency in check at 23 and 30 MPG, in city and highway driving conditions.

In comparison to the 2023 Outback, the 2022 Escape, and 2022 RAV4 manage to average a notch or two higher, both in the city and on the highway. Yet, the SUVs lose ground with smaller fuel tanks that can hold under 15 gallons. Similarly, though the 2022 Sorento has a larger fuel tank than most competitors, and manages a range of 460 miles, it still fails to hold a stick to the Japanese wagon.

In the 2023 iteration, the Subaru Outback remains unchanged and we have no complaints about it. Considering that the wagon has always resounded with comfort, leisure levels on the inside remain unwavering. Ingress and egress are made through wide opening doors and once on the inside, the seats feel largely welcoming. They provide ample under-thigh and lumbar support and keeping in mind its association with SUVs, the frontward visibility is astounding from all angles. Additionally, both rows provide impressive seating space, allowing five passengers to be accommodated in an otherwise tranquil cabin.

In terms of material quality as well, the Subaru Outback easily justifies its price tag. In the base trims, cloth upholstery is a standard inclusion, while the higher trims sport premium options with contrast stitching. Even on the dashboard and doors, the verdict is similar. While there are some plastic elements, they do not take away from the vehicle's aesthetic appeal. On the practicality front as well, the Outback is superior. Though its standard cargo capacity remains slightly lower than all of its competitors, with the rear seats folded, the wagon bestows an impressive 75.6 cu.-ft of space.

The 2022 Kia Sorento has the biggest advantage when the interior setup is concerned. It sports three rows of seating and has a maximum passenger capacity of 7, two more than what all of its competitors can accommodate. The larger footprint also gives it an advantage in terms of cargo capacity as well, with the SUV managing a total space of 75.5 cubic feet. On the other hand, the Fordand Toyota SUVs fail to match the space cleverness that Subaru extracts from its cabin and even fall short of its competitors in terms of trunk volume.

Some of the salient features available across the trims with the 2023 Subaru Outback include:

• Cloth/Leather Upholstery
• Heated Front and rear seats
• Automatic Climate Control
• Manual/powered front and rear seat adjustments
• Tilt and Telescopic power steering with mounted controls
• Interior Air Filtration

How intuitive is the 2023 Subaru Outback’s infotainment system?

The Subaru Outback continues with two distinct infotainment setups even in 2023. While with the base variant, buyers get access to dual 7-inch touchscreen display systems, a vertically-placed 11.6-inch unit assumes importance in all other trim levels. However, the base system is difficult to adapt and requires a learning curve, before users can become proficient with it. Nonetheless, both systems are adequately equipped and offer a concoction of convenience and entertainment features. These include a USB connection, AM/FM stereo, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, both of which now support wireless integration from the Premium trim. The standard sound system 4-speaker option, while the higher trims sport a 12-speaker Harman Kardon unit. Some of the standout infotainment features include:

• Speed-sensitive Volume Control
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite Radio
• Auxiliary Audio Input
• 12-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System
• USB Connection

Perhaps all elements of the 2023 Outback redesign are concentrated on its exterior design. In the current iteration, the wagon sports a fresher fascia that includes a larger grille, tweaked and sharper headlamps, and a revised front bumper. In the Onyx Edition, the wheel arches and claddings become more prominent and provide a beefier look. In all other aspects, the wagon remains unchanged and though the design has not been overhauled, it continues to be novel and fresh. Like most wagons, it looks longer than its competitors, and though the rear is curved than upright, it does justice to the character lines that run through the length of the vehicle.

Talking about dimensions, the Japanese proposition is the longest vehicle available on offer. It is 191.1 inches long, with a wheelbase that stands at 108.1 inches. The width and height are similar to class competitors at 73 and 66.1 inches, respectively, and it is the ground clearance that makes the difference. In all trims, the wagon sports the best-in-class clearance of 8.7 inches, however, with the 2023 Outback Wilderness trim, this distance from the ground increases to 9.5 inches.

When compared to its rivals, the 2022 Kia Sorento is the largest SUV with a wheelbase of 110.8 inches, which is understandable as it sports a three-row setup on the inside. Additionally, it is also the heaviest vehicle in the class with a curb weight of 3,794 lbs and is also the widest option at 74.8 inches. On the other hand, the 2022 Toyota RAV4 is the smallest vehicle with an overall length of 180.9 inches, which is almost 10 inches shorter than the Subaru. However, keeping in mind its off-roading capabilities, it does offer a total ground clearance of 8.4 inches.

Some of the salient exterior features include:

• Fog Lamps
• Roof Rails
• Rear Spoiler
• LED head and taillamps
• Exterior and Interior Auto Dimming Mirrors Package
• Power liftgate

The 2023 Subaru Outback also benefits from the inclusion of improved safety features. These include an improved camera unit that covers a larger field of area. Apart from that, there are no major changes to the feature list. The Subaru EyeSight System continues as a standard inclusion alongside features like hill-descent control, adaptive cruise control, and an engine immobilizer. The safety ratings for the current iteration of the wagon are not yet available. However, considering that the vehicle continues on a similar platform as last year, the NHTSA and IIHS ratings of the outgoing MY can be used as reference. In the 2022 variant, the Outback managed the best possible ratings, thanks to its taut structure and a comprehensive feature list.

Salient safety features of the 2023 Subaru Outback include:

• Lane Departure Warning
• Lane Keeping Assist
• Optional blind-spot monitor and cross-traffic alert
• Forward Collision Mitigation System
• Auto-leveling headlights
• Driver Attention Monitor

2023 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Ford Escape

The 2022 Ford Escapeand Subaru Outback are not so closely matched. While the American SUV gains ascendancy with its quick acceleration and a 0-60 MPH timing of 7.7 seconds, its benefits as compared to the Japanese wagon end there. In all other aspects, Subaru manages to remain at the helm of affairs. It promises the best-in-class fuel efficiency and range, adds to its practicality with its ample cargo space, and offers sought-after dimensions that ensure off-road capabilities are easily retained. So, for us, for $29,000, the 2023 Outback is the more sensible choice out of the two.

2023 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Toyota RAV4

In the comparison between the two Japanese stalwarts, the competition can be easily adjudicated. On all practical fronts, the 2023 Subaru Outback emerges as the clear winner. Not only does it lie streets ahead of the Toyota RAV4with its impressive range of over 530 miles, but it also manages to secure the lead with its comfortable and spacious cabin and impressive cargo capacity. It is easier to drive and as compared to the Toyota, it also does not suffer from unlikable steering feedback. So, even at a price that is a couple of thousand dollars higher, we feel that the 2023 Outback is the option to go for in the comparison here.

2023 Subaru Outback vs 2022 Kia Sorento

Perhaps, the competition between the 2023 Subaru Outback and the 2022 Kia Sorento is the most closely contested. Without a doubt, both vehicles offer the best performances and stay true to the ideas of both the compact SUV segment and their respective brands. So, it is difficult to declare a certain winner among the two. While the Sorento does offer a third-row of space, it is almost equally matched with the more frugal Outback in terms of cargo capacity, exterior dimensions, and interior build. Consequently, the decision between the two options will depend on the requirements of individual buyers.

For the first time since the introduction of the sixth-generation model, the Subaru Outback is slated for a redesign. Though not ground-breaking, the changes and tweaks that the brand plans to introduce, both on the outside and inside, allow the wagon to be a fresh choice in a pool of novel competitors. It upholds its practicality with its sensible cabin design, a potent list of features, and top-notch frugality. While acceleration is not its forte, the Outback is built for driving pleasure and is one of the vehicles available on the market that can be enjoyed both on and off the road. So, yes, at a price that starts under $30,000 we feel that the Japanese proposition will continue to garner a similar level of admiration as its outgoing model. However, if your requirement for a vehicle is fairly urgent, even the 2022 Outback is a promising choice. While it is similar in most performance aspects, its proven and hassle-free ownership experience adds a feather to its cap.