2022 vs. 2023 Subaru Outback: What’s Different?
Subaru charges a premium for a facelift.
Subaru | 2023/2022
Article QuickTakes:
Somewhere between a wagon and a crossover, the Subaru Outback captures the hearts of adventure-seekers and dog-lovers everywhere with standard all-wheel drive, a roomy cabin, a rugged visage, and commendable ground clearance. Revisions for the 2023 model year are minimal and largely cosmetic, but they are accompanied by a notable price hike.
Subaru | 2023
What’s New for the 2023 Subaru Outback?
Subaru restyled the Outback’s front end with a larger grille and some black body cladding below redesigned lights. (Incidentally, if headlamps are the eyes of the car, those new plastic pieces must be mascara-laden tears.) The wheel-arch cladding extends higher on the fender than before and juts out at interesting angles, presumably to add some flair and better-protect the sheetmetal from scrapes when you’re attacking a trail. Subaru also enhanced the forward-facing camera and image-recognition software of its EyeSight safety suite, and the available blind-spot monitoring system now features automatic emergency steering. Lastly, the lineup gained a non-XT (base-engine) Onyx Edition, bringing the trim-level count to nine.
Subaru | 2023
2022 vs. 2023 Subaru Outback: Powertrains
The lineup’s two engines carry over unchanged from 2022. The base model packs a 182-hp, naturally aspirated four-cylinder, but buyers will find a 260-hp, turbocharged four in any of the XT models, as well as the terrain-oriented (and differently styled) Wilderness trim.
Subaru Outback Pricing Increase for 2023
At the start of 2022, shoppers could order the 2022 Outback for as low as $28,070. Subaru upped that by $750 a few months later. And now, for the 2023 model year, the automaker has added another $800, making the new base price $29,620.
Most buyers will likely seek the one-step-up-from-base $31,920 Premium model, as it includes desirable features such as an 11.6-inch touchscreen display (versus the standard dual-screen setup), wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, heated front seats with power adjustment for the driver’s chair, and dual-zone automatic climate control.
The Outback Onyx Edition XT remains the cheapest way to get the turbocharged engine, but it costs a fair bit more than its 2022 counterpart—$39,820 versus $36,270. Some of that markup comes courtesy of additional equipment, including a power sunroof, built-in navigation, and a rear automatic emergency braking system.
If you want all the goodies Subaru has to offer plus the boosted powertrain, you’ll need to select the Touring XT, which costs $43,520. This Outback impresses with Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a Harman Kardon stereo, and a driver-facing camera that keeps an eye on your eyes to make sure you’re not tired or distracted.
Subaru | 2022
Fuel Economy
You’ll find fuel-economy numbers for the base-engine, turbo-engine, and Wilderness-trim Outbacks on the EPA’s site. Oddly, all three saw a 1-mpg dip on the combined cycle for 2023. They now boast ratings of 28, 25, and 23 mpg, respectively.
