2023 Subaru Outback Review

In its latest year, Subaru has given the Outback a brand-new turbocharged engine option that increases its towing power and driving enjoyment, while offering a more generous features list for entry-level models in the range.

Let’s take a closer look at the 2023 Subaru Outback range to see if it will meet your needs, and how it stacks up against its competitors.

Starting Price: $41,490

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2023 Subaru Outback (AWD SPORT XT) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Subaru Outback car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The 2023 Subaru Outback range kicks off from $42,690 for the entry-level Outback AWD, with prices rising to $47,190 for the Outback AWD Sport, and up to $50,990 for the Outback AWD Touring.

Stepping up to the turbocharged Outback AWD Sport XT brings the price to $52,190, while the range-topping Outback AWD Touring XT is priced at $55,990.

Keep in mind that these prices are subject to changes, and do not include on-road costs.

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What Features Does the 2023 Subaru Outback Have?

Subaru’s entry-level Outback AWD comes riding on a set of 18-inch alloys, and receives automatic self-leveling LED headlights and daytime running lamps, adaptive cruise control, cloth upholstery, roof rails, dual-zone climate control, body-coloured side mirrors, a rear-view camera with front and rear parking sensors, Subaru’s EyeSight safety package and an 11.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Stepping up to the Outback Sport or Outback Sport XT adds a set of dark 18-inch alloys, hands-free tailgate lift, front and side-view cameras, water-repellent sports seats with front and rear heated seats and some dark exterior design highlights.

Finally, the range-topping Outback Touring and Outback Touring XT gain Nappa leather upholstery with ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, upgraded Harman Kardon sound system and a set of silver roof rails with crossbars.

Range Features:

• 18-inch alloys

• Self-leveling LED headlights with LED daytime running lamps

• Adaptive cruise control

• Cloth upholstery

• Rear-view camera with front & rear parking sensors

• EyeSight safety equipment suite

• 11.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• Hands-free tailgate lift (Sport)

• Front and side-view cameras (Sport)

• Water-repellent sports seats (Sport)

• Front and rear heated seats (Sport)

• Nappa leather upholstery with ventilated seats (Touring)

• Panoramic sunroof (Touring)

• Harman Kardon sound system (Touring)

Subaru Outback Colours

The 2023 Subaru Outback is available in a choice of nine colours, including Sapphire Blue, Autumn Green, Crimson Red, Ice Silver, Brilliant Bronze, Crystal White, Crystal Black, Storm Grey and Magnetic Grey.

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

The Outback platform is a standout of the Subaru range, offering a hugely comfortable yet capable light off-roader that gives the Outback a number of different personalities, and added versatility for its owner.

As we’ve mentioned, the main event for the 2023 Outback’s launch is the addition of a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 183kW of power and 350Nm of torque, which offers a decent power premium over the standard 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder producing 138kW of power and 245Nm of torque.

While the Outback’s base engine is more than adequate for the majority of drivers, the added power and torque from the turbocharger makes the XT a particular highlight of the range on the road, and helps to increase towing power from 2000kg in the standard Outback up to 2400kg.

The turbocharged Outback XT also receives an upgraded set of dampers and front springs to offer some added stability alongside the power increases.

Power is put to the road via a CVT automatic paired with Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel drive platform that gives the Outback a heap of grip and confidence on loose surfaces and harsh cornering.

Around town, the Outback is remarkably smooth and sophisticated, offering the driver a comfortable ride quality, lightweight steering rack that is easy to manoeuvre and a smooth power curve thanks to the CVT automatic transmission.

On long journeys, the Outback performs wonderfully on a mix of highways and B-roads, with the capable suspension ironing out the worst of the bumps and Subaru’s AWD system working constantly in the background to make the platform feel planted.

For those looking to head off-road, the Outback is comfortable on a mix of light off-roading and loose surfaces thanks to its AWD system, with the turbocharged XT range offering a substantial torque premium over the base car to head up challenging inclines.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

While it might not look like it, the Subaru Outback is actually classified as an SUV, and on the inside you’ll find the cabin has a heap of space and practicality that matches what you’ll find in a comparable midsize SUV package.

The front of the cabin is spacious, positioning a large 11.6-inch vertically-mounted infotainment system as the headline piece of the dashboard, with the system now offering wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity.

The base Outback offers buyers cloth upholstery, while the Sport gains a water-repellent finish for the seats and the range-topping Touring receives luxurious Nappa leather upholstery that makes the cabin feel undeniably premium.

Practical touches to the front of the Outback’s cabin include a small storage tray at the base of the dash, a pair of cup holders and storage inside the folding arm rest in the centre tunnel, as well as a large pair of door bins either side and a decent-sized glovebox.

Move to the second row of the cabin and you’ll find a heap of leg and headroom for rear passengers that matches what’s on offer in any comparable midsize SUV, with a set of climate dials and USB charging ports in the rear.

The second row also picks up a pair of ISOFIX anchors and three top tether mounts, while the boot space is rated at a very decent 522L, expanding to 1267L with the second row folded.

Finally, the Outback comes fitted with a set of roof rails as standard, even in the base model, which makes it one of the most practical offerings in the segment with some adventure-ready equipment right off the shelf.

Is it Safe?

The latest Subaru Outback retains the existing five-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring 88 per cent for adult protection, 91 per cent for child protection, 84 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 96 per cent for its safety assist scores.

Each member of the Outback family comes fitted with Subaru’s EyeSight safety package, which includes a forward and reverse autonomous emergency braking system with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, rear cross-traffic alerts, emergency steering, lane departure warnings and traffic sign recognition.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

The added power and torque on offer from the Outback’s 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder has increased its fuel economy figures, which stand at 9.0L per 100km on a combined cycle.

That is significantly less fuel efficient than the base Outback’s 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder that returns combined cycle figures of 7.3L per 100km.

Our Verdict: Is the Subaru Outback Worth it?

Subaru’s changes for the 2023 Outback range have increased its already-impressive versatile nature, with the new turbocharged engine a particular highlight of the Outback range.

While the turbocharged four-cylinder has made the Outback thirstier for fuel, it has also vastly improved the driving experience, added to its towing capacity and made for an even more competent light off-roader.

As a complete package, the 2023 Outback range is a very valuable addition to Australia’s midsize SUV segment, and is very deserving of a spot on your shortlist.

On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925.

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. New turbocharged engine produces 183kW/350Nm

2. Base engine produces 138kW/245Nm

3. CVT automatic & symmetrical AWD system across the range

4. 522L boot space

5. Fuel economy figures of 7.3L - 9.0L per 100km

Pros

• Impressive power and torque

• Smooth driving nature with capable suspension for Australian roads

• Large and practical interior design

Cons

• Thirsty turbocharged variant

• Lacks some interior tech of rivals

• Safety equipment can be intrusive at times

OnlineAuto Rating: 9/10

Subaru Outback Competition