You can call it a crossover or wagon, it doesn’t change the fact that we are talking about a true legend, about a model that has been around for decades, and that it still dominates the class. The current generation was introduced in 2019, as the 2020 model year. So, the 2023 Subaru Outback will represent the fourth production year and if you are a typical Subaru fan, you know what’s coming. Subaru’s production cycles usually last five years, while fourth production years are reserved for mid-cycle refreshes.
We expect to see typical Subaru changes. This would mean subtle styling changes from the outside, as well as a couple of interior tweaks. Naturally, few more standard features should be introduced as well. Still, the overall layout will remain the same, which means you may count on a super-practical car, which offers a spacious cabin, loads of safety features, composed handling and standard all-wheel drive.
Considering that updates are on the way, we presume that the 2023 Subaru Outback will hit the market a little bit earlier than usual, probably in summer 2022.
2023 Subaru Outback Design
As we’ve just mentioned, the 2023 Subaru Outback is about to receive a mid-cycle update. For that occasion, we presume that the Japanese manufacturer will offer typical kinds of changes. This company usually brings subtle changes only, so we may expect the same in this case. In other words, we shouldn’t see more than a few tweaks on the front end, in areas like headlights, bumpers etc. We presume we would see design solutions similar to the ones we saw in the updated Forester. We also expect to see things like new color options, wheels etc.
On the other hand, the mechanical aspect of the vehicle will remain the same. This model also rides on Subaru’s New Global platform and features a pretty good driving experience. It is a very comfortable vehicle, with quite engaging handling as well. Of course, the company’s legendary all-wheel drive does a great job and makes this crossover/wagon great to drive on loose surfaces as well.
Interior
On the inside, we don’t believe we could see more significant updates. Of course, minor changes like new color schemes and materials are always possible, while some sources suggest a new instrument cluster as well. Other than that, things will remain the same, which means you may count on a cabin that looks attractive and features pretty good overall build quality.
The cabin is also very spacious and accommodates five adults with ease. The front seats are comfortable and supportive. We like the high driving position, which ensures good visibility in all directions. Besides generous passenger space, this cabin also offers pretty impressive cargo volume. You may count on about 32.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind its rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with these seats folded, which is way more compared to wagons like Volvo V60 or Audi A4 Allroad. That’s rather on par with Subaru Forester, as well as with other similar crossovers like Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.
Features
Without any doubt, we will see some new things on the list of standard equipment. However, we don’t expect to see too many changes, considering that the current model already stands pretty well in this aspect. It comes standard with automatic climate control, keyless entry, dual 7-inch touch screens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, two USB ports, HD Radio, satellite radio, and a four-speaker stereo. Additionally, you can get goodies like dual-zone climate control, an 11.6-inch touch screen, navigation, a Wi-Fi hot spot, two additional USB ports, a six-speaker stereo, 12-speaker Harman Kardon stereo and more.
When it comes to safety, the current model already comes with a lot of things, so there isn’t much to be changed. It comes standard with a rearview camera forward, collision warning, pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive pivoting headlights, automatic high beams, head-up display etc.
2023 Subaru Outback Engines
This aspect shouldn’t bring any changes. The 2023 Subaru Outback will continue with a 2.5-liter flat-four as the base engine. This one puts out 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. While it seems okay for daily commuting, we find the optional 2.4-liter turbo flat-four a much better choice. With 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, it delivers pretty good performance, comparable with many V6 rivals.
The base engine also offers pretty impressive fuel economy, which goes around 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg. The turbo engine is thirstier and returns around 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway.
2023 Subaru Outback Release Date and Price
We expect that the 2023 Subaru Outback will arrive sometime in summer 2022. Bigger price changes shouldn’t occur, so the base version will probably go around 28.000 dollars.
