2023 Subaru Outback Photos, engines & full specs

Subaru has upgraded the sixth generation of the Outback and unveiled it at the 2022 New York Auto Show, and the new model has been improved on the exterior, interior, and under the hood.

The Japanese automaker decided that it didn’t have to rush and launch a seventh generation of the Outback just four or five years after the model’s introduction. Still, it did consider refreshing it, and even though there were no major changes at first sight, customers could notice them. Subaru added the Onyx Edition trim level, which was available with two engine options.

One of the most visible changes for the Outback 2023 model year was at the front, where Subaru installed a new bumper. The lower side of it, on the apron, featured a revised area that included round fog lamps edging the grille and thin and tall air intakes on the sides for air curtains that improved aerodynamics. In addition, all grades came fitted as standard with LED headlights. These changes didn’t affect the Wilderness trim level, though.

From its profile, the 2023 Outback boasted standard 17-inch alloy wheels for the base level, while the other got a set of 18-inch ones. The automaker also redesigned the black plastic cladding around the wheel arches, which were penned with a more aggressive look. The upper grades also got turn signals in the door mirrors. At the back, the raked forward tailgate adorned by a roof spoiler was available with hands-free closing, depending on the grade. The keyless entry and start were kept.

Inside, the car greeted its customers with StarTex water-repellant-covered, high-bolstered seats. Upper grades were available with leather upholstery, heating and ventilation, and were power-adjustable. On the center stack, the base version featured a dual touchscreen system for the infotainment system. All the other grades have received an 11.6-inch touchscreen featuring Subaru Starlink. Unfortunately, the rearview camera’s resolution was still poor. Still, the updated infotainment unit’s software improved the system’s response to inputs. Fortunately, Subaru didn’t fall into the same trap as other automakers to remove the physical turning knobs for the volume or tune.

Moreover, the EyeSight safety system was enhanced with smaller-sized cameras mounted left and right of the rearview mirror than on the non-facelifted version. In addition, Subaru offered an LCD screen instead of the said mirror that was connected to a rear backup camera.

Under the hood, the facelifted version of the Outback’s sixth generation came with the same 2.5-liter flat-four engine as in the 2020 model year, with or without a turbocharger. The base version sent 182 hp (185 PS) in all corners via a continuously variable transmission (CVT), known as Lineartronic in Subaru’s language. Those who wanted more could get the XT version with its turbocharged engine that sent 260 hp (264 PS) via the same transmission.