“Navigation system is terrible. Glove box, console too small. I would like an auto lock feature after leaving vehicle.”
2023 Subaru Outback: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2023 Subaru Outback receives a mid-cycle refresh led by redesigned front-end styling on every trim except Wilderness. Subaru also upgrades the EyeSight safety system with wider vision and quicker detection.
About the 2023 Subaru Outback
6th gen (2020-2025), mid-cycle refresh / major update year
Subaru markets the Outback as an adventure-ready family vehicle that mixes wagon-like cargo usefulness with SUV-style ground clearance and standard AWD. Its core appeal is simple: it is roomy, easy to live with, confident in bad weather, and genuinely capable on rough roads without feeling like a truck. Compared with many two-row crossovers, the Outback stands out for its built-in roof-rail utility, standard safety tech, and a personality that leans toward road trips, camping, and everyday practicality.
The 2023 Outback ranges from practical AWD models to upscale Touring trims and the trail-focused Wilderness. Limited and Touring emphasize comfort with leather cabins and premium features, while XT models and Wilderness use a 260-hp turbo engine. The new Onyx Edition brings black exterior trim, water-repellent upholstery, and more capable drive modes to the standard 182-hp engine.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
A new Onyx Edition joins the lineup with the 182-hp 2.5-liter engine, while the Onyx Edition XT retains the 260-hp turbo engine. This separates the Onyx look and easy-clean interior from the need for turbo power.
Styling
Every trim except Wilderness gets a revised front end with a new grille, headlights, fog lights, bumper design, and side cladding. The Onyx Edition XT also receives revised black exterior details.
Safety
EyeSight gains a wider-angle stereo camera and updated software for broader, quicker detection. A new electronically controlled brake system works more closely with EyeSight, and Touring trims add another wide-angle front camera to help detect cross traffic at low-speed intersections.
Tech
Subaru revises the infotainment controls and adds illuminated USB and charging ports plus an LED dome light across the lineup. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come to trims with the 11.6-inch touchscreen, while navigation and a power moonroof become standard on the Onyx Edition XT.
2023 Subaru Outback specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg | 26 mpg | 22 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 32 mpg | 29 mpg | 29 mpg | 26 mpg | 32 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 182 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 2700 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 32.6 cu-ft | 32.6 cu-ft | 32.6 cu-ft | 32.6 cu-ft | 32.6 cu-ft | 32.6 cu-ft | 32.6 cu-ft | 32.6 cu-ft | 32.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2023 Subaru Outback?
The biggest change is a mid-cycle refresh with redesigned front-end styling on every trim except Wilderness. The update also brings improved EyeSight safety hardware and software across the lineup.
Does the 2023 Subaru Outback have updated safety technology?
Yes. The 2023 Outback has an upgraded EyeSight system with a wider field of view and revised software for quicker detection, plus a new brake system designed to respond more closely with the safety hardware. Touring trims also add a wide-angle front camera for better low-speed intersection detection.
Is the new 2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition turbocharged?
No. The new 2023 Onyx Edition uses the 182-hp 2.5-liter engine. The separate Onyx Edition XT has the 260-hp turbo engine, along with standard navigation and a power moonroof.
Did the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness get the redesigned front end?
No. The 2023 Wilderness keeps its existing exterior design, but it receives the upgraded EyeSight system, revised screen controls, illuminated charging ports, and the new electronically controlled brake system.
Is the 2023 Subaru Outback a major redesign?
No. The 2023 Outback is a mid-cycle update of the sixth-generation model, not a full redesign. Its main revisions are fresh styling for most trims, upgraded safety technology, infotainment improvements, and the addition of the non-turbo Onyx Edition.
2023 Subaru Outback Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2023 Subaru Outback.
4.3
2023 Subaru Outback
(314 reviews)
“My Subaru is comfortable and stylish while providing a confidence of dependability that goes with the Subaru name.”
“This is my first Subaru Outback and I love it! It handles beautifully, keeps me as safe as possible in a car, has a gorgeous color and feels "like a sporty luxury vehicle".”