2023 Subaru Outback Looks Tougher, Enhances Safety and Connectivity

Published on April 13, 2022 in New York by Guillaume Rivard

Subaru today debuted the refreshed and improved 2023 Outback at the New York Auto Show.

All Outback models except the recently launched Wilderness sport a bold new front end with a larger grille, redesigned LED headlights and fog lights, plus a more rugged-looking bumper cover.

The most striking change, however, can be found on the sides. Extra cladding connects the lower body and the headlights while adding protection around the wheel arches. These design elements are not unlike what we see on the brand new 2023 Solterra electric SUV and next-generation 2022 WRX sports sedan, respectively. Is that a good thing? You be the judge.

New Onyx Trim

For 2023, Subaru adds a new Onyx trim featuring black-finish exterior elements, 18-inch gunmetal alloy wheels, black badging as well as an exclusive two-tone grey interior. Furthermore, the seats are wrapped in soft-touch all-weather material.

The Onyx builds on the Touring trim and adds heated rear outboard seats, alloy pedals and dual-function X-MODE.

More Safety

At the top of the lineup, the 2023 Outback adds a wide-angle mono camera that works together with the dual-camera EyeSight system, expanding the field of view to recognize pedestrians and bicycles sooner when the vehicle enters an intersection at low speed. Also new is a full LCD digital rear-view mirror with auto-dimming, compass and Homelink.

Speaking of EyeSight, an additional feature called Automatic Emergency Steering works in conjunction with the Pre-Collision Braking System to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 80 km/h.

Inside, the 2023 Outback debuts the latest version of the STARLINK 11.6-inch multimedia system with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. On navigation-equipped models, it’s also the first Subaru vehicle to integrate what3words (W3W), an innovative location technology that provides a simple way to communicate precise geographical addresses anywhere in the world using just three words.

Prices Likely to Increase

Customers will still have the same engine options, namely a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre BOXER producing 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, plus a turbocharged 2.4-litre BOXER delivering superior performance with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Each engine is mated to a Lineartronic CVT featuring an eight-speed manual mode, not to mention Subaru’s symmetrical AWD with active torque vectoring, but only the turbo can tow up to 3,500 pounds.