2023 Subaru Outback Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Bob on October 24, 2024

My 2023 XT Limited is the 3rd Outback I've owned. The first two were 2017/2019 Touring trim with a 2.5 non-turbo 4 cyl. We upgraded so we could tow but soon found out that the 2023 XT has insufficient transmission cooling for our little trailer (2,000lbs dry, car is rated for 3500 lbs). When asked, Subaru says the car wasn't really built to tow. Add to that the psychotic turbo lag/jump, esp. in town and the poor fuel economy & I wished I had never bought this car. Subaru dealer has no answers.

Lesa on October 31, 2023

Purchased new in January 2023. Has been in for the same repairs 3 times for air not working. Each time they replace the cockpit control unit and it still doesn't work. The only time is does work is when it is above 87 degrees and has been sitting outside all day in the sun.

Wanted more on June 15, 2023

Turn signals do not have a loud sound. They are very low My 2016 Outback has nice loud turn signals. You cannot turn your radio off. The only way not to hear it is to put the sound real low. Two major complaints I have

Happy Outback Owner on May 18, 2023

2023 Subaru Outback Limited XT. A great station wagon (it’s not really a SUV). Comfortable leather seats, smooth ride and extremely quick with the turbo. If you don’t need seating for eight, you have no need for the Ascent. Same engine and cargo capacity and ground clearance, lower to the ground, faster, better handling and several thousand dollars cheaper. Standard all wheel drive. Full safety suite. 11.6” infotainment system is really closer to 8” as the climate control takes the additional 3.6”. The Harmon Kardon sound system will blow your doors off. Good in car navigation. Wireless Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Hands free tailgate. 0-60 in 5.8 on regular gas. Standard roof rails. Even has heated outboard rear seats. If you’re considering a midsize or smaller SUV you owe it to yourself to drive this first.

Senior citizen on May 13, 2023

I recently purchased a new 2023 Subaru Outback. This is my 4th Outback so I was shocked at how uncomfortable the driver's seat is! Plus, the gas pedal is so stiff that I am getting cramps in my right foot and leg all the way up to my hip. No matter how many times I have adjusted the seat, this continues to be a serious issue. Feeling regrets after buying the new Outback.

Cindy Hayes on April 22, 2023

The Touring XT has all the bells and whistles of a luxury SUV for a lower price point. The extra turbo thrust is impressive! It has a very comfortable ride for long trips.

Dave on April 18, 2023

After driving our 2023 Outback Touring XT (Boxer 4 with Turbo) for 1,000 miles, the following Likes and Dislikes are offered. Some features are compared our trade-in of a 2016 Outback 3.6. Bottom line is we miss our 2016 OB very much. What we like includes: Rear blind spot detector, Backup camera, Front panoramic camera, Proximity crash avoidance system, Turbo powered Boxer 4 at lower speeds, Solid feel to car, Responsive steering & tight turning radius, Heated steering wheel, and Heated / Cooled seat. What we dislike includes: Most of the Info-entertainment features including Tom-Tom (complicated requiring to stop vehicle to adjust), Unable to disengage / lower volume seat belt warning system including rear seat seat-belt use, Reduced driver and passenger dimensions from 2016 OB 3.6, Lack of driver side right leg room and lack of console & door storage with the oversize console compared to 2016 OB 3.6, Automatic stop start feature even with easy shutoff switch, Hesitation from 60 to 70 mph with Boxer 4 w/o turbo / CVT as compared to 2016 OB 3.6, and Exterior color selection is difficult to like other than standard black, white, and gray colors.

Mason on February 19, 2023

I traded in my 2015 Outback and am now one month into driving my 2023 vehicle which I quite like. But I have a serious complaint about the new headlight system Subaru is using. I drive many unlit country roads that have quite a few short but somewhat steep hills. When heading on a flat the low beam lights do an okay, not great but okay, job of illuminating the road in front (the2015 was better). But when heading downhill, the line of decmarcation between the lit and unlit field of vision area often does not seem to extend far enough forward to allow me to see even 25 yards ahead. When traveling at 35 or 40 mph, I find this dangerous and unnerving. While driving 35 mph downhill on a 40 or 50 yard stretch of the road on 2/18/23 I was unable to see far enough forward and therefore slow down in time before hitting a cat. Additionally, the display screen requires me to take my eyes off the road far too often to see what control I might be touching, be that a temperature control, a radio station, or something else. Those things not withstanding I like the car.

Kadin g on February 5, 2023

It’s a great car! The interior is very nice and easy to use, the car looks amazing, it heats up quick and handles great! Also lots of cargo space and plenty of space for your passengers…highly recommend the 2023 suburu outback

Jeff T on January 19, 2023

I have a new 2023 Touring, my 3rd Subaru, previous had a 2018 Outback Ltd. I must admit to be disappointed with the Touring. My issues are: First, the driver's seat is very uncomfortable, feels like there's 2X4 in the middle of the seat bottom. I suspect this has to do with air duct for the ventilated seats that comes with the Touring. No similar discomfort with the unventilated seats in the Premium. Really ruins the experience. Secondly, the electronics are extremely complex, over 1200 pages of owners manual, scrolling through multiple nested menus required to do anything, The software is still somewhat unstable; Much less storage for the driver than my 2018, as noted in other reviews; Finally, it feels much more underpowered than my 2018 with same engine - the engine really winds out to get it moving down the road. I should have ordered the turbo version - my fault Still a great car in most respects, but go for the Premium version with the turbo. I should note the Subaru customer advocate is doing his best to help with the seat problem.