What is the difference between 2022 and 2023 Outback?

Subaru of America announced the newly-upgraded 2023 Subaru Outback pricing, and some midsize SUV trim levels get a significant price increase over the outgoing model. Are the upgrades worth the jump in price?

The Outback gets new upgrades with a redesigned front fascia and exterior cladding, the latest version of EyeSight safety technology, and a new wide-angle mono camera. Subaru also updated the Outback's multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

What is the difference between 2022 and 2023 Outback?

What is the new pricing for the 2023 Subaru Outback?

The 2023 Outback now comes in nine trim levels for U.S. customers; the base trim is priced from $29,620 (+$800), Premium ($31,920 +$900), new Onyx Edition with a 2.5 liter engine ($34,720), Limited ($36,520 +$1,050), Touring ($41,070 +$1,700), Outback Wilderness ($39,670 +$800), Onyx Edition XT ($39,820 +$2,800), Limited XT ($40,920 +$1,050), and Touring XT ($43,520 +$1,700). Pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees (an increase of $50).

Other new upgrades for the 2023 Outback

The refreshed 2023 Outback receives a new front fascia, a more prominent grille, redesigned LED headlights and fog lights, and a more rugged front bumper cover. Subaru says the wheel arch cladding has been updated to improve functionality.

What is the difference between 2022 and 2023 Outback?

The 2023 Outback Onyx Edition is now available with the 2.5-liter naturally aspirated Boxer engine. Before, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine was the only engine you could get. The recently released Outback Wilderness does not get the new styling upgrades.

Is the 2023 Outback a good value for midsize SUV shoppers?

What sets the Outback apart from other SUVs? All Outback midsize SUV trim levels ride higher with extra ground clearance than most family haulers. The Outback comes with 8.7-inches of ground clearance, Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive, and X-Mode for all-terrain performance. The Outback also gets the highest safety scores from the IIHS. 

The 2023 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium and Limited trim levels are where many buyers will land and offer the best value with the smallest price increases. Unless you need the Outback XT's extra power and off-pavement capability, you will pay around $5,000-$8000 less for a comparably equipped 2.5i trim level.

With gas prices averaging $4.57 per gallon, the 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine in the Subaru Outback Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims is a good choice for commuters who won't use their vehicle for off-road adventures.

What is the 2023 Outback fuel mileage?

A new report from the EPA reveals the refreshed Outback midsize SUV now gets one mile per gallon less than the 2022 models. The one MPG decrease applies to the Outback XT trim levels and the Outback Wilderness trim with the 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine. The 2023 Outback 2.5-liter engine also decrease by one MPG.

The EPA fuel mileage rating of the 2023 Outback XT 2.4-liter turbo is 22/29 city/highway mpg and 25 combined mpg. The estimated fuel economy of the standard 2.5-liter engine is 26/32 mpg city/highway and 28 combined mpg.

The EPA says the 2023 Outback Wilderness gets an estimated 21/26 city/highway mpg and 23 combined mpg.

Even with the price increase, the 2023 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium and Limited trim levels still offer the best value for customers who spend most of their time in an urban setting. However, the Only Edition XT and Wilderness trims are under $40,000 and are a good choice for those with active lifestyles and will get you further off the grid.

You Might Also Like: Subaru’s Average New Model Price Jump Doesn't Tell The Whole Story

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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Will Subaru Outback be redesigned in 2023?

The 2023 Subaru Outback redesign includes nine distinct trim levels. New Subaru Outback shoppers can choose from the following trims for the 2023 model year: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Wilderness, Limited XT, and Touring XT.

What is different about the 2022 Subaru Outback?

What's New for 2022? The Outback lineup gains an even more rugged Wilderness model for 2022, which boasts extra ground clearance, an upgraded suspension, Yokohama all-terrain tires, and a host of styling enhancements to help broadcast its brawnier image.

Is Subaru Outback 2022 redesign?

Subaru introduces an all-new version of the Outback for 2022, the Wilderness Edition.

When can I get a 2023 Outback?

What's new? 2023 Outback release date at Planet Subaru: October of 2022.