For its 2023 Subaru Outback, the Japanese manufacturer is fine-tuning a winning recipe that earned it the title of Best Buy of the Car Guide in the midsize SUV category. A few aesthetic revisions, an upgraded EyeSight security system and the addition of new technologies are on the menu.
Then, trend requires, Subaru offers a new version with a darker look called Onyx, positioning itself in the middle of a range that already had six. Here are our impressions of this new version.
No more mouth, except that…
Subaru designers wanted to give the 2023 Outback more face and character for its mid-term renewal. How? They reshaped the front end to incorporate a more prominent grille, slightly redesigned LED headlights and fog lights, and a more rugged-looking protective bumper trim. This applies to all but the adventurous Outback Wilderness added last year.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
On the other hand, we have the impression that they have gone a little too much by grafting large contrasting moldings which make the bridge between the bottom of the front bumper and the headlights, and by thickening those which run along the contour of the passages of wheel. These details are sometimes reminiscent of the Solterra electric SUV, sometimes the new-generation WRX sports sedan, but we could very well have done without them. A dark body color like the Cosmic Blue of our test model reduces the contrasting effect.
And the Onyx? That doesn’t change much, other than distinctive 18-inch wheels finished in Gunmetal Gray, a blacked-out treatment it gives to the headlight units, grille bar, side window surrounds, rear spoiler and crests.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
More amenities
Life aboard the 2023 Subaru Outback is very pleasant. There’s no shortage of visibility and space, while the seats provide a good mix of comfort and support in both rows. That said, the front bucket backs are narrower at the top and less suitable for drivers with broader shoulders, especially for a few hours on the road. The Onyx adopts a two-tone upholstery as attractive as it is resistant with contrasting green stitching, not to mention heated rear seats. Soundproofing is adequate, although the wind noise generated by the massive roof rails is a bit disturbing.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
The 11.6-inch multimedia screen offered in several Outbacks is now compatible wirelessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is good. However, adjusting the ventilation and heated seats is less intuitive than with physical buttons. Then, we deplore the fact of having to go through the home menu to alternate between the various functions of the vehicle. Last downside: the vertical layout of the screen reduces the size of the display of the rear camera, whose resolution is not the best either.
Kudos to Subaru for the new wide-angle camera that works with the dual-camera EyeSight system. This addition widens the field of vision to detect pedestrians and cyclists, particularly at intersections. Too bad the digital rearview mirror is only available in the Premier XT, at the top of the range. As for the integration of what3words tracking technology into the navigation system, a first for Subaru, it is a means of getting to any place in the world thanks to a unique combination of three words representing a geographical address. But honestly, who will use it?
Photo: Dominic Boucher
More horses, please
There are no mechanical changes to the 2023 Subaru Outback. The naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine developing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft is the most common, residing under the hood of Convenience, Touring, Onyx and Limited versions. It’s enough if you’re never in a hurry, don’t seek any feeling of sportiness and don’t have several passengers and luggage to carry.
Even empty, the accelerations are slow and you have to press hard on the pedal to increase the pace, but then the engine becomes quite noisy. Remember that it is always paired with a continuously variable gearbox. Average fuel consumption is 8.3 L/100 km in optimal conditions – 9.3 L/100 km in our case, despite traveling mainly on the highway but with mercury varying from about -5 to 10 degrees Celsius.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
Delivering 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft, the optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine is much more convincing and better suited to this big, raised wagon. Plus, it increases towing capacity from 2,700 to 3,500 pounds. But you can only get it from the Wilderness Edition, which starts at $45,503 (freight and prep included) and is only really useful for a fraction of drivers. Shame. By the way, it burns 9.5 to 10 L/100 km and Subaru does not require premium gasoline.
Otherwise, when it comes to driving itself, the Outback remains a charm and still inspires confidence with its well-tuned suspension and, of course, its symmetrical all-wheel drive. Off-road, the Onyx’s dual-mode X-MODE function provides additional support by allowing the vehicle to be adapted to the terrain and controlling downhill speed, for example. During the week of testing, Mother Nature did its own thing, so much so that we sometimes had to cross muddy paths, sometimes face a snowstorm. With the exception of one roundabout you negotiated a little too enthusiastically, our Outback (shod in Gislaved Nord*Frost 200 winter tires) never seemed to flinch.
Photo: Dominic Boucher
Verdict
Whatever the version, the 2023 Subaru Outback offers great versatility, a very accommodating interior, reassuring behavior and a more pleasant drive than that of several intermediate SUVs with which it competes. Its starting price remains attractive at $35,003 (including fees, once again) and Subaru’s interest rates are now more in the middle.
Our preference goes of course to the Wilderness version, then to the other Outback with turbo engine. However, if your budget does not allow it, it would still be wise to forget the basic version and turn instead to an Onyx or Limited, not so much for the style as for the equipment offered.