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We understand that the Subaru Outback is a great SUV with plenty of features to brag about. However, not every trim is crafted the same, and some models don’t offer the same benefits. Only one 2023 Subaru Outback trim gets a prestigious accolade. 

Only one 2023 Subaru Outback has the lowest cost to own 

The 2023 Subaru Outback off-roading in mud
2023 Subaru Outback | Subaru

Congratulate the 2023 Subaru Outback for making it on the list of 2023 Vincentric Best Fleet Value in America award winners. It’s a pretty big deal to make this list and the Outback as accredited in 2022 as well. But only the base model is included. 

The Vincentric Best Fleet awards measure vehicles based on depreciation, fees/taxes, financing, fuel costs, insurance fees, maintenance, repairs, and opportunity costs. 

In addition to these eight cost factors, the vehicles are rated based on each of the 50 states and 28 different ownership and fuel usage scenarios. The Outback has the lowest fuel, insurance, depreciation, and operating costs in its class. 

Torque News shared that It won 16 out of 28 lifecycle cost scenarios against 190 competing trims. The other trim levels in the lineup must be more expensive. 

What comes standard with the Subaru Outback? 

The 2023 Subaru Outback Base is the entry-level model. It features 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights/fog lights, roof rails with integrated cross bars, hill descent control, automatic climate control, dual 7.0-inch center touchscreens, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. 

Including a roof rail with cross bars is an excellent perk. It allows the vehicle to carry more weight on the roof, such as extra cargo or a rooftop tent. 

Plus, each Outback model features standard all-wheel drive with X-Mode for severe weather conditions. AWD can cost between $1,500 to $2,000 to add on rival SUVs. 

Standard safety features include adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, and automatic high beams. 

The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out 182 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 8.8 seconds, which is leisurely. The 2023 Outback gets an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and up to 32 mpg on the highway. 

Upgrade to the turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine for 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. This engine helps the Outback reach 60 mph in about 7.1 seconds. 

How reliable is the 2023 Outback? 

The 2023 Subaru Outback driving on a dirt road
2023 Subaru Outback | Subaru

The 2023 Subaru Outback manages to get by with an average reliability ranking. It earned a score of 73 out of 100 from J.D.Power. Scores between 70 and 80 are average, while those between 60 and 69 are below average. 

You can expect the average Outback model to make it between 250,000 to 300,000 miles, providing years of service on the road. With proper care and regular maintenance, the Outback can surpass 300,000 miles. 

The Outback has a $607 average annual maintenance cost, making it slightly cheaper than the average SUV. It costs about $650 to maintain a new vehicle every year. 

So, the 2023 Subaru Outback Base provides tons of value, but higher trim levels can get more expensive in a hurry. It’s a dependable model with plenty of capability and savings.