Only 1 Potential Problem Holds the 2023 Subaru Outback Back
There are tons of excellent things to say about the Subaru Outback. For example, it has a smooth ride, a spacious cabin, and attractive off-roading capabilities. However, the 2023 Subaru Outback doesn’t top the charts due to one crucial weakness.
How reliable is the 2023 Subaru Outback?
According to Consumer Reports, the 2023 Subaru Outback isn’t the most reliable midsize SUV in the bunch. It has an average predicted reliability ranking. However, according to J.D. Power, it has a 73 out of 100, which means it’s very close to being considered below average.
The 2023 Outback falls below the Toyota Venza and Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid because of its lacking score. Still, you can expect your Outback to make it past 200,000 miles with regular maintenance and care.
Some Outback models have been known to last a bit longer by making it between 250,000 to 300,000 miles. Some models even surpass 300,000 miles. The average driver may get between 15 to 20 years of service on the road.
That said, the average cost to maintain an Outback annually is about $607, which is slightly higher than the yearly average of $573 for other midsize SUVs. The average for all vehicles is $652 per year, so compared with every vehicle on the road the Outback is slightly more cost effective to maintain.
Is the 2023 Outback worth buying?
Yes, the 2023 Subaru Outback is worth buying. Even though it’s less reliable than a few SUVs, you can still trust it to provide plenty of miles for daily commuting, long road trips, and adventuring.
But we recommend passing on the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Edmunds says it’s downright slow and takes 8.8 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph.
The turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine cranks out 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. It helps the Outback match the speed of its rivals. Also, it has smooth transmission shifts with confident handling.
Each Outback has standard AWD and a comfortable ride. Despite having a stiffer ride, most impacts are absorbed without much fuss. The seats are well-padded and supportive for comfortable drives after long days too.
When properly equipped, the Outback can tow up to 3,500 lbs. This puts it on par with rivals like the Toyota RAV4.
2023 Outback: What’s new?
The 2023 Subaru Outback spices things up with a slightly revised look. It stands out with a larger grille and more black cladding for a bolder look. The front-facing camera has a better view with enhanced image recognition software too.
Tech fans will appreciate the new 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto too. It may work better than the 7.0-inch dual-screen setup, that’s a bit clunky and confusing. Also, the adaptive cruise control system could be a little smoother.
You can get started with the 2023 Subaru Outback for about $28,395, while the top-spec Touring XT model increases the price to $42,295. Trim levels with XT in the title mean that the base engine can be upgraded to the turbocharged option.
The Outback is rugged, capable, and comfortable. It’s a well-rounded SUV with plenty of value. However, rivals have higher reliability rankings, and the base engine is a bit weak.
