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The Subaru Outback is a versatile SUV known for its all-wheel drive capability and rugged design. While some might take the Outback off-road, Subaru offers a variety of advanced safety features and driver assistance systems, making it a safe choice for families. However, the 2023 Subaru Outback base model leaves a little to be desired. Check out the other Outback sport utility vehicles that come better equipped.

Skip the 2023 Subaru Outback base model

There isn’t much to dislike about the 2023 Subaru Outback, according to Edmunds. Starting at $28,395, the Outback combines a station wagon’s practical nature with an SUV’s capability. Visibility is good, making driving easy, and the higher-than-average ride height only adds to that.

However, a few creature comforts are missing from the base trim. The all-weather package is pretty essential depending on where the Outback will live. That means it is missing heated front seats/mirrors, a de-icing windshield wiper, a rear de-icing wiper, and heated side mirrors.

With nine different trim levels to choose from, skipping the 2023 Outback base just makes sense.

Don’t skip the 2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT

Skip the 2023 Subaru Outback base trim for this Onyx Edition XT
A 2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT | Subaru

Edmunds suggests the 2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT instead. It starts at $39,820 but has all of the features the base model is missing. This is also the most affordable turbo option in the lineup; combining that with the standard all-wheel drive only makes sense.

This version gets 29 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg in the city, thanks to the 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder. A power sliding moonroof, dual-zone climate control, and a hands-free power rear gate come standard.

While the base trim and the Onyx Edition XT get EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the Onyx has more features. Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, and 180-degree Front View Monitor comes standard. The Onyx Edition XT also gets Subaru Starlink Safety and Security.

Edmunds lists the Limited trim as the most popular option for the 2023 Subaru Outback. It starts at $36,520 and comes with almost everything previously listed except a few advanced safety systems. These include the 180-degree Front View Monitor, Blind-Spot Detection, and Reverse Automatic Braking.

The Outback Limited trim gets the 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer four-cylinder engine with 32 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city. Like all Outback trim levels, the Limited gets all-wheel drive as standard. During testing, Edmunds found that the Outback Limited with the base engine accelerated from zero to 60 mpg in 8.8 seconds. The turbo engine is a good upgrade for those who need a bit more zip around town.

Even if you don’t skip the 2023 Subaru Outback base trim, you still get more features than some of the competition offers. The good news is that the 2023 Outback is a modern SUV with plenty of features to keep the whole family safe on the road (or off).

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Staff Writer

Amanda Cline

Amanda Cline is an avid fan of Formula 1 and joined MotorBiscuit in 2021. A Southwest Floridian, she easily and often finds automotive events to attend in the Tampa, Orlando, and Miami areas.
Amanda is a graduate of the University of Central Florida, where she earned a Bachelor’s in English Literature and a Master’s in Technical Communication. Combining her editorial and digital media expertise, Amanda served as a content creator for FanSided and now provides our readers with a variety of automotive subject matter like pickup trucks and SUVs, including valuable consumer advice.

Amanda closely follows many F1 drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, George Russell, and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Her all-time favorite author is Shel Silverstein.