One of the most popular vehicles to buy is the Subaru Outback. The all-wheel drive wagon is spacious, comfortable, and full of features. Not to mention, it’s consistently one of the safest and most reliable vehicles on the road. If you’re interested in one, you might be waiting for the 2023 model year version. The outgoing 2022 Subaru Outback is a thing of the past because the 2023 Subaru Outback is right around the corner. What will be different with the 2023 Subaru Outback?

What’s new with the 2023 Subaru Outback?

According to Car and Driver, there aren’t many changes for the new model year. Most buyers will get nearly the same SUV as those who purchased one in 2022. However, the Outback has a different front end, technology upgrades, and an alternate engine for the Onyx Edition. C/D says the redesigned front end resembles the new all-electric 2023 Solterra. It has a bigger grille, different headlights, and a unique bumper on every trim except the off-road Wilderness model.

Fortunately, the Wilderness model has its own unique front end, so it didn’t need another reason to stand out. In addition, the automaker claims it redesigned the wheel arch body cladding to be more “functional.” Please let us know if you figure out what that means.

Next, new software upgrades to the standard EyeSight driver-assistance features make everything operate more smoothly. On top of better functionality, the system’s camera also received an upgrade to provide a wider field of view for the 2023 model year. It also now has an electric brake booster for the first time. Finally, the blacked-out Onyx Edition trim can now have the 2.5-liter boxer-four engine. Previously, only the turbocharged version of the engine was available for Onyx Edition models.

Are the Outback technology upgrades worth it?

According to our previous report, the latest version of EyeSight driving assistance technology is new and improved. With it, Outback Touring trims get a Wide-Angle Mono camera that expands the field of view. As a result, Subaru says pedestrians and cyclists are recognizable sooner when the Outback enters an intersection at low speeds.

Next, Outback Touring models now have a “full LCD Smart Rear-View Mirror with auto-dimming, compass, and Homelink.” In addition, some Outback models have a new automatic emergency steering features that help avoid collisions while driving under 50 mph. Finally, the 2023 Subaru Outback multimedia system received enhancements. Furthermore, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration with a full-screen display is standard across the lineup.

We wish the 2023 Subaru Outback got these changes

Although the 2023 Subaru Outback will remain excellent and popular, everything can use improvements. There are a few things we wish changed for the new model year. First, the redesign isn’t enough to make it worth your while. Those who want to buy the Outback when it receives a styling overhaul need to keep waiting. Although the front end looks better than before, it isn’t a substantial difference. We’re sure the automaker doesn’t want to completely step away from the now-iconic look of the Outback, but we’d appreciate a better appearance.

Next, there are still only two non-hybrid engines available. Buying an Outback in 2022 or 2023 means, you’ll have a 2.5-liter boxer-four or a turbocharged version of the same under the hood. Unfortunately, every Outback uses all-wheel drive. As a result, there’s no version of the Subaru small SUV with excellent fuel economy. For a wagon that can do everything, a hybrid powertrain would be a significant improvement for increasing mpg.

What will be different?

What’s different with the 2023 Subaru Outback? Not much has changed for the new model year. Only a front-end redesign, new Subaru EyeSight driver aid enhancements, and the non-turbo engine availability for the Onyx Edition model are new for the 2023 model year. Unfortunately, the all-wheel drive wagon didn’t get all the changes we wanted. They are a more significant redesign and a hybrid powertrain. For now, there isn’t much difference, but the 2023 Subaru Outback will remain one of the best offerings in its class.