DecodedCars2023 Subaru Outback
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Wagon, 4dr Wgaon Wilderness/Xt
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 26 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- 192.1 in
- Curb weight
- 3,651–3,931 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 36 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 Subaru Outback is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 192 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,651 lb (4dr Wagon).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (26 city / 32 highway), 12% better than the 2023 small SUV average of 25 MPG, for an estimated $2,400 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 Outback — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 Outback →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Wagon | 192.1 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 63 in | 3,651 lb | 56/44 |
| 4dr Wgaon Wilderness/Xt | 192.1 in | 74.4 in | 66.1 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 63 in | 3,931 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 32 / 28 | +12% | $2,400 | 314 |
| Outback AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | 0% | $2,700 | 356 |
| Outback Wilderness AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -8% | $2,900 | 378 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Outback SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |
Similar 2023 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Outback (this car) | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Honda CR-V | 40 MPG | ★★★★★ | 8 |
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2023 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 15 |
| 2023 Hyundai Tucson | 38 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2023 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (2)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch · Nov 9, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · 95,830 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- Risk
- An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Power Train › Driveline › Driveshaft · Sep 21, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V647000 · 4,311 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
- Risk
- Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
Not every 2023 Subaru Outback is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2023 Subaru Outback buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 17 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 17 owner reports. Make sure driver-assist systems and the backup camera work without error messages.
- Visibility/Wiper — 16 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 9,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2023 Subaru Outback. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Outback years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Outback | 27 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Outback | 27 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 21 |
| 2025 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 83 |
| 2024 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 105 |
| 2022 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 465 |
| 2021 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 299 |
| 2020 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 901 |
| 2019 Outback | 28 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 1,036 |
| 2018 Outback | 28 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 816 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →