US-built MY23 Outback debuts in NY

SUBARU has updated its Outback large SUV for 2023 with a new-look fascia – replete with reshaped headlights, a larger grille and revised lower bumper – wheel-arch extensions and in-cabin technology including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, new Stralink 11.6-inch infotainment array, and the latest version of the company’s EyeSight driver-assistance technology.

Unveiled at the New York International Auto Show, the 2023 Subaru Outback also introduces a new Onyx Edition with black-finish exterior garnishing, 18-inch alloys, model-specific badging and two-tone grey upholstery finished in water-repellent StarTex material.

Based on the Outback Premium, the variant offers a handsfree tailgate, front-view monitor, X-Mode all-wheel drive and a full-size spare wheel. For the US market, the Onyx Edition joins XT, Premium, Wilderness, Limited and Touring trim levels.

It is not known if Australia will see any – or all – of the updates shown in New York with a local spokesperson for the brand telling GoAuto, “the Model Year 23 specification for Australia will be revealed a little bit later this year with the updated model due in local showrooms early in 2023.”

Other changes to the American-built Outback include an electric brake booster (as part of the updated EyeSight system) and, on higher-grade variants, a wide-angle mono camera that works with the dual-camera EyeSight system to better recognise cyclists and pedestrians when the SUV’s travelling through road intersections. The Touring grade also scores an LCD rear-view mirror with auto-dimming, compass and Homelink features.

US models remain unchanged beneath the ‘hood’ with the option of 2.4-litre turbocharged and 2.5-litre normally aspirated Boxer four-cylinder petrol engines, both driving all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission. All variants feature paddle shifters.

In Australia, the Outback is powered exclusively by the atmo engine, which develops 138kW and 245Nm. It too is paired to a continuously variable transmission with eight-step intervals. Subaru Australia currently offers the Outback in four trim grades, which range in price from $40,690 to $48,990 (plus on-road costs – see below).

A special-edition Premium variant was added to the Outback range late last year. Priced from $44,190 (plus on-road costs), it slotted in between the base-grade Outback and third-tier Sport. 

In Australia, the Subaru Outback competes in the Large SUV under $70k category where it presently ranks fifth with a 6.8 per cent market share. Subaru has sold 1928 examples of the Outback so far this year behind the Toyota LandCruiser Prado’s 7574 units (26.8%), the Isuzu MU-X’s 2534 units (9.0%), Mitsubishi Pajero Sport’s 2236 units (7.9%) and the Mazda CX-9’s 2031 units (7.2%).

2022 Subaru Outback pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.