2023 Subaru Outback vs 2024 Subaru Outback

The 2023 Subaru Outback underwent a notable facelift, featuring a redesigned front end with new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark grey vertical cladding. This design gave the Outback a more aggressive appearance, especially with the addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim reminiscent of the Wilderness model. The Onyx Edition, with its black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, offering a more cohesive look. The Limited trim, with its Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, presented an upscale and cohesive interior, despite the use of some hard plastics. The interior was praised for its contrast stitching and overall design, although the large infotainment screen and gloss black trim were prone to collecting dust and smudges.

In 2024, the Subaru Outback maintained its 2023 facelift design, with minor tweaks to the Wilderness trim, including a new front fascia and LED fog lights. The dark grey cladding contrasted well with the Autumn Green Metallic paint of the Premier XT tester, offering a surprisingly appealing look. The Outback's trims varied in their use of black and chrome exterior fittings, with the Premier XT featuring tasteful chrome accents. Wheel sizes and designs differed by trim, with the Wilderness trim sporting matte black wheels. The interior of the top-trim test car was notably luxurious, with Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery providing a handsome and supple feel. The Outback's interior materials and design exceeded expectations for a brand known more for capability than luxury.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a horizontally opposed engine, known for its flat design and characteristic grumble. The standard 2.5-litre engine produced 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a CVT that mimicked an eight-speed automatic. While the engine provided adequate power for city driving, it struggled with passing and climbing, and its fuel efficiency was below expectations, returning 9.2 L/100 km instead of the anticipated 8.3 L/100 km. The Outback XT models, with a 2.4-litre turbocharged engine producing 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, offered better performance and a higher towing capacity of 1,587 kilograms. The XT models were less fuel-efficient, with ratings of 9.5 L/100 km combined, and the Wilderness trim rated at 10.1 L/100 km. The Outback's AWD system and X-Mode traction system provided excellent off-road capabilities, while its suspension offered a comfortable ride.

In 2024, the Outback continued with the same engine options, with the Premier XT featuring the more powerful turbocharged engine. The CVT effectively simulated eight gears, and the electronic brake booster improved pedal feel. The Outback's suspension provided a comfortable ride, with the base model offering 22 centimetres of ground clearance and the Wilderness trim increasing it to 24.1 centimetres. The Wilderness trim also included all-terrain tires and an advanced X-Mode system with selectable modes for different terrains.

The 2023 Subaru Outback prioritized utility with features like a purposeful roof rack, flat door sill trim, and a dashboard storage shelf. The Limited trim offered a comfortable interior with a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat, heated front and rear seats, and premium Nappa leather upholstery. The Outback's cargo space measured 923 litres behind the back seat and 2,141 litres with the back seat folded down. The vehicle's design made it easy to enter and exit, and the roof rails were robust for carrying additional cargo. However, the Outback could benefit from more practical storage space in the cabin.

The 2024 Outback maintained its spacious interior, offering more headroom and legroom than competitors like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4. The cargo space remained the same as the 2023 model, with 923 litres behind the rear seats and 2,141 litres with them folded. The Outback offered a range of features, including dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The Premier XT trim included ventilated front seats and a hands-free power liftgate. The Outback's roof rails with retractable cross bars were a practical addition for carrying extra gear.

The 2023 Subaru Outback featured a Starlink 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, except for the Base trim, which had a 7-inch screen. The system included wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, starting with the Touring trim. The infotainment system was generally functional, but the voice recognition system was lacking. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

In 2024, the Outback continued with the same infotainment setup, with the Premier XT featuring the 11.6-inch screen. The system offered both USB-C and USB-A ports, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity were standard from the Touring trim. The climate controls were integrated into the touchscreen, with hard buttons for defoggers and temperature adjustments. The Premier XT also included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The 2023 Subaru Outback earned top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test. The EyeSight suite of safety features included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-keeping assist. The Premier XT trim added a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. However, the adaptive cruise control and lane-centring assist systems were criticized for their artificial steering feel.

In 2024, the Outback received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS and a five-star rating from the NHTSA. The EyeSight suite remained standard, with reverse automatic braking now included from the Touring trim. The Premier XT added a digital rearview mirror and a driver-attention monitor. The wide-angle camera improved detection of cyclists and pedestrians.