Used 2023 Subaru Outback for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2023 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.26% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,404 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

Is the 2023 Subaru Outback a good car?

Generally — you’re looking at a 4.33/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

The 2023 Outback’s appeal comes from its carlike driving manners, SUV-like utility, standard all-wheel drive, and strong safety focus. It also gets fresh styling, new infotainment and safety technologies, and a more accessible price point for the Onyx Edition, which helps keep it competitive.

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and the potentially polarizing design. The voice recognition system is another weak point, so you’ll want to lean on smartphone integration rather than the native voice controls.

For shoppers who want versatility without moving to a larger vehicle, it makes a strong case. The market also shows 36.2% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you room to shop selectively.

Is the 2023 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The 2023 Outback’s reliability case is helped by its standard all-wheel drive, strong safety systems, and practical design. Its boxer engine layout is meant to lower the center of gravity for better handling, and the CVT is tuned to mimic a traditional automatic with eight forward gears.

Subaru also emphasizes durability-minded capability with standard AWD, X-Mode traction control, hill descent control, and generous ground clearance. The cost-effectiveness angle is reinforced by the model’s strong value proposition and standard equipment.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that the base powertrain may feel strained in daily driving, especially if you regularly carry passengers, climb hills, or tow.

What should I look for when buying a used 2023 Subaru Outback?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with off-road use. Focus on overall condition, tire wear, brake feel, and whether the cabin electronics and driver-assistance features operate as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim has the smaller 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims get the larger 11.6-inch system and more upscale cabin touches. The Onyx Edition adds blacked-out exterior trim and water-resistant upholstery, which may matter if you want a more rugged look and easier cleanup.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, while the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in XT models makes 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. The standard engine is the efficiency-focused choice, but the turbo is the better pick if you want stronger passing and climbing power.
• Safety package: EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert requires an option package on the Premium or stepping up to the Onyx Edition, and the Limited and Touring add a wide-angle mono camera.
• Infotainment: The Base trim uses a 7-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. Starting with Premium, the 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus access to connected services and available navigation and premium audio.
• Fuel efficiency: The standard engine is rated at 28 mpg in combined driving in testing, while XT models are mostly rated at 25 mpg combined. The Wilderness trim is rated at 23 mpg combined.

Which 2023 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

The 2023 Subaru Outback is offered in 6 trim levels: Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, and Wilderness.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the value entry point if you want standard all-wheel drive, EyeSight safety tech, and the core Outback formula at the lowest price. It’s the simplest choice, but you give up the larger touchscreen and wireless smartphone connectivity.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which meaningfully improve day-to-day usability. It’s also the trim where you can add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert through an option package.
• Onyx Edition: This is the pick if you want a more distinctive look and a more accessible path to the turbocharged powertrain. It also brings blacked-out exterior trim and water-resistant upholstery, making it a smart choice if you want style with extra practicality.
• Limited: This trim is for you if you want a more upscale feel and the added safety benefit of the wide-angle mono camera. It builds toward a more premium experience without going all the way to the top.
• Touring: This is the most luxurious mainstream choice, with the richest cabin presentation and the most fully equipped feel. It suits you if comfort and interior ambiance matter more than value.
• Wilderness: This is the right choice if you want the most capability-focused Outback, with the raised stance, more ground clearance, and the more capable X-Mode system. It’s the trim to choose if your driving regularly includes rough roads, snow, or trail use.

For safety-package shoppers, note that blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is not standard on the Base setup and requires either an option package on Premium or the Onyx Edition.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2023 Subaru Outback?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on the right listing.

• Deal availability: 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,404 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.26% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 88.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $26,021, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2023 Subaru Outback's resale value?

The current average of $26,021 sits slightly below last year's $28,058.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more affordably now but may also limit short-term upside if you plan to resell soon. If you’re thinking about future value, the current softness means your purchase price matters more than usual.

The good news is that the Outback’s broad appeal, standard AWD, and strong utility should keep it relevant with used buyers. Models with desirable equipment and strong condition should hold demand better than bare-bones examples.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.33/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2023 Subaru Outback safe?

The 2023 Subaru Outback earns Top Safety Pick+ recognition from IIHS.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Subaru’s EyeSight suite includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. This year also brings new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster to support pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions.

There are a few trim-related safety gaps to keep in mind. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert requires an option package on the Premium or stepping up to the Onyx Edition, and the Limited and Touring add a wide-angle mono camera for improved detection in crowded areas.

One caveat is that the rear automatic braking system can be incompatible with some driveways, so you’ll want to test how it behaves in your own parking setup.

Should I buy a 2023 Subaru Outback or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2023 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2023 if:

• 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.26% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It adds fresh styling, new infotainment and safety tech, and a more accessible Onyx Edition price.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $23,895, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $26,021 average.
• It emphasizes the new Wilderness trim and rugged outdoor capability.

Consider the 2024 if:

• At $28,713, the 2024 costs more than the current year's $26,021 average.
• It broadens trim choice and adds feature-enriched versions with trim-specific updates.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, updated tech, and strong safety, the 2023 is the primary target. If your budget is tighter, the 2022 can save you money, while the 2024 makes sense if you want a broader trim spread and don’t mind paying more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.