Used 2023 Subaru Outback for Sale near California

How much does the 2023 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 9.51% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,175 listings available, which suggests healthy inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

Is the 2023 Subaru Outback a good car?

Generally — the 2023 Subaru Outback earns a 4.3/5 user rating and a 7.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

The Outback’s appeal comes from its blend of carlike manners and SUV utility, plus standard all-wheel drive, strong safety systems, and broad everyday usefulness. It is especially well suited if you want crossover capability without giving up easy daily drivability.

The trade-offs are clear: the base engine is underwhelming, the design may be polarizing, and the voice recognition system is frustrating. If you value practicality, security, and value more than quick acceleration or a conventional look, it fits that use case well.

Good and great deals account for 36.2% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2023 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.3/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The Outback’s reliability case is supported by its standard all-wheel drive, strong safety hardware, and reputation for being built around versatility and everyday usefulness. Its performance setup also emphasizes a low center of gravity and a drivetrain designed to work smoothly in normal driving.

The standard engine and CVT are tuned to make the most of modest power, but the powertrain can feel strained when you ask for passing or climbing performance. The cost-effectiveness content also points to strong value from the standard AWD and utility package, which can help reduce ownership regret if you buy the right trim.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is ending up with a version that feels underpowered for your driving needs.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 85.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a vehicle history report and prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are considering a higher-mileage example or one with added equipment. Focus on overall condition, interior wear, and whether the features you want are actually present on the trim you are shopping.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim has a smaller 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims get the larger 11.6-inch system and more upscale equipment. The Onyx Edition also stands out with black wheels and trim, blacked-out exterior accents, and water-resistant upholstery.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder is the efficiency-oriented choice, while the turbocharged 2.4-liter XT setup is the better pick if you want stronger acceleration and easier passing.
• 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 Premium or an upgrade to Onyx Edition, and Limited and Touring add a Wide-Angle Mono Camera.
• Infotainment: The Base trim gets a 7-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Starting with Premium, the 11.6-inch system adds wireless smartphone connectivity, and some trims can also add navigation and Harman Kardon audio.
• Fuel efficiency: The standard engine is described as not as fuel efficient as expected, while the turbocharged XT models are generally rated at 25 mpg combined and 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 entry point, but it is also the most stripped-down version, with the smaller 7-inch touchscreen and wired smartphone connectivity. It makes sense only if you want the lowest starting price and can live without the nicer tech and convenience upgrades.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it unlocks the larger 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It is the smart middle ground if you want the Outback’s core strengths without stretching too far.
• Onyx Edition: This trim adds the blacked-out look and water-resistant upholstery, and it is now available with the base powertrain as well as the turbocharged setup. It is the one to choose if you want a more distinctive appearance and a more accessible path into the lineup.
• Limited: This trim moves you into a more upscale experience and adds the Wide-Angle Mono Camera. It is a good fit if you want more comfort and a stronger safety-tech story.
• Touring: This is the most luxurious mainstream choice, with the richest interior presentation and the most fully equipped feel. It suits you if comfort and refinement matter more than keeping the price down.
• Wilderness: This is the adventure-focused trim, with the turbocharged powertrain and the most capable off-road-oriented setup in the lineup. Choose it if rougher terrain is part of your regular routine.

For safety equipment, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert requires either an option package on Premium or an upgrade to Onyx Edition.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without feeling rushed.

• Deal availability: 36.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,175 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.51% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 85.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $25,039, 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 $25,039 sits slightly below last year's $27,669.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can help you buy more affordably now. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim choice rather than assuming the model will hold its price unchanged.

The Outback’s broad appeal and strong value proposition should help keep demand steady, especially for well-kept examples with desirable equipment. Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.3/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2023 Subaru Outback safe?

The 2023 Subaru Outback earns top marks from the IIHS, including in the newer, more stringent side-impact crash test.

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

EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. With additional equipment, it also adds Automatic Emergency Steering, and Limited and Touring trims offer a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection.

One caveat is that blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is not standard on every trim, and rear automatic braking can be incompatible with some driveways. The lane-centering and adaptive cruise systems are also described as feeling artificial in use.

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 85.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.51% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• Fresh styling, new infotainment and safety technologies, and a more accessible Onyx Edition price make this year especially appealing.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $23,149, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $25,039 average.
• It emphasizes a more adventure-focused Wilderness setup.

Consider the 2024 if:

• At $27,982, the 2024 costs more than the current year's $25,039 average.
• It adds feature-enriched trims and trim-specific aesthetic tweaks.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of updates and value, the 2023 is the strongest default choice. If your budget is tighter, the 2022 can save you money, while the 2024 makes sense if you want the newer trim structure and are willing to pay more.

How does the 2023 Subaru Outback compare to the 2023 Toyota RAV4?

Expert Pros & Cons (per CarGurus review team)

2023 Subaru Outback:

• Pros: Great safety ratings, Excellent value for money, Impressive off-roading capability (for a crossover).
• Cons: Underwhelming base engine, Potentially polarizing design, Frustrating voice recognition system.

2023 Toyota RAV4:

• Pros: Attractive styling, Freshly updated infotainment system, Multiple powertrain options.
• Cons: Fairly pedestrian performance, Not as spacious as some competitors.

Our experts score the 2023 Subaru Outback 7.8/10 and the 2023 Toyota RAV4 7.8/10. The Outback leans harder into safety, value, and off-road ability, while the RAV4 counters with broader powertrain choice and a fresher infotainment setup. If you want more rugged utility and a roomier feel, the Outback has the edge; if you care more about styling and tech polish, the RAV4 is the more obvious alternative.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.