Used 2023 Subaru Outback for Sale nearHickory, NC

How much does the 2023 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.31% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,333 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

Is the 2023 Subaru Outback a good car?

Generally — the 2023 Subaru Outback earns a 4.33/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

It blends carlike driving manners with SUV-like utility, and it comes with standard all-wheel drive, strong safety systems, and excellent utility. That makes it a smart fit if you want versatility without moving to a larger vehicle.

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and the potentially polarizing design. The voice recognition system is also frustrating, so you may find yourself relying on smartphone integration instead.

With 36.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a decent chance of finding a competitive price if you shop carefully.

Is the 2023 Subaru Outback reliable?

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

The Outback’s standard all-wheel drive, strong safety focus, and roomy, comfortable cabin all support the case for dependable everyday use. Its boxer engine layout also helps lower the center of gravity, which contributes to stable handling.

The performance notes point to a drivetrain that is durable in concept but not especially eager in the standard form. The standard engine is described as underpowered, while the turbocharged version is the better choice if you want more satisfying acceleration and easier passing.

If you want a maintenance perk, Subaru’s cost-effectiveness content points to the model’s strong value proposition rather than a specific service offer. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is ending up with the standard engine if you expect brisk performance.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.9% — 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 added equipment. Focus on overall condition, how the infotainment and driver-assist systems operate, and whether the vehicle has been used in ways that match your needs.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim is the simplest version, while higher trims add more comfort and convenience equipment. The Onyx Edition stands out for its blacked-out exterior trim and water-resistant upholstery, and the Touring trim brings a more upscale cabin.
• 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 makes 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. The turbo is the better choice if you want stronger passing power and easier mountain driving.
• 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 moving 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, you get the 11.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto, plus available connected services and other tech upgrades.
• Fuel efficiency: The standard engine returned 25.6 mpg in testing, while the EPA figure cited for that test vehicle was 28 mpg combined. The turbocharged models are rated at 25 mpg combined, and the Wilderness 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 simplest way into the Outback, but it keeps the smaller 7-inch touchscreen and wired smartphone connectivity. It makes sense if you want the lowest entry point and can live without the richer tech and convenience features.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also opens the door to more available safety equipment, making it the sweet spot for everyday use.
• Onyx Edition: This trim adds blacked-out styling and water-resistant upholstery, and it is now available with the base powertrain as well as the turbocharged setup. Choose it if you want a more distinctive look and a more accessible path into the lineup.
• Limited: This trim adds more upscale equipment and the Wide-Angle Mono Camera, which can help with pedestrian and cyclist detection. It suits you if you want a more premium-feeling Outback without going all the way to the top.
• Touring: This is the most upscale mainstream choice, with the richest cabin presentation and the most fully equipped feel. It’s the right pick if comfort and refinement matter more than price.
• Wilderness: This is the most adventure-focused version, with 9.5 inches of ground clearance and a more capable X-Mode system. Choose it if you want the strongest trail-oriented setup in the lineup.

For safety-package shoppers, note that blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is not standard on the Base and requires either an option package on the 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: 36.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,333 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.31% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 88.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $26,082, 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 $26,082 sits slightly below last year's $28,140.

That softer pricing can help you buy in at a more favorable point, but it also means future resale will depend on how well the market holds up from here. If prices stabilize, a used Outback bought now may have less downside than one purchased when values were higher.

The model’s broad appeal should help support demand, especially because it combines utility, safety, and standard all-wheel drive. Strong value perception can matter a lot when you eventually sell.

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 marks across the board from the IIHS, including in the newer 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 the available upgrade, it also adds Automatic Emergency Steering, and the Limited and Touring trims offer a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection.

One caveat is that rear automatic braking can be incompatible with some driveways, and the test vehicle had to keep it switched off in certain situations. That means you should test the system carefully if your home parking setup is unusual.

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:

• 36.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 88.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.31% 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 $23,993, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $26,082 average.
• It emphasizes a more adventure-focused Wilderness setup.

Consider the 2024 if:

• At $28,857, the 2024 costs more than the current year's $26,082 average.
• It broadens trim choice with feature-enriched versions and trim-specific aesthetic tweaks.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of updated tech, strong safety, and broad utility, the 2023 is the most balanced choice. If your priority is saving money, the 2022 is the better value path, while the 2024 makes sense if you want the broader trim spread and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.