Used 2023 Subaru Outback for Sale near Illinois

How much does the 2023 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.22% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,327 listings available, which suggests solid inventory availability.

Is the 2023 Subaru Outback a good car?

Generally — the 2023 Subaru Outback earns 4.33/5 from users and 7.83/10 from experts. The standout strength is Cost effectiveness at 10/10.

It blends carlike driving manners with SUV-like utility, and it adds standard all-wheel drive, strong safety systems, and excellent utility. For you, that means it fits especially well if you want versatility, all-weather confidence, and a smaller footprint than a larger SUV.

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and the potentially polarizing design. The voice recognition system is also frustrating, so the Outback makes more sense if you value capability and safety more than a polished tech experience.

35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2023 Subaru Outback reliable?

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

The Outback’s appeal is built around standard all-wheel drive, strong utility, and safety-focused engineering, which all support confidence over time. Its boxer-engine layout also helps lower the center of gravity, which is part of the model’s balanced driving character.

The performance notes point to a drivetrain that can feel strained with the standard engine, but the CVT and AWD system are tuned to make the most of everyday driving and changing road conditions. The cost-effectiveness notes also reinforce that it delivers a lot of capability for the money.

If you buy used, the main long-term ownership 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 88.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free listings are not the same as problem-free listings. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the powertrain, infotainment operation, and any signs of heavy use or poor maintenance. Condition matters most if you plan to use the Outback for commuting, road trips, or rough-weather driving.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim gets the smaller 7-inch touchscreen, while higher trims move to the 11.6-inch portrait display and add more upscale cabin equipment. The Onyx Edition also brings 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 setup is fine for relaxed driving, but the turbo is the better choice 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 an upgrade to the Onyx Edition, and the Limited and Touring add a wide-angle mono camera.
• Infotainment: The 11.6-inch system brings wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto starting with Premium trim, plus Starlink connected services and available navigation and premium audio depending on trim. The Base trim uses a 7-inch screen with wired smartphone integration.
• Fuel efficiency: The standard engine is rated at 28 mpg combined in the test data, while most XT 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 also has the most basic infotainment setup and fewer convenience features. It makes sense if you want the lowest entry point and can live without the larger screen and wireless smartphone integration.
• 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 sits at the point where you can add blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert through an option package.
• Onyx Edition: This is the better pick if you want a more distinctive look and a more accessible path to the turbocharged powertrain. It also gets the safety-feature upgrade that includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
• Limited: This trim is the right move if you want a more upscale feel and the added wide-angle mono camera. It suits you best if comfort and extra driver-assist hardware matter more than keeping the price down.
• Touring: This is the most luxurious mainstream Outback here, with the richest cabin presentation and the most fully equipped feel. It is the one to choose if you want the most premium experience and do not mind paying for it.
• Wilderness: This is the most capability-focused version, with the raised stance and more capable X-Mode system. Choose it if your priorities lean toward rough roads, trails, and tougher weather.

The safety-package note to keep in mind is that blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is not standard on the Base or Premium without extra equipment.

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 carefully without rushing.

• Deal availability: 35.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,327 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.22% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 88.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $26,234, 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 $26,234 sits slightly below last year's $28,275.

That softer pricing can help you buy more confidently now, but it also means a future seller may need to price competitively if the market stays loose. The current range suggests the Outback still has healthy demand, but not enough scarcity to support aggressive pricing.

Its strong utility, safety reputation, and broad appeal should help it remain attractive to used buyers. 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 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 in the Base model. With additional equipment, it also adds Automatic Emergency Steering, and the Limited and Touring 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’s system was turned off because it could behave too abruptly in reverse.

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:

• 35.0% 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 7.22% 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 $24,027, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $26,234 average.
• It emphasizes the Wilderness trim and rugged trail capability.

Consider the 2024 if:

• At $28,940, the 2024 costs more than the current year's $26,234 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, safety, and everyday versatility, the 2023 is the strongest all-around pick. If your budget is tighter, the 2022 can save you money, while the 2024 makes sense if you want a broader trim spread and are willing to pay more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.