Used 2023 Subaru Outback for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

How much does the 2023 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 6.90% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,322 listings available, which suggests solid inventory availability.

If you find a listing below $26,432.46, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2023 Subaru Outback a good car?

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

It blends carlike manners with SUV utility, and the data points to strong safety systems, excellent utility, and standard all-wheel drive. The trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and the potentially polarizing design, with the voice recognition system also called out as frustrating.

That mix makes the Outback especially appealing if you want capability and value in one package rather than a purely sporty or luxury-focused crossover. Good and great deals account for 32.8% of listings, 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 reliability case is supported by its practical design, standard all-wheel drive, and the way Subaru builds in safety and utility for everyday use. The performance notes also point to a drivetrain that is mechanically straightforward, with boxer engines and a CVT setup that Subaru tunes to mimic traditional gear changes.

Subaru also says the new safety hardware is meant to refine how the driver-assistance systems operate, which can help reduce friction in daily use. For maintenance-minded shoppers, the cost-effectiveness notes reinforce that this model is positioned as a value play.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that the base powertrain may feel strained, especially if you regularly drive in traffic, at elevation, or with passengers and cargo.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 89% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a vehicle history report on any candidate, because accident-free listings are not the same as guaranteed problem-free ownership. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the drivetrain, infotainment behavior, and the condition of the cabin and exterior trim. Pay close attention to how the vehicle drives under load, since the base engine is described as underwhelming.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim is the most stripped-down version, while higher trims add more comfort and convenience equipment. The Onyx Edition is highlighted as a more accessible choice for 2023, with blacked-out exterior trim and water-resistant upholstery.
• 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 of torque. The standard setup is described as underpowered, while the turbo is the better choice if you want stronger passing and climbing ability.
• 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 uses a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM. Starting with Premium and the 11.6-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto become wireless, and Subaru also offers connected services, navigation, and a Harman Kardon audio system depending on trim.
• Fuel efficiency: The standard engine is described as returning 28 mpg in combined driving by EPA estimate, while the turbocharged XT models are mostly 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, Wilderness.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the least expensive way into the Outback, but it is also the most basic. You get the standard safety suite and the 7-inch infotainment setup, so it makes sense if your priority is value and you can live without the larger screen and extra convenience features.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it unlocks the 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless smartphone connectivity, while also serving as the gateway to more available safety equipment. If you want the biggest jump in everyday usability without moving too far up the price ladder, this is the trim to target.
• Onyx Edition: This trim is the more style-forward choice, with blacked-out exterior trim and water-resistant upholstery. It also makes the blind-spot monitoring package easier to get, and for 2023 it becomes more accessible with the base powertrain.
• Limited: This is the better pick if you want a more upscale feel and the added safety benefit of the Wide-Angle Mono Camera. It suits you if you want more comfort and a stronger feature set without going all the way to the top trim.
• Touring: This is the most luxurious mainstream choice, with the richest cabin presentation and the most complete equipment set. It is the trim to buy if you want the Outback’s comfort and convenience story at its strongest.
• Wilderness: This is the one to choose if your priorities lean toward tougher terrain and more adventurous use. It has the raised stance and capability-focused setup that make it the most specialized version in the lineup.

The safety package is strongest once you move beyond the Base trim and into versions that can add blind-spot monitoring and the wider camera-based features.

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 car.

• Deal availability: 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,322 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.90% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 89.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $26,432.46, 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 $26,453 sits slightly below last year's $28,413.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable entry point today. For a future seller, that also means resale value will depend heavily on how well you preserve condition and how desirable your trim and equipment package are when you list it.

The Outback’s broad appeal, standard all-wheel drive, and strong safety reputation should help it stay relevant with used buyers. If you choose a well-equipped trim and keep the vehicle clean and documented, you should be in a better position when it is time to 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?

It earns top marks across the board from IIHS, including in the new, more stringent side-impact crash test.

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

In the Base model, EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. To get blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, you need an option package on Premium or an upgrade to Onyx Edition.

The system also adds Automatic Emergency Steering when those features are present, and Limited and Touring offer a Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. One caveat is that the rear automatic braking system can be incompatible with some driveways, which may limit how useful it is in daily 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:

• 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 89% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.90% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It adds fresh styling, new infotainment and safety technologies, and a more accessible Onyx Edition price.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,032, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $26,453 average.
• It adds a Wilderness trim for buyers who want more capability.

Consider the 2024 if:

• At $29,039, the 2024 costs more than the current year's $26,453 average.
• It broadens the trim range with feature-enriched versions and trim-specific aesthetic tweaks.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of updated features, safety tech, and current-market pricing, the 2023 is the smart default. If your budget is tighter, the 2022 can save you money while still delivering the Outback formula. If you want a broader trim spectrum and are willing to pay more, the 2024 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.