Used 2023 Subaru Outback for Sale nearSan Diego, CA

How much does the 2023 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 8.73% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 5,365 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 through clearly in its blend of carlike manners and SUV-style utility, plus standard all-wheel drive and strong safety systems. It also gets fresh styling, new infotainment, and updated safety technology for this model year, which helps it feel more current.

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and the potentially polarizing design. The voice recognition system is another weak point, so you may find yourself relying on smartphone integration more often.

For you, that means the Outback makes the most sense if you want versatility, all-weather confidence, and strong value more than outright performance. 38.0% 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 4.3/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The 2023 Outback’s reliability case is supported by its safety-focused engineering, standard all-wheel drive, and the way Subaru has refined the safety systems for this model year. The expert review also points to a roomy, comfortable cabin and strong utility, both of which tend to matter in long-term ownership.

Its boxer engine layout is described as helping lower the center of gravity for better handling, and the CVT is tuned to mimic eight forward gears. That combination suggests a drivetrain built for everyday usability rather than drama.

If you’re buying used, the biggest long-term ownership risk is that the standard powertrain may feel strained, especially if you regularly drive at elevation or want stronger passing power.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 88% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a vehicle history report on any candidate 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, because the Outback’s appeal depends heavily on how well it has been maintained and whether the cabin and tech still feel fresh.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The Base trim has the smaller 7-inch touchscreen and wired smartphone integration, while Premium and above get the larger 11.6-inch system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Onyx Edition adds blacked-out exterior trim and water-resistant upholstery, and Touring brings the most upscale cabin presentation.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 182 horsepower and can feel short on passing and climbing power. The turbocharged 2.4-liter in XT models delivers 260 hp and stronger acceleration, and it is the better choice if you drive in mountains or want more urgency.
• 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 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen is standard on every trim except Base, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto start with Premium. Subaru also offers Starlink connected services, a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, and available navigation and Harman Kardon audio 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 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 least expensive way into the Outback, but it also comes with the smaller 7-inch touchscreen and wired smartphone connectivity. It makes sense if you want the core Outback formula and plan to keep costs down.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the larger 11.6-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also opens the door to more available safety equipment.
• 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. It suits you if you want a more distinctive look and a more accessible path to the Onyx package.
• Limited: This is the better choice if you want a more upscale feel and the added Wide-Angle Mono Camera. It’s a strong middle ground for shoppers who want more comfort and safety tech without going all the way to Touring.
• Touring: This is the most luxurious mainstream choice, with the richest cabin presentation and the most premium feel in the lineup. It suits you if comfort and refinement matter more than price.
• Wilderness: This is the rugged choice, with the turbocharged engine and the most capable off-road setup in the range. It’s the one to choose if your driving regularly includes rough terrain or snow.

For safety equipment, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert requires an option package on Premium or an upgrade to Onyx Edition, while Limited and Touring add the Wide-Angle Mono Camera.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory to compare options but still some room to find a strong deal.

• Deal availability: 38.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 5,365 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.73% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 88.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $25,419, 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 $25,419 sits slightly below last year's $27,850.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can help you buy more confidently now but may also limit upside if you plan to sell soon. If you’re a future seller, the softer trend means you should expect buyers to be price-sensitive and to compare your listing closely against similar Outbacks.

The good news is that the Outback’s value story is still supported by its strong utility, standard all-wheel drive, and broad appeal to shoppers who want versatility. 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 Outback 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.

Subaru’s EyeSight suite 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. Even so, the Outback remains one of the strongest safety choices in its class.

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:

• 38.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 88% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 8.73% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• Fresh styling, new infotainment, and updated safety tech make this year feel more current.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $23,456, the 2022 costs less than the current year's $25,419 average.
• It emphasizes the new Wilderness trim and rugged outdoor capability.

Consider the 2024 if:

• At $28,232, the 2024 costs more than the current year's $25,419 average.
• It broadens the trim lineup and adds feature-enriched trim levels.

The bottom line: If you want the best mix of updated tech, safety, and value, 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 don’t mind paying 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 capability, while the RAV4 counters with stronger styling appeal and more powertrain variety. If you want a more adventurous, utility-first crossover, the Outback has the edge; if you care more about infotainment freshness and broader engine choices, the RAV4 is the more flexible pick.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 27, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.