2022 Subaru Outback vs 2023 Subaru Outback

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness stood out with its elevated stance, offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance, a 0.8-inch increase over other Outbacks. This model featured aggressive all-terrain tires, oversized fender protection trim, and restyled front and rear bumpers, enhancing its approach and departure angles. The unique grille design, black 17-inch wheels, blacked-out exterior trim with Anodized Copper accents, and a matte black hood decal added to its rugged appeal. The new roof rack system supported a 700-pound static load, perfect for rooftop camping, and the exclusive Geyser Blue paint hue further distinguished it.

Inside, the 2022 Outback Wilderness featured dark gray and black StarTex water-repellant upholstery, which, while practical, lacked ventilated seats. The cabin included a black headliner, Gunmetal Gray interior trim, Anodized Copper stitching and accents, brushed aluminum pedals, and standard all-weather floor mats. The waterproof rear seatback material and cargo tray were also part of the Wilderness package. Priced at $36,995 plus a $1,125 destination charge, the Outback Wilderness offered a blend of ruggedness and style, though its appeal was subjective.

The 2023 Subaru Outback received a facelift with a redesigned front end, including new LED headlights, a restyled grille, and a revised bumper with dark gray vertical cladding. The addition of a jutting simulated skid plate, fog lights in oversized housings, and asymmetrical wheel arch trim gave it a more aggressive look. The Onyx Edition, with black wheels and trim, complemented the bold cladding, making it a popular choice.

The Onyx Edition was available with both the base and turbocharged powertrains, making it more accessible with a starting price of $33,495 for the non-turbo version. The 2023 Outback lineup included Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, with prices ranging from $28,395 to $39,845, plus a $1,225 destination charge. The turbocharged XT models, including the Wilderness, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims, ranged from $38,445 to $42,295. Our test vehicle, a Touring trim with Cosmic Blue paint and Java Brown premium Nappa leather upholstery, had an MSRP of $41,070, including destination charges. The Touring's interior, with its Java Brown leather and contrasting stitching, offered an upscale and cohesive look.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured a turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, producing 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 4,800 rpm. This engine, shared with the turbo Outback XT models, provided ample power for the 3,896-pound vehicle, allowing a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 lbs. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 24 mpg in combined driving, though real-world testing yielded 21.3 mpg on a mountainous route.

The Outback Wilderness's CVT, with eight programmed ratios and paddle shifters, was less satisfying than a dual-clutch automatic transmission. The CVT's droning and soft simulated "gear changes" detracted from the driving experience during maximum acceleration. However, the Wilderness excelled off-road, thanks to its 9.5 inches of ground clearance, 225/65R17 Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, and revised approach, breakover, and departure angles. The dual-function X-Mode traction system, with Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes, and hill descent control, further enhanced its off-road capabilities.

The 2023 Subaru Outback's standard engine, a 2.5-liter flat-four, produced 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Our 3,781-pound test vehicle felt underpowered, especially during passing and climbing. The EPA estimated fuel efficiency at 28 mpg in combined driving, but real-world testing returned 25.6 mpg. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in the XT models, producing 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, offered better performance but at the cost of fuel efficiency, with the Wilderness trim rated at 23 mpg combined.

Both engines paired with a CVT, programmed to mimic an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2023 Outback's Active Torque Split AWD system varied power distribution between the front and rear axles as needed. The X-Mode traction system and hill descent control enhanced off-road capabilities, with the Wilderness trim offering 9.5 inches of ground clearance. The standard engine's performance was lackluster, but the turbocharged XT models provided a more satisfying driving experience.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured dark gray StarTex upholstery, a water-repellant simulated leather. While practical, it lacked ventilated seats, making it uncomfortable in hot weather. The front seats offered 10-way power adjustment for the driver and 8-way power adjustment for the passenger, with heated seats for both. The rear seat provided ample space for two adults or three children, with rear air conditioning vents and dual USB charging ports. The cargo area measured 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seat and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seat folded flat. The roof rack supported a 220-pound dynamic load and a 700-pound static load, ideal for rooftop camping.

The 2023 Subaru Outback Touring featured a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat with a manually-adjustable thigh support bolster and an eight-way power-adjustable front passenger's seat. Both seats had heating and ventilation, and the steering wheel was heated. The rear outboard seats were also heated. The Touring's interior, with premium Nappa leather and contrasting stitching, offered a comfortable and upscale experience. The cargo area measured 32.6 cubic feet behind the back seat and 75.6 cubic feet with the back seat folded down. The robust roof rack and flat, textured plastic door sills added to the vehicle's practicality.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured an 11.6-inch portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment system, with physical knobs for volume and tuning and buttons for temperature control and defogger systems. The voice recognition technology was less responsive to natural voice commands, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto preferable. The Outback Wilderness lacked a premium sound system, which was available in other trims. The PIN code entry technology allowed keyless access, ideal for active lifestyles.

The 2023 Subaru Outback, except for the Base trim, featured an 11.6-inch Starlink touchscreen infotainment system with physical controls for volume, tuning, climate control, and defrosters. The base model had a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, wired Apple CarPlay, wired Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. Higher trims offered wireless connectivity, a navigation system, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system. The voice recognition system was less effective, making Apple CarPlay or Android Auto essential. Additional technologies included a camera-based digital rearview mirror and a 180-degree front-view camera.

The 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness featured the EyeSight advanced driving assistance system (ADAS), with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, lane-centering assistance, and a driver monitoring system. The Wilderness also had steering-responsive headlights, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. The 2021 Outback earned a "Top Safety Pick+" rating from the IIHS and a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA.

The 2023 Subaru Outback added new EyeSight cameras and an electronic brake booster, enhancing pedestrian, cyclist, and automatic steering functions. The Base model included adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and lane-centering assist. Higher trims offered a blind-spot monitoring system, rear cross-traffic alert, and a new Automatic Emergency Steering system. The Limited and Touring trims featured a third Wide-Angle Mono Camera for better pedestrian and cyclist detection. The 2023 Outback earned top marks from the IIHS, including in the new side-impact crash test.