2023 Subaru Outback price and specs: XT turbo added, tech updates, price rises

The 2023 Subaru Outback has been updated with new features and a turbocharged engine option – but prices are up by $2000, and Australians miss out on some of the upgrades available in the US.

Due in Subaru Australia showrooms before the end of 2022, the 2023 range introduces two Outback XT grades, powered by a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder 'boxer' engine developing 183kW and 350Nm.

Paired to a continuously-variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive, the Australian XT's outputs exceed the non-turbo 2.5-litre model's 138kW and 245Nm ratings – but are down on the 194kW and 375Nm of US-market models.

Click here for more details on the turbo engine – though highlights include a 2400kg braked towing capacity (400kg more than the non-turbo model), retuned suspension, mild exterior changes, and a 22 per cent cut to the 0-100km/h acceleration time.

Alongside the new engine has come a model-year update, with changes to the infotainment system and interior technology – for price rises of $1200 across the non-turbo range, compounding a $800 increase earlier this year, and a $700 hike last year.

But Australian models miss out on the exterior design changes revealed for the US earlier this year – as well as a number of interior enhancements, including upgraded driver's seat adjustment and a digital rear-view mirror.

This is likely as North American models are built in a factory in the USA – compared to Australian cars, which are built in Japan, and began rolling off the production line 18 months after US versions.

Updates for 2023 include upgraded software for the 11.6-inch touchscreen (with "improved user friendliness" and new shortcut buttons), and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (now integrated full screen), replacing wired.

A USB-C port replaces one of the USB-A sockets up front, joining redesigned steering wheel buttons, an upgraded voice recognition system, "altered navigation functions", and "newly-designed" 18-inch alloy wheels on some model grades.

Standard features are otherwise unchanged across the range, which comprises of three equipment levels – AWD, AWD Sport and AWD Touring – and two engines.

The entry-level model – now priced from $42,690 plus on-road costs – comes standard with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, 4.2-inch instrument cluster display, cloth seats, keyless entry, dual-zone climate control, LED headlights, and a suite of advanced safety aids.

Higher model grades add nappa leather-accented upholstery, heated electric seats, front and side cameras, a sunroof, and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, among other items.

Compared to the variants they're based on, XT grades add dual exhaust tips, XT badging and unique LED fog lights.

Fuel economy is claimed at 7.3 litres per 100km on the combined cycle (urban and highway driving) for the non-turbo 2.5-litre engine, or 9.0L/100km for the turbo XT's 2.4-litre motor.

The Outback XT requires 95-octane premium petrol, compared to the non-turbo engine, which can accept 91-octane unleaded.

The 2023 Subaru Outback range is due in showrooms before the end of this year.

Note: All prices above exclude on-road costs.