Snapshot
- 2023 Subaru Outback unveiled at New York International Auto Show
- Updated model features heavily facelifted front end, increased safety and tech upgrades
- Local launch set for early next year
The 2023 Subaru Outback has been revealed overnight at this year’s New York International Auto Show, with the high-riding wagon adopting a new front design and more equipment than before.
Designed for the North American market, the update to the Outback sees its front end redesigned to fall in line with Subaru’s recent releases such as the new WRX, while extra black plastic cladding is aimed at both providing a more aggressive stance on top of extra protection.
On top of the cosmetic changes, a number of equipment upgrades and improvements have been made to the 2023 model, with the latest version of Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist tech standard across the range, including a wider field of view for the camera, updated control software, and an electric brake booster.
The range-topping Touring grade scores an additional wide-angle mono camera – working in conjunction with the EyeSight system – as well as a full LCD smart rear-view mirror with auto-dimming, compass, and Homelink.
Subaru says examples of the Outback equipped with its blind-spot detection system now include automatic emergency steering on top of the autonomous emergency braking tech.
In the cabin, the 11.6-inch Starlink infotainment system on non-base models inculdes touch controls for multimedia, HVAC, X-MODE, and vehicle settings, while also incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Although unlikely to affect the Australian market, Subaru’s North American division continues to offer two engines in the Outback – a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder, as well as a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, although the latter has never been made available locally, with Australian buyers making do with the atmo 138kW/245Nm offering.
Subaru Australia hasn’t confirmed whether the updated Outback will be launched locally, as the North American wagon is produced in Lafayette, Indiana while Australian-delivered examples come from the manufacturer’s native Japan.
“Details of Australian specification MY23 [Outback] will be revealed closer to launch. The MY23 Outback will arrive in Australia early 2023,” a Subaru spokesperson told Wheels.
The Outback recently celebrated a local milestone last year with 150,000 examples sold in its 25-year history, with the latest-generation model gaining a fourth variant in December 2021.
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Keyword: 2023 Subaru Outback revealed, Australian examples to arrive next year