Snapshot
- XT to join MY23 line-up
- 2.4-litre mated to auto transmission only
- Lands locally fourth quarter 2022
The 2023 Subaru Outback is set to gain turbo power in Australia, with the marque’s XT variant confirmed to join the model range by the year’s end.
The 2.4-litre turbo-petrol, which has previously never been offered here, will be mated to an automatic transmission only.
Citing customer demand as one of the main reasons for bringing the XT Down Under, Subaru said it would join the MY23 Outback’s line-up as its top-spec grade when it lands locally at the end of 2022.
At this stage it is expected it would sit above the current Touring grade, though the company has not confirmed any further details of what the MY23 range will look like.
2023 Subaru Outback
Until now, Subaru’s North American division has offered two engines in the Outback – a 2.5-litre naturally-aspirated donk and the 2.4-litre turbocharged engine (both four-cylinder petrols), with Australian buyers having to make do with the former’s 138kW/245Nm offering – as the US wagon is produced in Lafayette, Indiana, while Australian-delivered examples come from the manufacturer’s native Japan.
“We heard customers wanted us to bring it [XT] to the Outback, and we knew there was demand from Australian customers for the turbo model from people who were looking for more towing capacity or power. So, with great support from Subaru Corporation, we’ve been able to make it happen for the 2023 model year,” Subaru Australia’s General Manager, Blair Reid, told Wheels this week at the launch of the new WRX.
2023 Subaru Outback
“[Previously] it [the 2.4-litre engine] was only being produced in the American plant. It wasn’t available in the Japanese plant where our vehicles are sourced. So there are some big differences between the American spec Outback and the Australian spec Outback. The two markets [America and Japan] were on different development cycles.”
Asked if there was potential for the XT grade to join other models in Subaru’s local portfolio, Reid said he could not comment on what might be in the pipeline, but that if a Forester XT was available, the Australian arm would jump at the chance to get it for our market.
“Well first of all, it’s great for XT to return and great to offer it on Outback and to bring the 2.4. XT is an iconic nameplate for Subaru,” the boss added.
“Is there a Forester XT in the pipeline? Nothing we can comment on this stage. But yes, if it was available, we’d be interested.”
Designed primarily with the North American market in mind, the 2023 model-year 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.
At the back end of 2021, Subaru added the Outback Premium Special Edition into the local MY22 line-up, dropping it in between the base Outback and the Outback Sport in both price and features, going on sale from $44,190 before on-road costs.
For the extra $3500 on top of the entry-level Outback, the Premium variant gains black Nappa leather seat accents, heated front and rear outboard seats, satellite navigation and a hands-free powered tailgate.
As yet full pricing and features for MY23, including the new XT grade, have not been revealed and are likely to be confirmed closer to local launch later this year.
2022 Subaru Outback Touring – currently Australia’s top spec grade
Subaru’s 2022 model range, however, has been hit with a cost increase in recent weeks, as supply chain issues force the Japanese manufacturer to readjust its list prices.
Off the back of the BRZ coupe going on sale recently for $1300 to $1400 more than last year, Subaru has awarded the Impreza, XV, and Outback ranges with higher premiums, each up by $800 before on-road costs.
Last year, Subaru revealed it had sold 150,000 examples of its Outback lifted wagon Down Under, 25 years after the model first went on sale here. In 2021, the Subaru Outback passed the ANCAP safety test with flying colours, being allocated the full five-star safety rating.
COMMENTS
Keyword: 2023 Subaru Outback to gain XT turbo variant