Refreshed 2023 Subaru Outback gets new EyeSight system
Facelifted Subaru Outback debuts at 2022 NYIAS
It's been less than a year since the latest generation of the Subaru Outback arrived in the Philippines. And yet, in North America, the wagon/crossover has already received a minor model refresh.
For those wondering, the sixth-generation Outback may only be a year old in the ASEAN market, but it is already in its third year in North America. Hence, the crossover is ripe for a few updates.
Launched at the 2022 New York International Auto Show, the 2023 Outback gets an updated front fascia and a host of additional intelligent safety and driving systems.
Let's start with the looks. The refreshed Outback gets a more prominent grille and gains a pair of faux side intakes that makes it look closer to the Solterra EV. The foglamps were placed more inwards, and just like the new WRX, Subaru was more liberal in giving the Outback body cladding. Speaking of which, the cladding now extends to the crossover's redesigned LED headlamps. To complete the exterior changes, the 18-inch wheels get a new multi-spoke design.
Powertrain offerings remain the same for the US market – a 2.5-liter, naturally aspirated Boxer with 182 PS plus 239 Nm of torque, and the turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer with 260 PS along with 376 Nm of torque. Both engines are paired to a Lineartronic CVT with an 8-speed manual mode function and paddle shifters.
The interior is also carried over from the pre-facelift version, but the refreshed Outback has the latest version of Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. For models equipped with blind-spot detection, lane change assist, and rear-cross traffic alert, the new EyeSight version includes automatic emergency steering to avoid a collision at speeds less than 80 km/h.
A wide-angle mono camera is added to the top-spec Touring variant to complement the dual-camera EyeSight system and further expands the field of view to recognize road hazards better. Furthermore, a full LCD smart rear-view mirror with auto-dimming, compass, and Homelink is also offered on the top-of-the-line model.
Subaru will continue to offer the 2023 Outback in the U.S. in Base, Premium, Onyx Edition, Wilderness, Limited, and Touring trim levels. However, there are now two engine options for the blacked-out Onyx Edition which is now available with the standard 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer engine.
As of now, the refreshed Outback is only offered on the North American market, and Subaru has yet to announce plans to introduce the model to the ASEAN market.
