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Is the 2023 Subaru Outback the best all-weather crossover SUV? A new award from 4X4 Magazine in the UK says yes. Subaru UK announced the newly-refreshed 2023 Outback had been awarded the Best Crossover Estate category winner in the 4x4 Magazine annual awards for 2023.
New SUV shoppers looking for a safe, fuel-efficient all-wheel-drive vehicle that will handle severe winter conditions are impressing both owners and all-wheel-drive experts.
4X4 Magazine says, "There's never been an Outback we didn't admire, even back in the days before Subaru had started calling it that. The company knows exactly what it's doing with vehicles like this."
The award was given to the Outback because of its roomy cabin front and rear, "brilliant flexibility for carrying cargo and, no small matter, a world-class safety kit." 4X4 Magazine says, on top of that, you can drive it in sloppy, wet, muddy conditions all day long.
The Outback beat the intense competition in its category by impressing the judging panel at 4x4 Magazine, with its superior safety rating being Euro NCAP's highest-scoring vehicle for child occupant protection.
All-weather all-terrain capability
Outback was also given high marks for Subaru's permanent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system that provides capability in mud and rough terrain. The judges noted Outback's X-Mode with Hill Descent Control to be very effective in extreme off-road conditions.
Who buys the Outback?
Outback is purchased by active individuals who take it on back-country adventures to go hiking, mountain biking, snowboarding, kayaking, and camping. Many adventure enthusiasts use the SUV to get further off the beaten path with their vehicle. Subaru's X-Mode traction assist system is standard on all 2023 Subaru Outback trims for more fun in the dirt and extreme off-road situations.
4x4 Magazine also said Outback offers a sure-footed combination of grip, feel, and sharpness for which Subaru is famed, giving the midsize SUV exceptional ride and refinement.
"It's often said that once you've owned a Subaru, you never want to be without one. And there's a reason for that. The Outback is all the family car you're ever likely to need – and, in the real world, it's all the off-roader you're ever likely to need too," says Alan Kidd, Editor, 4x4 Magazine.
What sets the Outback apart from other SUVs?
All Outback midsize SUV trim levels ride higher with extra ground clearance than most family haulers. The Outback comes with 8.7 inches of ground clearance. All trim levels come standard will all-drive, which you won't find in all SUVs and X-Mode for all-terrain performance. The Outback also gets the highest safety scores from the IIHS.
4X4 Magazine didn't mention the 2023 Outback Wilderness for outdoor enthusiasts who want to get further off the grid. It's because it's unavailable in the UK and only sold in North America. The Outback Wilderness has additional ground clearance over the standard Outback (9.5 inches vs. 8.7 inches) and additional towing capacity (3,500 lbs. vs. 2,700 lbs). The Outback Wilderness is the more capable model to handle extreme off-road terrain.
What is the 2023 Outback pricing?
The 2023 Outback now comes in nine trim levels for U.S. customers; the base trim is priced from $29,620, Premium ($31,920), new Onyx Edition with a 2.5-liter engine ($34,720), Limited ($36,520), Touring ($41,070), Outback Wilderness ($39,670), Onyx Edition XT ($39,820), Limited XT ($40,920), and Touring XT ($43,520). Pricing includes $1,225 destination and delivery fees.
Subaru hit a home run for midsize SUV shoppers with the refreshed Outback with its excellent safety rating, all-weather, all-terrain "go-anywhere" attitude, car-like ride, and driving dynamics. 4X4 Magazine says it checks all the right boxes.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report, where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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