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The new 2023 Subaru Outback is racking up more awards. The midsize SUV/crossover was named Good Housekeeping's and Car and Driver's Best New Family Cars of 2023. The 2023 Outback is called the "Best Station Wagon," The midsize SUV wins the category for the fifth year in a row.
Good Housekeeping (GH) partnered with Car and Driver to road test and evaluate hundreds of 2023 passenger cars, SUVs, and minivans. GH says the cars they choose are best for families to buy this year and are tested by engineers, analysts, and parents.
Why the Subaru Outback scores the best wagon award
GH says they chose the Outback again because "Nearly 30 years since its introduction, the market has come to it with an endless proliferation of high-riding, all-wheel drive, car-based "crossovers." But the Outback remains special because it adheres to the nearly defunct but compelling station wagon category."
What sets the Outback apart?
GH says, "The Outback remains extremely germane because wagons are more slippery, nimble, and thus more efficient and safely maneuverable than higher-riding and bulkier crossovers. Moreover, with standard all-wheel drive, available advanced driver assistance systems, and the ability to be optioned up from basic to near-luxury without ever betraying its functional roots, the Outback is that rarity in the current vehicle market: devoid of pretense."
Outback has the outdoor-themed Wilderness trim level.
Wilderness trim levels feature an off-road-tuned suspension, increased ride height (9.5 inches), Yokohama Geolandar all-terrain tires, an aluminum engine skid plate, and a steel rear differential skid plate.
The Wilderness is powered by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 260 horsepower.
Last year Good Housekeeping said, "What we ultimately saw in the Wilderness was an exceptional vehicle that moved up to an even higher level. It affords a cushioned ride with strong standard driver-assistance tech, including Subaru's well-regarded EyeSight system."
What is the price of the 2023 Subaru Outback?
The 2023 Outback 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.
Good Housekeeping says, "Subaru didn't invent the high-riding, all-wheel-drive station wagon, but it did popularize and perfect it." Dorian agrees it's well-suited for many, touting "its rugged looks make it attractive to those with outdoorsy lifestyles, but the Outback's practicality and ride comfort make it a good choice for families too."
Should shoppers wait for the 2024 Outback?
New car shoppers who can wait can get the upgraded 2024 Subaru Outback. For the 2024 Outback model change, the midsize SUV gets further improvements like upgraded LED dome and cargo lights; a 360-degree heated steering wheel is now standard on more trim levels, including Wilderness and other Onyx Edition trim upgrades. You can check out the 2024 Outback pricing and model guide here.
The 2023 Subaru Outback scored more awards and was named Good Housekeeping's Best New Family Cars of 2023 for the fifth year.
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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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