US News Best AWD Cars - Subaru Outback Isn’t A Sedan, But It’s Too Good To Leave Off

What are the most affordable and the best all-wheel-drive cars for new car shoppers this winter? U.S. News says even though the 2023 Subaru Outback is not a sedan, it's too good to leave off the list. Check out the ten best all-wheel-drive sedans and the one wagon/crossover.

You may be looking for an all-wheel-drive vehicle this winter, but you want something other than a gas-thirsty SUV. U.S. News put together its list of new sedans that are affordable (and a few expensive luxury models), more fuel efficient, and that come with standard or are available with all-wheel drive.

U.S. News best sedans this winter

From last to best, U.S. News picks the Kia K5, Subaru Outback, Kia Stinger, BMW 2 Series, Genesis G80, Genesis G70, Audi A5, Mazda3, Audi A4, and Tesla Model 3.

We will focus on the 2023 Subaru Outback because it's a top pick for the best all-wheel-drive vehicle for driving in the snow. What sets the Outback apart from the competition?

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What does U.S. News say about the Outback?

U.S. News says, "When shopping for a car with all-wheel-drive, it's hard to beat Subaru. The brand's Symmetrical AWD system is great and even better; it comes standard across almost the entire lineup. For practicality, the Outback is our pick."

Our take

The 2023 Subaru Outback should be on your list this winter because all trim levels come standard with all-wheel-drive, and you won't pay extra for it like some sedans on the list. The Outback comes with additional snow clearing ground clearance (8.7-inches on standard models and 9.4-inches on the Wilderness trim.)

The Outback has a car's driving dynamics and ride quality but has an SUV's utility. You can easily carry bulky items in the back and more oversized items with the rear seats folded flat.

U.S. News should have mentioned that the Outback comes standard with Subaru's X-Mode for added off-road capability. And some trims come with the new dual-function X-Mode for all-terrain ability. The Outback XT and Wilderness trim levels now offer a Deep Snow and Deep Mud function for additional severe weather capability.

Outback affordability

What is the price of the 2023 Outback? 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 destination and delivery fees ($1,225).

Fuel efficiency

What is the Outback gas mileage? The EPA fuel mileage rating of the 2023 Outback XT 2.4-liter turbo is 22/29 city/highway mpg and 25 combined mpg. The estimated fuel economy of the standard 2.5-liter engine is 26/32 mpg city/highway and 28 combined mpg.

The EPA says the 2023 Outback Wilderness gets an estimated 21/26 city/highway mpg and 23 combined mpg.

Safety scores

Another area U.S. News needs to mention is the Outback's crash scores. The 2023 Subaru Outback gets a five-star rating from the NHTSA and earns a Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS. The 2022 Subaru Outback also achieved the highest-ever score in its class for child occupant protection. The Outback is the only midsize car with the highest score in the new IIHS side impact crash test.

Does Subaru make an all-wheel-drive sedan?

We are still trying to figure out why U.S. News didn't put the 2023 Subaru Legacy sedan on the list. It also comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and excellent all-weather capability. Check out the new Legacy pricing and model guide.

U.S. News says even though the Outback is not a sedan, it's too good to leave off the list. The 2023 Subaru Outback is an all-around good pick for families looking for an all-wheel-drive car. Outback has the driving dynamics of a sedan, the utility of an SUV, has top safety scores, it's fuel efficient, comes with standard all-wheel-drive, and adds another level of severe winter weather capability for families.

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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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