Why Consumer Reports Holds This One Thing Against The New Subaru Outback

Should you put the 2023 Subaru Outback on your shopping list this summer? Consumer Reports (by subscription) latest reliability rankings now say the redesigned Outback is on its recommended models list. But they say the Outback midsize SUV still needs one thing.

CR's top ten midsize 2-Row SUVs

CR says the 2023 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid and 2023 Toyota Venza score above the 2023 Subaru Outback. The Hyundai Santa Fe scores 88 points, the Toyota Venza 80 points, and Subaru Outback 80 points. They are followed by the Ford Edge (78), Honda Passport (76), Chevrolet Blazer (75), Nissan Murano (74), Hyundai Santa Fe (73), Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport (68), and Jeep Grand Cherokee (55).

The 2023 Subaru Outback is the third best in the midsize 2-Row SUV category. Consumer Reports named the Subaru Outback a recommended model based on reliability, safety scores, owner satisfaction, and road-test evaluations.

The 2023 Outback is ranked #3 of the nine new midsize SUVs recommended by Consumer Reports.

CR says, "The Outback has a reputation as a smart alternative to an SUV, and the addition of comfort and convenience features with the 2020 redesign made this wagon even better. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder does the job but can feel strained under stress. The turbocharged 260 horsepower, 2.4-liter engine transforms the Outback, giving it effortless acceleration. The ride is very comfortable, and handling is responsive and secure."

Where is one area where CR says the Outback needs improvement?

"Some tasks through the large infotainment screen require more than one step," the report says.

Also, Check Out: After A 6-Month Wait, The Subaru Outback Touchscreen Update Is Finally Here.

Owner satisfaction ratings

In its Owner Satisfaction surveys, CR says that when asked if they would "buy this car again," 70% of owners said yes. Only 38% of Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport owners said yes, 62% of Chevrolet Blazer, 63% of Ford Edge, and 67% of Honda Passport owners would buy the car again.

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.

Should you wait for the 2024 Outback?

The 2024 Outback's most significant upgrade is the standard 360-degree heated steering wheel. It's standard on the 2024 Outback Onyx Edition, Onyx Edition XT, and Outback Wilderness and is the upgrade customers have wanted for years. It could be the most significant improvement for the 2024 models.

Check out the 2024 Outback's new upgrades and pricing changes in the link below before you buy.

For the 2024 model year, the Outback will be available in nine trim levels. The Base is priced at $30,190, Premium ($32,490), Onyx Edition ($37,400), Limited ($37,090), Touring ($41,640), Onyx Edition XT ($40,655), Wilderness ($41,255), Limited XT ($41,490), and Touring XT ($44,090). In addition, destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,295).

How much did the 2024 Outback increase in price?

All Outback trim level's prices increased by $570 except for the Onyx Edition, which had a $2,680 jump. The Wilderness increased by $1,585, and the Onyx Edition XT price raised $835. Dealer fees increased by $70 per vehicle.

Consumer Reports says there is one thing they hold against the midsize SUV. They say the Outback's infotainment screen requires more than one step. It's a small thing, and the 2023 Subaru Outback makes Consumer Reports recommended models list. Look for the 2024 Outback also to be a top pick.

You Might Also Like: 6 Things You’ll Love About the New 2024 Subaru Outback, and the 3 You Won’t

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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