2023 Subaru Outback MPG
The 2023 Subaru Outback gets 21–26 mpg in the city and 26–32 on the highway (23–28 combined), across the 3 versions the EPA rated.
The most efficient pairs the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a CVT and all-wheel drive, at 28 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with a CVT and all-wheel drive and is rated 23 mpg combined. That is 1 mpg lower than the best gasoline 2022 version (29 mpg).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 32 | 28 | Regular · 314 g CO₂/mi |
| Outback AWD | 2.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular · 356 g CO₂/mi |
| Outback Wilderness AWD | 2.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 21 | 26 | 23 | Regular · 378 g CO₂/mi |
2023 Subaru Outback fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2023 Subaru Outback costs about $2,330 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (28 mpg combined), or roughly 16 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (23 mpg combined) comes to about $2,840 a year, $510 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2023 Subaru Outback specs
2023 Subaru Outback buyers could choose between 2 engines, according to EPA records: 2.4 L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5 L 4-cyl. It came with a CVT, with all-wheel drive. The EPA classes it as a small sport utility vehicle.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L turbo | 4 | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 2 |
| 2.5 L | 4 | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2023 Subaru Outback problems
Owners have filed 89 complaints about the 2023 Subaru Outback with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Forward collision avoidance is the most-reported area (28% of component mentions), followed by electrical system (14%) and visibility/wiper (13%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 22 complaints a year: fewer than the 2022 (92 a year) and the 2024 (34 a year).
That ranks 11th of 17 Subaru Outback model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 89, 8 mention a crash, 1 a fire and 2 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 36 | 28% |
| Electrical system | 18 | 14% |
| Visibility/wiper | 16 | 13% |
| Unknown or other | 15 | 12% |
| Service brakes | 7 | 6% |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 5% |
| Power train | 5 | 4% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 2% |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 2% |
| Visibility | 3 | 2% |
| Air bags | 2 | 2% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 2% |
| Lane departure | 2 | 2% |
| Steering | 2 | 2% |
| Structure | 2 | 2% |
| Tires | 2 | 2% |
| Buckle chest clip | 1 | <1% |
| Engine | 1 | <1% |
| Seats | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
Phantom Braking of Pre-Collision Braking 2023 Subaru Outback Turbo Wednesday, July 29, 2026. 9:30 am, sunny day Driving south on local city street. …
Recently, in my 2023 Subaru Outback, I have been having pop-up ads for SirusXM take over my infotainment screen. …
Windshield was struck by a small stone. There was no immediate damage but over a period of several weeks 5 cracks appeared traversing the windshield top to bottom.
2023 Subaru Outback recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2023 Subaru Outback.
The most recent, campaign 23V755000 from November 2023, concerns power train.
23V647000 · September 21, 2023 · Power train
Problem: The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Risk: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Outback years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23V755000 | November 9, 2023 | Power train | 2021–2023 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 1 version of the 2023 Subaru Outback; the best overall score is 5 out of 5 stars.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Subaru Outbacks can be compared fairly. Among other 2023 models in the EPA's small sport utility vehicle class, the 2023 Chevy Equinox (28 mpg), 2023 Subaru Forester (29 mpg) and 2023 Ford Escape (30 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 29 | 901 | 127 | 6 |
| 2021 | 29 | 298 | 49 | 4 |
| 2022 | 29 | 465 | 92 | 4 |
| 2023 | 28 | 89 | 22 | 2 |
| 2024 | 28 | 104 | 34 | 0 |
Every Subaru Outback model year compared →
Similar 2023 models
FAQ
Is the 2023 Outback a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2023 Subaru Outback has 22 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (11th most of 17 model years), 2 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 5 stars and up to 28 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2023 Outback problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are forward collision avoidance (36), electrical system (18) and visibility/wiper (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2023 Outback have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Outback get?
The EPA rates the versions at 23–28 mpg combined (21–26 city, 26–32 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2023 Outback per year?
About $2,330 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $2,840 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).