The most iconic and well-known Subaru model worldwide is the wrx. However, The one that best represents the philosophy behind the brand is, without a doubt, the Outback.a model that was born in 1994 as an adventure-loving derivative of the Legacy.
This model is of the utmost importance to Subaru, and not only in the historical or romantic aspect, but because it is the car that saved the brand from a strong crisis that put it on the verge of bankruptcy in the nineties, at the same time that it allowed the brand to achieve a Remarkable success recognition in the United States. There, it is so important that in some states, especially those with extreme winter climates, it is positioned as the best-selling car.
In Mexico, the presence of Outback has been intermittent. Much of this has to do with the fact that it is a model that is misunderstood by the majority of the population, but at the same time, it has a sufficiently large and loyal customer base for the brand to have made the decision to return to market this crossover, which arrives in our country to position itself as the new flagship of the firm of the Constellation of the Pleiades.
Whoever writes these lines had the opportunity to attend the launch event in Mexico and now I share with you the first impressions obtained on board Subaru Outback 2023:
Subaru Outback 2023, first impressions in design
The Outback that reaches our market is imported directly from Japan. It is worth mentioning that the model made in the United States received an update for 2023, but unfortunately it will not be available in our country, at least until the Japanese factory decides to adopt said facelift.
It is curious, but during the event, we were told that for Subaru de México it is more economically viable to import its models from Japan than from the United States.
It is so 2023 Outback looks the same as when the sixth generation debuted in 2020. Like all Subaru, here the design obeys the function, that is why, do not expect a design with too elaborate futuristic lines. Actually, she is elegant, attractive, but not ostentatious.
This has an explanation and it is that although it is aimed at a client with good financial health, who is looking for a safe, powerful, spacious, powerful, family, representative and adventure-ready vehicle, they also want to go unnoticed and keep a low profile. Not everyone likes to attract attention, and less with the high crime rates that have been experienced in various areas of the country for several years now.
Outback is primarily a station wagon, which is evidenced in its forms. But, adventure is part of his DNA. This is how it adds elements such as plastic protections, in front, behind and on the sides. The bars on the roof cannot be missing and in the case of the most expensive version, there are modular crossbars.
By the way, it has a long list of customization add-ons.
Subaru Outback 2023, first impressions inside and equipment
If you have gotten into a latest generation Subaru, you will be able to notice that most of the solutions are shared. However, as it is the flagship of the brand, we have a greater endowment of technology and luxury.
What grabs your attention as you enter the cabin is the STARLINK 3.0 infotainment system with 11.6” screen and Harman/Kardon premium audio with 7 speakers and SubWoofer. The materials are of very good quality, and although the top version incorporates Nappa Leather upholstery, don’t expect inserts in extremely exotic materials. Here everything is designed to last.
Interior space is one of Outback’s strengths. Coming from a midsize sedan like the Legacy, five passengers will be able to travel comfortably, although with the plus of having a huge and practical trunk.
In terms of security, the assistance of the EyeSight suite is incorporated, made up of:
- Collision Preventive Braking
- lane departure warning
- lane sway warning
- Warning to start the vehicle ahead
- adaptive cruise control
- Collision Avoidance Throttle Management
- Lane centering function.
- Automatic steering emergency control system
- For the Touring version, the Driver Monitoring System (DMS) stands out
2023 Subaru Outback First Driving Impressions
Under the hood we find the same engine as the WRX with a different set-up.This means that it is powered by a 2.4L Direct Injection Turbocharged Boxer engine with 245hp and 258 lb-ft in conjunction with a CVT automatic transmission with simulated 8 changes, manufactured by the manufacturer itself.
The traction is integral since it has the famous system Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. You can not miss the X-MODE.Outback also boasts a generous 213mm of ground clearance. In fact, it announces an angle of attack of 19.7, a ventral angle of 21.0 and a departure angle of 22.6 degrees.
The test was carried out both on-road and off-road. The driving position stands out, slightly above that of a common car, but below that of an SUV. Be careful, do not forget that boxer engines help to have a lower center of gravity. So in summary. Despite being a high ground clearance car, it has the handling of a common sedan. The suspension is focused on comfort and efficiently absorbs all the irregularities of the road.
Although the Subaru CVT is one of the best on the market, it is still a… CVT. Its drive is good, and the manual mode is also good, but for the moment it gets confused in the selection of the optimal engine speed, punishing the vehicle’s performance a bit. But in reality, it fully meets the mobility requirements of its target customers.
On dirt roads the first thing that attracts attention is the suspension. If it’s good on the road, in gaps, sidewalks and so on, it’s simply and simply spectacular. The feeling behind the wheel is as if you were crossing the landscape on board a much larger vehicle.
Subaru Outback 2023, first impressions: Price and rivals?
- Field $869,900 pesos
- Touring $919,900 pesos
In summarySubaru Outback is a great vehicle both off and on the pavement, ready for any adventure. Without a doubt, it is a double purpose in every sense of the word.
For its characteristics, Outback 2023 finds itself without direct competition, becoming a one-of-a-kind vehicle. However, indirectly, if we can list some rivals like Ford Bronco Sport Badlands or GMC Terrain AT4. However, the closest thing we will find on the market will be the Mazda CX-50 and that is that in its development the benchmark was precisely this Subaru model.
