6 Hidden Features On The 2023 Subaru Outback You Should Know About

Check out the 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV's hidden features if you're shopping for a new 2023 model. These are the "secret" Subaru features that are most commonly missed. Credit for the six features listed here goes to Alex Prestigiacomo of Bachman Subaru.

Check out his video below. Note: Most of these features are available on the 2020-2022 Outback models.

photo credit: Schumacher Subaru

Five hidden features on the 2023 Subaru Outback

1. Roof Rails with universal cross bars

At first glance of the 2023 Outback, it appears it does not have cross bars on the roof rails. But they are hidden under the side roof rails, and you can release with the crossbar at the front release and swing them out and across the vehicle. They are now ready for a bike rack, cargo carrier, or rooftop tent.

2. Rear tailgate with hand gesture feature

The Outback's rear Subaru logo has a sensor, and the tailgate automatically opens with a wave of your hand in front of the logo. If you want to turn the feature off, a button on the left of the steering wheel on the dash allows you to disable it.

photo credit: Schumacher Subaru

3. Front seat cushion extension

A seat cushion extension feature for taller drivers and passengers allows more support for longer legs. For taller people, it's more comfortable with the extension. This feature is only available on the Outback Limited and Touring trim levels.

4. Steering responsive headlights

The LED steering responsive headlights are a safety feature that helps the driver see around a corner when driving after dark on an unlit road. The headlights turn with the steering wheel ahead of the dark curve, illuminating any hidden car, object, or animal. The feature can be turned off on the touchscreen menu.

5. Quick-release rear seatbacks

In the rear hatch, there is a quick-release knob on either side of the Outback that, with a pull, you can lower the second-row rear seat back. If you are loading taller items and need to have the seatbacks laid flat, you don't have to open the rear door to lower the seats.

6. Cargo cover storage area

There are situations when you have taller cargo, and the rear cargo cover will be in the way. There is hidden storage in the cargo area below where you can store the cargo cover, and you don't have to keep it in the garage or other storage area and possibly lose it. It's out of sight, and you have access to it quickly when you need it.

What is the price of all 2023 Outback trim levels?

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.

What is the best Outback trim level?

The 2023 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium and Limited trim levels are where many buyers will land and offer the best value with the smallest price increases. Unless you need the Outback XT's extra power and off-pavement capability, you will pay about $5,000-$8000 less for a comparably equipped 2.5i trim level.

The 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine in the Subaru Outback Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, and Touring trims is a good choice for commuters who won't use their vehicle for off-road adventures.

Is the Outback fuel efficient?

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 Outback Wilderness gets an estimated 21/26 city/highway mpg and 23 combined mpg.

Subaru offers its new 2023 Outback configurator for customers to build their personalized model online before visiting a Subaru retailer. Check out additional Outback trim levels and details here.


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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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Photo credit: Schumacher Subaru