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Subaru recently introduced the refreshed 2023 Outback midsize SUV with new upgrades inside and out. Why doesn't the 2023 Outback Wilderness get all the upgrades the rest of the 2023 Outback trim levels received? Subaru says the Outback Wilderness is new for the 2022 model year, was recently introduced, and doesn't need any upgrades. At least not on the outside.
Subaru Corporation gives its models a Big Minor Change (BMC) or refreshed in its life cycle in year four. The complete model change (FMC) comes in year five. For 2023, the Outback lineup received a new front fascia incorporating a more prominent grille, redesigned LED headlights and fog lights, and a more rugged front bumper cover. The Wilderness trim level remained unchanged outside.
On the sides, all 2023 Outback trims get expanded wheel arch cladding, "adding to the vehicle's rugged new look while providing additional protection," Subaru of America said. The more rugged Outback Wilderness already comes with the extra wheel arch cladding.
Check out the report on the new 2023 Outback Onyx Edition here. Why The New 2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Is Now Your Best Pick Over Wilderness
Subaru Corporation wants all Outback models sold in North America to appeal to customers with active lifestyles who will use the midsize SUV for more than a daily commuter and weekend grocery hauler. The Camden, N.J. automaker knows it's not just Subaru customers gravitating to the outdoors with their vehicles.
In a recent interview, Michael Redic, Car Line Planning Manager for Subaru of America, told Autoblog, "We see a lot of Subaru customers doing very outdoorsy things in their vehicles. But there is a lot of data showing that this isn't just a Subaru thing per se. This is an American thing that many Americans are getting out there and going to national parks, or even just putting their bikes on their car and going for a long bike ride someplace."
Subaru wants to capture this market and wants Americans to look at not just the more rugged Wilderness trim. And that all Outback trim levels are geared toward active customers with adventurous lifestyles.
Subaru knows customers want active safety features
The 2023 Outback Wilderness does get the latest version of EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. Subaru says the enhanced system operates more smoothly and under a more extensive range of conditions. "These improvements are thanks to a wider field of view, updated control software, and the addition of an electric brake booster," says Subaru.
When will the Subaru Outback Wilderness trim level get the new exterior upgrades? The 2024 model will likely remain the same, and we won't see new styling upgrades until the complete model change for the 2025 Subaru Outback Wilderness.
You Might Also Like: The 2023 Subaru Outback’s New Mono Camera And How It Improves Safety
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: Subaru USA, main image Subaru Canada
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I have owned 9 Subarus, 4 of
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I have owned 9 Subarus, 4 of them Outbacks. I want the ability to go in snow, but I stay on the pavement. I also appreciate the increased height for getting in and out of the driver seat, and easier routine maintenance (I can cange the oil without jacking up the car.). I have no use for the black plastic cladding on the bumpers, and the smaller wheel well trim on my 2020 is good for protecting against door dings.
So I have no use for the expanded cladding on the 2023 Outback. If Subaru continues the expanded use of body cladding, I will buy my next car from Toyota.
I doubt Subaru will, but let
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In reply to I have owned 9 Subarus, 4 of by I gues if I am… (not verified)
I doubt Subaru will, but let me be the first to warn you coming off a Toyota RAV4 into a Wilderness Outback. If you buy a Toyota, you will regret it, trust me. That company lives solely on their name and not their quality. Garbage. Talk about cheap and shoddy, just go sit in one and really look at the materials and build quality. Does not compare to Subaru's. I won't even get into the driving experience, but last vacation out west this year in the mountains... the car felt so uneasy on the road you often had white knuckles.
A lot of the instrument cluster info is unorganized and/or cluttered looking, especially the adaptive cruise window. Not easily readable comparing to the Outback at all and some of the controls/commands just aren't very user friendly. Can you figure them out and learn how to work and read everything? Yes, but user friendly organization shouldn't require you to have to struggle any to figure out things, it should be easy enough a 2 year old could do it...that's why it's called "user friendly."
The new Outback isn't without flaws for sure, but I'm telling you, if you go buy a Toyota (RAV4 or truck specifically) you'll be regretting it and wishing you stuck with Subaru. There's a reason you've bought 9, right?
BTW, I had no interest in the Wilderness when I first saw it cause of all the gawdy cladding, but now I wouldn't want one without it. I don't know how Subaru does it, but they have an ability to take something that doesn't have as much eye appeal and make you love it after owning it for a while. They're able to make their vehicles looks grow on you instead of the other way around, start ugly then look sharp. It's weird. Just my thoughts.
I doubt Subaru will, but let
Permalink
In reply to I have owned 9 Subarus, 4 of by I gues if I am… (not verified)
I doubt Subaru will, but let me be the first to warn you coming off a Toyota RAV4 into a Wilderness Outback. If you buy a Toyota, you will regret it, trust me. That company lives solely on their name and not their quality. Garbage. Talk about cheap and shoddy, just go sit in one and really look at the materials and build quality. Does not compare to Subaru's. I won't even get into the driving experience, but last vacation out west this year in the mountains... the car felt so uneasy on the road you often had white knuckles.
A lot of the instrument cluster info is unorganized and/or cluttered looking, especially the adaptive cruise window. Not easily readable comparing to the Outback at all and some of the controls/commands just aren't very user friendly. Can you figure them out and learn how to work and read everything? Yes, but user friendly organization shouldn't require you to have to struggle any to figure out things, it should be easy enough a 2 year old could do it...that's why it's called "user friendly."
The new Outback isn't without flaws for sure, but I'm telling you, if you go buy a Toyota (RAV4 or truck specifically) you'll be regretting it and wishing you stuck with Subaru. There's a reason you've bought 9, right?
BTW, I had no interest in the Wilderness when I first saw it cause of all the gawdy cladding, but now I wouldn't want one without it. I don't know how Subaru does it, but they have an ability to take something that doesn't have as much eye appeal and make you love it after owning it for a while. They're able to make their vehicles looks grow on you instead of the other way around, start ugly then look sharp. It's weird. Just my thoughts.