So, while our 2019 Outback is at the dealer getting the engine pulled out to be re-sealed due to oil leaks, they gave me this 2023 Subaru Outback as a loaner. Just some quick thoughts on what I think of it. For those who don't want to read through such, the TL;DR is I don't like it...
It has the same 2.5 boxer 4 and CVT that the '19 has and I'm not sure if it's the added weight, or programming, but it feels like an absolute dog. The '19 doesn't feel near as slow as this one. The CVT is smooth though and I don't really mind it. The different ratios seems to keep it where it needs to be. But if you need to pass somebody, you better have a pretty clear shot!
The auto start/stop is horrible! I've driven a couple different vehicles with it and they were implemented well and you barely noticed it. Not this thing. Shutdown is shaky and abrupt. Start-up is also shaky and abrupt. There is no smoothness to it at all. I kept it turned off.
Ride was mostly smooth and expected, like the '19, just not as clunky having only 10K miles. Didn't really push it too much as it's not my vehicle.
Interior was nice and the fit and finish was above average I feel. Being a limited it has the "leather" and was a little stiff on the behind (heh). The seating position was better than the '19. My right foot would get tired and numb driving the '19, but not this one. Still roomy like all the other Outbacks. The interior was the only saving grace on this thing I think.
The infotainment system is absolutely horrible! It's also where you change the HVAC settings and vehicles settings. The center dash is basically a big screen. Selections are hard to navigate and just changing something for the HVAC requires more time looking away from driving than needed. This limited is touted as having the Harmon Kardon system and it doesn't sound really great. The mid level radio in my Tacoma sounds far better then the "premium" audio in this.
Overall I feel they downgraded this generation Outback. It looks nice, but the execution of everything felt rushed and not planned out near as well. If I were in the market for a new AWD Wagon this will NOT be on the list.
It has the same 2.5 boxer 4 and CVT that the '19 has and I'm not sure if it's the added weight, or programming, but it feels like an absolute dog. The '19 doesn't feel near as slow as this one. The CVT is smooth though and I don't really mind it. The different ratios seems to keep it where it needs to be. But if you need to pass somebody, you better have a pretty clear shot!
The auto start/stop is horrible! I've driven a couple different vehicles with it and they were implemented well and you barely noticed it. Not this thing. Shutdown is shaky and abrupt. Start-up is also shaky and abrupt. There is no smoothness to it at all. I kept it turned off.
Ride was mostly smooth and expected, like the '19, just not as clunky having only 10K miles. Didn't really push it too much as it's not my vehicle.
Interior was nice and the fit and finish was above average I feel. Being a limited it has the "leather" and was a little stiff on the behind (heh). The seating position was better than the '19. My right foot would get tired and numb driving the '19, but not this one. Still roomy like all the other Outbacks. The interior was the only saving grace on this thing I think.
The infotainment system is absolutely horrible! It's also where you change the HVAC settings and vehicles settings. The center dash is basically a big screen. Selections are hard to navigate and just changing something for the HVAC requires more time looking away from driving than needed. This limited is touted as having the Harmon Kardon system and it doesn't sound really great. The mid level radio in my Tacoma sounds far better then the "premium" audio in this.
Overall I feel they downgraded this generation Outback. It looks nice, but the execution of everything felt rushed and not planned out near as well. If I were in the market for a new AWD Wagon this will NOT be on the list.
