2023 Subaru Outback BASE! Walk Around, Review, and 0-60!

What’s up guys! This is the last of the 2023 Subaru Outback Trim levels for me to review! It’s the BASE! “Is base ace” an overused quote but one we set out to find out! It’s got the 2.5 Boxer with 182 horsepower, LED headlights, and a bunch of other decent standard options!
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Vehicle link below…
www.twinfalls-subaru.com/inve...

[@ak2112]

I like when Subaru keeps it simple. It works for them.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Absolutely! Luxury features are nice, but also a big price premium and more things that can go wrong down the road. No body wants to chance down electrical gremlins on their vehicle lol. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@captainkangaroo4301]

Simple? That’s why they have nine trim levels.

[@truenorth615]

Great review - thank you for the thorough review of the base model.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yeah, my pleasure! It took a while to find, lol. 🙂

[@michaelking42]

I like your review, to the point and around 15 minutes. Subbing.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m glad it could be helpful, thank you for your support! 🙂

[@blackedout5.0fan39]

I honestly prefer twist key ignition over the push button start actually

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m glad that’s still an option on some vehicles! I use to not want push button start, but after being spoiled by the benefits of proximity keys I’ve changed my tune a little lol. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@michaelking42]

Absolutely. I have 2 cars with stupid fobs, and several times have let the missus out and trucked on down the road to find out she has the damn key in her purse and now I can't shut the stupid box on wheels off.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Awkward moments, lol. Add in a little frustration I’m sure. 😅😉Definitely pros and cons to the tech.

[@GarageWorx]

Same here

[@Userxxx840]

The only thing I don’t like about it is that the key fob looks like it came off a 2006 Honda Civic.

[@byronargueta1026]

I do Like your style of reviews . Thanks

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m glad, thank you for watching! 🙂

[@twincitiesdashcam9119]

Nice review- I really like base model cars.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m glad you enjoyed it! Base models are often a great value. 🙂

[@luhhtawsee]

Wowww this is the base???? It’s so nice for a base!!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Right?! Not a bad deal, lol.🙂

[@MLCLT]

I had a Outback as a loaner for a week and I was very impressed with the capability of this car. I plan on purchasing one in the future.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome! I’m unsure what I said in this video, but I own a 22 Outback Wilderness and haven’t had any issues with it to date. They’re great vehicles, best of luck! 🙂

[@MLCLT]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 nice. I plan on getting the Wildness trim as well.

[@cassiocm]

Thank you so much!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

My pleasure, thanks for watching!! 🙂

[@KenCheng]

Now.... your entire Outback lineup review is complete! 🙂

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yes! Lol, kinda silly I know, but after I did 3-4 trim levels I became determined to get all 9. 🤪

[@ingenunis5003]

L❤VE SUBURU …..especially the LEGACY & OUTBACK. Nice Review

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

They are pretty great! Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@jeffmorse645]

I had my 2021 Legacy Touring XT in to fix an oil pan leak (first oil change it was discovered). They gave me an Outback as a loaner with the base engine. Its barely above sea level where I live and it was fine merging on freeways and cruising at 70-80. No issues. That said I've lived at 4500' elevation and I don't think I'd want it there. I will say that the naturally aspirated engine and CVT work more smoothly than the turbo and the CVT. More consistent power delivery. It got 5 MPG better too. Plus that cargo room is so handy! I'm seriously considering trading in my Legacy for an Outback Limited.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I can tell you I really enjoy the space and capabilities of my Outback! Thanks for sharing your experiences and for watching! 🙂

[@viyau10]

I have a base 2020 and it’s perfect.

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Base trim Outback is such a good value, was wondering if the manual operating seats seemed like a big compromise in the comfort from what you get in the multi position adjustments of the power seats.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I agree! The manual adjusted ones felt good. I do think the power seats are likely better, but at the point in life that I am, I’m not overly sensitive or insightful to seat comfort the way someone else might be with a lower tolerance to the support and position. My biggest concern with seats is usually if they’re heated or not. 🙂

[@chrisx5127]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Do you think the Wilderness is worth 10K more than the base?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Personally, yes, since that’s the one I bought. But a base outback is a very tempting deal. The extra safety features are worth it to me, especially if they avoid 1 decent accident over the course of the vehicle’s lifetime. And the Wilderness appearance means I don’t need to modify it or regret my decision down the road if I wasn’t interested in it’s look. Also, resale will be much better some day. But the extra 10k isn’t a need, just nice features to have. I personally wouldn’t be interested in a Limited or Touring though. Those trim levels are to fancy for my taste, lol.

[@chrisx5127]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Wilderness sure does look good and great price too for what you get.

[@lagottooperator4336]

How about doing a BASE FORESTER review? Been waiting for that one for a while :) Everyone has the Wilderness, Sport, etc. reviews but the Base is such a good value at around $27k to start in the U.S.!!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a great suggestion. I’ve actually been trying to find one. None have been ordered to this most local dealer. I’ll eventually branch out further if I don’t get one. 😉🙂

[@williamstevenson8518]

I ordered one just like this.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s exciting, I hope it arrives soon! 🙂

[@BarryBernau]

Every color looks great on this vehicle

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Very true!

[@EarthisnotforSale]

My neighbor just a few door down got rid of his 2008 Outback w/a manual transmission for this exact trim level and color. I am leaning toward the Wilderness.... I have dogs and do travel rough terrain/mountains/hikes

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s awesome! I’m sure it was hard for him to let go of the manual Outback. Definitely go test drive any of the trim levels you might be interested in. 🙂

[@williamstevenson8518]

I've watched this a few times. Something I just noticed is that he seems to have his left foot positioned in the middle of the footwell and not on the dead peddle. I'm nervous about this because I can't stand a dead peddle that's positioned too far up. My Chevy Spark had this problem and it's all I could think about while driving for the three years I owned it. I think foot space is a big deal. My Camry has decent foot space. You can stretch your legs a bit. I hope the Outback is comfortable because I had a dealership order one of these and I want it to work out. I'm in love with about 90% of the car. It's just foot/leg space and the whole center dash infotainment center that have me slightly worried. I've also been considering a Forester Base, or going in a different direction and getting something like an Outlander Sport (I kid not). I like old technology. I like a key. What to do?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a good question and I wish I could tell you what to decide on. I think you’ll like the Outback leg room, the reason my L foot is not on the dead pedal is simple because the driving portion of the video is relatively short. I don’t often use it unless on the interstate. Definitely sit in each vehicle to help you decide. Best of luck, but they’re likely all good options! 🙂

[@bryanmills2295]

Was considering a 2024 Crosstrek but I think this might work better for me. Very nice base car!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Can’t go wrong either way, but a base Outback is definitely a great value! They’re just hard to find unless you order yours. 🙂

[@bryanmills2295]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 I checked online, there aren't many in stock anywhere. Guess since it's US built an order would be pretty quick turnaround.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I think you’re right. It took me a few months for me to find this one, and then it was gone by the next week, lol.

[@truenorth615]

I ordered the cosmic blue base last weekend - and I was told it will be here in June.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s gonna be a sweet Outback when it arrives! 🙂

[@ofcbob6391]

A small wagon with a family in it, along with some stuff..really needs more HP. If just a driver around town, running errands, it'll be fine.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Absolutely agree! Although my perspective is from living at altitude where a naturally aspirated engine is down on power 6-25% from what it would be at sea level between our seasonal weather ranges. 🙂

[@chrisx5127]

Yeah, but then it will have worse MPG. It has 1 HP more than a Miata lol.

[@quantum5652]

Ordered the Premium model & hope to get it in 6 weeks. Dream car for me, always loved Subarus. What is the satellite navigation like in these Outbacks, are you happy with it?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s super exciting, what color did you pick? I’m glad you’re getting your dream car!! Honestly, it’s definitely not as good as Apple Carplay, but it’s nice to have as a back up if you’re out of cell service. Also having the moonroof and back up braking was worth it for me. If it saves one accident or emergency it’s paid for itself! 🙂

[@quantum5652]

Well I wanted a green one tbh, or blue, but in Europe these are premium cars & hard to find. I know a guy who knows a small dealer & this dealer had ordered a bronze metallic top model for himself but he agreed to let me have it, paid the deposit last week & hopefully the ship from Japan will reach EU in a month. I believe you guys get way more choice of Suby’s in 🇺🇸- very limited range here, they don’t sell the Wilderness model or the Legacy. Outback Premium is the top model in EU & it’s the 2.5 non turbo engine also as I believe the turbo is only for 🇺🇸 also…

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

It’s not everyday I hear that we have a better car selection. It’s interesting how various manufacturers choose which models and trim levels in offer in each country. It sounds like a sweet ride and I hope it arrives soon! Thanks for watching from across the ocean! 🙂

[@ianbudgetrc2574]

My dream car. Hoping to get one this year but the 2024 will be released. Do you have an advice whether should I wait for the 2024 model or just get the 2023 model? Do they look the same? Thank you

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Great question. Chances are there will be no changes for 2024, at least none significant. This is because this 2023 just had a refresh done to it’s from end, meaning it’s mid generation. There won’t be a new Outback until 2025 or later. The only benefit I see to you waiting another year is if you’re in a better financial position to buy this new car. Hope this helps! 🙂

[@ianbudgetrc2574]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 thank you so much! I'm getting the base model. It just performs the same as the other NA engine trims I bet and it's cheaper.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yes it does perform the same! It’s gonna be a sweet ride. 🙂

[@steveheissner]

Dealers don't want to sell these. More options result in more profit.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Absolutely agree! It took several months to find a base to film, lol. 🙂

[@spawn11]

I think convenience is lowest trim with steel wheels. One u reviewing got good wheels

[@saraaronzon4562]

I wish the infotainment center would go to dark mode when not in use. Is there an option to turn it off?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a good question and one I off the top of my head don’t have a definite answer to, I’m sorry for that. Hopefully someone else comments the answer! 🙂

[@hoobserver]

BTW, looks like your base model has optional all-weather floor mats and the optional back seat protector. Thanks for the review.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Good catch! Thanks for watching. 🙂

[@chrisx5127]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Should you get those packages or is it cheaper to buy it on your own? Is it as good?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’ve not googled weather tech or other third party companies to compare pricing vs. quality of product. Honestly, I think paying for the Subaru mats are a decent value, especially where they’re name brand. But many of the other Subaru accessories you can find better or for less in the aftermarket world.

[@chrisx5127]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Yeah, this would only be my 2nd new car purchase, so I'm pretty green. My last car was a 2016 Mazda 3 barebone.

[@truenorth615]

I just ordered the base model in cosmic blue; expected arrival - JUN 2023.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s exciting! I hope the wait goes by fast. 🙂

[@truenorth615]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 thank you - I ordered the 2024 - I hope there is no surprise change that I won't like - I think the body should be left as-is.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I am pretty sure any changes if any would be extremely mild, the big mid cycle refresh happened with these 2023s. 🙂

[@chrisx5127]

Do you have to put a down payment or can you cancel it if you change your mind?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Every time I’ve ordered a vehicle I’ve had to put a $500-1,000 down payment. It’s likely a dealer to dealer situation on how easily they’ll be willing to refund the deposit. I would think legally they have to? But sometimes they call it a “non-refundable” deposit so idk. 🤷‍♂️😢

[@tomlaucn]

can you tell the different between 17" and 18"? any softer or body roll on corner?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I’m sure you can, just like you can feel a slight difference when you buy new tires. But at only about a 10% difference in sidewall it’s likely not much or going to affect the ride to negatively. Especially if you avoid rough roads and pot holes as often as reasonable. 🙂

[@aleman1263]

What has more quiet ride Mazda Cx50, Vw Tiguan or Outback. I want a car that is quiet inside

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a good question and one I can’t give objective certainty on. I’ve only driven one CX-50 so far, and it wasn’t bad. Outback’s do a pretty good job at keeping down road/wind noise. And I haven’t visited VW yet (I think the local one does “market adjustment” and I don’t want to advertise dealers who do that). Maybe one of these days I’ll invest in a decibel detector to give a better objective answer! Thanks for watching and good luck on what you decide. 🙂

[@aleman1263]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Thanks for your response.

[@robn.5932]

Does the base have a manual lumbar support in the drivers seat?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I apologize I didn’t show its manual seat controls better in this video, my reviews have definitely improved since this one, lol. But no I don’t believe it did. Likely it just had slide forward/back, recline, and probably seat raise/lower. At least that’s what I assume/remember without having filmed it more properly. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@lawrencehenry1326]

Power everything for base. Aluminum wheels too ? Are you sure it's not 1 up from base. 'Premium' maybe.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Lol, it was a base! Not bad, huh? 😎

[@donnymac575]

Do they have a base XT?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Unfortunately they do not, although that would be a sweet option! The lowest XT is the Onyx XT, which I filmed a black one a few months ago. Actually it was one of my first reviews. Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@GarageWorx]

Remote start? Looks like no tinted windows on the base.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I think only the proximity key equipped trim levels have remote start from your phone. But this might still be able to be spec’d with the physical remote start remote.

[@chrisx5127]

If it came in manual, I would have bought it. Just an affordable and practical vehicle.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Absolutely! 🙂

[@chrisx5127]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 It actually makes me angry. Because it is the right vehicle for me at the right price at the right time...but it's A/T. There is no competition for these types of vehicles. Instead, I'm going to buy a Miata, which is completely impractical and void of any and all logic. 9 months of winter in one of the coldest places in America. So, no matter what I get, I still lose out.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

You’re right, that’s a bummer! I have a Miata and an Outback, one extremely practical and somewhat numb to drive and the other without practicality that doesn’t forfeit the driving experience, lol. The rewards of the Miata driving experience make up for many of the compromising sacrifices you’ll have to make. I think it was Everyday Driver in Utah that made a video of a Miata on snow tires vs. and AWD SUV, if you wanna check it out, good video. Best of luck in what you end up with! 🙂

[@chrisx5127]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 I heard you can buy a vehicle in Oregon (no sale tax). I might have to do that, plus get to visit my favorite state. I feel like I'm going to regret either choice. I want both! That how it should be, a family camper, and a fun daily. Is there any vehicle even remotely as good as the Outback that comes in manual? And it needs to have the same amount of space for sleeping as the Outback.

[@brandonriddle6344]

Are the front seats heated?

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Nope not on the Base, unless you live in Canada! 😉

[@chrisx5127]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 Does Minnesota count?

[@frankmcchrystal4029]

How many RPM's at 80 mph cruising speed. Thanks!

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That’s a great question, I can’t recall while driving this. Any owners care to chime in? 🙂

[@brekmister]

With the adaptive cruise control enabled, I get about 2300 rpm on flat, going down to 2000 on a slight decline. Going uphill, it will go up to 3300-3500. However, when accelerating, the engine does let you to rev it high if you want it to, almost to 6000 RPM. I generally put my gas pedal to have it shift at 4000-4500 This is with a 2020 Subaru Outback Premium

[@frankmcchrystal4029]

@@brekmister Thanks! One more question! How well does it roll out around town if you are trying to milk some gas mileage?

[@brekmister]

@@frankmcchrystal4029 I haven't had it long enough to get trends on gas mileage but I know that driving habits can affect a great deal in gas mileage. When I am light on the gas pedal it will go pick something in the range of 1000-2000 and stick to that RPM until I let off the gas (when I reach the desired speed) then it drops to almost idle at 1000 RPM It behaves like a CVT when it isn't pushed but when it gets pushed, it tries to emulate an automatic by using steps.

[@brekmister]

@@frankmcchrystal4029 Sorry (I was still in RPM mindset) to answer your question, it's fine. Going to 25-30 is fine as is around town, it will get up to speed if you are light. you might want to push it a bit if you are turning onto a highway with oncoming traffic to get up to speed. Going on to freeways, each to their own, I much prefer to be up to speed before I get into the merging lane so I can't speak for accelerating there without pushing it. Although, I am very well able to get up to 80 MPH well before the on ramp ends.

[@kellkalm6109]

Imagine if they offered the base, but in the XT? 🤩

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

That would be sweet! 😎

[@garybaldwin1061]

They use the JATCO transmission CVT. You may not know they don't have a history for reliability. Average at best...and then only strictly following service intervals. Nissan uses the same transmissions with horrible results. Have you looked into the reliability for the current CVT? If not ...why?

[@linus5100]

Subaru uses cvt transmissions of their own design. They’ve never used jatco.

[@garybaldwin1061]

@@linus5100 Thanks for the clarification.

[@chrisx5127]

They use Linetronic (spell wrong) created by Subaru. It is one of the best CVT on the market. Doesn't even feel like a CVT.

[@gi8809]

For some reason in Europe you can't get a base model... They all start around 42k EUR with loaded up models. If you don't care for tech and gimmicks well too bad you're getting them. You can't just get an affordable, durable, lifted estate. I'm really annoyed, actually. 30k USD is such a bargain.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

You’re absolutely right! It’s unfortunate. You guys get the Yaris GR, and we get the base Outback. You win some, you lose some, lol. 🙂

[@jazzbeau507]

? back up camera

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Sorry, what about it?

[@jazzbeau507]

@@AutomotiveAnonymous208 does it have one and is it a good one.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Oh haha, yes it does. It was decent. Subaru rear view cameras aren’t anything to brag home about, but they do the job! 🙂

[@lawrencehenry1326]

I traded in my Outback for the biggest Subaru made a 2021 Ascent touring. Now I'm mad cus my seats don't fall down like that. Ik L.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Sorry to hear that! Otherwise I hope your Ascent is treating you well, those tourings are nice! 🙂

[@haditaraki9920]

Very noisy car ???

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

I don’t think so! 🙂 go drive one and report back with your opinion! 😉

[@rustyshitbox]

In 2024 I can't see why you wouldn't buy a base model. Seems like all the "economy" trims have every feature you could ever want.

[@AutomotiveAnonymous208]

Yeah, right! The current Base models, are nearly what the loaded models would have been like 15 years ago lol.