2023 Subaru Outback detailed: Australia in line for new Hyundai Santa Fe, Kia Sorento and Mazda CX-9 rival early next year

Subaru has shown off its new-look sixth-generation Outback just a year after the model touched down in Australian showrooms.

However, the refreshed model will not land locally until early 2023, with Subaru Australia keeping details close to its chest until closer to the new Outback’s launch.

Shown off at the New York motor show, the 2023 Outback differs from the current car thanks to a new lower bumper with circular foglights and a protruding chin, giving it a more rugged and off-road-ready appearance.

The grille also sports a mesh-pattern insert, while the headlight shape has also been updated.

In profile, the wheelarch cladding has been expanded to offer more protection to the body, while the rear appears to carryover unchanged.

However, it’s the changes under the skin that might be of most significance, with Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite being updated with an additional wide-view front-facing camera, new software and an electric brake booster.

The result, according to Subaru, is a system that “operates more smoothly and under a greater range of conditions”.

As a reminder, the EyeSight suite serves up dual front-facing cameras to detect pedestrians, cyclists and any incoming obstacles, enabling autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist and adaptive cruise control.

The cabin of the 2023 Outback is also refreshed thanks to the latest version of its 11.6-inch Starlink multimedia system, which now comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

Powertrain options however, remain unchanged, with the US version available with either a 136kW/239Nm 2.5-litre petrol four-cylinder engine or a 194kW/376Nm 2.4-litre turbo-petrol engine.

All Australian versions however, are powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder boxer engine outputting 138kW/245Nm to all four wheels via a continuously variable transmission.

For reference, the current Outback range kicks off at $40,690 before on-road costs, and tops out with the flagship Touring grade for $48,990.