2021 Subaru Outback review
Subaru Outback highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Off-road capable with AWD standard
- Composed handling
- Abundant cargo space
Cons
- Accelerates slowly
- Complicated touchscreen controls
- Outdated exterior styling
Mileage (EPA estimate)
23 city, 30 highway, 26 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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All Subaru Outback years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru Outback generation from 2012 to 2026
What is new for the 2021 Subaru Outback?
- Enhanced safety features including advanced driver assistance systems standard on all models.
- New infotainment system with improved connectivity options and user interface.
- Updated engine options for better fuel efficiency and performance.
- Standard inclusion of premium sound system on higher trims.
- Removal of manual transmission option due to declining demand.
2021 Subaru Outback trims
Curious how Subaru Outback trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similaritiesBase:
- 182-hp, 176-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
- Traction Control
- Cloth Seats
- Power Mirrors
- Lane Departure Warning
- Rear Sunshade
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Automated Cruise Control
- View our Subaru Outback inventory
Premium:
- Includes all features available on the Base
- Power Seats
- Front Seat Heaters
- View our Subaru Outback Premium inventory
Limited:
- Includes all features available on the Premium
- Memory Seats
- Smart Key
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Leather Seats
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Android Auto
- Navigation System
- View our Subaru Outback Limited inventory
Limited XT:
- Includes all features available on the Limited
- 260-hp, 277-lb-ft of torque 2.4L
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Sunroofs
- Turbo Charged Engine
- View our Subaru Outback Limited XT inventory
Touring:
- Includes all features available on the Limited XT
- A/C Seats
- CD Audio
- View our Subaru Outback Touring inventory
Touring XT:
- Includes all features available on the Touring
- No significant upgrades found on the Touring XT
- View our Subaru Outback Touring XT inventory
Onyx Edition XT:
- Includes all features available on the Touring XT
- Leatherette Seats
- View our Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT inventory
Subaru Outback photos
5 reasons to buy the 2021 Subaru Outback
1. Standard all-wheel drive
Subaru is known for its all-wheel-drive on (almost) all models and the 2021 Subaru Outback continues this tradition with standard AWD. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system includes X-MODE®, which uses engine output, transmission ratio, and a traction control system to enhance grip. If you love to drive through rugged terrain, then the hill descent control, an active torque vectoring system, and 8.7 inches of ground clearance will make driving easy and fun.
2. Good AWD fuel economy
Powered by a choice of two horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine options, the larger 182-hp 2.5L engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway.
The smaller turbocharged 260-hp 2.4L engine isn't far behind, with an EPA-estimated 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Look for the 2021 Subaru Outback that fits your power and fuel economy needs.3. Lots of practical space
It may be a station wagon—albeit one with a hint of crossover SUV—but the 2021 Subaru Outback can accommodate anything you and your crew need for daily errands, quick getaways, and long road trips. There's 109 cu-ft of total passenger volume, with 32.5 cu-ft of luggage space with the rear seats in place. Plus, 42.8 inches of front-row legroom and 39.5 inches of rear-row legroom will keep everyone happy.
4. Seven great trims
Whether you want luxury, style, or both, there's a 2021 Subaru Outback for you. Beginning with the base Outback, the family of seven trims includes the well-equipped 2021 Subaru Outback Premium, Limited, and Touring models, as well as the XT subfamily (only available with the 2.4L engine). All 2021 Subaru Outback models have a great list of standard features and a choice of nine exterior colors, including Abyss Blue Pearl, Autumn Green Metallic, Cinnamon Brown Pearl, and Crimson Red Pearl. No matter which trim you choose, your Outback will have plenty of head-turning appeal.
5. Premium interior
Higher-specification 2021 Subaru Outback models have a premium feature-packed interior. With the exception of the entry-level base trim, all 2021 Subaru Outbacks have heated outboard rear seats. Touring trims have Nappa leather upholstery as standard and an 11.6-inch portrait Subaru STARLINK® multimedia navigation system with SiriusXM® connectivity.
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Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.4 out of 5
19 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 13 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 3 |
| 3 Stars | 2 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 1 |
RepairPal gave the Subaru Outback an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Subaru Outback 10th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru OutbackSubaru Outback features and specs
Curious how Subaru Outback trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities
Touring XT 4D Sport Utility 4WD/AWD
Standard Features
- Parking Sensors
- Power Seat(s)
- Rear Defroster
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Power Mirrors
- Front Seat Heaters
- Sunroof(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Traction Control
- Lane Departure Warning
- Power Windows
- Memory Seat(s)
- Side Airbags
- Rear Seat Heaters
- Air Conditioning
- A/C Seat(s)
- Rear View Camera
- Leather Seats
- Blind Spot Monitor
- Power Locks
- Smart Key
- Overhead Airbags
- Automated Cruise Control
- Heated Mirrors
- Power Hatch/Deck Lid
- Alloy Wheels
- 4WD/AWD
- Turbo Charged Engine
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Apple CarPlay
- Navigation System
- Android Auto
- Bluetooth Technology
- Satellite Radio Ready
- AM/FM Stereo
- Harman Kardon Sound
- CD Audio
- Remote Start
- Full Roof Rack
- Tow Hitch
- CD Audio
Drive Wheels
All Wheel (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.4L
Horsepower
260
Torque (ft-lbs)
277
Engine type
Turbo Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
108.1"
Overall length
191.3"
Width
73"
Height
66.4"
Leg room
F 42.8"/R 39.5"
Head room
F 37.7"/R 39.1"
Front tires
P225/60HR18
Rear tires
P225/60HR18
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
350/3500 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Subaru Outback FAQ
The 2021 Subaru Outback has a maximum towing capacity of between 2700 and 3500 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
The 2021 Subaru Outback has received an average 4.4 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2021 Subaru Outback, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2021 Subaru Outback Reviews.
The Subaru Outback received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Subaru Outback as 10 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
Here are the pros and cons of the 2021 Subaru Outback: Pros - Fuel Economy - Interior Space - Power Cons - Technology and Entertainment - Power - Fuel Economy
Here is what's new for the 2021 Subaru Outback:
- Parking Sensors
- Full Roof Rack
- Rear Sunshade
The 2021 Subaru Outback offers the following fuel efficiency options: • Gas: 26 city / 33 highway MPG (Base trim) • Gas: 26 city / 33 highway MPG (Premium trim) • Gas: 26 city / 33 highway MPG (Limited trim) • Gas: 26 city / 33 highway MPG (Touring trim) • Gas: 23 city / 30 highway MPG (Onyx Edition XT trim) • Gas: 23 city / 30 highway MPG (Limited XT trim) • Gas: 23 city / 30 highway MPG (Touring XT trim) Actual mileage may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle condition, and driving habits.
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We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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