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- Outdated exterior styling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)
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
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?
- Outback trims have been upgraded with Rear Sunshade as standard equipment this year.
- The Touring XT trim now comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
- The Limited trim now comes with Navigation System as standard equipment.
- The Limited XT trim now comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay as standard equipment.
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.
Shop with your budget in mind
Getting pre-qualified lets you shop with personalized monthly payments, and it doesn't impact your credit score.
Ratings & reliability
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
Base 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
- Automated Cruise Control
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Lane Departure Warning
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- CD Audio
- Full Roof Rack
- Remote Start
- Rockford Fosgate Sound
- Tow Hitch
Drive Wheels
All Wheel (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
182
Torque (ft-lbs)
176
Engine type
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 40.1"/R 39.1"
Front tires
P225/65HR17
Rear tires
P225/65HR17
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
270/2700 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2021 Subaru Outback FAQ
The 2021 Subaru Outback is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Base: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- Premium: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- Limited: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- Touring: 26 MPG City and 33 MPG Highway
- Onyx Edition XT: 23 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- Limited XT: 23 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
- Touring XT: 23 MPG City and 30 MPG Highway
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 9 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
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 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.
Here is what's new for the 2021 Subaru Outback:
- Parking Sensors
- Rear Sunshade
- Navigation System
- Heated Mirrors
- Android Auto
Research other vehicles
- subaru outback used car value
- 2000 subaru outback used car value
- 2001 subaru outback used car value
- 2002 subaru outback used car value
- 2003 subaru outback used car value
- 2004 subaru outback used car value
- 2005 subaru outback used car value
- 2006 subaru outback used car value
- 2007 subaru outback used car value
- 2008 subaru outback used car value
- 2009 subaru outback used car value
- 2010 subaru outback used car value
- 2011 subaru outback used car value
- 2012 subaru outback used car value
- 2013 subaru outback used car value
- 2014 subaru outback used car value
- 2015 subaru outback used car value
- 2016 subaru outback used car value
- 2017 subaru outback used car value
- 2018 subaru outback used car value
- 2019 subaru outback used car value
- 2020 subaru outback used car value
- 2021 subaru outback used car value
- 2022 subaru outback used car value
- 2023 subaru outback used car value
- 2024 subaru outback used car value
- Used 2021 Gas Subaru near me for sale
- Used 2021 Subaru Outback near me for sale
- Used 2025 Subaru Outback near me for sale
- Used Automatic Subaru Outback near me for sale
- Used Subaru Outback Limited near me for sale
- Used 2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT near me for sale
- Used 2021 Subaru Outback Limited near me for sale
- Used Subaru Outback with Navigation System near me for sale
- Used Subaru Outback Onyx Edition near me for sale
- Used 2015 Subaru Outback Premium near me for sale
- Used 2021 Subaru Outback Premium near me for sale
- Used 2022 Subaru Outback Premium near me for sale
- Used 2023 Subaru Outback Premium near me for sale
- Used 2024 Subaru Outback Premium near me for sale
- Used Subaru Outback with Remote Start near me for sale
- Used Silver Subaru Outback near me for sale
- Used Tan Subaru Outback near me for sale
- Used Subaru Outback Touring near me for sale
- Used 2022 Subaru Outback Wilderness near me for sale
- Used 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness near me for sale
- Used 2024 Subaru Outback Wilderness near me for sale
- 2021 Audi S6 review
- 2023 Audi S6 review
- 2024 BMW M4 review
- 2022 BMW M440 review
- 2019 Chevrolet Equinox review
- 2020 Chevrolet Equinox review
- 2021 Chevrolet Equinox review
- 2023 Chrysler Pacifica review
- All things EV
- 2025 Lexus NX 250 review
- 2021 Lexus NX 300 review
- 2021 Lexus NX 300h review
- 2021 Mazda Mazda6 review
- 2023 Mazda MX-30 EV review
- 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata review
- 2019 Mercedes-Benz C350e Plug-In Hybrid review
- 2015 Mercedes-Benz C400 review
- 2025 Mini Cooper Countryman review
- Used Subaru buying guide
- 2025 Subaru Outback review
- 2012 Subaru Outback review
- 2014 Subaru Outback review
- 2016 Subaru Outback review
- 2019 Subaru Outback review
- 2020 Subaru Outback review
- 2022 Subaru Outback review
- 2023 Subaru Outback review
- 2024 Subaru Outback review
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.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.










