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- Outdated exterior styling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)
All Subaru Outback years
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
Base:
- 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.
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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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
Base 4WD/AWD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- 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 4.3 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
- Android Auto
- Apple CarPlay
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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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