The 2021 Subaru Outback lasts around 250,000 miles with some battery and stereo system problems reported. At $27,025 to $38,900, it’s a great value for a midsize wagon with a lot of the latest safety technology on the market.
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Subaru Outback since it has a lot of the latest safety tech paired with low ownership costs. Owner reviews praise the comfortable cabin, turbocharged motor, along with the all-wheel drive system.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are luxurious for an SUV, the seats are very supportive, cargo space is slightly lower than other competitors though.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Outback. Models from 2013–2015 have some engine problems, while 2016–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 8/10 – Performance is okay from the standard 4-cylinder engine, while the turbocharged motor offers great power for an SUV of its size.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2021 Outback is a safe SUV earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with adaptive cruise control along with lane keep assist. Optional upgrades include lane change assist.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 29 MPG, giving 536 miles of range out of the 18.5 gallon tank. Gas costs are $50 lower than average at $195 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2021 Subaru Outback holds its value better than many other SUVs on the market, making it a great value proposition for shoppers.
Positive Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Outback?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Subaru Outback offers a smart alternative to other midsize SUVs on the market, with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Outback at 3.8/5, enjoying the powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but doesn’t like the inaccurate voice recognition system.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Subaru Outback a 4/5, praising the strong all-wheel drive system, but owners don’t like the rough auto start/stop system.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Subaru Outback Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Subaru Outback include excessive battery drain, the stereo system freezing, along with low airflow to the rear seats from the A/C system. Overall, these problems are similar to other SUVs on the market, leading to average repair bills as an Outback ages.
Excessive battery drain is the most widespread complaint on the 2021 Subaru Outback, showing up in the first 5,000 miles. There are a lot of electrical accessories on the Outback and in some cases they draw power even when the vehicle is off. Diagnosing the source of the battery draw costs around $50, and fixing the issue can cost $20 to $200, depending on what went wrong.
The stereo system freezing is another problem mentioned by some 2021 Outback owners at around 1,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a software glitch. There are software updates available for the stereo system which improve its reliability. Most dealers will install these for free, while some charge around $50.
Low airflow to the rear seats from the A/C system also shows up on some Outback models in the first 1,000 miles too. The problem is usually caused by a damaged blend door actuator which controls the rear A/C system. Usually, this is covered under warranty and will be fixed for free when the car is relatively new. If it breaks out of warranty, it’s around $700 to change.
There are two recalls on the 2021 Subaru Outback, which is fewer than some other SUVs on the market. The most serious recall is for the drive chain, which may break. Subaru will replace the transmission on affected models for free, fortunately it only covers around 200 vehicles, so it’s not a widespread problem.
How Long Will the 2021 Subaru Outback Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Subaru Outback can last around 250,000 miles, which is shorter than some other midsize SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner. Regular annual maintenance costs are similar to other SUVs according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $535 per year.
As a used 2021 Subaru Outback reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history owners should be prepared to replace the battery cable for $185, front shocks costing $450, along with the axle boots which costs $550.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great, offering a standard 7-inch touchscreen stereo system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Optional upgrades include a larger 11.6-inch touchscreen along with a more powerful stereo system.
Standard safety technology is excellent with:
- Rearview camera
- Seat belt warning for rear-seat passengers
- Adaptive cruise control
- Forward automatic emergency braking
- Lane keep assist
- Rear-seat reminder
- Steering-responsive automatic LED high-beam headlights
- Forward collision warning
- Lane departure warning
Optional driver assistance features include:
- LED fog lights
- Lane change assist
- Reverse automatic braking
- Front-view camera
- Blind spot monitoring
- Rear cross traffic alert
- Driver distraction monitoring
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Subaru Outback is a good value since it offers a lot of safety features with a strong standard all-wheel drive system. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $27,025 to $38,900, making it more than a Nissan Murano or Kia Sorento. When new, the price range was $26,795 to $39,945. Depreciation is better than average, only losing about 2% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Outback?
There are seven models of the 2021 Subaru Outback offered, from the entry-level Base Subaru Outback all the way to the more luxurious Touring XT. The Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Roof Rails
- Automatic Climate Control
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smartphone Connectivity
Premium is a step up, adding:
- Power-Adjustable Driver’s Seat
- Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
- Heated Front Seats
- 6-Inch Touchscreen Display
- Keyless Ignition and Entry
- Sunroof
Limited adds features such as:
- 18-Inch Wheels
- Leather Upholstery
- Driver Seat Memory Settings
- Power-Adjustable Front Passenger Seat
- Harman Kardon Audio System
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Rear A/C Vents
- Heated Rear Seats
Touring has more upgrades including:
- Ventilated Front Seats
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Upgraded Leather With Contrast Stitching
Onyx Edition XT has more upgrades such as:
- Hill Descent Control
- Dark Exterior Trim
- Upgraded All-Wheel Drive System
Limited XT and Touring XT both have the same features as the Limited and Touring, but with the more powerful edition.
What Engines Come In the Subaru Outback?
- The base engine in the 2021 Subaru Outback is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder engine which makes 182 horsepower at up to 29 MPG. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
- An available upgrade is the stronger 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder, which produces 260 horsepower at up to 26 MPG. Performance is good, taking 6.3 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Outback Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Outback?
The 2021 Subaru Outback is well-known for its comfortable and spacious interior, making it an excellent choice for long drives and family outings. Its cabin is designed with high-quality materials, providing a pleasant and refined atmosphere. The Outback offers seating for up to five passengers, with ample legroom and headroom in both the front and rear seats.
The seats themselves are supportive and well-cushioned, providing a relaxing ride even on longer journeys. Additionally, the vehicle comes with a variety of standard and optional features that enhance the overall driving experience, such as dual-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a user-friendly infotainment system. With its focus on passenger comfort and convenience, the 2021 Subaru Outback is a top choice for those seeking a cozy and enjoyable driving experience.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Outback Have?
The 2021 Subaru Outback is a versatile vehicle that offers ample storage space for a variety of needs. It boasts a total cargo capacity of 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down and 32.5 cubic feet with the rear seats upright. This generous amount of room allows you to comfortably fit a wide range of items, such as suitcases, camping gear, groceries, or even larger objects like bicycles or furniture with ease. The Outback’s practical design and spacious interior make it an ideal choice for those who require a functional vehicle for both daily use and weekend adventures.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The sixth generation of the Subaru Outback was introduced for the 2020 model year.
2015: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with new engine choices and styling.
2016: StarLink App connectivity added to the stereo system, improved steering responsiveness.
2017: Touring model added to the lineup with a more luxurious interior.
2018: Small exterior styling changes, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto added to the lineup.
2019: Standard EyeSight safety technology standard on all models.
2020: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new interior, exterior, and technology features.
2021: LED adaptive headlights are standard on all models, rear seat reminder added.
How Does the Subaru Outback Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Subaru Outback is a very nice wagon which is similar in size to a lot of midsize SUVs on the market, which offers a lot of the latest safety tech, helping it earn our recommendation.
The Subaru Forester is a smaller SUV offered by Subaru, which costs around $2,000 less. Steering is more responsive in the Subaru Forester, while the Subaru Outback has more passenger room and higher ground clearance. We recommend the Subaru Outback since it’s more practical, making it worth the extra money.
The Honda CR-V is a compact SUV which is around $3,000 less. Base entertainment technology is a little nicer in the Honda CR-V, although the Subaru Outback has stronger engine choices available. We recommend the Subaru Outback for its standard all-wheel drive, although both are very good choices worth testing out.
