How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.38% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,874 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable selection to compare. If you find a listing below $21,944.97, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback a good car?

Yes — the 4.71/5 user rating points to strong owner satisfaction, and the expert rating is 7.83/10. The standout strength is Form and function at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise the comfortable ride, impressive safety features, and modern technology. The turbocharged engine also gets recurring positive attention for improving performance, and the Outback’s standard all-wheel drive and practical utility come through as major strengths.

The trade-offs are familiar: the base engine is underwhelming, and the touchscreen-based climate controls can be distracting. In use-case terms, this is a strong fit if you want a practical, capable wagon for commuting, road trips, and rough-weather driving rather than a sporty daily driver.

Good and great deals make up 34.4% of listings, so there is still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.71/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction. Review feedback also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with many drivers emphasizing confidence in the Outback over time.

The expert evaluation reinforces that impression by highlighting Subaru’s focus on reliability and low cost. The Outback is also framed as a vehicle built for long-distance use and everyday durability, which supports its reputation for dependable ownership.

If you buy used, your main long-term risk is not catastrophic complexity but uneven maintenance history and wear from hard use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Subaru Outback?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper history review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear, electronics, and how the vehicle has been used. Pay close attention to condition if you are considering a higher-mileage example or one that may have seen rough-weather or light off-road duty.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim uses two 7-inch touchscreens in matte plastic instead of the larger display found on Premium and above trims, and it misses the more polished presentation those trims get.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter flat-four makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft and is much better suited to the Outback’s size.
• Safety package: Subaru EyeSight is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Premium and standard on higher trims.
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and the larger single-screen setup is more cohesive than the base dual-screen arrangement. The system also supports optional navigation.
• Fuel efficiency: The base engine is rated at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbo XT returns 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Which 2021 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru Outback is offered in 5 trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, and Onyx Edition XT.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: It lacks the larger 11.6-inch display and uses the less appealing dual 7-inch touchscreen setup, so it feels stripped down compared with the better-equipped versions.
• Sweet-spot trim: Premium is the best value if you want the larger screen and a more complete cabin without moving too far up the price ladder.
• Premium/top trim: Touring adds the most upscale feel, with richer materials and more of the comfort and convenience features that make the Outback feel near-luxury.
• Off-road trim: Onyx Edition XT is the one to choose if you want the turbo engine and extra traction-oriented capability for tougher conditions.

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Premium and standard on all higher trims.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Subaru Outback?

The market looks selective rather than overheated, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay disciplined.

• Deal availability: 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,874 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.38% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,944.97, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Subaru Outback's resale value?

The current average of $22,479 sits slightly below last year's $24,270.

That softer pricing can help you buy in at a more favorable point, but it also means future resale gains may be more gradual than they were when prices were higher. If you keep the vehicle in good condition and maintain it well, you should be better positioned when it is time to sell. Strong demand for practical, well-liked models can help support resale over time.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.71/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback safe?

The 2021 Outback was a Top Safety Pick+ from IIHS, and it earned an overall five-star rating from NHTSA. It also scored four-star ratings for the front passenger in a frontal crash and for rollover.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Subaru EyeSight is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. A driver’s knee airbag and passenger seat-cushion airbag are standard, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is available on higher trims. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor are also added as you move up the trim ladder.

The main caveat is that EyeSight relies on forward cameras rather than radar, so its performance can be reduced when visibility is blocked or the road gets more complex.

Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Outback or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.38% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It balances rugged capability, standard all-wheel drive, and strong safety with everyday practicality.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,105, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,479 average.
• It introduced the sixth-generation redesign and a roomier, more modern cabin.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,345, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,479 average.
• It adds the Wilderness trim for more off-road capability.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the right pick if you want the strongest mix of value, safety, and capability without paying up for the next model year. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while keeping much of the same core appeal.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.