Used 2021 Subaru Outback for Sale near Iowa

How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 6.45% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,867 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable range of choices.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Subaru Outback earns 4.71/5 from owners and 7.83/10 from experts. The standout strength is Form and function at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfortable ride, impressive safety features, and modern technology. The turbocharged engine option is another recurring highlight, while the Outback’s practical, everyday usefulness comes through clearly in the way it blends wagon utility with SUV-like capability. That makes it a strong fit if you want a roomy, capable daily driver rather than something flashy.

The main trade-offs are the underwhelming base engine and the touchscreen climate controls, which some owners find distracting. Even so, the Outback’s value-focused, space-first approach lines up well with shoppers who care more about usefulness, traction, and comfort than quick acceleration or style. Good and great deals account for 35.5% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.71/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner summary points to a vehicle that feels comfortable, safe, and modern, and it also reflects confidence in the turbocharged version for buyers who want more performance without giving up the Outback’s core strengths. The expert notes reinforce that dependability story by emphasizing reliability, low cost, and long-distance comfort, along with the Outback’s ability to handle rough roads with confidence.

That said, used buyers should still pay close attention to maintenance history and how the cabin electronics have aged, because long-term ownership risk is usually tied more to condition and upkeep than to the model’s reputation alone.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any candidate, because accident-free listings are common but not guaranteed. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one with the turbo engine, and focus on overall condition, especially the cabin controls and wear items that matter in daily use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim uses two 7-inch touchscreens and matte plastic, while Premium and above get the larger 11.6-inch portrait display. Higher trims add more upscale materials, and Limited and Touring versions bring leather upholstery and contrast stitching.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.5-liter flat-four is described as slow and noisy, while the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in XT models delivers much stronger acceleration and smoother operation.
• 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, while rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor are reserved for select upper trims.
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The larger single-screen setup is more cohesive than the base dual-screen arrangement, and optional navigation is available.
• 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 6 trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited 2.5, Limited XT, Touring, and Touring XT.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the least expensive way into the Outback, but it’s also the one most clearly missing key convenience features. The dual 7-inch screen setup feels like a compromise, so this trim makes sense only if you’re focused on price above all else.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the larger 11.6-inch display and improves the cabin experience without jumping all the way to the upper end of the lineup. It’s the trim to target if you want the Outback’s core strengths without overpaying.
• Limited 2.5: This trim is the better choice if you want more comfort and a more upscale feel, including leather upholstery and additional safety equipment. It suits buyers who plan to keep the car longer and want a more complete package.
• Limited XT: This is the smart pick if you want the stronger turbo engine without going all the way to the top trims. It adds the performance boost that many owners like while keeping the Outback’s practical character intact.
• Touring: This is the most comfort-oriented non-turbo choice, with the most upscale presentation in the lineup. It fits you best if you want the Outback to feel as refined as possible.
• Touring XT: This is the top choice if you want both the strongest engine and the most premium equipment. It’s the most complete version, but it also sits at the highest end of the price range.

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Premium and standard on higher trims, so that’s an important safety-package step up to watch for.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 35.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,867 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.45% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,910, 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 $22,215 sits slightly below last year's $23,748.

That decline suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now if you plan to keep the vehicle for several years. For a future seller, the softer pricing means you should expect less immediate upside than in a stronger market, but the Outback’s broad appeal still helps support demand.

Its mix of practicality, safety, and all-wheel-drive capability gives it a durable audience among used buyers. That matters because vehicles with a clear value proposition tend to hold attention even when prices ease.

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 an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ and earned five-star overall ratings from NHTSA, with 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. The Outback also comes with a driver’s knee airbag and a passenger seat-cushion airbag, while blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on higher trims and optional on Premium. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor are also reserved for select upper trims.

The main caveat is that some of the more useful driver-assistance features are not standard on every trim, so you should confirm equipment carefully before you buy.

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:

• 35.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.45% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines standard all-wheel drive, strong safety, and wagon practicality in a familiar package.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $20,849, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,215 average.
• It adds fresh safety tech and a new tablet-style interface.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $23,895, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,215 average.
• It adds the Wilderness trim for more rugged, adventure-focused capability.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and everyday usefulness, the 2021 is the strongest all-around choice. If your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the value play; if you want more trail-ready capability, the 2022 is worth the extra money.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.