Used 2021 Subaru Outback for Sale nearMadison, WI

How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 6.43% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,919 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Subaru Outback earns a 4.71/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfortable ride, impressive safety features, and modern technology. Many also highlight the turbocharged engine option and the Outback’s practical, everyday usefulness. On the trade-off side, some owners mention limited cabin storage and awkward touchscreen climate controls.

The Outback’s appeal is strongest if you want a practical, unpretentious vehicle that prioritizes usefulness, space, and confidence over flash. It also shows strong market appeal, with 37.2% of listings marked as good or great deals.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?

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

Owners describe it as reliable, dependable, and trouble-free, with a reputation for long-term confidence. The expert evaluation also emphasizes reliability and low cost as part of the Outback’s core appeal, along with its ability to handle everyday driving without fuss.

Subaru’s standard all-wheel-drive setup and long-distance comfort reinforce that dependable character. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the vehicle has been maintained well, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a vehicle history report on any listing you’re considering, even if the car looks clean on paper. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the drivetrain, electronics, and interior controls, since condition can vary widely from one used example to another. Focus especially on how the cabin functions in daily use, not just how it looks in photos.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim uses two 7-inch touchscreens, while Premium and above get the 11.6-inch portrait display. Higher trims also add more upscale interior materials, and the Limited and Touring trims bring two-tone leather upholstery with contrast stitching.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.5-liter flat-four makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while XT models use a 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. The turbo engine is much quicker and smoother, while the base engine is slow and noisy under load.
• 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 trims.
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The main screen is 11.6 inches on Premium and above, and the system supports optional navigation. The base dual-screen setup is less cohesive and less attractive.
• 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 misses key convenience features and uses the less appealing dual-screen setup. It makes sense only if you’re focused on the lowest entry price.
• 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 pricier upper trims.
• Limited 2.5: This trim adds more comfort and convenience, and it also gets standard rear emergency braking. It’s a strong choice if you want a more complete daily driver.
• Limited XT: This is the better pick if you want the turbo engine’s extra power without going all the way to the top trim. It balances performance and equipment well.
• Touring: This is the most upscale non-turbo trim, with the most premium-feeling cabin and the most complete safety equipment.
• Touring XT: This is the top choice if you want the strongest engine and the most fully equipped Outback.

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

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively and still find decent opportunities.

• Deal availability: 37.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,919 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.43% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.7% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,907, 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 $22,124 sits slightly below last year's $23,643.

That softer pricing can help you buy in at a more favorable point, but it also suggests the market has already adjusted downward from prior levels. For a future seller, that means resale value may depend more on condition, mileage, and trim choice than on broad market momentum alone.

The Outback still benefits from strong demand because it combines practicality, safety, and all-wheel-drive appeal. 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 it earned five-star ratings from NHTSA overall, 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 on all trims 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. 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 limited to select trims.

The main caveat is that some advanced safety features are not standard on every trim, so you should confirm the exact equipment on any used listing you’re considering.

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:

• 37.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.7% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.43% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines strong safety, standard all-wheel drive, and practical everyday usefulness.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $20,726, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,124 average.
• It brings a more modern-feeling sixth-generation update with fresh safety tech and two new engines.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $23,823, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,124 average.
• It adds the adventure-focused Wilderness trim for buyers who want more outdoor capability.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and everyday usefulness, the 2021 is the smart default. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while keeping the same core appeal. If you want a more rugged direction, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.