How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.31% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,814 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing options.

If you find a listing below $21,921.02, 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 review summary also points to excitement around the turbocharged engine option, along with the Outback’s reliable, long-term appeal.

The trade-offs are familiar: cabin storage could be better, and the touchscreen-based climate controls can be distracting. The overview frames the Outback as a practical, wagon-like choice for you if you value space, confidence in poor conditions, and an unfussy ownership experience more than style or flash.

With 29.5% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is enough market flexibility to shop carefully.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?

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

The owner feedback emphasizes reliability, dependability, and a trouble-free ownership experience, with many drivers describing the Outback as a vehicle they can count on over time. The expert summary reinforces that theme by highlighting reliability as one of the model’s core strengths, alongside low cost and high resale.

Subaru also positions the Outback as a long-distance, all-weather cruiser, and the expert notes that its ride comfort and tranquil behavior support that kind of ownership. On the maintenance side, the expert materials do not add a service perk here, so your best protection is a clean history and a thorough pre-purchase inspection.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is not a reputation for fragility but the possibility of buying a neglected example with hidden wear.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still run a history report on any candidate, even if the listing looks clean. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on the drivetrain, electronics, and signs of hard use, especially if the vehicle has seen rough-weather or outdoor-duty miles. Pay close attention to condition, because the Outback’s value proposition depends on it feeling well cared for rather than merely well equipped.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim uses two 7-inch touchscreens in a matte-plastic center stack, while Premium and above get the 11.6-inch portrait display. Higher trims add a brighter, more polished cabin presentation, and 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 turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. The base engine is described as slow, while the turbo is smoother, quieter, and much more capable.
• Safety package: Subaru EyeSight is standard on all trims 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 come standard, and the main screen is the 11.6-inch portrait display on Premium and above. The base dual-screen setup is less cohesive, and the system’s interface is dated even though the underlying tech is current.
• 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, Onyx Edition XT.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the least expensive way into the Outback, but it comes with the less appealing dual 7-inch touchscreen setup and misses the more polished cabin presentation found higher up the range. It makes sense only if you are focused on entry price above all else.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the 11.6-inch portrait display and a more complete everyday experience without jumping into the pricier XT models. It also unlocks more of the Outback’s useful convenience and safety content.
• Limited: This trim is the step up if you want a more upscale feel, with leather upholstery and more available safety equipment. It suits you if comfort and a richer cabin matter more than keeping the budget tight.
• Touring: This is the most comfort-focused non-XT choice, with the most premium cabin presentation and the broadest set of available driver-assistance features. It is the right pick if you want the most refined Outback experience.
• Onyx Edition XT: This is the best choice if you want the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine and a more adventurous personality. It adds stronger performance and a more durable-feeling interior treatment, making it the pick for buyers who want capability and power together.

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Premium and standard on higher trims, so that safety gap is worth factoring into your trim choice.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, so you can shop with some leverage if you stay disciplined.

• Deal availability: 29.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,814 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.31% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,921.02, 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 $22,368 sits slightly below last year's $24,131.

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 a year ago. Even so, the Outback’s broad appeal, strong safety reputation, and practical layout should help it remain attractive to used buyers.

Because the model continues to draw shoppers who want space, capability, and low-drama ownership, demand should stay relatively steady. Well-kept examples are likely to hold their appeal better than neglected ones.

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, 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 system also offers good semi-automated control on marked highways.

The safety package is strong, but some features are trim dependent. 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.

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:

• 29.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.31% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 keeps the practical wagon-like formula, standard all-wheel drive, and strong safety focus.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,156, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,368 average.
• It adds fresh safety tech and a new tablet-style interface while keeping the familiar wagon-like appeal.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,157, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,368 average.
• It adds the 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 are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while staying close in character. If you want more rugged capability and are willing to pay more, the 2022 is the better fit.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 28, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.