Used 2021 Subaru Outback for Sale near North Carolina

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 2,859 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $21,914.32, 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 option also comes up as a highlight, especially for drivers who want more performance than the base setup delivers.

The trade-offs are clear: the base engine is underwhelming, and some owners wish the cabin had better storage and easier climate-control access. That fits the Outback’s use case well if you want a practical, confidence-inspiring vehicle rather than something flashy or quick.

With 32.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, the market still offers 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 feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with praise for the Outback’s comfortable ride and the kind of long-term confidence buyers tend to want from a used vehicle. The expert evaluation also emphasizes reliability, low cost, and the Outback’s practical, long-haul character.

Subaru’s standard all-wheel-drive system and the model’s durable, utility-first design reinforce that dependable feel. The cost-effectiveness discussion also highlights high resale value, which usually goes hand in hand with ownership confidence.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is choosing a neglected example, especially one that has been driven hard or poorly maintained.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.4% — 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, and pay close attention to how the cabin, touchscreen, and controls have held up in daily use.

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. Lower trims also miss some convenience features, so you should pay close attention to equipment gaps before you buy.
• Powertrain: The base 2.5-liter flat-four makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, and it is described as brutally slow with the CVT. The turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in XT models makes 260 hp and 277 lb-ft and is much smoother and 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 optional navigation is more modern-looking than the rest of the system. The 11.6-inch screen is the better setup, while the dual-screen base arrangement is the one to avoid.
• 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, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, and Limited XT.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the least expensive way into the Outback, but it is also the one most clearly missing key convenience features. The dual 7-inch screen setup is the weakest infotainment layout, and the underpowered base engine makes this the least appealing choice unless price is your only priority.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the 11.6-inch portrait display and moves you past the bare-bones base setup. It also unlocks more of the Outback’s everyday usability without pushing you into the pricier XT models.
• Limited: This trim adds a more upscale feel, and it is one of the better choices if you want a more polished cabin and stronger safety equipment. It also sits in the range where the turbo XT becomes available, so it’s a good stepping stone if you want more than the basics.
• Touring: This is the most comfort-focused choice, with the most premium-feeling presentation in the lineup. It suits you best if you want the Outback’s practicality with the richest feature set.
• Onyx Edition XT: This is the pick if you want the turbo engine and a more rugged personality. It also adds extra driving modes for snow and mud, making it the best fit if you want capability and stronger acceleration.
• Limited XT: This is the best choice if you want the turbo powertrain without giving up the more upscale Limited trim’s overall character. It balances stronger performance with a more premium feel.

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?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,859 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.38% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,914.32, 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 $22,257 sits slightly below last year's $24,030.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and trim choice.

The Outback’s strong reputation for practicality and owner satisfaction should help support demand over time. If you keep the vehicle clean, well maintained, and accident-free, you’ll be in a better position when it’s time to sell.

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 earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award, and it scored an overall five-star rating from NHTSA. It also earned 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 works well on marked highways, though it relies on cameras rather than radar.

The Outback also includes a driver’s knee airbag and a passenger seat-cushion airbag as standard equipment. 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 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:

• 32.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.4% — 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 combines standard all-wheel drive with strong safety and a practical wagon-like layout.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,094, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,257 average.
• It introduced the sixth-generation redesign with fresh safety tech and new engines.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,032, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,257 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 one to target. If you’re shopping on a tighter budget, the 2020 can save you money, while the 2022 makes sense if you specifically want the added ruggedness of the Wilderness version.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.