Used 2021 Subaru Outback for Sale nearPalm Desert, CA

How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 6.63% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,938 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

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. The turbocharged engine option also draws positive attention for stronger performance, while the cabin’s practical layout and everyday usefulness come through clearly in owner feedback.

The trade-offs are that cabin storage could be better, and the touchscreen-based climate controls can be distracting to use while driving. That fits the Outback’s broader personality: it is built for usefulness, not flash, and it leans into practicality, space, and confidence rather than style or innovation.

With 36.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have a decent chance of finding a competitively priced example.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?

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

Owner feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with praise for the Outback’s comfortable ride and the confidence it inspires over time. The expert evaluation also emphasizes reliability, low cost, and long-term usefulness, which reinforces the sense that this is a vehicle built to be counted on.

The Outback’s practical design and strong ownership satisfaction suggest manageable long-term risk for used buyers, especially if you choose a well-kept example with a clean history.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free listings are common but not guaranteed. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear, electronics, and any signs of hard use, especially if the vehicle has seen rough roads or frequent travel. Pay close attention to overall condition, since the Outback’s appeal depends heavily on how well it has been maintained.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim uses two 7-inch touchscreens in matte plastic, while Premium and above get the brighter, sharper 11.6-inch portrait display. Higher trims also add more upscale 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 the turbocharged 2.4-liter XT engine makes 260 hp and 277 lb-ft and is much quicker and smoother.
• Safety package: Subaru EyeSight is standard and includes adaptive cruise, 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: The standard setup includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the larger single-screen layout is more cohesive than the base dual-screen arrangement. The system supports adaptive cruise settings, though changing them can be cumbersome.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbo XT is EPA-estimated at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, compared with 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway for the base engine.

Which 2021 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru Outback is offered in 5 trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited 2.5, Limited XT, and Touring.

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. You get the core Outback formula, yet the dual 7-inch screen setup and stripped-down feel make it the trim most buyers should skip unless price is your only priority.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the 11.6-inch portrait display and a more polished interior presentation. It is the trim that makes the Outback feel properly modern without pushing you into luxury pricing.
• Limited 2.5: This trim adds more comfort and convenience, including available blind-spot monitoring and rear emergency braking, and it is a better fit if you want a more fully equipped daily driver.
• Limited XT: This is the smart choice if you want the stronger turbo engine without jumping all the way to the top of the range. It combines the more powerful powertrain with a richer feature set.
• Touring: This is the most upscale version, aimed at buyers who want the most comfort and equipment the Outback offers. It makes sense if you want the most refined version and are willing to pay for it.

Safety-package note: blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Premium and standard on higher trims, while rear emergency braking and the driver-attention monitor are reserved for select upper trims.

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

This is a moderate market for selective buyers, with enough inventory to shop carefully and enough price softness to create opportunities.

• Deal availability: 36.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,938 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.63% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 81.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,908, 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 $21,953 sits slightly below last year's $23,512.

That decline suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you as a buyer today but may temper future resale gains if you plan to sell soon. Even so, the Outback’s strong reputation for practicality, safety, and value helps support demand over time. Its broad appeal should continue to make it easier to move than many less versatile used vehicles.

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 Subaru Outback earns an IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating and five-star ratings from NHTSA, though NHTSA notes 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, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. 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.

The main caveat is that the NHTSA results are not perfect, with four-star ratings in the front passenger frontal crash and rollover tests.

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:

• 36.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 81.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.63% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 keeps the Outback’s practical wagon-like shape, standard all-wheel drive, and strong safety focus.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $20,672, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $21,953 average.
• It adds a more modern feel with fresh safety tech and two new engines.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $23,734, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,953 average.
• It shifts toward a more adventure-focused Wilderness setup with improved outdoor capability.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and everyday usefulness, the 2021 is the strongest all-around pick. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money while keeping much of the same core appeal. If you want a more rugged direction and can spend more, the 2022 is the better fit.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 13, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.