How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.08% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,892 listings available, which suggests solid inventory for shoppers comparing prices and trims.

If you find a listing below $21,947.44, 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. Many also like the turbocharged engine option and the Outback’s everyday practicality.

The trade-offs are cabin storage that could be better and climate controls that can be distracting on the touchscreen. In use-case terms, this is a strong fit if you want a practical wagon with all-wheel-drive confidence, generous space, and long-trip comfort.

Good and great deals account for 34.1% of listings, so you still have 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 also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with praise for the Outback’s long-term usefulness and confidence-inspiring character. The expert evaluation reinforces that theme by emphasizing reliability and low cost as part of the model’s appeal.

Subaru’s EyeSight system is standard, and the vehicle’s safety-focused engineering supports the sense that this is built for long-term use. For used buyers, the main ownership risk is less about the concept and more about finding a well-kept example with a clean history and consistent maintenance.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the report carefully, because accident-free status is only a starting point. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one that has seen rough-weather use. Focus on overall condition, interior wear, and whether the vehicle’s features work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim uses two 7-inch touchscreens and misses the more polished 11.6-inch display found on Premium and above trim levels.
• Powertrain: The 2.5-liter flat-four is slow with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft and feels much stronger.
• 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.
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the optional navigation is more modern-looking than the rest of the system.
• Fuel efficiency: The base engine is rated at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbo XT is rated at 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 trim: It’s the least appealing choice because it uses the dual 7-inch screen setup and skips the more upscale 11.6-inch display.
• Sweet-spot trim: Premium is the best value if you want the nicer single-screen setup and a better overall cabin experience without jumping to the pricier trims.
• Premium/top trim: Touring brings the most upscale feel, with added luxury touches and the most complete comfort-oriented setup.
• Off-road trim: Onyx Edition XT is the one to watch if you want the turbo engine and extra traction-oriented features, but it’s more expensive than most daily drivers need.

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 without rushing.

• Deal availability: 34.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,892 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.08% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,947.44, 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 $22,589 sits slightly below last year's $24,311.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled enough to give you a better entry point than a year ago. If you buy well now, you may have less depreciation pressure than someone who paid closer to last year’s average. The Outback’s broad appeal and strong demand help support future resale strength, especially if you choose a well-equipped trim and keep the vehicle in good condition.

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 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, 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 vehicle also includes a driver’s knee airbag and a passenger seat-cushion airbag as standard equipment.

A few safety features vary by trim: blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Premium and standard on higher trims, rear emergency braking is optional on the Onyx Edition XT but standard on the Limited 2.5 and both Touring versions, and the driver-attention monitor is standard only on the Limited XT and both Touring versions.

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:

• 34.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.3% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.08% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines strong safety, standard all-wheel drive, and a more powerful turbo option for buyers who want capability.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,135, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,589 average.
• It introduced the spacious interior and the 11.6-inch touchscreen.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,310, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,589 average.
• It adds the Wilderness trim for more rugged adventure use.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the best all-around pick if you want strong safety, standard all-wheel drive, and a broad mix of practicality and capability. If your priority is saving money, the 2020 is the better value play; if you want more off-road focus, the 2022 is the better step up.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 7, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.