How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.37% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,850 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $21,948.07, 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. They also respond well to the turbocharged engine option and the Outback’s practical, confidence-inspiring character.

The trade-offs are familiar: the base engine is underwhelming, and the touchscreen-based climate controls can be distracting. That matters most if you want a vehicle that feels quick or especially polished in daily interaction.

For you, the Outback makes the most sense if you want a useful, unfussy vehicle with space, capability, and a safety-first personality. Good and great deals account for 34.9% of listings, so there is still 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 reliable, trouble-free ownership experience, with many drivers emphasizing confidence over the long haul. The expert evaluation also reinforces that dependability theme by highlighting Subaru’s focus on reliability and the Outback’s long-distance comfort and capability.

Subaru also includes the first scheduled maintenance visit on the house, which helps lower early ownership friction. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the vehicle was maintained properly, especially if you are considering a higher-mileage example.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because accident-free listings are not the same as problem-free listings. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are looking at a higher-trim or turbocharged example. Focus on overall condition, interior wear, and whether the technology and driver-assistance features work as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim uses two 7-inch touchscreens and misses the larger 11.6-inch display found on Premium and above trims. Higher trims add a more polished cabin presentation, and Limited and Touring versions bring more upscale materials.
• Powertrain: The base 2.5-liter flat-four makes 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, while the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in XT models makes 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. The base engine is slow, while the turbo is much stronger and smoother.
• 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. Rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor are also trim dependent.
• Infotainment: The main screen is 11.6 inches on Premium and above, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The system does not offer the most modern feel, and the interface can be unintuitive.
• 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, Onyx Edition XT.

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: It gives you the essentials, but it lacks the larger 11.6-inch display and feels stripped compared with higher trims.
• Sweet-spot trim: Premium is the best value if you want the bigger screen and a more complete cabin without jumping to the pricier luxury-oriented versions.
• Premium/top trim: Touring is the most upscale choice, with the richest materials and the most comfort-focused presentation.
• Off-road trim: Onyx Edition XT is the one to watch if you want the turbo engine and extra capability, but it is 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 is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,850 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.37% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,948.07, 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 $22,432 sits slightly below last year's $24,216.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled enough to give you some negotiating room now, but not so much that the Outback has lost its appeal. Its combination of practicality, safety, and broad buyer demand should help it remain attractive when you eventually sell.

Because the model continues to draw shoppers who want space and all-wheel-drive capability, it should hold interest better than many mainstream alternatives. 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+ rating and a five-star overall rating from NHTSA. It also earned four-star ratings for the front passenger in a frontal crash and for rollover, with five-star ratings in the other NHTSA tests.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Subaru EyeSight is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. A driver’s knee airbag and passenger seat-cushion airbag are also standard.

There are some trim-level differences to keep in mind. 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.

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:

• 34.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.9% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.37% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines standard all-wheel drive, strong safety, and a practical wagon-like layout.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,142, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,432 average.
• It keeps the familiar wagon vibe while adding fresh safety tech and new engines.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,268, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,432 average.
• It adds the Wilderness trim for buyers who want more outdoor capability.

The bottom line: The 2021 Outback is the best all-around pick if you want the strongest mix of value, safety, and everyday usefulness. If you are price-sensitive, the 2020 is the smarter budget play; if you want more rugged capability, the 2022 is worth the extra money.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 21, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.