Used 2021 Subaru Outback for Sale nearSanta Barbara, CA

How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 6.93% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,828 listings available, which suggests solid inventory availability.

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 is another recurring highlight, especially for drivers who want more performance than the base setup provides. On the downside, some owners mention limited cabin storage and touchscreen climate controls that can be distracting to use while driving.

That lines up with the broader use case here: you’re looking at a practical, roomy wagon-like vehicle that emphasizes everyday usefulness, all-wheel-drive capability, and value over flash. It also posts 35.5% good or great deals in the market, which supports the idea that you can shop with some leverage.

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 vehicle people trust for daily use, with praise centered on comfort, safety, and modern technology. The expert notes also emphasize reliability, low cost, and a long-distance, all-weather character that fits the Outback’s mission well. Subaru’s standard all-wheel-drive system and straightforward mechanical approach reinforce that dependable feel.

If you’re buying used, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the specific vehicle has been maintained well and hasn’t been abused in rough conditions.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.

Start with a vehicle history report, then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that checks the drivetrain, electronics, and interior controls. Because this model is often chosen for all-weather and outdoor use, you should pay close attention to signs of wear from heavy use, especially if the vehicle has seen rough roads or frequent cargo duty.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim uses two 7-inch touchscreens and matte plastic, while Premium and above get the much better 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, but the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in XT models delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft and is much quicker and smoother.
• 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. The base model uses dual 7-inch screens, while Premium and above get the 11.6-inch portrait display. The system supports adaptive cruise settings, and optional navigation is available.
• 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 2.5, Limited XT, Touring XT, and Onyx Edition XT.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the least expensive way into the Outback, but it’s also the one to approach most carefully because it misses the better single-screen infotainment setup and other convenience upgrades. It makes sense only if you’re focused on price above all else.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the 11.6-inch portrait display and improves the cabin experience without jumping all the way to the pricier upper trims.
• Limited 2.5: This trim adds more upscale interior touches and brings more safety equipment, including standard rear emergency braking. It’s a good fit if you want a more polished daily driver.
• Limited XT: This is the better choice if you want the stronger turbo engine along with the more premium Limited equipment. It’s the sweet spot for buyers who want both comfort and performance.
• Touring XT: This is the most upscale, comfort-focused choice, with the turbo engine and the most complete feature set. It suits you if you want the most refined Outback experience.
• Onyx Edition XT: This is the most distinctive choice, pairing the turbo engine with a more rugged look and extra drive modes for snow and mud. It’s the right pick if you want capability and a tougher personality.

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 patiently but should move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 35.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,828 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.93% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,912, 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 $22,229 sits slightly below last year's $23,885.

That decline suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, the current pricing trend means you may not see the same peak return you would have a year ago, but the drop also reflects a more accessible entry point for today’s buyers. Strong demand for practical, safety-focused vehicles should still support healthy interest over time.

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 was a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and the 2021 Outback, which is identical, earned five-star overall ratings 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 Outback also comes with a driver’s knee airbag and a passenger seat-cushion airbag. 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.

The main caveat is that some of the more advanced safety features are not standard on every trim, so you should confirm the exact equipment on the vehicle you’re considering.

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:

• 35.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.6% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.93% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 keeps the Outback’s roomy, safety-focused formula while adding standard adaptive LED headlights.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,018, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,229 average.
• It adds fresh safety tech and two new engines.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,027, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,229 average.
• It introduces the Wilderness trim for more off-road 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 your budget is tighter, the 2020 is the value play; if you want more rugged capability and can spend more, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.