Used 2021 Subaru Outback for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 6.71% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

With 2,815 listings available, you have a healthy amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

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 bright spot, while the cabin’s practicality and everyday usefulness fit the Outback’s role as a roomy, go-anywhere wagon.

The trade-offs are familiar: the base engine is underwhelming, and the touchscreen climate controls can be distracting to use while driving. That makes the Outback especially appealing if you value space, traction, and comfort more than quick acceleration or a flashy cabin.

The model’s broad appeal is strongest if you want a practical daily driver with SUV-like capability and wagon efficiency in spirit. With 34.8% of listings marked as good or great deals, there are still worthwhile opportunities in the market.

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 that feels dependable, comfortable, and well suited to long-term use. The expert notes also emphasize reliability, low cost, and a design focused on what people really need rather than unnecessary complexity.

Subaru’s approach here is straightforward: it’s built to be a long-distance cruiser with a reputation for durability and practical ownership. The main long-term risk for used buyers is making sure the vehicle has been maintained well, especially if you’re considering one with higher mileage or the more complex turbo setup.

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 history report carefully, because accident-free listings are strong but not universal. A pre-purchase inspection is worth prioritizing, especially if you’re comparing trims with more equipment or looking at a higher-mileage example. Focus on overall condition, cabin wear, and whether the features you want are actually present on the specific trim.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim uses two 7-inch touchscreens in the center stack, while Premium and above get the larger 11.6-inch portrait display. Lower trims also miss some convenience features, so base and Premium models are worth scrutinizing closely if you want a better-equipped cabin.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.5-liter flat-four makes 182 horsepower and can feel brutally slow with the CVT, while the turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four in XT models delivers 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque and feels much stronger in everyday driving.
• 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, 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 single large screen is the better setup if you want a more cohesive interface.
• 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 5 trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited 2.5, Limited XT, Touring XT.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the least expensive way into the Outback, but it’s also the one most likely to leave you wanting more. The dual 7-inch touchscreen setup and missing convenience features make it the trim to skip unless price is your only priority.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many shoppers because it adds the larger 11.6-inch display and improves the cabin experience without jumping all the way to the pricier upper trims. It’s the sweet spot if you want the Outback’s core strengths without overpaying.
• Limited 2.5: This trim adds more comfort and convenience, and it also brings more safety equipment, including standard rear emergency braking and a standard driver-attention monitor. It suits you if you want a more upscale daily driver without moving to the turbo engine.
• Limited XT: This is the better choice if you want the stronger turbocharged powertrain and a more relaxed, capable feel on the road. It’s the right pick if you care about passing power and long-distance confidence more than keeping the purchase price down.
• Touring XT: This is the most fully equipped version and makes sense if you want the most premium Outback experience available. It’s best for shoppers who want the top trim 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 all higher trims, while rear emergency braking and the driver-attention monitor are standard only on select upper 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 still move quickly on the right listing.

• Deal availability: 34.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,815 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.71% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.3% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,914, 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 $22,206 sits slightly below last year's $23,802.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. For a future seller, that means resale value may be steadier if you buy well and keep the vehicle in strong condition.

The Outback’s reputation for practicality, safety, and broad appeal should continue to support demand. Well-kept examples with desirable equipment are likely to remain easier to move than more ordinary used wagons or crossovers.

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 five-star ratings from NHTSA overall, 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. 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 standard only on select upper trims.

The safety story is especially strong here, but the base and mid-level trims do leave some helpful driver-assistance features off the standard equipment list. That makes trim choice important if safety tech is a priority for you.

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:

• 34.8% 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 6.71% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It combines wagon practicality, standard all-wheel drive, and strong safety with a more refined turbo option available on upper trims.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $20,961, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,206 average.
• It brings fresh safety tech and a new tablet-style interface.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $23,993, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,206 average.
• It adds the Wilderness trim for buyers who want more trail-focused 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’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 can save you money, while the 2022 makes more sense if you want the newer adventure-focused direction.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.