DecodedCars2021 Subaru Outback
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Body styles
- 4dr Wagon Convience/Touring/Limited, 4dr Wagon Limited Xt/Premier Xt, 4dr Wagon Premier/Outdoor Xt
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 26 city / 33 hwy
- Length
- 191.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,649–3,924 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 4 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 29 MPG combined — 21% better than the average 2021 small SUV (23.9 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 27 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Subaru Outback is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 191 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 108-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,649 lb (4dr Wagon Convience/Touring/Limited).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway), 21% better than the 2021 small SUV average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,300 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 4 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 298 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the visibility/wiper.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Outback — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Outback →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Wagon Convience/Touring/Limited | 191.3 in | 74.8 in | 66.5 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 63 in | 3,649 lb | 56/54 |
| 4dr Wagon Limited Xt/Premier Xt | 191.3 in | 74.8 in | 66.5 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 63 in | 3,924 lb | 56/54 |
| 4dr Wagon Premier/Outdoor Xt | 191.3 in | 74.8 in | 66.5 in | 108.3 in | 61.8 / 63 in | 3,759 lb | 56/54 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 / 33 / 29 | +21% | $2,300 | 308 |
| Outback AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | +9% | $2,600 | 343 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Outback SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 18.5% |
Similar 2021 small SUVs
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Outback (this car) | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota RAV4 Prime | 38 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Toyota 4Runner | 17 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Ford Explorer | 27 MPG | ★★★★★ | 27 |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Toyota Highlander | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Kia Telluride | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
Recalls (4)
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger · Mar 22, 2024
NHTSA campaign 24V227000 · 118,723 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch · Nov 9, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · 95,830 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- Risk
- An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Power Train › Driveline › Chain/Belt · Jul 8, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V485000 · 182 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
- Risk
- An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod · Jan 26, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V024000 · 383 vehicles
- Problem
- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
- Risk
- A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.
Not every 2021 Subaru Outback is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Subaru Outback buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 4 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Visibility/Wiper — 97 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Electrical System — 73 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 21 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 3,600 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Outback years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 Outback | 27 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 Outback | 27 | 191.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 21 |
| 2025 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 83 |
| 2024 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 104 |
| 2023 Outback | 28 | 192.1 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 89 |
| 2022 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 465 |
| 2020 Outback | 29 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 6 | 901 |
| 2019 Outback | 28 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 1,036 |
| 2018 Outback | 28 | 189.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 816 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Subaru. How we calculate this →