The 2021 Subaru Outback specs include a 2.5L flat-4 (boxer) engine or an optional 2.4L turbocharged flat-4 engine, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, and a CVT transmission for smooth and efficient driving. This guide covers engine performance, MPG, pricing, and key features of the 2021 Subaru Outback.

The 2021 Subaru Outback continued to deliver reliability, comfort, and all-terrain versatility. With a focus on safety, advanced technology, and practicality, it remained a top choice in the midsize crossover segment. Subaru kept most features from the 2020 redesign while adding small enhancements, including standard LED steering-responsive headlights for all trims. Visit Subaru Official.
Engine and Performance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Engine Options | 2.5L 4-cylinder (FB25) / 2.4L Turbocharged 4-cylinder (FA24) |
| Horsepower | 182 hp (2.5L) / 260 hp (2.4L Turbo) |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft (2.5L) / 277 lb-ft (2.4L Turbo) |
| Transmission Options | Lineartronic CVT (Standard) |
| Drive Type | Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) |
| Towing Capacity | 2,700 pounds (2.5L) / 3,500 pounds (2.4L Turbo) |
| 0-60 mph | ~8.5 seconds (2.5L) / ~6.3 seconds (2.4L Turbo) |
Dimensions
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 191.3 inches |
| Width | 73.0 inches |
| Height | 66.1 inches |
| Wheelbase | 108.1 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 8.7 inches |
| Curb Weight | ~3,600–3,900 pounds |
Fuel and MPG
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gallons |
| City MPG | 26 mpg (2.5L) / 23 mpg (2.4L Turbo) |
| Highway MPG | 33 mpg (2.5L) / 30 mpg (2.4L Turbo) |
| Combined MPG | 29 mpg (2.5L) / 26 mpg (2.4L Turbo) |
Safety Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Brakes | 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS |
| Airbags | Front, side-impact, and side-curtain airbags |
| Traction Control | Standard |
| Stability Control | Standard |
| EyeSight System | Standard: Adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning |
| DriverFocus System | Available: Facial recognition for driver monitoring |
| Crash Ratings | 5-star NHTSA overall rating |
Interior Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Upholstery | Cloth (base) or leather (premium trims) |
| Infotainment | Subaru Starlink with 7-inch (base) or 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen (premium trims), Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, optional navigation |
| Climate Control | Manual (base) or dual-zone automatic (higher trims) |
| Cargo Space | 32.5 cu-ft (rear seats up) / 75.7 cu-ft (rear seats down) |
| Additional Features | Heated/ventilated front seats, power liftgate, panoramic moonroof (available) |
Exterior Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Crossover/Wagon |
| Headlights | LED steering-responsive headlights (standard) |
| Wheels | 17-inch or 18-inch alloy wheels |
| Roof Rails | Standard with integrated crossbars |
| Paint Options | Broad range of metallic and solid colors |
| Additional Features | Power-adjustable side mirrors, rugged cladding for off-road protection |
Current Price in the U.S.
| Condition | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Excellent (Well-kept) | $32,000–$38,000 |
| Good (Well-maintained) | $27,000–$32,000 |
| Fair (Functional) | $22,000–$27,000 |
| Poor (Needs Repairs) | $18,000–$22,000 |
Other Features
- Standard EyeSight: Advanced safety suite across all trims.
- Turbocharged Engine Option: Powerful performance for higher trims.
- Premium Interior: Spacious design with top-tier technology and comfort features.
- Off-Road Capability: High ground clearance and AWD ensure all-weather adaptability.
The 2021 Subaru Outback upheld its reputation as a well-rounded crossover with the ideal balance of practicality, comfort, and adventure-ready capability.
2021 Subaru Outback FAQs
What engines are available in the 2021 Subaru Outback?
The 2021 Outback offers two engine options:
2.5L flat-4 (Boxer) – about 182 hp
2.4L turbocharged flat-4 (XT) – about 260 hp
What trim levels were offered?
The 2021 model comes in several trims:
Base
Premium
Limited
Touring
Onyx Edition XT
Limited XT
Touring XT
What is the fuel economy?
Fuel economy depends on engine:
2.5L engine: about 26 city / 33 highway mpg
2.4L turbo: about 23 city / 30 highway mpg
What’s new in the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Continuation of the redesigned 2020 model (6th generation)
Improved infotainment system with large 11.6-inch touchscreen
Enhanced safety features standard across trims
What are the main advantages?
Standard AWD
Strong safety technology
Spacious interior and cargo area
Comfortable ride quality
Turbo engine offers strong performance
What are the disadvantages?
Base engine may feel underpowered
Large touchscreen can be slow or distracting
CVT may not appeal to all drivers
