Subaru often conjures images of rugged, reliable, and downright practical vehicles that walk that fine line between on-road comfort, safety, and all-road functionality. The 2021 Subaru Outback offers an innovative and practical alternative to sedans and SUVs. With more cargo space and ground clearance than a car plus some off-road capability, as well as more sportiness than a larger 3-row SUV, this rugged half-wagon, half-SUV has become the company’s best-selling model.
The 2021 Subaru Outback sits on a relatively new (new in 2020) chassis, and buyers can choose between a 2.5-liter flat-4 boxer engine that makes 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft or a turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-4 that makes 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both variants get a CVT transmission with eight preset steps that feel like the shifts of a conventional automatic transmission.
The Outback comes standard with all-wheel drive with active torque split.
Trims galore
There’s an impressive seven trims to choose from, Outback (base), Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT.
The base version of the Outback comes with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and automatic emergency braking. The standard infotainment system uses dual 7.0-inch screens. The upper screen controls the audio, and you use the lower screen for climate control and systems, including EyeSight and the X-Mode off-road setting. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. The base Outback starts at $26,795. Destination fee on all models is $1,050.
Step up to the Premium, and you get added features like Subaru’s Starlink safety and security suite plus an 11.6-inch LCD touch and gesture display screen. If you want blind-spot monitoring on the 2021 Subaru Outback Premium, it’s available as part of a $1,400 option package that also includes rear cross-traffic alert, push-button start, and a hands-free power tailgate. The Outback Premium is also available with a more comprehensive $2,995 option package that includes those features plus a power moonroof and an 11.6-inch multimedia navigation screen. The Premium trim starts at $29,045.
The $33,595 Limited trim adds leather upholstery, an 8-way power passenger seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, a 12-speaker Harmon Kardon audio system, and a hands-free power liftgate. Touring features more luxurious Nappa leather upholstery and the 11.6-inch touchscreen with navigation. It starts at $37,495.
The turbo models carry the XT designation. The Outback Onyx Edition XT builds on the Premium, while the Limited XT and Touring XT top the line with respective starting prices of $35,145 and $39,945.
We’d recommend opting for either the Outback Onyx Edition XT trim or the Limited XT trim, mainly because the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine offers a bit more oomph for your buck.
Here’s the Complete Rundown on 2021 Subaru Outback Trims and Prices:
2021 Subaru Outback Base: $26,795
- All-wheel drive
- Hill descent control
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Full LED headlights
- Roof rails
- Height-adjustable driver’s seat
- Tilt/telescopic steering wheel
- Automatic climate control
- 7-inch touchscreen,
- Standard Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- EyeSight safety suite
2021 Subaru Outback Premium: $29,045
- LED fog lights
- Front & rear wiper de-icer system
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel & shift knob
- 10-way-power driver’s seat
- Heated front seats & side mirrors
- Rear-seat USB quick-charging ports
- Starlink infotainment system with 11.6-inch touchscreen
2021 Subaru Outback Limited: $33,595
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Steering-responsive LED headlights
- Push-button starter
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Leather upholstery
- 8-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
- Heated rear seats
- 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system
- Blind-spot monitoring (with rear cross-traffic alert)
- Reverse automatic braking
2021 Subaru Outback Touring: $37,495
- Power sunroof
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Heated steering wheel
- Ventilated front seats
- Navigation system
- DriverFocus driver-monitoring system
2021 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT: $35,145
- Turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine
- Dual-function X-Mode AWD
- Snow/Dirt and Deep Snow/Mud modes
- Black 18-inch alloy wheels
- Full-size spare tire
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Push-button starter
- Water-repellent upholstery
- 8-way-power front-passenger seat
- Heated rear seats
- Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT: $37,995
- Turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine
- Power sunroof
- Heated steering wheel
- Navigation system
2021 Subaru Outback Touring XT: $39,945
- Turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine
- Power-folding exterior mirrors
- 180-degree front-view monitoring system
Ready to buy a 2021 Subaru Outback? Shop for one on sale now near you.
