Used 2021 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
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5th time is the best
Stephen Smachetti, 07/06/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great car with many safety features. All wheel drive makes all weather driving easy.
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Just what I was looking for
Great product, lots of safety , 04/19/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Good clearance, good traction without needing stairs to get into the vehicle. Awesome safety features and great Navigation features.
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2021 Subaru Outback for sale near you
Showing 3 of 122 listings
- Limited 4dr SUVMSRP: $25,71124 mi away
- Touring XT 4dr SUVMSRP: $28,49724 mi away
- Touring XT 4dr SUVMSRP: $25,99822 mi away
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A Magneficent Magnetite Onyx XT
Dirck Buzby, 06/30/2021
updated 01/07/2022
2021 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Your insurance will increase
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Fuel efficiency
Poor Gas Milage, 10/20/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Purchased new in May 2021 (now October 20231) over 6600 miles we've averaged 17.5 mpg; the dealership says nothing is wrong with the car; I say bs this vehicle is getting very poor gas milage; I'm 79 years young and I drive the speed limit; buyer beware.
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Love our 2021 Subaru Outback!
Jason W., 01/05/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Touring XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
7 of 12 people found this review helpful
This is our second Subaru. We love the car and all the safety features. :)
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I love my new car.
Brent S., 01/12/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
7 of 12 people found this review helpful
I test drove all the Subaru models and liked them. Then I drove the outback onyx XT and fell in love.Turbo is now the only way to go for me.
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Dung Heap
Russ, 06/03/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
20 of 39 people found this review helpful
Be careful how you open the hood. You might damage the front fenders ($2500 to repair) Wash the car on a sunny day and you will crack the windshield (About $1000) Hit an insect at over 40 mph? Chipped paint At 2500 miles you will wear through the cloth seats. Stay real far away from this pile of ____.
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Best Car Ever
Fred Rzonca, 02/06/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
4 of 8 people found this review helpful
Safest, Comfortable, 4 wheel drive and easy handling car
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Outback Newbie
LaTDoe, 02/25/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Who knew a station wagon could be so cool - love my new Outback!
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Super Subbie!
Subaru Lou, 03/29/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Touring XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Great design. All Outback models have impressive standard safety features. The trim options provide the buyer with the choice of upgrades. I chose the Touring XT. I am very pleased with my Outback.
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Love the Turbo
Alex Blair, 01/29/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Changed from a 2019 Forester to a 2021 Outback XT and the improvements are great. Lane centering, the bigger infotainment, everything is great.
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Lots of safety
Mrs. J., 04/19/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Touring XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful
Great ride! Love the electronic safety features. You should test drive, then you’re hooked
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old folks
vernon & carol clifford, 12/13/2020
2021 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 23 people found this review helpful
has all the bells and whistles.
Outback Touring XT
Valerie , 07/05/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Touring XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I absolutely love this car. It has a smooth quiet ride and is fully loaded with every feature.
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Like a reliable partner
DT, 07/10/2021
updated 01/17/2023
2021 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is not exciting to drive or glamorous, but it is otherwise everything I want and need. It’s got great cargo capacity it’s very comfortable it’s actually sort of elegant. I am still finding more cool stuff about it after owning it for six months. For instance Today I just noticed it when I approach the vehicle with the key fob in my pocket the interior lights light up before I even touch it. I got the 2021 outback with the sunroof package. Big LED screen, good steering wheel controls. A lot of safety features which I was really surprised to find and they do help. Very comfortable seats, nice interior. My only complaint is the car is a little under powered. not much acceleration and the engine is loud when you push it. But it’s OK. It’s not supposed to be a sports car. I am averaging about 26 miles per gallon. I have a 2011 Impreza that is running great my son drives it now. I’m hoping this car will have similar longevity. Update: had the car for about two years now. Everything is still fine. A couple of times the LED screen went blank, but never for more than a few minutes I use Apple CarPlay all the time for navigation, phone calls, even reading and sending texts. Very convenient.
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2021 Subaru Outback
Old John, 01/18/2022
updated 01/19/2023
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Handles well acess for large people is difficult especialy in second seat. slow on pickup without turbocharge.
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Owned For 1 Year - NO ISSUES
KC7641, 01/28/2022
updated 08/01/2024
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We bought this vehicle three and a half years ago. We have driven it all over the Western United States. Racked up over 60,000 miles in that time. Have had absolutely no issues with this car. It drives great, feels great. The gas mileage for us has been right close to 30 mpg on average. Not bad for an all-wheel-drive vehicle. Nothing is perfect, I don't care for the way the vehicle saves your profile for the settings of the seats, mirrors and other internal settings. It doesn't work for everything. For example, I don't like the feature where the car automatically shuts off and restarts at stop lights, etc. I want that off. I set it in the profile and save it and for some reason that setting won't save. I always have to turn it off manually. The driver assist is nice but is only practical on the freeway. In town it is just a pain in the butt because it doesn't see the lines around sharp curves. Overall, I love the car and would buy it again.
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Battery Dead - Dealer blames me
scatback43, 06/04/2022
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
About to leave for 1500 mile trip, warning lights and the car would not start. Towed to dealer who said I had left lights on and charged the battery. Dead again the next morning. Towed to dealer, who said the rubber mat in the cargo area was too far out and kept the hatch from closing fully, which would drain the battery. This isn't true, but points for creativity. Dead again the next morning. Towed to dealer, who charged the battery again, but it died immediately this time. Cause, they said, was 'loose cell in battery' so they replaced the battery. If I were you, I'd replace the battery immediately for a couple of hundred bucks, forget the dealer. Also had windshield crack problem. Dealer said debris. Couldn't see any evidence; dealer said that most people just replaced with insurance and that Subaru would be unresponsive if I complained. Then driver attention monitor came on and wouldn't stop chiming no matter how hard I stared at the road. You can disable this intrusive, useless system and I did.
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XT outback very quick and very refined update
Ira, 07/07/2022
updated 07/10/2023
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This Subaru is a complete driver’s car with the turbo2.4.The acceleration is invigorating and makes you smile at the performance of the outback. I am certain that an outback with the standard motor is a fine practical choice but the turbo transforms a very good car into a great car that gives satisfaction when driving
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Low quality breaks - disregard for customers
Tim, Halifax, 08/27/2022
2021 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought a new Subaru Outback Outdoors XT (Onyx Edition in the US) in 2020. After about 33000 km the car started to shake at breaking. Their own service people said that the rotors were warped and needed replacement. However, since it was 'more than 1 year old' they refused to replace the defective parts, and quoted me over $700 for parts and labour. I am very disappointed with Subaru's quality. They are certainly not as safe as they advertise, and have zero interest in looking after their customers. I would never buy another Subaru again, and would recommend to stay away from the brand that uses low quality parts and offers no regard for their customers.
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2021 Outback Premium
Ray H., 11/09/2022
updated 11/12/2024
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I just got a dealer demo outback premium and I love it. The ride is amazing and in curves it feels level without much lean. The 2.5 is a little bit slow to accelerate under normal driving conditions,but,when you need to get it going a good punch to the pedal will get you up to speed quick. I am getting 33-34 mpg local with mine and haven't had a chance to get it on the highway for any measurable distance,but ,I think the highway mog will be even better. The Comfort of Subaru seats is amazing. I have been in several different models and every single seat feels like it was made just for me. Unreal!!! Can't wait to get into a brand new Wilderness Edition when trade in time cones.
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Won me over
Bill G, Bowling Green, VA, 04/05/2023
updated 10/07/2024
2021 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It had been many years since I owned a Subaru, not since 1979 and there is no comparison. Subaru has always been a little quirky and out of the mainstream, but that's just fine with me. Your 10 year old Outback still looks current! Fit and finish are superb and I have had no adjustments or warranty issues in the past two years. This is a comfortable car period. It drives like a car, feels like a car with none of that aggravating "head toss" or porpoising of an SUV. This thing soaks up bumps and road irregularities like a luxury barge, yet takes the twisties with the best of them. It's very maneuverable and visibility is excellent. The seats are comfortable for the long haul although I wish they were just a tad wider, especially the side bolsters of the seat back. I'm 5'11" 240 lbs so smaller frame people will probably not take issue, otherwise there is no complaints about comfort. Performance is fine although not quite as peppy as the Honda was, however the Sub is hauling a lot more weight too. The CVT is fine and when you hold your foot in it, it will replicate gear changes, but when you are moping around town it will default to the highest ratio possible - not a bad thing just different. At least it doesn't drone about for days like other CVTs I've experienced. I have averaged 30+ combined city/hwy over 21k the past two years and I drive responsibly but not necessarily conservatively so I think that is fairly representative of what most can expect. This wouldn't be a proper review/opinion without the bad or at least bad to me and this is the reason for 4 stars. The auto stop/start is infuriating and cannot be permanently disabled. Having to deal with it every time you start the car is not a good thing. I know some don't mind it, but it drives both my wife and I mad. I don't know who's better idea this was but it's only common sense to know that the additional stress on batteries and starter over time far out weighs any paltry fuel savings. Next is the infotainment screen. It takes up a huge amount of real estate on the dashboard but I have a larger screen for maps on my phone. Android auto is relegated to less than 1/3 of the screen. The touch points for climate control are way too small and requires a concentrated look away from the road to make climate control adjustments - this is not in keeping with Subaru's safety pitch advertising. Why do you have to make so many touches just to regulate the seat heat? You first touch the seat heat area then are immediately directed to another on screen graphic. The passenger has to reach way too far to make adjustments to their seat heater. I understand there is perhaps an update to enlarge the touch points and put the seat heater control on the respective icon, but it's not available at this time as I just did an over the air update which did not change the screen. Bottom line is while the quest to make automotive controls like a touch screen tablet may be appealing to some, but it doesn't work in a car. Even with voice controls, some of us have a drawl that quite frankly a human has a hard time with much less a car with tons of background noise. Please give us back proper knobs and buttons within easy reach. Do I like my Sub, you bet. Aside from the touch screen, I don't know of a better value out there.
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Safely first. 5 start ratings
Chris, 06/20/2023
updated 12/21/2023
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Clean and love the safely rating. Wish it had leather seats Leather seat covers here we come. The leathered to be thinner then other seats I’ve had in the past. Two little tears near the seams has shown up. May need seat covers to fix. Unable to repair will only get larger. However o give the car the same rating
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Bells and Whistles So the Battery
GFE, 09/25/2023
2021 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
We've had to jump out 2021 Outback 4 or 5 times and are now paying $400 for a new battery. I believe it's a parasitic drain from all the technology. But the dealer couldn't find anything. Ridiculous. Car has 19k miles.
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Not yet a week old
Beegig, 05/19/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
So haven’t had the car a week yet but it is a nice smooth ride, have to get used to a lot of new things but so far I love it!
I like getting better gas milage.
DriveMeCrazyinSC, 11/06/2020
2021 Subaru Outback Touring XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
8 of 26 people found this review helpful
I like saving money on gas. I am used to a 6 cylinder, so it is taking a little while to adjust to 4 cylinders as it does not have as fast a response/sound as my Jeep Overland. I am short and I got tired of having to step up or climb into the Jeep. But now I have to step over and down into the Outback Touring XT. I have not really had it long enough to really set up and learn all the features, so I will update review after a couple months.
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2021 Subaru Outback Touring XT
98 Thunderbolt, 04/11/2021
updated 10/13/2023
2021 Subaru Outback Touring XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
4 of 17 people found this review helpful
Size is GREAT, so is the FEATURES, and LOVE the saddle colored interior, BUT TERRIBLY UNDERPOWERED! After owning Honda CRV's & an Accord Sport 2.0 Turbo, Civic, and various Ford's since 2000 this vehicle is a turd and it's Turbo'd also. If you want a UNDERPOWERED, UNCOMFORTABLE, and DANGEROUS vehicle then buy one. I couldn't get rid of it fast enough, traded it in less than a month of buying it on a 2021 Honda CRV EXL AWD.
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Spunk or no spunk
Gert, 11/02/2020
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
8 of 48 people found this review helpful
There is a big difference between the naturally aspirated and turbo.
All Mine
Ron Dudley, 02/03/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
2 of 15 people found this review helpful
This is the ultimate SUV ! Drives like a dream!
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21LimitedXT
Charlie , 11/11/2020
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
5 of 39 people found this review helpful
Nice car
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My Buggy Bomb
Karleen Witham, 07/28/2021
2021 Subaru Outback 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Very strong vehicle. Feels safe. I use it to haul lots of food for the food pantry, sports equipment, camping equipment and 4 passengers comfortably. Oh, don't forget Suzie my dog, she normally rides in her cage in the back. Only thing I would change if I could would be the back has to be manually opened. Would like a push button for this and I would like the cut out rear view mirrors that allow you to see your blind spot. Maybe next year I will see about finding those items. Really good vehicle.
Super Vehicle
Diamond Jim, 06/25/2022
updated 12/27/2022
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Good looking vehicle. Plenty of interior room. Comfortable ride. Feels very safe to drive. Slightly underpowered so get the one with the turbo.
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Worth the drive (200 miles) to get it.
Ken, 04/02/2023
2021 Subaru Outback 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Meets ALL our needs and some we didn't know we had. Great ride and mileage. Only had 20200 miles on it.
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Love this car!
Meathead, 06/14/2023
updated 06/16/2025
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
2021 Outback XT Limited 32K miles. This is my first Subaru but definitely not be my last! The 2.4L Turbo is the bomb--plenty of power and average 32mpg on road trips between PA and Illinois with cruise set at 75mph. Comfortable, quiet, and smooth riding on long trips. Only complaint is a somewhat glitchy screen which is just a slight annoyance. Subaru might want to consider going back to more "buttons" instead of burying controls in that screen. Also not a fan of the CVT transmission but I think all auto makers will be using them in the near future--there is just a learning curve on throttle control.
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Pick up and GO
MLS, 09/24/2023
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The XT or turbo engine on my Outback Limited is fantastic. It’s a quiet engine unlike the 2.4L engine. The 2.4L engine sounded like it had to “work” to get the car moving. Definitely worth the extra money to purchase the XT or turbo engine.
Grandma drives a subbie
Jackie , 02/27/2024
2021 Subaru Outback Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a new2021Subaru outback.I love this car i get wonderful gas mileage ,28to 34 MPG.the seats are comfortable with help for the lower back,Ive taken it on long trips ,and you dont get tired driving it .I strongly recommend it to everyone
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2021 Subaru Outback - bad tech; very slow
woody3260, 02/19/2025
2021 Subaru Outback Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this vehicle without doing much research on it, and I paid the price. I owned it for less that 5 months before trading it in for something else. I was disappointed in the car. Pros: 1. Excellent gas mileage. Best gas mileage (by far) I have ever experienced in a car I owned. Was getting 26-27 mpg consistently. Remarkable. 2. Interior cabin (Touring trim) is gorgeous with nice touches. I had brown leather interior - so nice looking. Cons: 1. SLOW car. No acceleration. 2.5L Boxer engine was the slowest, least powerful engine I have ever owned. The car is very underpowered. It found it also to be very loud. Not a quiet engine. 2. Glitchy, slow , poorly organized technology. Ironically enough, it was the appearance of the tech on the dealer lot that sold me on the car. The interior dash is a thing of beauty. But it functioned terribly and was laid out even worse. Many key features (cabin temp controls, engine start/stop, auto braking, driver monitoring, etc.) are all buried deep into the UI. It was distracting. The functionality of the touch screen was average at best - approx 1/4 to 1/2 second delay on every screen touch. I quickly grew to hate the large, great-looking touch screen. Feels like they went with a touchscreen that was not truly ready for primetime. 3. Cannot turn off driver monitoring system fully. There was nothing more frustrating for me than to have the car flash an alert warning on the dash if its hidden driver camera detected you looking away from the road for a second. I wanted that feature turned off permanently, and there was no way to do so. THere was a button to disable it, but it didn't stay off. Sometimes it stayed off, and other times, it randomly turned on again. 4. No wireless Apple CarPlay. And the phone charging pad was poorly designed. I rarely ever used it. 5. Because I had the charging pad, there was no open center console cubby to store stuff. So the car really lacked open storage areas for driver. 6. Eyesight camera on front windshield was often disabled for very minor fog or rain on windshield. Too many other tech glitches to list here, but every time I got in the car, there was some sort of tech surprise waiting for me. I couldn't get rid of the car fast enough. I've heard you either love or hate Subarus and I guess I fall into the later category of ex-owners.
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Cheaply made
Lauren, 03/27/2025
2021 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
My car is just about 4 years old. Very lightly driven and well taken care of and falling apart. The leather is cheap, the roof rack is peeling. It’s just so badly made. And I hate hate hate all the computerized components
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Sweet little ride
Cat, 10/27/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
rides beautifully, 11.5 inch screen is somewhat distracting... great safety features.