Used 2021 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
Used Outback for sale
Horrible electronics!!
Rob, 06/28/2022
2021 Subaru Outback Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
Note: Me & the family have owned SEVEN Subarus dating back to 2007… Purchased a 2021 touring. As many have stated, love the ride and quieter cab, however, the electronics are HORRIBLE. I repeat, HORRIBLE!! Unpredictable nuisances since I’ve owned the car. Screen has completely shut down several times, losing power for up to 10 minutes. (ALL controls). Radio has whacked out on three occasions BLARING an unbelievable crackle that could pierce your eardrums. Navigation is useless and unintuitive. Screen is hypersensitive and seldom makes the desired selection. WHO AT SUBARU validated and approved this control center design and supplier?!?!? THEY MUST GO!!!!!!! I’m REALLY disappointed that such a great car is supported by such an AWFUL electronic control system :(
What I expected from Subaru.
Peter Zeff, 08/01/2021
updated 08/27/2025
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I recently retired and moved from CA to an area between Reno and Lake Tahoe, NV. Wanted something good in snow, practical and reliable. Bought an Outback Premium a little over three months and 1200 miles ago. Also considered the Forester but it just didn't have the overall appeal to me. Being a Toyota fan (my last two cars were Lexus LS and GS) so considered the RX and NX but just don't like the new look especially the front end, plus they are getting increasingly expensive to service. My wife drives a 2017 Highlander Limited which in my opinion is still the best 3 row mid size SUV on the market. It was bigger than what I wanted of needed. Test drove the RAV4 Limited both regular and hybrid but they felt kind of tinny to me. The new Venza was my second choice but the visibility wasn't great and I had concerns about a first year vehicle. I am quite impressed with the Outback. Great on the highway, handles reasonably well, is quiet and has a very solid feel to it. Am getting 29-30 mpg combined highway and city according to the display. I like the design inside and out. Seems well put together with lots of nice little features and a terrific base sound system. Not sure what I think of the Information Screen but am starting to like it, all the tech takes getting used to. The only criticism is the lack of power going up the mountains. The turbo versions eliminates that but I didn't want all the extra features and like getting reasonable decent mileage. Overall I am pleased with the Outback and so far would recommend it to anyone looking for a small to midsize wagon/SUV. Edmonds wanted an update. The car is now a little over 9 months old with approximately 3500 miles. One of the reasons I wanted the Outback was it’s reputation in snow. Unfortunately we only had one month of snow but it handled it well. It is still a pleasure to drive, the mileage has dropped to between 28-29 about 50/50 city and highway. I would like more power going uphill but it’s fine most of the time. Still a little confused about the Multimedia Screen but at least it doesn’t stick up high on the dash like lots of cars today. I like the versatility of a wagon provides without being too big. Just a nice mid range vehicle. So would I still recommend it, yes! This is an update. Had the Outback over three years now. Great car/wagon, solid no frill vehicle. Mileage has settled in between 29-30 mpg. Have had two big snow season on our side of the Sierras, the car lived up to my expectations. Subaru handles snow very well even with original tires, only issue is if more ground clearance is needed which is almost never. I’m not thrilled with the information display but accept it. Probably the best bag for the buck in its category. This is my second update. The Outback is now 4 plus years old with about 23,000 miles. It is everything said previously which is that it is exactly what I expected from Subaru, good, reliable car. It is a bit underpowered but still acceptable given we get about 30 plus mpg mixed town/highway driving. The tires are about ready for replacement but other than that just routine service each 5000 miles. I read where Subaru has an all new Outback for 2026, we’ll see how that works but I really like the current station wagon look and feel.
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2021 Subaru Outback for sale near you
Showing 3 of 93 listings
- Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $22,49516 mi away
- Touring XT 4dr SUVMSRP: $26,99510 mi away
- Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUVMSRP: $23,095In-stock online
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Love my 2021 Outback Limited XT
RichS, 03/20/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
I traded in my Mercedes Benz CLS for this car and could not be happier. Yeah, loved the MB but can’t haul a kayak, 2 dogs and dirt roads in Vermont with the Benz. The Subaru does it all and, no kidding, compares favorably with the Benz on options and tech. You simply get a LOT of car for the $ here. I had a Sub Legacy in the 90s and brand has come long way on build quality and finish while still having the safety and reliability I want. The ride in my Outback is very smooth and handling responsive. I strongly recommend the XT turbo as I found the straight 4 under-powered and noisy. The inside finish is very good quality, roomy and the seats rival my MB in comfort. I love the driver seat extension-you can extend the seat a few inches for more thigh support on long drives. The list of options you get in the Limited package is impressive, covers just about anything you want/need. The Eyesight tech, blind spot and lane departure are welcome features at this price point. Little thing like the hidden roof rack is a great example of Subaru ingenuity, saves $500 on Thule cross bars. I have read the critiques of the 11” touchscreen and accessibility complaints and my experience has been positive and I am a “button guy”. No lag time and minimal times you need to hit multiple screens for anything. I find the dashboard layout to be highly intuitive and well laid out. As good as any car I have owned. Cons? I am nitpicking here. The fact you need to manually activate the automatic vehicle hold every time you start car is an inconvenience. The seat belt beeping when a belt is not engaged is annoying and can’t be deactivated. And could probably use little more storage in front. If you are in the market for a safe, reliable and well built SUV that drives great in all weather conditions and in my opinion is one of the best values in the industry, buy an Outback.
Everything I was hoping for
Dire_Straits, 12/15/2020
updated 12/17/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
22 of 25 people found this review helpful
I love my Outback! I bought the Limited model and it has everything I wanted and more. I won't be without AWD in Michigan winters and the Outback exceeds in all respects. Comfort, safety, technology, convenience features, fuel efficiency. There's little I don't like about the Outback. This is my sixth Subaru and I wouldn't have any other brand. I've had difficulty with the android auto disconnecting and it seems to be a common issue on outbacks with the cable/phone/head unit interface that's very annoying. Also, I'd like to see a wireless interface with the android auto and full-screen view of google maps. The "my Subaru" remote start app is slow and could be improved. The OEM navigation is not live and must be updated and has no ability to warn of speed traps and traffic problems. Voice navigation is poor compared to google maps so google maps through android auto is what I use. Other than those few minor issues, I wouldn't change much of anything.
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Laptop on wheels!
LKenn, 03/21/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
Great car and my 4th Subaru Outback. The 2021 Outback Limited is a MAJOR upgrade from my 2011 Outback Limited. This one has lots of bells and whistles. There is car homework - must read the manual. Many features! Options exist to turn off some of the digital features - and I appreciate that - not all of the are need for a one owner/driver. Eye-sight takes a bit of getting used to but I can tell it is a great addition. 2021 with 18 inch wheels delivers a heavier, sturdier, smoother ride. Road noise much improved. Interior redesign is wonderful. Feels/looks like a car the next class up. So far I'm very pleased. Dealer I purchased from offers a "re-delivery" two weeks post purchase to meet with digital tech to answer any questions and go over all the features one more time. My appointment is next week and that should be very helpful! I'm hoping the 2021 becomes what my 2011was - my most favorite of all the Outbacks I've owned. I'm sure it will. I think the Subaru Outback is the best car on the road in this price point and category. 4 cylinder delivers plenty of power. Buy one - you will never regret it!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value