Used 2021 Subaru Outback SUV Consumer Reviews
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What I expected from Subaru.
Peter Zeff, 08/01/2021
updated 08/17/2023
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 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!
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Horrible electronics!!
Rob, 06/28/2022
2021 Subaru Outback Touring 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 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 :(
Buyer Beware! Battery issues!!
Diane, 02/18/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
68 of 82 people found this review helpful
Had my 2021 Subaru XT for less than 5 days and the battery died. Thinking I may have left something on, we jumped it and called it a day. 5 days later, leaving work, dead battery. OK this time, it's not me. Super careful about the condition I leave the car in after the first dead battery. Did some investigation on-line and found tons of complaints about Outback batteries. Class action lawsuit going on over it. Check it out for yourself. Dead battery when it's late at night and you want to go home after a long day at work, is not acceptable! So angry, I want to ditch the car. Buyer beware!!!
Love my Outback
Phrilly, 12/14/2020
2021 Subaru Outback 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
41 of 49 people found this review helpful
You will not be disappointed. What a smooth ride, less road noise due to better insulation that allows the car to cool quicker in summer and heat quicker in the winter. Steering wheel w/controls at your fingertips and love the larger menu screen.
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Who doesn’t love a Subie? Me!
AngieC, 09/21/2022
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have had lots of problems with my center console tech. It stops working, freezes, goes black, and sometimes just has a mind of its own. I have had it in the shop twice, the first time they told me it was an iPhone compatibly issue, which was not true the second time the guy was honest and said it was a known issue and they would order a new one but it was back ordered. It has been months, I called and they never ordered it! Still having issues, it operates literally everything! AC, radio, Navi, even some of the safety features shut down when it stops working. I also had an AC problem that they just “recharged” not fixed. It has less than 26000 miles and I cannot wait to get rid of it! It auto brakes for no reason, but they “couldn’t find and problem”. Buyer beware. Subaru knows it put out crap but they aren’t owning it. Oh!! And the windshield randomly cracked over night while parked in my driveway. TWICE!
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