Used 2021 Subaru Outback for Sale nearHot Springs National Park, AR

How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.06% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 2,860 listings available, which suggests you should have a reasonable amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Subaru Outback earns a 4.71/5 user rating and a 7.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfortable ride, impressive safety features, and modern technology. Many also highlight the turbocharged engine option and the Outback’s overall practicality. On the downside, some owners wish the cabin storage were better and find the touchscreen climate controls distracting.

That lines up with the Outback’s use case as a roomy, useful, everyday vehicle that emphasizes space, capability, and value over flash. It also shows up in the market, where 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.71/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a vehicle people feel good about living with over time, with repeated praise for comfort, safety, and the kind of modern tech that makes daily use easier. The expert notes also reinforce the Outback’s dependable, practical character, emphasizing reliability, low cost, and high resale value.

Subaru also includes standard EyeSight driver assistance, which adds to the sense that the Outback is built for steady, confidence-inspiring ownership. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is making sure the specific vehicle has been maintained well, since higher-mileage examples may show the effects of hard use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 Subaru Outback?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.4% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you’re considering a higher-mileage example or one that may have seen rough-weather or outdoor use. Focus on cabin condition, control usability, and whether the vehicle’s equipment matches the trim you want.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim uses two 7-inch touchscreens in matte plastic, while Premium and above get the larger 11.6-inch portrait display. Higher trims also add more upscale materials, and the Limited and Touring trims bring two-tone leather upholstery with contrast stitching.
• Powertrain: The base 2.5-liter flat-four is described as slow and noisy, while the turbocharged 2.4-liter XT engine delivers much stronger performance and smoother operation.
• Safety package: Subaru EyeSight is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Premium and standard on higher trims, while rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor are reserved for select trims.
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The larger single-screen setup is more cohesive than the base dual-screen layout, and the system includes adaptive cruise settings plus optional navigation.
• Fuel efficiency: The base engine is rated at 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway, while the turbo XT is rated at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Which 2021 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru Outback is offered in 6 trim levels: Base, Premium, Limited 2.5, Limited XT, Touring, and Touring XT.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the least expensive way into the Outback, but it’s also the one most clearly missing key convenience features. You get the core Outback formula, but the dual 7-inch screen setup and sparse cabin presentation make it the least appealing choice for most shoppers.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for many buyers because it adds the larger 11.6-inch display and a more polished interior feel. It’s the trim that most clearly fixes the base model’s biggest shortcomings without pushing you into luxury-level pricing.
• Limited 2.5: This trim is for you if you want a more upscale cabin and more available safety equipment. It adds a stronger sense of comfort and refinement, though it still uses the base engine.
• Limited XT: This is the better pick if you want the stronger turbocharged engine and a more satisfying driving experience. It pairs the upgraded powertrain with the Limited’s nicer equipment, making it a compelling step up.
• Touring: This is the most comfort-focused non-turbo choice, with the richest interior presentation and the most premium feel. It suits you if you care more about long-distance comfort and upscale materials than outright performance.
• Touring XT: This is the top choice if you want the strongest engine and the most premium trim combination. It’s the most complete version of the Outback, but it also sits at the top of the price range.

Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Premium and standard on higher trims, so that’s another reason to step above the base model if safety convenience matters to you.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 Subaru Outback?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 2,860 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.06% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 82.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,912, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 Subaru Outback's resale value?

The current average of $22,261 sits slightly below last year's $23,952.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now but may also mean slower appreciation if you plan to sell soon. For a future seller, the good news is that the Outback still benefits from strong demand tied to its practicality, safety reputation, and broad appeal. The current pricing also leaves room for value retention if you buy at the right number and keep the vehicle in strong condition.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.71/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback safe?

The 2021 Outback was a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and it earns four-star ratings for the front passenger in a frontal crash and rollover, and five-star ratings in all other NHTSA tests.

It earns a 9/10 safety score from our experts.

Subaru EyeSight is standard and includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. The Outback also comes with a driver’s knee airbag and a passenger seat-cushion airbag. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is optional on Premium and standard on higher trims, while rear emergency braking and a driver-attention monitor are limited to select trims.

Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Outback or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 82.4% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.06% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds a stronger chassis, standard adaptive LED headlights, and broad safety coverage.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $21,056, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $22,261 average.
• It brings fresh safety tech and a new tablet-style interface.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $24,009, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $22,261 average.
• It adds the Wilderness trim for more rugged outdoor capability.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the sweet spot if you want the Outback’s core strengths at a softer price than the newer model year. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is worth a look; if you want more adventure-focused capability, the 2022 may be the better fit.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.