2021 Subaru Outback
The 2021 Subaru Outback is a compact SUV, rated at 29 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
- Combined MPG
- 29
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $30,000
- Recalls
- 4
Watch: Outback reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Subaru |
|---|---|
| Model | Outback |
| Model year | 2021 |
| Vehicle class | Compact SUV |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 2.5 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 26 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 33 |
| Combined MPG | 29 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 308 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2150 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Outback AWD | 29 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 26 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 26 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 33 MPG |
| Combined | 29 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 10% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $27,000
- Total interest
- $4,697
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
≈ $1,386/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (4)
- POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD21V024000 · 2021-01-26
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)22V485000 · 2022-07-08
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH23V755000 · 2023-11-09
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
- AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V227000 · 2024-03-22
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Compare with rivals
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Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2021 Subaru Outback?
The 2021 Subaru Outback is EPA-rated at 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway).
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2021 Subaru Outback?
The 2021 Subaru Outback earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2021 Subaru Outback?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2021 Subaru Outback costs roughly $1,386 per year to fuel, or about $6,931 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2021 Subaru Outback?
The 2021 Subaru Outback is classified as a compact suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC