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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $28,933–$38,597 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2021 Subaru Outback earns a Recommended rating among the suvs we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Technology at 6.4/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability comes in at 8.0/10 in our assessment — above the middle of the pack for this class, though not flawless. On safety it earns 8.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 6.7/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.4/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $28,933–$38,597, 26 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Outback sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. Value lands at 7.8/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2021 Subaru Outback as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in performance and technology are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 Subaru Outback ranks #947 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 61% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $28,933 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 20%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Subaru Outback scores 7.4/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.5 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.7/10 | $32,748 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.7/10 | $32,748 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.6/10 | $31,795 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $30,841 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.5/10 | $29,887 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $28,933 | |
| 2020 | 7.5/10 | $27,979 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.4/10 | $27,025 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $26,071 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.4/10 | $25,118 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.3/10 | $24,164 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $23,210 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Shift linkage/cable/rod 26/01/2021 · 21V024000 | 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. |
|---|---|
| Power train / Automatic transmission / Control module (tcm/pcm/tecm) 08/07/2022 · 22V485000 | 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. |
| Power train / Automatic transmission / Park/neutral start interlock switch 09/11/2023 · 23V755000 | 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. |
| Air bags / Sensor / Occupant classification / Front passenger 22/03/2024 · 24V227000 | 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… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.