Used 2021 Subaru Outback for Sale near Nova Scotia

How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 5.65% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 298 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of choice in the market.

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. That lines up with the Outback’s practical brief: generous space, go-anywhere capability, reliability, low cost, high resale, and safety. If you want a sensible, capable wagon that prioritises usefulness over flash, this model year fits that use case well.

Only 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the best examples can still move quickly.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?

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

Owner feedback points to a vehicle that feels dependable, with praise for its comfortable ride and overall confidence in daily use. The expert assessment also frames the Outback around reliability and long-term value, which supports its reputation as a car you can count on.

Subaru’s maintenance-friendly ownership story adds to that appeal, and the Outback’s strong resale reputation suggests it should remain a relatively low-risk used buy if you keep up with routine service.

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

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base trim uses two 7-inch touchscreens in the centre stack, while Premium and above get the 11.6-inch portrait display. Limited and Premier trims add two-tone leather upholstery and contrast stitching, and the Touring trim adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.5-litre boxer flat-four is described as slow and noisy, while the XT turbo 2.4-litre flat-four is much quicker, smoother, and more refined.
• Safety package: Subaru EyeSight is standard on all trims and includes adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard from the Touring trim, and a driver-attention monitor is included only with the Premier and Premier XT.
• Infotainment: The system includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The single large screen is more cohesive than the base dual-screen setup, and the optional navigation is more modern-looking.
• Fuel efficiency: The base engine is rated at 9.0 L/100 km city and 7.1 highway, while the turbo XT is rated at 10.1 city and 7.9 highway.

Which 2021 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

The 2021 Subaru Outback is offered in 6 trim levels: Base, Premium, Outdoor, Limited, Premier, Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the least expensive way into the Outback, but the dual 7-inch screen setup is the weakest part of the cabin. It makes sense only if you want the lowest entry price and can live without the nicer display.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the 11.6-inch portrait display and a more polished interior presentation without pushing you into the pricier upper trims.
• Outdoor: This trim is the gateway to the turbo XT powertrain, and it also adds two extra driving modes for snow and mud. It suits you if you want more capability and stronger acceleration.
• Limited: This trim adds a more upscale feel with two-tone leather upholstery and contrast stitching, and it can be paired with the XT engine for a stronger all-round package.
• Premier: This is the more luxurious choice, with the same upscale cabin treatment and the added driver-attention monitor. It suits you if comfort and equipment matter more than value.
• Touring: This is the most safety-focused trim, with blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and reverse automatic braking standard.

Safety-wise, Subaru EyeSight is standard on all trims, while blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert starts on Touring and the driver-attention monitor is reserved for Premier and Premier XT.

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

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without expecting deep discounts everywhere.

• Deal availability: 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 298 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.65% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $25,711 CAD, 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 $26,975 CAD sits slightly below last year's $28,591 CAD.

That softer pricing suggests the market has become a bit more buyer-friendly, which can work against a future seller if you need to trade in soon. On the other hand, the Outback’s strong reputation for practicality, safety, and value helps support demand over time. If you buy well now and keep the vehicle in good condition, you should still have a solid audience when it comes time to sell.

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 Subaru Outback was a 2020 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) "Top Safety Pick+", and the 2021 model earned an overall five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with four-star ratings for the front passenger in a frontal crash and for rollover.

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

Subaru EyeSight is standard on all trims and includes adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, and forward automatic emergency braking. A driver’s knee airbag and passenger seat-cushion airbag are also standard. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard from the Touring trim, as is reverse automatic braking, while a driver-attention monitor is included only with the Premier and Premier XT.

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:

• 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.65% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It keeps the Outback formula focused on space, capability, reliability, and safety.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $23,243 CAD, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $26,975 CAD average.
• It introduced this generation’s more modern feel, new safety tech, and updated engines.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $29,177 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $26,975 CAD average.
• It adds the Wilderness direction for buyers who want more adventure-focused capability.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the best all-round choice if you want the strongest mix of value, safety, and everyday usefulness. If price is your top priority, the 2020 is the smarter entry point; if you want a more rugged direction, the 2022 is worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.