Used 2021 Subaru Outback for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 11.09% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 305 listings available, which suggests you have a decent amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback a good car?

Yes — the 2021 Subaru Outback earns a 4.7/5 user rating and a 7.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Form and function at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its comfortable ride, impressive safety features, and modern technology, while also appreciating the turbocharged engine option. It fits especially well if you want a practical, go-anywhere vehicle with generous space, reliability, low cost, and high resale value. The market also shows 35.1% of listings as good or great deals, which supports its appeal for value-focused shoppers.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.7/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

Owner feedback points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with praise for the Outback’s reliability and long-term appeal. The expert assessment also frames it as a vehicle built around reliability and low cost, which reinforces its reputation as something you can count on. If you’re shopping used, the main ownership risk is less about durability and more about choosing the right engine and trim for your needs.

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. Higher trims also add more upscale materials, with Limited and Premier trims offering two-tone leather upholstery and contrast stitching.
• Powertrain: The standard 2.5-litre boxer flat-four is slow and noisy, while the XT turbo 2.4-litre engine is much quicker, smoother, and more refined. The turbo is available on the Outdoor, Limited, and Premier trims.
• 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 reverse automatic braking is also included there. A driver-attention monitor is reserved for the Premier and Premier XT.
• Infotainment: The 11.6-inch portrait display is bright and sharp, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard. The base dual-screen setup is less appealing, and the system’s controls can be awkward to use.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbo XT is rated at 10.1 L/100 km city and 7.9 L/100 km highway, compared with 9.0 L/100 km city and 7.1 L/100 km highway for the base engine.

Which 2021 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the least expensive way into the Outback, but it comes with the less appealing dual 7-inch touchscreen setup instead of the larger portrait display. It makes sense only if you want the lowest entry price and can live with the simpler cabin presentation.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the 11.6-inch portrait display and a more polished interior experience. If you want the Outback’s core strengths without stretching too far up the range, this is the trim to target.
• Outdoor: This trim is the one to consider if you want the turbocharged XT engine and a more adventure-oriented setup. It adds stronger performance and extra driving modes for tougher conditions.
• Limited: This trim brings a more upscale feel with leather upholstery and contrast stitching, while also being available with the turbo XT engine. It suits you if you want comfort and stronger power in one package.
• Touring: This trim adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking. It is a smart pick if you want more standard safety equipment.
• Premier: This is the most feature-rich choice, adding the driver-attention monitor and the most complete equipment set. It makes the most sense if you want the highest level of comfort and safety content.

Safety-wise, Subaru EyeSight is standard across the range, while blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking start at Touring.

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 options.

• Deal availability: 35.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 305 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.09% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $25,698 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 $25,844 CAD sits slightly below last year's $29,067 CAD.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can make the Outback more attractive to used buyers today. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend more on condition, trim, and equipment than on broad market momentum. Well-equipped examples with the turbo engine and stronger safety content should be easier to position when it’s time to sell.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.7/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback safe?

The 2021 Subaru Outback was a 2020 IIHS Top Safety Pick+, and it earned an overall five-star rating from 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. The Outback also includes a driver’s knee airbag and a passenger seat-cushion airbag as standard equipment. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is standard from the Touring trim, and reverse automatic braking is included there as well. A driver-attention monitor is reserved for 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:

• 35.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.09% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.7/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It keeps the Outback formula focused on space, capability, reliability, and safety.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $22,884 CAD, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $25,844 CAD average.
• It brings the sixth-generation redesign with fresh safety tech and strong value.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,228 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,844 CAD average.
• It shifts toward a more adventure-focused Wilderness setup with tougher capability.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, satisfaction, and the classic Outback formula, the 2021 is the sweet spot. If you’re more price-sensitive, the 2020 is the value play; if you want a more rugged direction, the 2022 is the one to compare.

How does the 2021 Subaru Outback compare to the 2021 Toyota RAV4?

Our experts score the 2021 Subaru Outback 7.8/10 and the 2021 Toyota RAV4 7.3/10. The Outback leans harder into space, comfort, and all-weather practicality, while the RAV4 brings a stronger engine and slightly better fuel economy. The Outback also has the edge in deal availability and average used price, which may matter more if you want value and versatility over outright efficiency.

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.