Used 2021 Subaru Outback for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 5.60% compared to this time last year, making it a favourable time to shop this model year.

There are 291 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. That lines up with the Outback’s practical, capability-first character: generous space, go-anywhere usefulness, and a focus on everyday needs rather than flash. It also suits you well if you want a raised, all-wheel drive wagon that feels sensible and versatile instead of trendy.

The market also looks supportive, with 31.6% of listings 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.

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 as a long-term, practical choice that prioritises reliability and low running costs over novelty. Subaru’s standard maintenance coverage adds some ownership reassurance as well.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that neglected examples may show the usual wear that comes with a high-use family wagon, so service history matters.

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, and Limited and Premier trims bring two-tone leather upholstery with contrast stitching.
• 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 reverse automatic braking is also included there. A driver-attention monitor is limited to 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 than the rest of the interface.
• Fuel efficiency: The turbo XT is estimated at 10.1 L/100 km city and 7.9 highway, compared with 9.0 city and 7.1 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, Premier, and Touring.

Here's the short version:

• Base: This is the least expensive way into the Outback, but it also gets the least appealing interior presentation, with the dual 7-inch screen 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.
• Premium: This is the best-value trim for most shoppers because it adds the 11.6-inch portrait display and a more polished interior feel without pushing you into the pricier upper trims. If you want the sweet spot between equipment and cost, start here.
• Outdoor: This trim adds a more adventurous flavour and is one of the XT-equipped versions, so it brings the stronger turbo engine along with extra capability-focused character.
• Limited: This trim adds a more upscale cabin with two-tone leather upholstery and contrast stitching, making it a good fit if you want more comfort and a more premium feel.
• Premier: This is the most luxurious-feeling choice in the lineup, and it also brings the driver-attention monitor. It suits you best if you want the most complete comfort-and-tech package.
• Touring: This trim adds blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking, making it the strongest pick if you want the most safety equipment in the standard lineup.

Subaru EyeSight is standard on all trims, while blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert and reverse automatic braking start 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?

The market looks moderate and selective, so you can shop with some leverage if you compare listings carefully.

• Deal availability: 31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 291 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.60% compared with last year.

If you find a listing below $25,715 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 $27,605 CAD sits slightly below last year's $29,242 CAD.

That softer pricing can help you buy more confidently now, but it also suggests the market has already adjusted downward from a stronger position. If you plan to sell later, the current trend means you may not see the same peak pricing that was available a year ago. Even so, the Outback’s practical reputation and broad buyer appeal should help it remain attractive in the used market.

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 it earned the top “Good” ratings in all six crash tests and for headlights, plus the top “Superior” rating for its forward emergency braking, activated by vehicles and pedestrians. It earns four-star ratings in 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 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 and reverse automatic braking are standard from the Touring trim, while the driver-attention monitor is limited to 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:

• 31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.60% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.71/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It keeps the practical, safety-first wagon formula while adding modern tech and strong capability.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $23,530 CAD, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $27,605 CAD average.
• It brings the sixth-generation redesign with standard all-wheel drive and a more modern feel.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $29,510 CAD, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $27,605 CAD average.
• It shifts toward a more adventure-focused Wilderness setup with improved off-road capability.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, safety, and everyday usefulness, the 2021 is the primary pick. If you are more price-sensitive, the 2020 is the better value path, while the 2022 makes sense only if you specifically want the more rugged direction.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 15, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.