Used 2021 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
Used Outback for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Faulty windshield
Lloyd Pitts, 08/13/2021
2021 Subaru Outback 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
23 of 23 people found this review helpful
Love the Outback. It drives nice and looks good. However, with less than 5000 miles, I have a cracked windshield. Then, I start reading where Subaru has a problem with windshields. I will have to pay out of pocket for replacement when they already know that they are faulty. I wish I had read about this before purchase. I would have probably chose a different model. Subaru needs to step up and take responsibility for their error. Buyers beware. There is a problem.
First time disappointed with Subaru
former subaru lover, 09/27/2021
2021 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
20 of 20 people found this review helpful
I've been a loyal Subaru customer since the 1980's. My family and I have had over 20 Subarus in that time. I have always appreciated the reliability, dealer support, and simplicity of the controls. That all ended with this 2021 onyx XT. First, I love he comfortable seats in this model. The leather seats are too firm and give me back pain. The water resistant seats in the onyx XT have more padding and are comfortable over a 5 hour drive. Headlights- unmatched by any others. 2.4 turbo engine smooth and powerful. The current subarus always over estimate mpg on the trip computer by 6-10%. Understand this because the distance to empty is therefore also overestimated. Now the problems. No less than 3 dash rattles, The dealer identified one and ordered a part. They stated they would call me when it came in. That was after my second visit there, and now it's been 4 weeks an I Haven't heard from them . I complained that Eyesight was not functioning as designed. It will emergency brake on a clear road without traffic, and when a car in the right lane next to my lane slows to make a right turn. It never gives a close following distance warning as described in the manual. Rather it brakes when you get less than 10 feet from a vehicle in front no matter how fast you approach the vehicle. I found the out when a car cut me off on the highway then braked suddenly. That center tablet frequently freezes, or reboots making it impossible to change hvac settings at times. My car has turned off when I put it in reverse and released the e brake. very intermittent- 4 times in 9000 miles. The door lock/unlock and hatch release doesn't always work when touched. I have had to release the hatch from the inside several times as that was the only way to open the hatch. I opened a case with SOA. Essentially they said there was nothing they could do. I'm afraid this will be my last Subaru due to lack of dealer and corporate support. This is not the company I've known and supported for 40 years. They have gotten away from reliability and customer satisfaction as the company ideal.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2021 Subaru Outback for sale near you
3 of 35 listings
- Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $20,29550 mi away
- Premium 4dr SUVMSRP: $22,94425 mi away
- Onyx Edition XT 4dr SUVMSRP: $25,99127 mi away
See all 35 listings
2021 Outback Limited - the good and the bad
Eric S, 12/15/2020
2021 Subaru Outback Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
82 of 87 people found this review helpful
I had a 2016 Outback Limited for 5 years and traded it in for a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland so I could be cool. I didn't like the Jeep for various reasons (mostly the unbearable road noise) so I traded it in for a 2021 Outback. I test-drove the XT as well but didn't notice enough of a difference to warrant the extra cost and worse gas mileage. I mostly like the Outback but here are my (nit-picky) complaints: you can't put the visor all the way up b/c of the Eyesight Driver Assist thingy blocks it, so it only goes 3/4 of the way up. Subaru didn't think that one through; no cap-less gas tank? Sheesh, Subaru; base engine is underpowered, but that's what you sacrifice to get good gas mileage; the auto-stop start is rough (Jeep's was smooth); too much touch screen and not enough buttons: heated seats and auto stop-start should ALWAYS be a physical button (are you reading this, Subaru?). You have to go into SUB menus for both, which is a pain (especially when it's cold and there is a huge delay when navigating through the screens); rear-camera picture quality is so-so; advertised gas mileage is false: my combined average is about 24 mpg (slightly better than my 2016 Outback) and that's driving like a normal person; there is a slight vibration when the car is idling in drive. I hope that goes away. Here's what I LIKE: overall, the value is good. I got mine basically loaded for about $36k; rear leg room is good and the back seats recline; the cargo space is great; the liftgate is awesome; the safety features are great - you basically can't do anything wrong without the car yelling at you (each of these features can be disabled); the "leather" is nice; if you have kids, get the rear sun shades. I love being able to start the car and adjust the temp from an app on my phone. The AWD is awesome. Overall, it's a good car. My friends make fun of me for driving a wagon, but whatever. It's the overall quality of this car that makes it worth it. The guy who sold me the car told me today that Subaru will have an update in the summer of 2021 for wireless Apple CarPlay, so that's cool. So this car is worth it if you're a "big picture" person who cares about overall quality and function.
Great all-round all-wheel drive
SB, 11/11/2020
updated 11/17/2023
2021 Subaru Outback Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
75 of 80 people found this review helpful
We have had an Outback since 2014. For winter driving even in really bad conditions, this is an ideal car with class beating symmetrical all-wheel drive. We also use snow tires in the winter which helps greatly with traction and to a small degree with braking too. I have had occasions to drive up deep snow packed and slippery hills with no problem whatsoever. I was a little concerned going from a 6 cylinder to a flat-4, but even driving in fast moving traffic when we go to a big city, I have been able to keep up with lane changes and 70+ mph traffic. The flat-4 Boxer engine has a lower center of gravity which helps in handling. The turbo-charged newer version would be a game changer. Will be updating to a newer model in the next couple of years and will definitely be visiting a Subaru dealer. A world-beating symmetrical all-wheel for this price is great value. The CVT transmission has a slight lag with sudden acceleration, but it's fine once you get used to it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love my new Outback
Linda, 12/29/2020
2021 Subaru Outback Limited XT 4dr SUV AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT)
82 of 88 people found this review helpful
I previously owned a Subaru Forester, which I also loved but drove both the Forester and Outback and there was a big difference in how it feels. The Outback was quieter and more comfortable. If you are looking at them, make sure to drive them both as I was prepared to get another Forester and ended up with the Outback!