One of Subaru's bread and butter nameplates, the Outback was the brand's answer to rugged yet rather bare off-road SUVs. First introduced as an options package for the humble Legacy wagon, the true Outback came about in 1996 offering lifted AWD off-road capabilities on top of a civilized, practical, and comfortable driving experience - and arguably was one of the first crossover SUVs in existence.

Quickly becoming a smash hit for Subaru, the Outback is still going strong today, filling the same purpose as a practical and comfortable everyday wagon, with enough off-road capabilities to tackle whatever weekend adventure awaits. Thanks to its solid AWD system, civilized interior and handling, and now a competitive amount of tech, the 2021 Outback is as good as ever both on-road and off. Make no mistake though, if you're looking for a hardcore body-on-frame beast of an off-roader then the Outback won't be up your alley, but, when it comes to both sides of the pavement, it offers just enough from each world to stand out, even in a growing sea of like-minded competitors.

A Familiar Formula

green subaru outback 2021 on dirt trail with kayaks on roof
Via Subaru.com

Like every prior Outback that came before it, the 2021 model is a revamped rugged wagon version of Subaru's more everyday oriented models. Previously riding on the Legacy platform, Subaru's introduction of their Global Platform in 2016 marked the end of this bloodline, and the Outback began to make use of it in 2020. This is by no means a bad thing though, and with their lineup from the small sedan/hatchback Impreza to the full-size SUV Ascent using it, the Global Platform has proven its worth when it comes to adapting to many use cases - the Outback is no exception.

While the platform has been switched up, the power and drivetrain of the 2021 model remains very similar to what previous generations of the Outback have been offering for decades now. Offered are a familiar choice of 2 engines, both of which are 4-cylinder Boxers. The first is the standard option of a naturally aspirated 2.5L FB25D Boxer-4, making a somewhat underwhelming, but good-enough 182 hp - almost identical to Outbacks of the past 2 decades. The second, and hottest option is a turbocharged 2.4L FA24F Boxer-4 making 260 hp. While power isn't exactly anemic, the Outback certainly isn't a car you'd buy for speed, rather, with Subaru's long evolving symmetrical full-time AWD, this power is optimized for all-weather, all-terrain conquering abilities that won't let you down, or get you stuck. The one let down though, is that a CVT transmission is the only choice here, and has been reported to have some rather sloppy and un-exciting characteristics to it.

2021 subaru outback wheel up close
Subaru

On And Off-Road Performance

As has always been the case with the Outback, this wagon isn't a fast performance car, or a dedicated obstacle-crushing off-roader, but rather a practical combination of on-road comfort and off-road capabilities blended into a package that weekend adventurers or commuters in rougher regions will love. As mentioned, the Outback is not a car for serious technical trails, but with front MacPherson, and rear double-wishbone suspension this wagon gives a smooth on-road ride, and confident handling when the pavement ends and the going gets rough - especially with AWD and 8.7" of ground clearance coming standard. One thing to note for those used to older Outback models in terms of off-roading though, the 2021 model only comes with an open rear differential, while in the past a viscous limited-slip was included.

Mechanical virtues aren't the only strong point of the Outback's performance either, as with Subaru's X-MODE included standard as well, that AWD system and brakes are optimized in tandem with advanced traction control, controlling the engine, brakes, and torque split as needed for situations like hill climbs and descents, as well as low-grip surfaces like snow and mud. While these aspects let the Outback handle trails with confidence, those used to the tighter and nimble steering of old-school Outbacks, or sportier Subaru models, will find the 2021 Outback rather soft and not all that agile - fortunately, it is precise though.

Regardless of performance, what the Outback truly excels at is safety, providing confidence not only in its capabilities while driving, but also in the worst-case scenario. Earning a 5-star NHTSA rating, and an IIHS Top Safety Pick, the Outback's continuing longtime excellence in safety provides peace of mind.

2021 subaru outback practicality
Via Subaru.com

Plenty Of Practicality

While on and off-road confidence is certainly a main selling point in this market segment, practicality tends to be an even greater one, and the 2021 Outback certainly doesn't disappoint in that regard. Packing 105 cu-ft of passenger space, the 2021 Outback is a small step above its competitors like the 2021 Toyota Rav4 which tops out at 101 cu-ft, and the 2021 Jeep Cherokee which packs a similar 101 cu-ft.

Not just spacious for passengers, the Outback's wagon form proves its worth in terms of cargo space too, with a 32.5 cu-ft trunk that grows to a plentiful 75.7 cu-ft thanks to the folding rear seats. Standard on many trims too, the Outback also offers a hands-free automatic power opening rear gate, allowing seamless access to that cargo area. As well, a roof rack and 2,700 lbs tow rating on the base engine (3,500 lbs for the turbo engine) allows you to bring along just about anything you may need.

While not as great as its cargo-carrying abilities, the Outback's fuel economy is good. With the standard engine, you can expect 26 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and the turbo gets 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway.

Via Subaru.com

Comfort And Tech To Top The Ruggedness

Not just virtuous in its driving capabilities, the 2021 Outback shines bright in terms of comfort, design, and features on the inside as well. Coming as the standard option is some nice premium cloth upholstery, but spring for the optional Nappa leather and the Outback's interior becomes surprisingly luxurious. An even more appropriate upholstery option is Subaru's proprietary StarTex faux leather - a water repellant material that's perfect for adventures. Regardless of upholstery choice, one great point of the 2021 Outback is how far the interior has come from its early generations, catching up with the competition over the past several years to offer a style with great modern touches.

Even better in terms of modern touches, every trim of the Outback except for the base model gets a hi-res 11.6" touchscreen (base gets dual 7" screens) with Subaru's STARLINK services, Apple Car Play or Android Auto functionality, along with Bluetooth phone connectivity.  Pairing with that, Limited and Premier trims of the 2021 Outback include a Harman Kardon 12 speaker system with a 576-watt amp to give an excellent surround sound experience. Further features include optional 4G LTE WiFi hotspot capabilities, dual rear USB ports, wireless phone charging, optional heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a rearview camera, as well as standard EyeSight driver assist with lane-keep, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, and forward-collision warning.

Via Subaru.com

Trim Levels And Pricing

As mentioned, the 2021 Outback gets two powertrain choices - the standard naturally aspirated, or optional turbocharged (XT). With a total of 7 trim, choices include:

Outback - $26,795 USD.

The most basic version, the base trim still has a great assortment of features like a dual 7" touchscreen infotainment system that has STARLINK multimedia, Apple Car Play, and Android Auto functionality, a 4-speaker sound system, premium cloth upholstery, EyeSight driver assists, steering responsive LED headlights (standard on all trims), and 17" aluminum-alloy wheels.

Premium - $29,045 USD.

A step up, the Premium Outback includes features like an 11.6" touchscreen with STARLINK, Apple Car Play, and Android Auto functionality, a 6-speaker sound system, 4G LTE WiFi hotspot capabilities (standard on all except base trim), dual-zone climate control, optional heated seats with the All-Weather Package, dual front and rear USB ports, premium cloth upholstery, power-adjustable driver's seat, EyeSight driver assists, and small exterior differences like body-color mirrors rather than the base level's black painted ones.

Limited - $33,595 USD.

Carrying over most of the Premium trim's features like the 11.6" touchscreen, with several more added in, the Limited Outback offers more luxurious upgrades like leather upholstery, hands-free power opening trunk as standard (rather than as an option on the Premium), 18" aluminum-alloy wheels, power-adjustable seats for both driver and passenger, heated rear seats, keyless entry, and push-button start, an auto-dimming mirror with built-in compass and HomeLink functionality, the Harmon Kardon sound system, and several small touches like auto-up/down windows all around.

Touring - $37,495 USD.

The most upscale version of the Outback, the Touring trim carries over the Limited's standard features (like the Harmon Kardon sound system) with additions like supple Nappa leather upholstery, a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front seats, DriverFocus distraction mitigation system, 180-degree front-view monitor, and a power moonroof among other changes.

Onyx Edition XT - $35,145 USD.

This is essentially the Premium trim level, but with the turbo engine instead. You do get some unique standard features over Premium though, including the water-repellant StarTex faux leather upholstery, power-adjustable seats for both driver and passenger, the hands-free power opening rear trunk, auto-dimming rearview mirror with compass and HomeLink, 180-degree front-view monitor, as well as keyless entry and push-button start.

Limited XT - $37,995 USD.

Keeping with the same scheme, the Limited XT and standard Limited trims are mostly the same except for the turbo engine and some small differences. Included as standard with the Limited XT but not on the normal Limited are a power moonroof, heated steering wheel, 11.6" touchscreen with GPS navigation on top of the other multimedia features, and the DriverFocus distraction mitigation system.

Touring XT - $39,945 USD.

The ultimate of the 2021 Outback lineup, the Touring XT, like the Limited XT, carries over all the standard features found in the Touring Outback but adds the turbo engine.

Regardless of which Outback you go for, you'll also get Subaru's 3 years or 36,000-mile limited warranty, and 5 years or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Sources: Subaru.com, Car And Driver

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