Adding to its 2021 vehicle lineup, Subaru of America has recently announced its new Outback, which will be available in October. The 2021 Subaru Outback will remain nearly the same as the current model, after being completely redesigned for 2020. However, there will be a couple of distinct differences.
New Safety Features
The most distinctive feature on the 2021 Subaru Outback is the addition of the Steering Responsive LED headlights. Subaru has added the Steering Responsive headlights for both the high and low beams to improve visibility while driving at night. The headlight system will follow the steering wheel’s direction to allow for better visibility while making turns and following curves in the road.
Additional safety features include the Passenger Seat Belt Reminder and Rear Seat Reminder systems. The Passenger Seat Belt Reminder system provides the driver with audio and visual alerts when any passengers in the front or back do not have their seatbelts secured. The Rear Seat Reminder attempts to eliminate the hazard of forgetting a child in the backseat when the driver exits the vehicle. When exiting the vehicle, the driver is alerted to check the backseat for occupants.
What’s New Inside The 2021 Outback?
Most of the 2021 Outbacks will come equipped with a vertical 11.6-inch touchscreen. The exception is the Base Outback, which comes with a pair of seven-inch units. All trim levels (except Base) feature standard heated front seats and a 10-way power front driver’s seat with lumbar support. Limited and Touring trims add an adjustable cushion length to the driver seat. Just like the 2020 models, a Wi-Fi hotspot is also available.
Bring On The Weekend!
The 2021 Subaru Outback can rival most SUVs when it comes to cargo space. The cargo floor length is 75 inches with the rear seats folded, and the total cargo space is 75.7 cubic feet. For 2020, Subaru added a hands-free power liftgate and that feature stays for 2021. Just wave your hand in front of the Subaru emblem on the back and away it goes.
Another impressive feature on the Outback is the roof rack. The rails swing inward to create crossbars when carrying cargo on the roof and swing back when not being used to avoid added noise and loss of fuel economy.
2021 Subaru Outback: Engine & Powertrain
The Base Outback comes with a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed “Boxer” four-cylinder engine that produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft. of torque. The standard engine gets 26 in the city, 33 on the highway and a combined rating of 29 mpg, which isn’t bad considering every Outback is standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
Higher trim levels come with the 2.4-liter turbo Boxer engine which produces 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft. of torque. The turbo engine returns 23 in the city, 30 on the highway, and a combined mpg of 30.
2021 Subaru Outback Trim Levels
The 2021 Subaru Outback is offered in Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT. Here is a look at each trim level and the starting MSRP. The figures below include the destination charge of about $1,000. While the features do vary, Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist Technology is standard on all 2021 Outback trim levels.
Outback Base
The base model Outback sees a price increase of $150 over the 2020 model year. As mentioned earlier, all Base models come with two seven-inch multimedia screens. The top touchscreen controls the audio system, while the lower one controls the climate settings, X-MODE, and other vehicle systems. Base models include AM/FM/HD radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Audio compatibility.
Starting MSRP: $27,845
Outback Premium
Like the Base Outback, the Premium increases just $150 when compared to a 2020 model. The Premium includes the All-Weather Package, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, 10-way power driver’s seat, and two USB charging ports in the center console’s rear section. The Premium also gifts drivers with an 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus system.
Starting MSRP: $30,095
Outback Limited
Standard features for this trim include perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, heated rear seats, rear A/C outlets, and a push-button start. Standard driver-assist technologies include Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.
Starting MSRP: $34,645
Outback Touring
The Touring has everything the Limited does but comes with automatic power-folding mirrors, heated steering wheel and ventilated seats, and a 180-degree front view mirror. The Touring has exclusive exterior and interior accents, including Java Brown Nappa leather upholstery.
Starting MSRP: $38,545
Outback Onyx Edition XT
The Onyx Edition XT comes with the 2.4-liter turbo Boxer engine, hands-free power liftgate, 180-degree front view monitor, Dual-Mode X-MODE, and a full-size spare tire. Onyx Edition XT models have 18-inch alloy wheels, black exterior trim, and a two-tone gray interior.
Starting MSRP: $36,195
Outback Limited XT
The Limited XT adds a power moonroof, heated steering wheel, STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system, Harman Kardon premium stereo, and a DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. The Limited XT comes with the 2.4-liter turbo Boxer engine.
Starting MSRP: $39,045
Outback Touring XT
The Touring XT includes all the Touring’s standard equipment but adds the 2.4-liter turbo Boxer engine.
Starting MSRP: $40,995
2021 Subaru Outback Warranty
Buyers receive a New Vehicle Limited Warranty with a term of three years or 36,000 miles and a powertrain warranty with five years or 60,000 miles. For more information on Subaru’s warranty, see our in-depth guide.
Born and raised in the Motor City by an autoworker’s family, Michael Turashoff has a love of cars woven into his DNA. Michael is a professional content creator, marketing expert, and successful entrepreneur with over a decade of experience.
2021 Subaru Outback Gallery
Photos & Source: Subaru of America, Inc.
