Subaru of America, Inc. announced the pricing and feature updates for the 2021 Subaru Outback, continuing its legacy as a versatile and highly capable SUV alternative. Starting at an MSRP of $26,795, the 2021 Outback builds upon its award-winning formula by adding new standard safety technologies across all trim levels, while maintaining its competitive pricing with only a modest $150 increase from the previous model year. Arriving at Subaru retailers in October, the 2021 Outback reinforces its position as a leader in the crossover SUV segment, offering a compelling blend of car-like comfort and SUV-inspired ruggedness.
Enhanced Safety as Standard
For the 2021 model year, Subaru prioritizes safety by equipping every Outback trim with Steering Responsive LED headlights. This advanced lighting system enhances nighttime visibility by directing the headlight beams in sync with the vehicle’s steering, illuminating curves and corners more effectively. This feature provides drivers with improved reaction time and confidence in low-light conditions.
Understanding the importance of passenger safety, especially for families, Subaru has also made the Rear Seat Reminder system standard across the Outback lineup. This system actively reminds drivers to check the rear seats before exiting the vehicle, aiming to prevent accidental entrapment of children or pets.
Further bolstering safety, a new standard Seat Belt Reminder system now detects occupants in both front and rear seating positions. The system provides both audible and visual alerts if a seatbelt is unfastened, encouraging all passengers to buckle up, a crucial step in ensuring safety in the event of a collision.
2021 Subaru Outback Trim Levels and Features
The 2021 Subaru Outback offers a comprehensive range of trim levels to cater to diverse customer needs and preferences. From the value-packed Base model to the luxurious Touring XT, each trim builds upon the Outback’s core strengths, delivering Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and a host of standard features.
Outback Base: Value and Essential Features
Priced at $26,795, the Outback Base provides exceptional value, equipped with standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and Active Torque Vectoring for confident handling in various conditions. Power comes from a responsive 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, paired with a smooth Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) featuring an 8-speed manual shift mode and steering wheel paddle shifters for a more engaging driving experience.
Subaru’s acclaimed EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology is standard on all Outback models, including the Base trim. This suite of safety features includes Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control (AACC) with Lane Centering, assisting drivers in maintaining a safe following distance and staying centered within their lane.
The Outback Base is well-appointed with convenience features, including power windows, door locks, fuel door, and mirrors, along with dual USB input ports in the front center console. Remote keyless entry and the SUBARU STARLINK™ dual 7.0-inch Multimedia system are also standard, offering Apple CarPlay™, Android™ Auto, and Bluetooth® connectivity for seamless smartphone integration. The STARLINK system features an upper 7-inch touchscreen for audio controls and a lower 7-inch screen for climate and vehicle settings.
Outback Premium: Enhanced Comfort and Technology
Stepping up to the Outback Premium, starting at $29,045, adds a host of desirable upgrades while maintaining exceptional value. Building on the Base trim, the Premium includes the All-Weather Package for enhanced comfort in colder climates, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a dual-zone automatic climate control system, and a 10-way power driver’s seat for personalized comfort. Rear passengers benefit from two additional USB charging ports located in the rear section of the center console.
The Outback Premium elevates the in-car technology experience with the tablet-style 11.6-inch STARLINK Multimedia Plus system. This large, vertically oriented touchscreen offers intuitive direct touch controls for multimedia, HVAC, and vehicle settings, providing a modern and user-friendly interface.
Aesthetically, the Premium trim introduces a new exterior color option: Brilliant Bronze Metallic, which can be paired with either ivory or black interior, allowing for personalization.
Two option packages are available for the Premium trim, offering further customization. The first package, priced at $1,400, includes a Hands-Free Power Rear Gate for added convenience, Keyless Access with Push-Button Start, and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert for enhanced safety. The second package, priced at $2,995, adds a Power Moonroof and the STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia Navigation system powered by TomTom® for integrated navigation capabilities.
Outback Onyx Edition XT: Rugged Style and Turbocharged Performance
The Outback Onyx Edition XT, priced from $35,145, injects a dose of rugged style and enhanced performance into the Outback lineup. This trim level includes all the standard features of the Premium trim and adds the powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged SUBARU BOXER® engine, delivering increased horsepower and torque for more spirited driving.
Further enhancing its off-road capability, the Onyx Edition XT features a Hands-Free Power Gate, a 180-Degree Front View Monitor for improved visibility in challenging terrain, Dual-Mode X-MODE for optimized traction in various conditions, and a full-size spare tire for added peace of mind.
Visually, the Onyx Edition XT stands out with unique black-finish exterior elements, 18-inch alloy wheels, and Onyx Edition badging. The interior features an exclusive gray two-tone design with seats wrapped in durable StarTex® water-repellent material, combining style and practicality.
An optional package for the Onyx Edition XT, priced at $1,845, includes a Power Moonroof, STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia with Navigation, and Reverse Automatic Braking for added safety and convenience features.
Outback Limited: Refined Comfort and Advanced Features
The Outback Limited, starting at $33,595, focuses on delivering a more refined and luxurious driving experience. Building upon the Premium trim, the Limited adds perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, heated rear seat backs, rear A/C outlets, and Keyless Access with Push-Button Start for enhanced comfort and convenience.
Standard driver-assist technologies on the Limited trim include Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, further emphasizing Subaru’s commitment to safety.
An option package for the Limited trim, priced at $2,045, includes a Power Moonroof, Heated Steering Wheel, STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia with Navigation, a premium Harman Kardon® audio system for audiophile-quality sound, and DriverFocus® Distraction Mitigation System, a unique Subaru technology designed to help reduce driver fatigue and distraction.
Outback Touring and Touring XT: Ultimate Luxury and Performance
At the top of the Outback lineup are the Touring and Touring XT trims, representing the pinnacle of luxury and performance. The Outback Touring, priced at $37,495, includes all the standard equipment of the Limited trim and adds a 180-Degree Front View Monitor, automatic power-folding mirrors, a Heated Steering Wheel, and Ventilated Seats for ultimate comfort in any climate. The Touring trim is adorned with exclusive exterior and interior accents and genuine Java Brown Nappa Leather upholstery, creating a truly premium ambiance.
The Outback Touring XT, priced at $39,945, combines the luxurious features of the Touring trim with the powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine, delivering both refined comfort and exhilarating performance.
Competitive Pricing and Exceptional Value
The 2021 Subaru Outback maintains its competitive edge in the market with minimal price increases across the trim levels. The modest $150 increase for most trims and a $250 increase for XT models reflects the added value of enhanced standard safety features and the Outback’s continued commitment to providing a well-equipped and capable vehicle at an accessible price point.
The 2021 Subaru Outback continues to be built at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA) in Lafayette, Indiana, alongside the Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza, underscoring Subaru’s commitment to American manufacturing.
| 2021 Outback Model/Trim | Transmission | MSRP | MSRP + Destination and Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outback | CVT | $26,795 | $27,845 |
| Outback Premium | CVT | $29,045 | $30,095 |
| Outback Limited | CVT | $33,595 | $34,645 |
| Outback Touring | CVT | $37,495 | $38,545 |
| Outback Onyx Edition XT | CVT | $35,145 | $36,195 |
| Outback Limited XT | CVT | $37,995 | $39,045 |
| Outback Touring XT | CVT | $39,945 | $40,995 |
Destination & Delivery is $1,050 for Outback and may vary in certain states.
The 2021 Subaru Outback reinforces its position as a top choice for drivers seeking a versatile, safe, and value-packed vehicle that seamlessly blends SUV capability with the comfort and handling of a car. With its enhanced standard safety features, a range of trim levels to suit diverse needs, and Subaru’s renowned reliability and all-wheel-drive capability, the 2021 Outback is poised to continue its success in the competitive crossover SUV market.
