“This is my first experience with a Subaru and it has won me over. The rear access is just the right height and the rear seats fold down to present a roomy cargo area. The rear seats are very comfortable and give plenty of leg room. The safety features are without compromise, absolutely the best.”
2021 Subaru Outback: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2021 Subaru Outback is that steering-responsive LED headlights became standard on every trim. Otherwise, this is a light update to the redesigned 2020 model, with two new occupant reminders but no changes to the engines or seven-trim lineup.
About the 2021 Subaru Outback
6th generation (2020-2025), second model year after the full redesign.
Subaru positions the Outback as a midsize family adventure vehicle that blends wagon-like road manners with SUV-style capability. Subaru leans heavily on standard Symmetrical AWD, useful ground clearance, built-in roof rail crossbars, and safety tech, while also stressing a comfortable, quiet ride for commuting and road trips. In plain terms, the Outback is aimed at drivers who want one vehicle that handles daily life, bad weather, pets, cargo, and light trail duty without feeling truck-like.
The 2021 Outback lineup runs from a well-equipped base model to comfort-focused Limited and Touring trims, with the Premium serving as the mainstream middle ground. XT models use a 260-hp turbo engine and tow up to 3,500 pounds, while the Onyx Edition XT adds an outdoorsy look, water-repellent upholstery, and extra drive settings for snow, dirt, and mud. Upper trims bring features such as leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, navigation, and premium audio.
What changed, by category
Safety
Steering-responsive LED headlights became standard on every trim. Subaru also added a passenger seat belt warning light and chime, along with a rear-seat reminder, across the lineup.
2021 Subaru Outback specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.4 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode | Automatic, CVT w/Lineartronic & 8-Spd Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg | 23 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 182 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp | 260 hp |
| Torque | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 176 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft | 277 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb | 3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft | 75.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in | 39.5 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | |||||||
| Alarm System | |||||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | |||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | |||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Power Moonroof | |||||||
| Power Close Liftgate/Trunk | |||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | |||||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||||
| Rear Spoiler | |||||||
| Roof Rails | |||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | |||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | |||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||||||
| Power Driver Seat | |||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | |||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | |||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2021 Subaru Outback?
The biggest change is standard steering-responsive LED headlights on every 2021 Outback trim. These headlights turn with the steering to help illuminate curves at night.
Was the 2021 Subaru Outback redesigned?
No, the 2021 Outback was not redesigned. It is the second model year of the generation introduced for 2020, with only a few equipment updates.
Did the 2021 Subaru Outback get a new engine?
No, the 2021 Outback kept the same two-engine setup as 2020. Regular trims use a 182-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder, while XT trims use a 260-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder.
Which 2021 Subaru Outback trims have steering-responsive LED headlights?
Every 2021 Subaru Outback trim has steering-responsive LED headlights as standard equipment. This lineup-wide upgrade is the year’s main change.
What occupant reminders were added to the 2021 Subaru Outback?
The 2021 Outback added a passenger seat belt warning light and chime, plus a rear-seat reminder, as standard equipment across the lineup.
2021 Subaru Outback Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2021 Subaru Outback.
4.2
2021 Subaru Outback
(510 reviews)
“The Outback is unexpectedly fun to drive! It is responsive and quick. I also feel more confident on the road knowing it can handle different road/terrain conditions.”
“2021 Subaru Outback Touring XT - Beautiful upgrade from an '06 Dodge Ram; Comfort, handling and fuel economy were my main concerns and the Outback meets them all. CVT trans can be a little weird when slowing down, downshifting causing a small jerk but you learn to adjust to it. Audio is fantastic, power and handling are very adequate, etc this car is great.”