2021 Subaru Outback — Full Specifications
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The 2021 Subaru Outback is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 31–35 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Subaru Outback workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2020 Subaru Outback: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 35 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo · 2.5L 4-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (AV-S8) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Length | 4700 mm |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 31 urban / 40 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 26 city / 33 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 191 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 6 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2021 Subaru Outback across 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 26 to 29 mpg (US), or 31 to 35 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 31 | 26 (23/30) | 213 | $2,600 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (26/33) | 191 | $2,300 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2021 Subaru Outback
Running Costs: 2021 Subaru Outback
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2021 Subaru Outback at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2021 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Subaru Outback (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (3), Air bags (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Air bags — campaign 24V227000, reported 22 March 2024. Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Power train — campaign 23V755000, reported 9 November 2023. Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Power train — campaign 22V485000, reported 8 July 2022. Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Power train — campaign 21V024000, reported 26 January 2021. Risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
Owners have filed 296 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Subaru Outback. The most-reported areas are Visibility/wiper (97), Electrical system (75), Unspecified (65). Complaints include 9 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, 4 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 380 complaints across the 14 Subaru Outback model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2021 Subaru Outback
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Visibility (97 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Electrical system (75 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Driver-assist sensors (29 owner complaints) — Check that driver-assist warning lights are off and sensors are clean and undamaged.
- Transmission & drivetrain (3 recall campaigns) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the Subaru Outback compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 35 mpg figure is 8 mpg better than that average. Its 191 g/km CO₂ figure is 62 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
Subaru models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2021 Subaru Outback's 35 mpg is 2 mpg above that make average. Its 191 g/km CO₂ figure is 15 g/km lower than the 206 g/km Subaru average.
Of the 14 Subaru Outback model years we cover, the 2021 is the most economical on its best configuration (35 mpg UK combined). See every Subaru Outback year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2021 Subaru Outback
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2021 Subaru Outback: 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 2.5L 4-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a automatic (av-s8).
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Subaru Outback?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 31 to 35 mpg.
How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recall campaigns that include the 2021 Subaru Outback (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (3), Air bags (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Among the 296 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Visibility/wiper (97 complaints), Electrical system (75 complaints), Unspecified (65 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the Subaru Outback's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.