2021 Subaru Outback

 A subtle leader in the larger SUV market.

The 2021 Subaru Outback features a few new additions, but most of them don’t change the overall appeal, nor the drive of the new Outback. For 2021 you can have one of the “few” trim packages available; Outback, Outback Premium, Outback limited, Outback touring, Outback Onyx XT, Outback Limited XT, and finally Outback Touring XT. 

2021 Subaru Outback

The XT packages is where the turbo is introduced to the Outback. In the XT models, the outback is fitted with a 2.4l turbo flat four (or BOXER engine) that will put out; 260hp and 277 lb.-ft of torque. Not too shabby, but it is moving around a 4,000lb SUV. Otherwise, with the non-XT models, the Outback will come with a 2.5l naturally aspirated flat four making; 182hp and 176 lb.-ft of torque. However, the weight is dramatically reduced for the 2.5l option weighing in at 3,600lbs.

2020/2021 Subaru Outback 2.4l

Packed behind both of those engines is a CVT (not great) transmission with an 8-speed manual mode, and flappy paddles behind the steering wheel. Obviously, like any other Subaru (minus the BRZ) you get their leading AWD system, and in the Outback, nothing changes, the system continues to work the same as in all other AWD Subaru models, great. You also have the X-Mode which allows for selective weather control, and with the Onyx XT, you also receive the Snow/Mud mode option. 

Like most Subaru models as well, the gas millage is ok, but nowhere near great. On the highway the 2.5l will average 7.1l/100km, and 9.0l/100km around town. As for the 2.4l turbo motor, we see 7.9l/100km highway, and 10.1l/100km in the city. It is the unfortunate price to pay for all-the-time AWD but, keeps you from getting stuck 99% of the time in the winter, so you pick however you prefer. 

As for the exterior of the Outback, we see no major changes over the 2020 model. The headlights change design a touch, but barely enough to even tell. Also, based on the some of the pictures, Subaru has managed to make the Outback look significantly longer than the 2020 model though having grown it by only 36mm’s.

2021 Subaru Outback

Moving along to the inside. Again, we see no major changes over the 2020 model, but since I haven’t seen the inside of an Outback in a while, they do look different from what I remember from when I worked at a Subaru (shout out to Subaru Laval, waddup). So here is a break down; For the base model, you will see two 7-inch screens, one to control the radio and such, and the other for the climate controls. The first problem I have is, there will be little to no buttons for the climate and radio controls, so good luck changing the temperature and radio station in the car.  And secondly, this may come off as less of a problem, and more of a complaint, but just keep the buttons god dammit.

2021 Subaru Outback

Should you so choose to go one model up from the base, the screens change. With every other model except for the base, you get a 11.6-inch touch screen that features all of the radio and climate controls. Again, same problem, no buttons = hard to change anything while driving. Other options include, a power moonroof, keyless entry, automatic reverse braking (? if you need this, stop driving), a Harman Kardon stereo system, and some other “safety” basics like, lane keep assist and so on. 

All in all, I kind of like the Outback, but I don’t know that it would be my go-to for a full-size SUV. The AWD system is nice, but I don’t know that it is worth the price to pay for gas. Also, I would really need to drive it (as should you if you’re shopping for one) because that CVT transmission can be the make or break it for me. Otherwise, the interior looks decent for the price of the truck, and the exterior isn’t terrible either, but if you’re looking for something to stick out of the crowd, this ain’t it. 

Additional specs:

Power:

2.5l flat four (182hp / 174 lb-ft)

2.4l turbo flat four (260hp / 277 lb-ft)

Transmission:

CVT with 8-speed manual mode

Weight:

2.5l curb weight: 3,635-3,772lbs

2.4l curb weight: 3,885-3,937lbs

Towing capacity:

2.5l - 2,700lbs

2.4l - 3,500lbs

Cargo space:

920-2,144-liters

Fuel mileage:

2.5l - 7.1l/100km highway, 9.0l/100km city

2.4l - 7.9l/100km highway, 10.1l/100km

Ground clearance:

8.7-inches