2021 Subaru Outback MPG
Across its 2 EPA-rated versions, the 2021 Subaru Outback returns 23–26 mpg city, 30–33 highway and 26–29 combined.
The most efficient pairs the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a CVT and all-wheel drive, at 29 mpg combined. The thirstiest version uses the 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with a CVT and all-wheel drive and is rated 26 mpg combined. That matches the best gasoline version of the 2020 model.
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | Regular · 308 g CO₂/mi |
| Outback AWD | 2.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 30 | 26 | Regular · 343 g CO₂/mi |
2021 Subaru Outback fuel cost per year
Driving 15,000 miles a year on regular gasoline at the September 2026 U.S. average of $4.36 a gallon, the 2021 Subaru Outback costs about $2,250 a year to fuel in its most efficient form (29 mpg combined), or roughly 15 cents a mile.
The thirstiest priced version (26 mpg combined) comes to about $2,510 a year, $260 more.
This is an estimate from EPA combined mpg and the EIA national average price; your cost depends on how and where you drive and on local prices.
2021 Subaru Outback specs
2021 Subaru Outback buyers could choose between 2 engines, according to EPA records: 2.4 L 4-cyl turbo and 2.5 L 4-cyl. It came with a CVT, with all-wheel drive. The EPA classes it as a small sport utility vehicle.
| Engine size (L) | Cylinders | Transmissions | Drive | Versions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4 L turbo | 4 | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 1 |
| 2.5 L | 4 | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 1 |
2021 Subaru Outback problems
Owners have filed 298 complaints about the 2021 Subaru Outback with NHTSA, the U.S. vehicle-safety agency, as of October 2026.
Visibility/wiper is the most-reported area (23% of component mentions), followed by electrical system (18%) and forward collision avoidance (10%).
Spread over its time on sale, that is 49 complaints a year: fewer than the 2020 (127 a year) and the 2022 (92 a year).
That ranks 7th of 17 Subaru Outback model years (2008–2024), counting from the most complaints per year.
Of the 298, 9 mention a crash, 2 a fire and 3 an injury.
| Component | Mentions | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 97 | 23% |
| Electrical system | 76 | 18% |
| Unknown or other | 66 | 16% |
| Forward collision avoidance | 43 | 10% |
| Engine | 21 | 5% |
| Vehicle speed control | 19 | 5% |
| Air bags | 17 | 4% |
| Power train | 12 | 3% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 2% |
| Visibility | 10 | 2% |
| Lane departure | 8 | 2% |
| Service brakes | 7 | 2% |
| Structure | 7 | 2% |
| Wheels | 6 | 1% |
| Steering | 5 | 1% |
| Back over prevention | 4 | <1% |
| Exterior lighting | 4 | <1% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 2 | <1% |
| Suspension | 2 | <1% |
| Parking brake | 1 | <1% |
| Seats | 1 | <1% |
What owners told NHTSA
I was driving when I heard a loud explosion sound. I first thought a rock or gunshot hit my car and pulled over to examine my car. …
I am reporting a serious and intermittent steering safety issue with my 2021 Subaru Outback. …
I was already parked in a spot in a public parking lot. I tapped the accelerator pedal to move the car a few inches. …
2021 Subaru Outback recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Outback.
The most recent, campaign 24V227000 from March 2024, concerns air bags.
Power train accounts for 3 of the 4 campaigns, more than any other area.
21V024000 · January 26, 2021 · Power train
Problem: The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
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.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge.
| Campaign | Reported | Component | Outback years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24V227000 | March 22, 2024 | Air bags | 2020–2022 |
| 23V755000 | November 9, 2023 | Power train | 2021–2023 |
| 22V485000 | July 8, 2022 | Power train | 2020–2021 |
Safety ratings
NHTSA crash-tested 1 version of the 2021 Subaru Outback; the best overall score is 5 out of 5 stars.
| Version tested | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Crash-test photos: NHTSA (public domain). NHTSA can reuse a test for later model years of the same design.
Compared with other years
Complaints per year on sale divide each model year's NHTSA complaints by the years since it went on sale, so older and newer Subaru Outbacks can be compared fairly. Among other 2021 models in the EPA's small sport utility vehicle class, the 2021 Subaru Forester (29 mpg), 2021 Chevy Equinox (28 mpg) and 2021 Ford Escape (30 mpg) come closest on combined fuel economy.
| Year | Best mpg | Complaints | Per year on sale | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 28 | 816 | 90 | 3 |
| 2019 | 28 | 1,036 | 128 | 3 |
| 2020 | 29 | 901 | 127 | 6 |
| 2021 | 29 | 298 | 49 | 4 |
| 2022 | 29 | 465 | 92 | 4 |
| 2023 | 28 | 89 | 22 | 2 |
| 2024 | 28 | 104 | 34 | 0 |
Every Subaru Outback model year compared →
Similar 2021 models
FAQ
Is the 2021 Outback a good car?
We don't rate cars, but the official data gives a picture. The 2021 Subaru Outback has 49 NHTSA complaints per year on sale (7th most of 17 model years), 4 recall campaigns, a best overall crash rating of 5 stars and up to 29 mpg combined from the EPA.
What are common 2021 Outback problems?
The components owners report most to NHTSA are visibility/wiper (97), electrical system (76) and forward collision avoidance (43). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many recalls does the 2021 Outback have?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns. To see whether a recall is still open on a specific car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Outback get?
The EPA rates the versions at 26–29 mpg combined (23–26 city, 30–33 highway).
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Outback per year?
About $2,250 a year for 15,000 miles in its most efficient form, up to about $2,510 for the thirstiest version, using EPA mpg and the September 2026 U.S. average regular gasoline price of $4.36 a gallon (EIA).