Subaru Outback 2021 review: Is this high-riding wagon a better alternative to a Toyota RAV4?

00:00 Intro
01:03 Pricing
02:42 Design
04:05 Interior
08:56 Safety
09:39 Engine specs
11:00 Fuel use
11:27 Ownership
12:17 Driving
15:40 Verdict

The Subaru Outback is a car you just know. You know it's a station wagon that thinks it's an SUV, and that's how it's been for years now.

In fact, the first-generation model launched back in 1996, a higher-riding Liberty wagon with a few stylistic changes and the famed boxer engine and Symmetrical AWD that Subaru is now synonymous with.

Over the previous five generations of Subaru Outback, the brand has honed the formula, and with this new 2021 Outback model - the sixth-generation model - the changes have been incremental but important.

Australia misses out on some of the more desirable changes that are seen in the Outback in other markets - there's no turbo engine here, and nor is there a hybrid - so does the large wagon-slash-SUV make sense when you consider it against other closely priced rivals like the Toyota RAV4? Watch the video to find out!

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

#Subaru #SubaruOutback #2021SubaruOutback

[Theprofessor]

Once an outback owner, always an Outback owner. We might have other cars but I think we will always have an outback in our family.

[lowery]

Posting the timeline for us in the actual video. Class act. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[gregorykearney]

We have had a Subaru RS for 12 yrs now. The reliability has been so great. This Outback i think, would be a great car and reliable. Most people i know with an outback's love them like children. They say a bit of an under-powdered engine is better for the longer life of the engine.

[HN-oloz]

Best review I see so far, thanks. It improves my confidence about is this the one for my family car. I wish the car little bit bigger or higher, but I haven't seen one yet, next steps will be visiting the dealer. Thanks for the video.

[neilshayler]

we only get two models in the uk, standard and premium. I had mine a few months and wanted a car with higher ride and its just superb to drive it does everything without fuss. i live in the flatest part of the uk but its farm back roads and it just glides along the bumpy roads. Safety it does everything a volvo does and more.

[stefanfalldorf]

It's a high riding wagon. And I like it.

[FerdieMendoza]

We have a 2017 & just bought another one, a 2021. Great car, perfect for our Alaska outdoors & winter, by far a lot better on winter driving than my Mercedes E350 awd. I believe this is the most practical car, coz u have almost the size & utility of a midsize SUV & the comfort of a car. And a great price especially. Can’t go wrong with the Japanese reliability as well 👍🏽

[Jesssxox]

Seeing the video it’s going to be very interesting to see what the do with the new wrx hopefully we will get a video soon

[Chris-unjn]

Great car, great review - love your style - I just ordered the touring, what do you think of the option front grill please?

[chrismiddleton]

I have just ordered a 2021 (Gen 6) base model Outback to replace my 2006 (Gen 3) Outback with 203, 000 kms on the clock. Priory to that I had 2 Liberty wagons each with over 200K kms on the clock. Why am I so loyal to Subaru? Essentially it comes down to reliability, safety, comfort, build quality and value for money (including re-sale value). In Australia we can only get the naturally aspirated 2.5L boxer engine which is fine, but what a pity that we cannot get the 2.5L turbo-charged engine option as available in the States.

[andrekleyn]

I would not mind owning one of these Outback models. Have always been a "station wagon" kind of guy. They seem to be an honest, reliable vehicle with lots of practicality thrown in for good measure. Only if I had the 💰 though...

[russelldines]

Thanks for a great review as usual.

I understand the marketing timing for not releasing the Turbo at the same time as the standard aspiration model - they can pump the market with enthusiasm at a time that Subaru determines, which will also enhance sales for the standard model by association. The Turbo model will probably require 95 Octane fuel (as a WRX does) - if that was released at the same time as the standard model, there would be not so much to gain for the seller. Moral is to keep the cash cow pumping and don't peak too soon.

I do wonder how the CVT will go long term with any owners who exploit that 2 tonne braked capacity regularly.

[WarbyonRoad]

Kept my Forester for 20yrs loved it, next bought Outback 21 finding it a dream to drive, adjustments on driver seating fantastic for a 5 ft. person, thought at first it was a bit too big for me but I have got used to it and the IT stuff on board. One thing annoys me though is the adjustment for incoming call volume is so low conversation isnt easy..I have gone through all the adjustments with no success. Another glitch in my love affair with this car is my windscreen cracked on the passenger side, as it is laminated it was OK to continue to drive taking into account difference in temperatures inside and outside toi stop crack moving but there wasn't a replacement windscreen in Australia and of course when it does get here after reinstallment the window has to be recalibrated taking a whole day..These annoyances aside I am glad I bought the Outback 21, haven't done 10, 000 klms yet but looking forward to another 20 yrs with Subaru

[MerlinMan]

I used to tire of cars after 4 years and change them, that was until I got my 2003 with me after all these years.

[donindusted]

I'm waiting for mine (2012) to be repaired, what saved it was bugger all on the second hand market. They do need a higher specced motor in the new ones

[gmailtammandre]

It always amazes me how the car companies get some things so right while they miss a lot of small practical features. It's like they never take these to a test drive before shipping to the public.

[ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars]

Nice review Matt. I'll have Hybrid Theory ready to go when I get my test drive. But can you foresee the problem with that CD player?

[scottgraham]

Absolutely love my previous gen 2020 Outback 3.6R. Its a classic "what it says on the lid" car. No pretences of being a BRZ or WRX, just a big, soft, comfortable family wagon that can handle loose stuff better than most. I've driven Mitsi and Nissan CVTs, and they've ruined the whole experience. Toyotas seem better, with less flaring, but this big ole girl is just sweet. In city traffic, it keeps the revs down, and the big motor has the grunt to cope easily. I imagine it would be a great pairing with the 2.4 turbo, if it ever comes here.

[originalrecko]

As soon as the the turbo model is available, sold!

[jeffmorse]

So many American reviewers have complained about the touchscreen on the current Outback and Legacy. There's a bit of a learning curve, but its really not that bad. Once I had the auto climate control settings where I wanted I was set. Rarely have to dig into the menus for anything esoteric (and I wouldn't do that unless I was parked). Strange that Australia doesn't get the turbo like North America does. I have it and its quite nice.