2021 Subaru Outback
US · SUV · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
The 2021 Subaru Outback is listed in the US market as a suv with gasoline power. Every figure below carries the source it came from, and anything our sources do not publish is left out rather than estimated.
- Engine
- Varies by configuration: 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.5L 4-cylinder (SIDI)
- Power
- Not available
- Torque
- Not available
- Transmission
- 8-speed CVT
- Drivetrain
- AWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Seating
- Not available
Key Performance & Dimensions
Engine
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | Varies by configuration: 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.5L 4-cylinder (SIDI) | |
| Displacement | 2.4 L to 2.5 L | |
| Cylinders | 4 | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Not available from our sources: Power, Torque.
Transmission and drivetrain
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | CVT | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| Gears | 8 | |
| Drivetrain | AWD | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
Fuel economy and range
| Specification | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Combined | 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) | EPA fueleconomy.gov |
| City | 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km) to 23 mpg (10.2 L/100 km) | |
| Highway | 33 mpg (7.1 L/100 km) to 30 mpg (7.8 L/100 km) |
Not available from our sources: Electric range, Battery capacity.
Trims and configurations
2 configurations listed by our sources. Engines, drivetrains and fuel economy can differ between them.
Recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year. Last checked October 12, 2026.
24V227000: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Reported March 22, 2024. View on NHTSA
23V755000: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Reported November 9, 2023. View on NHTSA
22V485000: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner…
Reported July 8, 2022. View on NHTSA
21V024000: POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall…
Reported January 26, 2021. View on NHTSA
Data sources
- EPA fueleconomy.gov · retrieved October 12, 2026 · US Government public data
- NHTSA vPIC · retrieved October 12, 2026 · US Government public data
Source checked: October 12, 2026
Data verified: October 12, 2026
Specifications can vary by market, trim, configuration and production date. Confirm with the manufacturer before buying parts or making safety decisions. Report an error.
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Frequently asked questions
What engine does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
Varies by configuration: 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged (SIDI), 2.5L 4-cylinder (SIDI). Engines can differ by trim, so check the trim list below.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Combined fuel economy is 29 mpg (8.1 L/100 km) to 26 mpg (9.0 L/100 km), as published by the source shown in the specification table.
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback front-wheel, rear-wheel or all-wheel drive?
Drivetrain: AWD.
Are there recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for this model year (last checked October 12, 2026). Details are in the Recalls section.