2021 Subaru Outback Review

The Subaru Outback is loved by many Kenyans because it creates such a good balance between on-road ability and all-terrain off-road ability. It is a common sight in Kenya and is mostly used by detectives from the DCI. The Outback also offers a spacious, modern interior and top safety scores. It competes with the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Rogue, and Chevrolet Equinox.

You can get more about this Subaru Outback

Detailed Review

The Subaru Outback has been in production for six generations since 1994. The first generation, known as the BG, was produced from 1994 to 1998. From 1998 to 2003, the BH, or second generation, was produced. The third generation, known as the BP, was in production from 2004 until 2009. The fourth generation dubbed the BR, was manufactured between 2010 and 2014, while the fifth generation, dubbed the BS, was manufactured between 2015 and 2019. The sixth generation, designated as BT, has been in production since 2020.

The 2021 Subaru Outback is powered by a 4-cylinder 1.8-liter direct injection turbo engine and a  2.5 L FB25D H4 engine. The two engines are paired with an 8-speed Simulated Lineartronic CVT.

2021 Subaru Outback grades

  •  X-BREAK EX– This grade comes with 18-inch aluminum wheels, Cruise control, Leather-wrapped steering wheel, Keyless Entry, Folding rear seats, Privacy Glass, Brake Assist, automatic Air conditioning, LED Headlamp, Lane Assist, and Hill Start Assist.
  • Limited EX- This grade comes with 18-inch wheels, a sunroof, an electric tailgate, an Idling Stop, a Keyless Entry, Leather seats, Power front seats, and a Collision-safe body.
  • Active x BlackThis grade comes equipped with Unique 18-inch black alloy wheels, Black exterior accents, Black roof rails, a Power moonroof, a Black leather interior, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Lane Departure Warning

Interior Legroom & Space

The Interior of the 2021 Outback is decently stylish and it is fitted with premium materials to elevate the upscale vibe.

The dashboard of the 2021 Outback is dominated by a 1.6-inch infotainment touchscreen which has a portrait orientation. Most functions are controlled via the tablet-style infotainment system, unlike in previous model years. The infotainment system is also compatible with  Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

There is plenty of space for both the front passenger and the driver the get a comfortable driving position thanks to the widely adjustable multifunction heated steering wheel and the 10-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat.

In the second row, the seats are comfortable with enough legroom, shoulder space, and headroom. The seats can be reclined for added comfort especially when driving out of town.

Top grades come with high-quality Nappa leather seats with seat ventilation function for a comfortable ride.

The 2021 Outback also comes with a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system for great sound quality, 2 USB ports for the front cabin and 2 for the rear passengers, plus a pair of 12V DC power sockets.

Cabin Storage

The 2021 Subaru Outback features a range of storage compartments designed to enhance passenger comfort. The front row includes a glovebox, center console, two cupholders, and door panel storage. The second row has two cupholders, coat pockets, and door pockets.

2021 Subaru Outback Boot Space

The 2021 Outback offers 32.5 cubic feet of space behind the rear seats. If there is a need for extra space you can fold down the rear seats to create up to 75.7 cu ft of space. There is a sub-trunk under the luggage compartment floor, which will come in handy for storing small items. If the outback’s internal accommodations aren’t adequate you can always employ the standard roof rails to lash bulky items to the roof.

2021 Subaru Outback Exterior

The 2021 Outback has been slightly redesigned but largely maintains its traditional look. In the front end, the entire bumper has been updated and there is a new headlight design.

On the side profile, the 2021 Outback maintains subtle character lines that flow from front to rear, giving it a sense of movement. Wheel arches and lower body are finished with plastic trim and there is a roof rail with integrated lashing points.  At the rear end, you get LED tail lights, the Subaru badging, and the Symmetrical All Wheel Drive lettering.

Safety Features: 8 airbags, EyeSight, Traction control, stability control, an anti-locking braking system, multiple airbags, electronic brake force distribution, Active Lane Keep, a steering assist function, AT reverse misalignment prevention control, and brake light recognition control.

2021 Subaru Outback Fuel Consumption

  • 2021 Subaru Outback 1.8 L petrol engine consumption- 13.7 km/l on average
  • 2021 Subaru Outback 2.5 L petrol engine consumption- 11.5 km/l on average

2021 Subaru Outback Acceleration

  • 2021 Subaru Outback 1.8 L engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.5 secs
  • 2021 Subaru Outback 2.5 L engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.6 secs

The 2021 Subaru Outback Fuel Tank Capacity: 70 liters

Ground Clearance: The 2021 Subaru Outback has a ground clearance of 8.7 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are available and fairly priced in Kenya. Body parts on the other hand are expensive and mostly available from Subaru Kenya.

2021 Subaru Outback Stability And Handling

The 2021 Outback is designed to offer a refined ride that combines comfort and a composed driving experience. It is built on Subaru’s Global Platform, which incorporates the latest technology to deliver quietness and comfort.

The suspension setup of the 2021 Outback has been well-tuned to ensure it offers maximum comfort and absorbs all the road imperfections.

The steering wheel is light and direct, which helps a lot when you need to maneuver when driving in Nairobi CBD or when parking in tight spaces. The steering is also fitted with Shift paddles to simulate ‘gear change’ especially when driving offroad.

The 2021 Outback also comes standard with a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system which is controlled by X-Mode. The AWD system distributes power to all four wheels, providing balanced traction and stability.

Under the bonnet, the 2021 Outback gets a 1.8-litre engine for the Japanese domestic market. However, other markets such as South Africa get a 2.5L engine. Both markets supply vehicles to Kenya, so you can get the engine of your choice.

2021 Subaru Outback Reliability

The 2021 Outback is regarded to be a reliable crossover SUV that can serve you for more than 10 years without any major issues. Typical users can expect 16-20 years of use before the vehicle needs significant repairs or starts to break down.

However, just like normal cars, the Outback can have problems. Commonly reported Subaru Outback problems include oil leaks, transmission problems, weak windscreen, faulty oxygen sensors, faulty headlights, and faulty airbags. To avoid such problems, regular service and maintenance is essential.

For a detailed reliability report, read the Subaru Outback Buyer’s Guide. We also strongly recommend that you always follow the instructions in the Owner’s Manual.

Resale Value: Good

Subaru Outback Competitors: Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nissan Rogue, and Chevrolet Equinox.

What we like about the 2021 Subaru Outback

  • Standard all-wheel drive
  • Roomy interior

What we don’t

  • Sensitive lane departure warning
  • Lousy audio

Conclusion

The Subaru Outback is a car for you if you are looking for performance, reliability, and comfort. Besides day-to-day driving, the Outback is capable of offroad driving thanks to its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system. Inside, the cabin is spacious and all passengers get enough legroom, headroom, and shoulder space in addition to a range of tech features that make the driving experience superb.

If you are looking to buy or import the 2021 Subaru Outback we can help you with this process without any middleman. we have developed a network of trusted dealers both in Kenya and the UK who supply us with exceptional cars. Simply call us on 0722 469360 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll get you the right car at the right price.

Get More With TopCar


If you have a question about this model or any other automotive questions, you can now get answers on our forum.

If you want to sell or trade-in you vehicle, you can list it for free via our seller portal.

If you wish to purchase this model local or abroad, you can do that via our marketplace.

Import This Car

    [dynamictext* your-subject "CF7_get_post_var key='title'"]


    Where To Buy?
    You can import or buy local from our marketplace.
    Budget In (KSH):
    Price varies between sellers:

    You can get more about this Subaru Outback