2021 Subaru Outback

You can choose from seven trim levels with the Outback. These are the base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims. The base trim is well-equipped with standard features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, LED steering responsive headlights, roof rails with integrated crossbars, power-folding side mirrors, and LED daytime running lights. With the Premium trim, you receive added features such as mirrors with turn-signal indicators and LED fog lights, while the Limited trim adds 18-inch alloy wheels. The Touring trim comes with a power moonroof, whereas unique body cladding distinguishes the Onyx Edition. Except for an upgraded turbocharged engine, the Limited XT and Touring XT come with the same features as the Limited and Touring trims.

The Outback comes with two engine options. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine works with a continuously variable automatic transmission to produce 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. For a more spirited output of 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, opt for the available 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The Outback is a capable off-road vehicle. Standard features such as a symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and an 8.7-inch ground clearance make for good performance on just about any terrain. An X-mode offers improved traction on slippery surfaces by activating five forms of control: engine throttle, transmission, all-wheel drive, the vehicle dynamics control system, and hill-descent control. Available driving modes include Normal, Snow/Dirt, and Deep Snow/Mud.

The Outback's cabin is fitted with quality materials and roomy seats. The wagon also offers a spacious cargo area of 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which you can extend to a maximum of 75.7 cubic feet by folding the rear seats down. Gain additional storage space through a cargo-area underfloor storage area. The standard 7-inch infotainment system is equipped with convenient features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, USB ports, and four speakers. You can upgrade the system with available options such as an 11.6-inch display, navigation, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, and 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability. Other standard features include automatic climate control, cloth upholstery, an electronic power brake, and transmission paddle shifters. The higher trims add many luxuries, such as heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, leather-trimmed upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and dual-zone automatic climate control.

You receive impressive standard safety and driver-assist features with the Outback. These include advanced adaptive cruise control, forward-collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, lane departure warning, automatic high beams, and a rear-vision camera. Higher trims add even more features, such as reverse automatic braking, a 180-degree camera, blind-spot monitoring, and driver distraction mitigation.