2021 Subaru Outback Touring: Specs & Review

by Alex Braham 44 views

Hey guys! Are you curious about the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring? Well, buckle up because we're diving deep into what makes this car a fantastic choice. We'll cover everything from engine specs to interior features, ensuring you have all the juicy details. Let's get started!

Overview of the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring

The 2021 Subaru Outback Touring stands out as a versatile and reliable wagon that blends the practicality of an SUV with the comfort of a car. It’s designed for those who crave adventure but also need a dependable daily driver. The Touring trim sits at the top of the Outback lineup, offering a host of premium features and enhanced aesthetics. Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or just navigating your daily commute, the Outback Touring has something to offer. One of the key highlights of the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring is its robust safety features. Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes standard, providing advanced safety aids such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to create a safer driving environment, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall peace of mind. Additionally, the Outback Touring boasts excellent crash test ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), further solidifying its reputation as a safe and reliable vehicle. Beyond safety, the 2021 Outback Touring offers a comfortable and refined interior. The seats are upholstered in high-quality leather, providing a luxurious feel for both the driver and passengers. The cabin is spacious, with ample legroom and headroom, making it suitable for long journeys. The infotainment system is user-friendly, featuring a large touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing seamless connectivity with your smartphone. Furthermore, the Outback Touring includes a premium audio system, ensuring an enjoyable listening experience for all occupants. In terms of performance, the 2021 Outback Touring delivers a smooth and capable ride. The standard engine provides adequate power for most driving situations, while the available turbocharged engine offers enhanced performance for those who desire more punch. The Outback's symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability, making it well-suited for driving in various weather conditions and on different types of terrain. Whether you're navigating snowy roads or tackling light off-road trails, the Outback Touring inspires confidence and control. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring is a well-rounded vehicle that combines practicality, comfort, safety, and performance. It’s an excellent choice for families, adventurers, and anyone looking for a reliable and versatile wagon. With its premium features and enhanced capabilities, the Outback Touring offers a compelling package that stands out in its class.

Engine and Performance Specs

Let's talk about what's under the hood! The 2021 Subaru Outback Touring typically comes with two engine options: a standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an available 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The base 2.5-liter engine delivers around 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, which is perfectly adequate for daily driving and light off-roading. However, if you're looking for more oomph, the 2.4-liter turbo engine cranks out an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This added power makes a noticeable difference when accelerating or climbing hills. Both engines are paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which helps to optimize fuel efficiency and provide smooth acceleration. While some drivers might miss the feel of a traditional automatic transmission, the CVT in the Outback is well-tuned and responsive. Additionally, the Outback comes standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system, which provides excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. Whether you're navigating snowy roads or tackling light off-road trails, the Outback's AWD system inspires confidence and control. Fuel economy is also a strong point for the 2021 Outback Touring. The base 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, making it a fuel-efficient choice for daily commuting and long road trips. Even with the more powerful 2.4-liter turbo engine, fuel economy remains respectable, with EPA estimates of 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. In terms of performance, the 2021 Outback Touring offers a comfortable and capable ride. The suspension is well-tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road, providing a smooth and composed driving experience. The steering is precise and responsive, allowing for confident handling in various driving situations. Whether you're cruising on the highway or navigating twisty back roads, the Outback Touring delivers a satisfying driving experience. Overall, the engine and performance specs of the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring are impressive. The available engine options provide a range of power levels to suit different driving needs, while the standard all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction and stability. With its comfortable ride and respectable fuel economy, the Outback Touring is a well-rounded vehicle that excels in a variety of driving conditions.

Interior Features and Technology

Inside the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring, you'll find a cabin designed for comfort and convenience. The seats are typically wrapped in high-quality leather, offering a premium feel. Heated front and rear seats are often standard, providing extra warmth during colder months. The driver's seat usually includes power adjustments and memory settings, allowing you to find your perfect driving position. The Outback Touring also comes with a range of advanced technology features. The centerpiece of the infotainment system is often an 11.6-inch touchscreen display, which provides access to navigation, audio controls, and smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility are typically included, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone and access your favorite apps. The infotainment system also includes voice recognition, allowing you to control various functions with your voice. In addition to the touchscreen display, the Outback Touring often comes with a premium audio system, such as a Harman Kardon sound system, which delivers crisp and clear sound quality. A power moonroof is also a common feature, allowing you to let in natural light and fresh air. Other convenient features include a hands-free power liftgate, which makes it easy to load and unload cargo, and keyless entry with push-button start. The Outback Touring also offers a range of advanced safety features. Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology comes standard, providing features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to help prevent accidents and keep you safe on the road. Furthermore, the Outback Touring often includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, which helps you to be aware of your surroundings and avoid potential collisions. Overall, the interior features and technology of the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring are impressive. The cabin is well-appointed with high-quality materials and comfortable seating. The advanced technology features enhance convenience and connectivity, while the comprehensive safety features provide added peace of mind. Whether you're embarking on a long road trip or just running errands around town, the Outback Touring offers a comfortable and enjoyable driving experience.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring is packed with features designed to protect you and your passengers. One of the standout safety technologies is Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which comes standard on the Touring trim. This suite of advanced safety features includes adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts your speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead. It also includes lane departure warning, which alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and automatic emergency braking, which can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate a collision. In addition to EyeSight, the Outback Touring often includes blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. These features help you to be aware of your surroundings and avoid potential collisions. Blind-spot monitoring alerts you if there's a vehicle in your blind spot, while rear cross-traffic alert warns you of approaching vehicles when you're backing out of a parking space. The Outback Touring also comes with a rearview camera, which provides a clear view of what's behind you when you're backing up. This can be especially helpful when parking or maneuvering in tight spaces. Other standard safety features include anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a full suite of airbags. The Outback Touring has also received excellent crash test ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These ratings demonstrate the Outback's ability to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Overall, the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring is a safe and reliable vehicle that's equipped with a wide range of advanced safety features. Whether you're driving on the highway or navigating city streets, you can have peace of mind knowing that the Outback Touring is designed to help keep you and your passengers safe.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's break down the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring with a quick list of pros and cons to give you a balanced view.

Pros:

  • Standard All-Wheel Drive: Provides excellent traction and stability in various weather conditions.
  • Spacious Interior: Offers ample room for passengers and cargo.
  • Advanced Safety Features: Equipped with Subaru's EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and other safety aids.
  • Comfortable Ride: The suspension is well-tuned to provide a smooth and comfortable driving experience.
  • User-Friendly Technology: The infotainment system is easy to use and includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Cons:

  • CVT Transmission: Some drivers may not prefer the feel of a continuously variable transmission.
  • Base Engine Power: The base engine may feel underpowered for some drivers, especially when fully loaded.
  • Infotainment Screen Glare: The large touchscreen display can be prone to glare in direct sunlight.

Final Verdict

So, what's the final word on the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring? Overall, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone needing a reliable, safe, and versatile vehicle. Its combination of standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and advanced safety features makes it a standout in its class. While the CVT transmission and base engine power might not be for everyone, the available turbocharged engine and overall comfort more than makeup for these minor drawbacks. If you’re in the market for a wagon that can handle both daily commutes and weekend adventures, the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring is definitely worth considering. You'll be getting a car that's not only practical but also enjoyable to drive. Happy car hunting, guys!