Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Chanokchon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Verdict
Raised estate rated 5 stars by Euro NCAP in 2021, sold in France with a single engine: the 175 hp 2.5 petrol paired with the Lineartronic automatic gearbox. It has been subject to several recalls (CVT chain, passenger seat sensors, central screen): check with the serial number that all of them have been dealt with before buying.
- Reliability
- 5.0/5
- Indicative prices
- €29,000 – €43,000
- Monthly cost
- €662
- Euro NCAP
- 5/5
Which version to choose
Versions to favour: 2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic.
2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic
✓ RecommendedPetrol · Automatic · 175 hp · 8.6 L/100 km · Crit'Air 1
2.5 petrol with 173 hp (175 hp according to some listings), Lineartronic automatic gearbox, entry-level trim in 2021.
2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic
Petrol · Automatic · 175 hp · Crit'Air 1
Same engine, mid-level trim (2021 French listing: €49,990 new).
2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
Petrol · Automatic · 175 hp · Crit'Air 1
Same engine, top trim (2021 French listing: €52,990 new).
Market prices
€29,000 – €43,000
Indicative range: 2022 to 2024, 200 to 113,000 km, petrol, online listings from private and dealer sellers aggregated by LeParking.
Collected on 13 October 2026 from the sources below. Our own survey of listings, by year and mileage, will refine it.
Known faults
Central screen switching off or restarting
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingOn 2020 Legacy and Outback models, a software update could make the central screen go black, with the cockpit module restarting roughly every three minutes and the reversing camera image briefly disappearing. The remedy is a software update, then replacement of the module if the screen still does not work.
- Versions
- 2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Passenger seat occupant detection sensors (recall)
Manufacturer recallNHTSA recall 24V227: on Outback and Legacy models built from June 2020 to July 2021, a capacitor in the passenger seat sensors can crack, let in moisture and cause a short circuit; the passenger airbag may then fail to deploy in an accident. Replacement of the sensors is free (US recall: to be confirmed for cars sold in France).
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- 2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
CVT gearbox chain (recall)
Manufacturer recallSubaru recalled 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy models in the United States: a programming error in the gearbox control unit can make the clutch engage before the chain is fully tensioned, which can make it slip. The remedy is to reprogram the control unit, check the chain and replace the gearbox if slipping or breakage is found. The original recall (21V955) mainly concerns turbo versions: the exact scope for the 2.5 sold in France needs to be confirmed by the Subaru network with the serial number.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
- Versions
- 2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Luxury 175 ch Lineartronic, 2.5i Exclusive 175 ch Lineartronic
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Manufacturer recalls
See the official list on RappelConso (new tab) (French government recall site: category “Automobiles et moyens de déplacement”, search “Subaru Outback”). A dealer for the brand can also check, using the vehicle identification number (VIN), that recalls have been carried out.
Real monthly cost
Fuel, insurance, maintenance and depreciation, excluding finance. Move the slider to match your mileage. How it is calculated
| Fuel or electricity | €212 |
|---|---|
| Insurance | €64 |
| Maintenance | €26 |
| Depreciation | €360 |
| Total per month | €662 |
⚠ Estimates to treat with caution
- Maintenance: published servicing price plus an estimated allowance for tyres and brakes.
- Depreciation estimated at 12% of the median price a year, as no year-by-year valuation is usable.
Calculation details (12,000 km a year)
- Fuel (petrol)€212
2.5i Premium 175 ch Lineartronic version: combined consumption of 8.6 L/100 km, increased by 15% for real-world driving, at 2.14 €/L, for 1,000 km a month.
8.6 × 1.15 × 2.14 € × 10 = €212
Petrol price (SP95-E10): French national average on 7 October 2026.
- Insurance€64
Average monthly premium published for this model by insurance comparison sites (comprehensive cover when stated). Your premium depends on your profile.
- Maintenance€26
Servicing and wear parts (tyres, brakes) for 12,000 km a year, per month.
- Depreciation€360
Value lost in a year by a typical example, from the valuation gap between two years, per month.
Inspection checklist
Subaru Outback VI — inspection checklist
Things to check
- Have the Subaru network check, using the serial number, that the recalls (CVT gearbox, passenger seat sensors, central screen) have been carried out.
- Cold test: select forward and reverse, accelerate firmly and look for any jerk or slipping from the Lineartronic gearbox.
- Check that the passenger airbag warning light does not stay on at start-up.
- Test the central screen (start-up, unexpected restarts) and the reversing camera image.
- Check the service book and invoices, in particular the gearbox oil change.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have all recalls and software update campaigns been carried out at Subaru? Do you have proof?
- Has the automatic gearbox already been reprogrammed or replaced?
- Does the car have a complete service history within the network?
Test-drive tip: read the fault codes
A warning light that is off proves nothing: a fault may have been cleared just before the viewing. A Bluetooth OBD2 scanner, plugged in under the steering wheel and read on your phone, shows stored codes and whether all emissions readiness tests have run since the last reset.
Electric or hybrid equivalent
No direct electric or hybrid equivalent in our guides. Simulate combustion vs electric cost
Alternatives
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Škoda Octavia
IV · since 2020
- Price
- €17,700 – €30,000
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Škoda Superb
III · 2015–2024
- Price
- €13,700 – €36,000
- Reliability
- 3.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: Tokumeigakarinoaoshima, CC BY-SA 4.0
Volkswagen Passat
B8 · 2014–2023
- Price
- €10,000 – €24,000
- Reliability
- 3/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Diesel, Hybrid
Photo: EurovisionNim, CC BY-SA 4.0
Subaru XV
II · 2017–2023
- Price
- €15,000 – €24,000
- Reliability
- 4.5/5
- Fuel types
- Petrol, Hybrid
Before you buy: check and equip
Check the history
Before paying, check the administrative status (lien, objection, declared claims) and the mileage recorded at the roadworthiness test.
Read fault codes
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Parts and maintenance
Compare prices of parts for the Subaru Outback VI (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.
Insure the car
Insurance prices vary widely from one model to another: get a quote before signing.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Euro NCAP rating of the 2021 Subaru Outback?
5 stars: Subaru announced the result from 21 September 2021, with 95% for driver assistance and 89% for child protection (manufacturer source).
What is the boot capacity of the Subaru Outback?
561 litres with the rear seat in place (British technical data sheet for the 2021 Outback 2.5i Lineartronic).
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?
Consumer Reports rates it average for reliability among cars of its year, but several recalls have affected 2020-2021 Outbacks: check that they have been dealt with.
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