2021 Subaru Outback Review: All-Wheel Drive Shot

The entry-level version of the new generation 2021 Subaru Outback lineup is known simply as the "AWD". Or, perhaps more correctly, a 2021 all-wheel drive Subaru Outback.

This base model variant is available for $39,990 pre-road, making it slightly more expensive than the existing model, but competitive with midsize family SUVs at a similar level of equipment.

Speaking of equipment, standard equipment includes: 18-inch alloy wheels and a full-size alloy spare tire, roof rails with retractable roof rack bars, LED headlights, LED fog lights, push button start, keyless entry, electric parking brake, rain protection. touchscreen wipers, power and heated side mirrors, fabric seat trim, leather steering wheel, paddle shifters, power front seats, manual tilt rear seats and a 60:40 folding rear seat with trunk release levers.

It features a new 11.6-inch portrait touchscreen media screen that incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring technology. There are six speakers as standard, as well as four USB ports (2 front, 2 rear). 

There's also extensive safety tech, including front AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection and rear automatic braking. There's lane keeping technology, speed sign recognition, a driver monitor, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, and more.

As with previous models, the Outback is powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine with 138kW and 245Nm of torque. It is mated to an automatic continuously variable transmission (CVT) and has all-wheel drive as standard. Claimed fuel consumption for the Outback AWD (and all models) is 7.3 l/100 km. Load capacity 750 kg without brakes / 2000 kg with brakes.