2021 Subaru Outback  RealSafeCars80Safety Rating

#49 of 2021 SUVs

#89 of all 2021 vehicles


Pictured: 2020 Subaru Outback
The Outback, part of Subaru's lineup since 2000, is a small wagon with seating up to 5. It has technology that is now expected: Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The Outback provides superior EPA (miles per gallon) for its class, easing fuel costs and reducing pollution. With standard all-wheel drive (AWD), it can easily handle mud, snow, and sand. The Subaru Outback has some real zest, surpassing typical horsepower for its class. Subaru offers a 3-year, 36,000-mile basic warranty, and a 5-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on its lineup.


The 2021 Subaru Outback is average compared to all vehicles.

Comparison to all vehicles.  This plot shows RSC safety scores on the horizontal axis vs. the number of vehicles with each safety score (depicted by bar height and percentages at the bottom). Colors reflect vehicle safety, ranging from red (not that safe) to green (safer). For reference, a score of 0 implies a 0.15% chance of driver death (13% chance of driver injury) over 15 years, and a score of 100 reflects a 0.016% chance (1.4% chance of driver injury). The 2021 Subaru Outback has a score of 80, implying a 0.042% chance of driver death (3.8% chance of injury).

We estimate that the 2021 Subaru Outback has a vehicle lifetime fatality chance of 0.0425% and a vehicle lifetime injury chance of 4.8509%, meaning the average driver has a 0.0425% chance of dying in an accident if they drive the car under regular conditions for fifteen years, and a 4.8509% chance of being injured.

Compared to the average vehicle, the 2021 Subaru Outback is 9% less likely to result in a fatal accident. Compared to other suvs, the 2021 Subaru Outback is 5% more likely to result in a fatal accident.

Active safety features on the 2021 Subaru Outback can protect loved ones by reducing accident severity and preventing accidents. The following active safety system is included even on lower trims/versions of the 2021 Subaru Outback: EyeSight Driver Assist Technology (Forward Collision Warnings / Automatic Emergency Braking & Lane Departure Warnings).

Other safety technologies seem simpler but should still be considered. Optional Adaptive Headlights points head lamps towards where the vehicle is heading, better lighting the road ahead. Standard High Beam Assist automatically switches high beam headlights off when oncoming traffic is approaching and turns them back on when there aren't any vehicles ahead. Optional side mirror turn signals alert others of your intention to turn or switch lanes allowing them to react accordingly, which can prevent accidents caused by not seeing a vehicle in the blind spot.


And it is about as safe as many comparable models.

9369Volkswagen PassatSubaru ForesterSubaru LegacyMazda 6Ford EscapeMazda CX-5Toyota RAV4Nissan RogueGMC TerrainKia SorentoChevrolet EquinoxSubaru OutbackComparison to similar models.  This plot compares the RSC rating of the 2021 Subaru Outback with its main competition. Models are plotted on a scale from 69 to 93. The 2021 Subaru Outback is safer than the 2021 Volkswagen Passat and less safe than the 2021 Toyota RAV4 and the 2021 Mazda CX-5. It is about as safe as the 2021 Mazda 6, the 2021 Ford Escape, the 2021 Chevrolet Equinox, the 2021 Kia Sorento, and the 2021 GMC Terrain.

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