SUBARU OUTBACK (2021)
Running costs, reliability data, and common problems from 784 real MOT tests.
Annual Cost
£2,042
£170/month
MOT Pass Rate
94%
Excellent
Road Tax
£195
Flat rate/year
Insurance
Grp 25-38
2498cc Petrol
Great Choice
94% pass rate, £2042/year to run. 12 points above average.
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Annual Running Costs
~30 mpg
Flat rate (post-2017)
Low estimate due to excellent reliability
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT data. Insurance not included.
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Reliability Verdict
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 12 points above the national average of 82%. It also outperforms the SUBARU brand average of 83%.
At 5 years old, 94% of SUBARU OUTBACKs from 2021 passed their MOT first time in 2026. That's based on 784 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 27,630 miles.
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How Does It Compare?
Mileage Analysis
27,630
Average miles
37,000
Expected for age
The average 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK has 27,630 miles on the clock, which is below the expected 37,000 miles for a 5-year-old car. This suggests lighter use than average, which generally means less wear on major components.
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SUBARU OUTBACK by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 94% | 784 | 27,630 mi | |
| 2020 | 91% | 407 | 34,925 mi | |
| 2019 | 93% | 1,030 | 41,337 mi | |
| 2018 | 90% | 1,085 | 52,588 mi | |
| 2017 | 91% | 746 | 62,472 mi | |
| 2016 | 90% | 1,254 | 75,847 mi | |
| 2015 | 85% | 1,384 | 87,656 mi | |
| 2014 | 85% | 393 | 101,391 mi | |
| 2013 | 81% | 415 | 100,053 mi | |
| 2012 | 75% | 433 | 112,842 mi | |
| 2011 | 81% | 883 | 114,449 mi | |
| 2010 | 79% | 834 | 123,818 mi | |
| 2009 | 77% | 501 | 115,908 mi | |
| 2008 | 72% | 350 | 120,270 mi | |
| 2007 | 72% | 609 | 123,973 mi | |
| 2006 | 72% | 729 | 130,846 mi | |
| 2005 | 70% | 497 | 130,499 mi | |
| 2004 | 72% | 435 | 134,291 mi |
Similar Cars to Consider
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About the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK
The 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK is a large car with a 2498cc petrol engine. 784 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2026, making it a less common model in the UK market. Among all cars from 2021, the average MOT pass rate is 92%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 27,630 miles at 5 years old, SUBARU OUTBACK owners tend to use this car less than the typical driver.
2021 SUBARU OUTBACK Fuel Costs
The 2498cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 30 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,592 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Total estimated annual running cost is £2,042 (£170/month), broken down as £1592 fuel, £195 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 94% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
SUBARU OUTBACK Reliability Trend
Newer SUBARU OUTBACKs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 14 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK
At 5 years old, the SUBARU OUTBACK offers good value with plenty of life remaining. Most manufacturer warranties will have expired, so a pre-purchase inspection is worth the cost.
Common Issues to Watch For
Based on the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK's fuel type, age, and engine size, these are the most likely problem areas to check.
Oil Consumption
Low riskLarger petrol engines can develop higher oil consumption as they age. Check the oil level and look for blue smoke from the exhaust.
Service History
Low riskAlways request a full service history. Regular servicing is the single best indicator of how well a car has been maintained, regardless of mileage.
Running Costs Compared
How the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK stacks up against similar cars for annual running costs, insurance, and tax.
| Car | Pass Rate | Fuel/yr | Tax/yr | Insurance | Total/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUBARU OUTBACK(2021) | 94% | £1592 | £195 | Grp 25-38 | £2042 |
| VOLVO XC40(2020) | 93% | £1327 | £190 | Grp 18-32 | £1772-£270 |
| BMW 5 SERIES(2019) | 92% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
| BMW X3(2019) | 92% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 30-42 | £2037-£5 |
| FORD RANGER(2021) | 90% | £1592 | £190 | Grp 25-38 | £2037-£5 |
Estimates based on 7,400 miles/year, current fuel prices, and MOT data. Insurance groups are indicative. Actual costs vary by driver, location, and usage.
Related Subaru Models
Explore other Subaru cars or similar models in the same category.
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2018 · 1995cc Petrol
VOLVO XC40
2020 · 2000cc Petrol
BMW 5 SERIES
2019 · 2998cc Petrol
BMW X3
2019 · 2998cc Petrol
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