2021 Outback, any issues?

[Lightweight Louis Danvers]

Hello, first post here.

Im considering changing my 2014  Freelander 2 and wary of the multitude of issues Euro 6 diesels seem plagued by so considering petrol alternatives. 

I need a 4x4 in winter and tow a twin axle caravan so the Outback seems ideal.

Would be looking at the last of the 5th generation models around d 2021.

Is there anything to lookout for on these models, any common problems? Ive read and watched reviews where the performance is slated. Surely 175hp cant be that slow?, not that im looking for a high speed car but a practical family 4x4. Also what is the real world mpg like?

Thanks in advance. 

[FrankB]

Not had my Outback that long. It is a 2021 petrol, bought after a 2017 diesel Outback had emission sensor problems.  I have had Battery charging and mysterious headlight warning issues - see my earlier posts, but I do not think that is common.  Although there are plenty of threads out there about batteries draining flat if you go down that rabbit hole.

Mpg is about mid thirties with careful driving. Have had 42mpg on a long journey - a quiet M74 run to Glasgow on cruise control set at 60-65mph.  Otherwise low 30’s. And lower if you use all 175 ponies.

I like the car. Good luck.

Frank

[Justin Time]

On 5/5/2025 at 10:06 AM, Lightweight Louis Danvers said:

Hello, first post here.

Im considering changing my 2014  Freelander 2 and wary of the multitude of issues Euro 6 diesels seem plagued by so considering petrol alternatives. 

I need a 4x4 in winter and tow a twin axle caravan so the Outback seems ideal.

Would be looking at the last of the 5th generation models around d 2021.

Is there anything to lookout for on these models, any common problems? Ive read and watched reviews where the performance is slated. Surely 175hp cant be that slow?, not that im looking for a high speed car but a practical family 4x4. Also what is the real world mpg like?

Thanks in advance. 

I have a 2020 Gen 5 since new. Aside from some issues with the near side front brakes discs (see loooong rant from me elsewhere on this site) all has been good.  Re my rant, I've just started taking the car to an independent Subaru specialist who are great, and the brake issue has been sorted  I found the main dealers dreadful and Subaru UK (i.e the IM Group are appalling).  I've clocked up 40,000 miles now.  I really like the car (apart fromthe brake issues. Did I mentioned those? :) ).

It's not very frugal mpg wise, but I knew that before i bought it.  I get 31 miles average out of it.  I am driving lots of B roads, very hilly and winding, and the car is often loaded (full size spare wheel, saddles, other equestrian stuff; spare tools, pump, emergency camping kit (!), etc.).  I don't find it under powered at all, but then I'm no racer and this car isn't built for that.  It compares to all my other cars well in performance (2x yetis, skoda octavias, etc.).  Remember, it's permanent 4x4 not the weaker, less capable, 'on-demand haldex like systems the VAG have.

It's great in winter with winter tyres on (or all-season).  It has a massive load space.  I'm 6' tall and regular car-camp in it in lay-bys or mountain roads and I can easily sleep in it with all the camping, climbing gear and such.

This is my first automatic.  I'd heard lots of negative things about CVTs, re performance.  Never bothered me - all seems fine.  Not sure it's the best for towing though due to cvt - but I guess you'll check out reviews with the Caravan club, etc.

200mm ground clearance (more on the newer Gen6) is great. Plus it has a 540 mm wade depth (still water) if needed - but I wouldn't want to push it.

Odd things?  All my older cars going back 15 years plus had a automatic service indicator and countdown - not on this! You have to check the on board car data, or remember yourself! Radio is rubbish compared to other cars I've had, but Carplay is good.  Having an onboard satnav is great. I usually use my phone, but if out in the wilds of Scotland and places with no mobile signal the GPS works fine - and is essential at times).

I don't think I'd take it to a standard garage, as there are query things that Subarus need.

Like most modern cars it has 'sealed for life' components, like the CVT. This is obviously rubbish - nothing lasts for 'life', but should be ok for 100,000 miles, although if you're towing lots then this could be an issue.

Overall, I love th car, but it's sad that the Gen7 won't be coming ot the UK or Europe now and when they stop making the Gen6 there will be no more Outbacks here, and only hybrid and EVs to choose from (no thanks!).

 

Hope that helps.