Let's dive into the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring, a vehicle that masterfully blends the practicality of a wagon with the adventurous spirit of an SUV. If you're considering this ride, you're probably keen on understanding what makes the Touring trim a standout choice. We're going to break down the key specifications, explore what makes it special, and help you decide if it's the right fit for your lifestyle. So, buckle up, and let’s get started!

Powertrain and Performance

The heart of the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring is its 2.5-liter four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine. This engine delivers a respectable 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. While it's not a powerhouse, it provides ample power for daily driving and light off-road adventures. For those craving more grunt, some models offer an optional 2.4-liter turbocharged engine that bumps the output to 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is where you'll feel a significant difference, especially when merging onto highways or tackling steep inclines.

The Outback Touring comes standard with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). CVTs are known for their smooth and efficient operation, and Subaru's version is no exception. It mimics the behavior of a traditional automatic transmission, avoiding the rubber-band feel that some CVTs exhibit. Of course, Subaru’s legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is standard, providing exceptional traction and stability in various weather conditions. Whether you're dealing with snow, rain, or gravel, the Outback Touring inspires confidence.

Fuel efficiency is another strong point. The 2.5-liter engine achieves an EPA-estimated 26 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway. Even with the more powerful turbocharged engine, you can expect around 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. These figures make the Outback Touring a practical choice for daily commutes and long road trips.

Interior and Technology

Stepping inside the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring, you're greeted with a premium interior designed for comfort and convenience. Leather upholstery adorns the seats, providing a luxurious feel. The front seats are heated and ventilated, ensuring comfort in any weather. The driver's seat offers 10-way power adjustability with memory function, allowing you to find your perfect driving position. The passenger seat also gets 8-way power adjustability.

The centerpiece of the dashboard is the 11.6-inch touchscreen display. This large screen houses Subaru's Starlink infotainment system, which includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio. The system is intuitive and responsive, making it easy to navigate through menus and access your favorite apps. The Touring trim also adds a Harman Kardon premium audio system, delivering exceptional sound quality throughout the cabin. For charging your devices, there are multiple USB ports in the front and rear.

Safety is a top priority in the Outback Touring. It comes standard with Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and pre-collision braking. The Touring trim also adds blind-spot detection with lane change assist and rear cross-traffic alert. These features work together to provide a safer and more confident driving experience. An available DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System uses a camera to monitor the driver's attention level and provides alerts if it detects drowsiness or distraction.

Exterior and Dimensions

The 2021 Subaru Outback Touring boasts a rugged yet refined exterior design. It features a distinctive front grille, LED headlights, and stylish alloy wheels. The raised suspension and body cladding give it a more adventurous look than traditional wagons. The Touring trim adds unique chrome accents and exclusive badging.

In terms of dimensions, the Outback Touring has a wheelbase of 108.1 inches, an overall length of 191.3 inches, a width of 73.0 inches, and a height of 66.1 inches. It offers ample cargo space, with 32.5 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 75.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded down. This makes it ideal for hauling groceries, luggage, or outdoor gear.

The Outback Touring also offers practical features like roof rails with integrated crossbars. These allow you to easily carry bikes, kayaks, or other bulky items. The hands-free power liftgate is another convenient feature, making it easy to load and unload cargo when your hands are full.

Ride and Handling

On the road, the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring delivers a comfortable and composed ride. The suspension absorbs bumps and imperfections with ease, providing a smooth experience for both the driver and passengers. The steering is precise and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces. While it's not a sports car, the Outback Touring handles corners with confidence, thanks to its symmetrical all-wheel-drive system and well-tuned suspension.

Off-road, the Outback Touring is surprisingly capable. Its 8.7 inches of ground clearance allows it to clear obstacles that would challenge many other vehicles. The X-Mode system optimizes the all-wheel-drive system for various terrains, such as snow, mud, and sand. While it's not a rock crawler, the Outback Touring can handle moderate off-road trails with ease. The Outback really shines in environments where you need to get through mud, snow, or heavy rain to get to your destination.

Key Specs at a Glance

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a quick rundown of the key specifications for the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring:

• Engine: 2.5-liter four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER
• Horsepower: 182 hp
• Torque: 176 lb-ft
• Transmission: Lineartronic CVT
• Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
• Fuel Economy: 26 mpg city / 33 mpg highway (2.5-liter engine)
• Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches
• Cargo Space: 32.5 cubic feet (rear seats up) / 75.7 cubic feet (rear seats down)
• Infotainment: 11.6-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Safety: EyeSight driver-assist system

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring Right for You?

The 2021 Subaru Outback Touring is an excellent choice for those seeking a versatile and capable vehicle. It combines the practicality of a wagon with the adventurous spirit of an SUV. Its comfortable interior, advanced technology, and standard all-wheel drive make it well-suited for daily commutes and weekend getaways. If you value safety, reliability, and versatility, the Outback Touring is definitely worth considering. However, if you require a more powerful engine for towing or hauling heavy loads, you might want to opt for the turbocharged version or explore other options.

Ultimately, the best way to decide if the Outback Touring is right for you is to take it for a test drive. Experience its ride quality, handling, and features firsthand. Compare it to other vehicles in its class and see how it fits your specific needs and preferences. With its blend of practicality, capability, and comfort, the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring is a compelling option in the crossover segment.

We hope this comprehensive overview has given you a clearer understanding of the 2021 Subaru Outback Touring specs and features. Happy driving!