2021 Ford Bronco vs. 2021 Subaru Outback
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Ford Bronco and 2021 Subaru Outback contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the 2021 Ford Bronco and the 2021 Subaru Outback.
In comparing the 2021 Ford Bronco's and the 2021 Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Ford Bronco has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The 2021 Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for used cars, and fuel efficiency, resale value and interior volume. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Ford Bronco's and the 2021 Subaru Outback's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Subaru Outback is a better car than the 2021 Ford Bronco.
Pricing: A used 2021 Ford Bronco ranges from $36,891 to $60,085 while a used 2021 Subaru Outback is priced between $22,995 to $32,495.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Ford Bronco loses 49.7 percent of its value and the 2021 Subaru Outback loses 39.3 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Subaru Outback retains 10.4 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Ford Bronco.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Ford Bronco’s base engine makes 275 horsepower, and the 2021 Subaru Outback base engine makes 182 horsepower. The Bronco is rated to deliver an average of 21 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 372 miles. The Outback is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 611 miles. This gives the 2021 Subaru Outback the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the 2021 Ford Bronco. Both models use regular unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The 2021 Subaru Outback, a crossover/compact SUV, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The 2021 Ford Bronco, a midsize SUV, has the advantage in the areas of front head room, front leg room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: The 2021 Subaru Outback has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$28,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,108
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$27,000 - $37,580
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$26,795
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Compact SUVs)
$25,515
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$23,700 - $27,890
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$46,487
Price Range:
$36,891 - $60,085
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize SUVs)
$32,068
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
$24,840 - $46,487
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
674
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
27,923
# Good or Great Deals:
179
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$27,641
Price Range:
$22,995 - $32,495
Category Avg Price:
(Compact SUVs)
$24,444
Category Avg Price Range:
(Compact SUVs)
$20,734 - $27,641
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
769
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
46,163
# Good or Great Deals:
262
Ford Bronco Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Ford Bronco
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize SUVs)
7.5
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize SUVs)
5.6 - 10.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Subaru Outback
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Compact SUVs)
7.9
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Compact SUVs)
6.9 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
22.1%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
10.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
6.3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize SUVs)
1.1 - 32.1
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
13.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Compact SUVs)
1.7 - 13.9
Ford Bronco Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
1 out of / 32Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
5 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
24 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
26 out of / 32Ranking
28 out of / 32Subaru Outback Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 67Ranking
1 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
2 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 19Ranking
3 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 6Ranking
4 out of / 19Ranking
5 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 19Ranking
6 out of / 14Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
7 out of / 19Ranking
9 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 19Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 67Ranking
12 out of / 30Ranking
13 out of / 19Ranking
14 out of / 67Ranking
15 out of / 67Ranking
16 out of / 67Ranking
18 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
21 out of / 67Ranking
25 out of / 59Ranking
26 out of / 67Ranking
27 out of / 67Ranking
29 out of / 67Ranking
30 out of / 67Ranking
34 out of / 67Summary Review
The Ford Bronco is a compact SUV with excellent off-road capability. The original Bronco was discontinued back in 1996, with 2021 marking its return to the Ford lineup. The average new model costs $51,186.
Summary Review
The Subaru Outback has been a staple on American roads since its inception in 1994. Two different Subaru models, sold side-by-side, bore the Outback name: the wagon-style crossover-SUV we associate with the name today, and the Outback Sport, which eventually became the Crosstrek. The Outback is best known for its standard all-wheel drive, excellent utility, and all-weather capability. New models of the Outback average $36,354 and 3-year-old models average $25,939.
Pros and Cons
- Superior off-road capability
- Excellent cargo capacity for four-door models
- Highly customizable through factory accessories
- Bouncy on-road ride
- Tight rear seats for two-door models
- Low fuel economy
Pros and Cons
- Utilitarian with easy entry and exit and highly function cargo space
- Comfortable ride quality with an upscale interior
- Excellent all-weather and light off-road capability
- Not always fast or inspirational for driving enthusiasts
- Similarly-sized SUVs often have more cargo and passenger room
- Fuel economy can be less than expected
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Ford Bronco Trim Levels
Badlands Advanced, Base, Base Advanced, Big Bend, Big Bend Advanced, Black Diamond, Black Diamond Advanced, First Edition Advanced, Outer Banks, Outer Banks Advanced, Wildtrak Advanced
2021 Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
3 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
275 hp @ 5700 rpm
Torque:
315 foot-lbs @ 3400 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
182 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
178 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.050 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
4X4
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 22 / 21
Range (city/hwy):
338 / 372 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Flat/Horizontally Opposed
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT Automatic)
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 33 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
481 / 611 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roof Rack:
Standard
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Available
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
41 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
51.8 inches
Cargo Space:
23.6 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
52.3 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
122.6 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57.4 inches
Cargo Space:
32.5 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
75.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
141.5 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4319 lbs
Width:
86.2 inches
Height:
71.9 inches
Length:
173.7 inches
Wheelbase:
100.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.4 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3634 lbs
Width:
82 inches
Height:
66.1 inches
Length:
191.3 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
8.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted steel
Tire Size:
P255/70R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Shadow Black
Blue
Antimatter Blue / Velocity Blue
Gray
Carbonized Gray
Red
Rapid Red Metallic Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Iconic Silver
White
Oxford White
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Abyss Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Red
Not available
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Interior Colors
Gray
Dark Space Gray w/ Black Onyx
Black
Not available
Interior Colors
Gray
Not available
Black
Slate Black
