2021 Subaru Outback vs. 2021 Volkswagen Passat
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the 2021 Subaru Outback and 2021 Volkswagen Passat 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 Subaru Outback and the 2021 Volkswagen Passat.
When comparing the 2021 Subaru Outback's and the 2021 Volkswagen Passat's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Subaru Outback has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The 2021 Volkswagen Passat has the advantage in the area of typical lower range of pricing for used cars. Based on this comparison of the 2021 Subaru Outback's and the 2021 Volkswagen Passat's specifications and ratings, the 2021 Subaru Outback is a better car than the 2021 Volkswagen Passat.
Pricing: A used 2021 Subaru Outback ranges from $22,995 to $32,495 while a used 2021 Volkswagen Passat is priced between $15,990 to $24,653.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the 2021 Subaru Outback loses 39.3 percent of its value and the 2021 Volkswagen Passat loses 43.1 percent of its value. This means the 2021 Subaru Outback retains 3.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the 2021 Volkswagen Passat.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Subaru Outback is 8.5 out of 10 while the Volkswagen Passat's quality rating is 8.5 out of 10. This results in the Subaru Outback being ranked 7 out of 19 Best Small SUVs and the Volkswagen Passat being ranked 8 out of 13 Best Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Subaru Outback is 8.6 out of 10. For the Volkswagen Passat the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Subaru Outback a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Volkswagen Passat.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the 2021 Subaru Outback’s base engine makes 182 horsepower, and the 2021 Volkswagen Passat base engine makes 174 horsepower. The Outback is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 611 miles. The Passat is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 666 miles.This gives the 2021 Subaru Outback the advantage in fuel efficiency and the 2021 Volkswagen Passat the advantage in maximum range. 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 head room, front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, the 2021 Subaru Outback has higher safety ratings than the 2021 Volkswagen Passat, with an average rating of 5 out of 5 Stars compared to 4.86 out of 5 Stars.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$23,995
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Midsize Cars)
$25,984
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$22,270 - $36,995
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:
592
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
54,830
# Good or Great Deals:
167
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$19,467
Price Range:
$15,990 - $24,653
Category Avg Price:
(Midsize Cars)
$23,413
Category Avg Price Range:
(Midsize Cars)
$19,265 - $31,049
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
245
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
52,989
# Good or Great Deals:
81
Subaru Outback Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.6 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 10
Safety:
9.0 / 10
Volkswagen Passat Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.8 / 10
Safety:
9.7 / 10
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%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for 2021 Volkswagen Passat
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
7.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Midsize Cars)
7.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Midsize Cars)
6.5 - 10
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
8.3%
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
4.4
Category Range for Recalls:
(Midsize Cars)
1.5 - 13.8
Subaru 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 / 67Volkswagen Passat Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 13Ranking
5 out of / 6Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
9 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
12 out of / 13Ranking
13 out of / 13Available Body Styles
SUV
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
2021 Subaru Outback Trim Levels
Base, Limited, Limited XT, Onyx Edition XT, Premium, Touring, Touring XT
2021 Volkswagen Passat Trim Levels
R-Line, S, SE
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
4.86 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
174 hp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
206 foot-lbs @ 1700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.053 hp per pound
Towing capacity:
Not yet available
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 36 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
444 / 666 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Available
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Available
Lane Keeping Assist:
Available
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
39.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
57 inches
Cargo Space:
15.9 cubic feet
Cargo Space, 2nd-row seat folded down:
Not yet available
Overall Interior Volume:
102.0 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3314 lbs
Width:
72.6 inches
Height:
58.7 inches
Length:
193.6 inches
Wheelbase:
110.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.4 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/65R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/55R17
Exterior Colors
Black
Crystal Black Silica
Blue
Abyss Blue Pearl
Gray
Magnetite Gray Metallic
Silver
Ice Silver Metallic
White
Crystal White Pearl
Red
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Deep Black Pearl
Blue
Tourmaline Blue Metallic
Gray
Platinum Gray Metallic
Silver
Reflex Silver Metallic
White
Pure White
Red
Aurora Red Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Slate Black
Interior Colors
Black
Titan Black
