Here is the updated 2021 Subaru model preview shopping guide for 2021 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, WRX STI, and BRZ vehicles.
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For the 2021 model change, Subaru of America offers eight models. 2021 Subaru Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Ascent, Impreza, and Legacy are at retailers now. The 2021 WRX and WRX STI arrive in March 2022. The 2021 Subaru BRZ skipped a model year, and the all-new second-generation 2022 BRZ sports coupe goes on sale early fall of 2021.
Here are your complete 2021 Subaru model change shopping guide and preview. Click on the individual model's red links for full pricing and new features on each 2021 Subaru model.
Forester is Subaru of America's top-selling model. After the Forester compact SUV received a complete remodel in its third year, the 2021 model gets a modest price increase. Some optional features are now standard, and Subaru improves visibility on the new model. All 2021 Forester trims come standard with steering responsive LED headlights, high beam assist, and rear seatbelt reminder.
The Forester gets a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter non-turbocharged Boxer engine with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, and a spacious interior cargo area. Forester starts at $25,845 and comes in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring trims.
The Outback received a complete remodel last year, and the wagon gets a small price increase and a few new features for the model change. For 2021, all Outback trims now come standard with steering responsive LED headlights, passenger seat belt reminder, and a rear-seat reminder.
The curve-adaptive LED headlights were previously only available on Limited and Touring trims. The new headlights improved safety ratings on lower trims with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The 2021 Outback is offered in six trim levels, with a starting MSRP at $27,845, and comes in Base, Premium, Limited, Touring, Onyx Edition XT, Limited XT, and Touring XT.
All 2021 Outback trims come standard with all-wheel-drive, X-Mode for severe weather (dual-function X-Mode on XT trims), 8.7-inches of ground clearance, and EyeSight driver assist safety technology with advanced adaptive cruise control with lane centering.
The Crosstrek SUV is the brand's third best-selling all-wheel-drive model in the stable. For the 2021 model change, Crosstrek gets a refresh, a new engine, and new upgrades. Crosstrek comes with the 2.0-liter engine and a more powerful 2.5-liter direct-injection engine in the all-new Sport and top-of-the-lineup Limited trim.
Crosstrek rides high with 8.7 inches of ground clearance comes with a Lineartronic CVT or a six-speed manual transmission in base and Premium trims. The 2021 base trim level has a starting price of $23,295.
The Crosstrek Hybrid is a plug-in model with 147 horsepower and up to 17 miles of all-electric range, and an EPA-estimated 35 mpg / 90 MPGe. For the 2021 model change, the Hybrid model gets a new front facia design and upgraded suspension for improved ride and handling. The Hybrid plug-in has an MSRP of $36,395. Hybrid models arrive in winter 2020-2021.
The 3-Row Ascent is the largest vehicle Subaru has ever built. The Subaru Ascent is in its third year of production and gets six new safety features for the 2021 model change. The Subaru Ascent comes in Standard, Premium, Limited, and Touring trims and has a starting MSRP of $33,345.
All Ascent trim levels now come equipped with steering responsive LED headlights with high beam assist for improved nighttime visibility. The family hauler also comes with advanced adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and lane-keep assist.
All 2021 Subaru Ascent trims come standard with a 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4liter four-cylinder boxer engine paired with a Lineartronic CVT transmission. Ascent also comes with standard all-wheel-drive and is loaded with safety features for families.
The Subaru Impreza is the brand's entry-level all-wheel-drive compact model and comes in sedan and 5-Door hatchback body styles. For the 2021 model change, the Premium trim adds an SI-DRIVE performance management system, and all trims with a CVT automatic transmission now come standard with EyeSight technology and feature a rear seat reminder. The 2021 Impreza starts at $19,720 for the
The 2021 Impreza comes in eight trims; base sedan, base hatchback, Premium sedan, Premium hatchback, Sport sedan, Sport hatchback, Limited sedan, and Limited hatchback. Base sedan and $20,220 for the Impreza 5-Door trim.
All 2021 Impreza trims come with a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine and are available with a five-speed manual transmission in base Sedan, base hatchback trims, or a Lineartronic CVT automatic. A CVT with Adaptive Control, Incline Start Assist, and a 7-speed manual mode are available on upper trim levels.
The Subaru Legacy, in its second year after a complete remodel, adds new standard safety features, including steering responsive LED headlights, and passenger seat belt reminder, as well as a rear-seat reminder for the 2021 model change.
The 2021 Legacy 2.5-liter base trim starts at $$23,820 and comes in Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT trims. The Premium trim adds an all-new exterior color: Brilliant Bronze Metallic.
The Legacy sedan comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged Boxer engine option and a standard 2.5-liter naturally-aspirated engine. Both engines come standard with a Lineartronic CVT automatic transmission.
For the 2021 model change, Subaru WRX gains keyless access with a push-button start on WRX Premium trim. The sport-tuned WRX comes in Base, Premium, and Limited trims. The WRX comes with a 6-speed standard gearbox and also with a CVT automatic transmission.
Power comes from a 268-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter boxer four-cylinder engine featuring quick-ratio steering, a sport-tuned suspension, a switchable traction control system with active torque vectoring. The WRX starts at $28,420 with a 6-speed manual gearbox.
For 2021, the performance-tuned 2021 WRX STI remains unchanged, with a 2.5-liter turbocharged Boxer engine producing 310 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque.
It comes mated with a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox, Brembo performance brakes, lightweight 19-inch wheels, optional Recaro performance seats ($2,250), and a driver-controlled center differential. The WRX STI comes in Base and Limited trims. The 2021 WRX STI starts at $38,170.
The Japanese automaker did not build the 2021 Subaru BRZ sports coupe. Subaru stopped production as the 2022 Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 twins get a complete redesign for the second-generation model.
For the 2022 model year, BRZ comes with a new FA24 2.4-liter non-turbocharged Boxer engine producing 228 horsepower and 184 lb.-ft. of torque. The complete redesign features updated exterior styling, a lower center of gravity, and lighter weight with a new aluminum roof, front fenders, and hood.
The 2022 Subaru BRZ sports coupe goes on sale early fall of 2021. Subaru will announce pricing for the 2022 BRZ closer to retailer launch.
The 2021 Subaru Forester compact SUV, Outback wagon, Crosstrek subcompact SUV, Ascent 3-Row family hauler, Impreza compact, and Legacy sedan are at retailers now. The 2021 WRX and WRX STI performance models arrive in March 2021.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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I have a 2017-2018 Subaru
I have a 2017-2018 Subaru Forrester, and a 2015 Impreza. They are each suddenly not starting up all the time. It’s winter, but the batteries are fine (tested twice by AAA). I’ve now been told by Subaru that we are not putting enough miles on the cars and the computer doesn’t spark the battery in that case. In 50 years of various makes of cars, we never had such an issue. How many miles a day do you need to drive ? We live in a rural area and don’t need to put tons of miles on either car. I bought these cars for security and am very upset that I can’t depend on emergency access. What gives?
Please get back to me. kwartavirginia174@gmail.com
My coworker's Subaru Outback
My coworker's Subaru Outback has a similar problem. Her drive to work is so short that her battery drains over time if she doesn't drive the car elsewhere.