Modern station wagons are hard to come by in the States, which is why Americans are thankful for the Subaru Outback. Though it’s not really an SUV, it frequently ranks above the most popular rivals in that class. It’s also one of the most affordable in the segment, even when it comes to insurance.

MotorTrend reports that the Subaru Outback is one of the cheapest cars to insure for 2021. Everyone loves cheap insurance, but is the Outback really a good value?

The 2021 Subaru Outback doesn’t have many flaws

Most drivers will be satisfied with the Outback’s standard powertrain, a four-cylinder that makes 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. An available turbo-four makes 260 hp and delivers better acceleration. Both engines pair with a continuously variable transmission and standard all-wheel drive.

Regardless of the powertrain, the Subaru Outback offers a smooth ride even on rocky pavement. It also boasts an impressive collection of standard off-roading equipment, plus almost nine inches of ground clearance. And it’s surprisingly efficient for an AWD vehicle, rated for up to 26/33 mpg city/highway. 

Filled with soft and well-fitting materials, the Subaru Outback’s interior is upscale for its price point. The cloth seats are comfortable enough, but there are also three types of leather on offer. Every rider has plenty of room to stretch their limbs, and the cargo capacity behind the second row is impressive. 

The rear cargo hold offers 32.5 cubic feet of space with each seat in use and almost 76 cubic feet with the rear row folded down. Models with the upgraded engine can also tow up to 3,500 pounds. And every Outback comes with roof rails and tie-downs for storing even more gear.

As for tech features, some critics say the Outback’s infotainment interface isn’t the easiest to use, but it’s still loaded with many standard features. Plus, it has excellent safety features, including LED headlights and a forward-collision warning system.

Pricing for the Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback starts at $26,795, while the next trim level up, the Premium, is slightly more expensive at $29,045. It comes with many of the same features as the base model but adds a larger touchscreen and dual-zone climate control. Drivers can also enjoy heated seats with more adjustability settings.

The Outback Limited starts at $33,595 and comes with leather-trimmed seats and a power-adjustability lever for the front passenger. This trim also has a premium audio system and additional safety features.

Upgrading to the Subaru Outback Touring brings a power moonroof, heated steering wheel, and ventilated Nappa leather seats.

There are three Outback XT models available, all of which pack the upgraded turbo-four engine. The Onyx Edition is the most stylish of the three, with black-clad wheels and water-repellent faux leather seats. It also features an upgraded edition of the standard X-Mode AWD system that includes hill descent control. Finally, the Subaru Outback Touring XT is the most expensive trim, starting at $39,945.

So, how much does insurance cost?

The standard Subaru Outback costs $1,330 yearly to insure, MotorTrend reports. This hypothetical coverage includes $300,000 for all rider injuries, a $500 deductible, and $100,000 liability insurance for one outsider. It also assumes the driver has good credit and a clean driving record.

Some small crossovers, such as the Honda CR-V LX and Mazda CX-3 Sport, are slightly cheaper to insure. However, neither has the Outback’s superior off-roading capabilities. The subcompact Mazda CX-3 also has a small cargo hold and tight rear seats. Overall, the base-model Subaru Outback has plenty to offer, and low insurance rates only sweeten the deal.