Used 2016 Subaru Outback for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2016 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 7.44% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,802 listings available, which suggests you have a meaningful amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Subaru Outback earns a 4.3/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating, which points to broad appeal for shoppers who want a practical family vehicle. The strongest themes in owner feedback are spaciousness, comfort, fuel efficiency, safety features, and confident handling. That lines up with the Outback’s use case as a versatile vehicle for carrying passengers, loading cargo, and heading into the mountains with confidence. The market also shows 33.5% of listings priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.3/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction. Owner feedback also points to a dependable, trouble-free ownership experience, with praise for the Outback’s reliability-minded appeal and practical everyday use. The expert test drive data reinforces that sense of durability by describing it as a vehicle with a strong track record for reliability and a car you can count on for all-weather capability. Subaru also notes attractive value retention, which can help reduce long-term ownership risk for used buyers.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Subaru Outback?

At 61.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a careful inspection of body panels, paint consistency, and signs of prior repair. It’s also smart to focus on interior condition, since owner feedback mentions leather seats that can stain and rip after some use. If you’re comparing multiple listings, give extra weight to maintenance records, tire wear, and any evidence that the car has been used hard in mountain or winter conditions.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The 2.5i Premium adds more attractive 18-inch wheels than the plain 17-inch wheels on the lower trim, and it can be equipped with the power sunroof, power rear liftgate, navigation system, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and EyeSight safety suite. The Limited also gets the blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert standard.
• Powertrain: Most models use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and a CVT, while the 3.6R uses a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine with 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5-liter setup is adequate, but the expert notes that the Outback really needs a turbocharger when loaded up or driven at altitude.
• Safety package: EyeSight adds adaptive cruise, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Subaru’s Starlink services add automatic collision notification, SOS emergency services, and a remote vehicle locator. Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Limited models and optional on the 2.5i Premium.
• Infotainment: Subaru’s Starlink system is straightforward to pair with a smartphone and includes physical knobs plus primary function buttons. The expert notes the lack of an Audio button and says the interface can be frustrating when you want quick access to radio presets.
• Fuel efficiency: The expert reports 27.5 mpg in combined driving for the 2.5i model, while the EPA estimate is 28 mpg combined.

Which 2016 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

The 2016 Subaru Outback is offered in 2 trim levels: 2.5i Premium and 3.6R.

Here's the short version:

• 2.5i Premium: This is the trim to target if you want the best balance of price, practicality, and available safety tech. It can be equipped with the power sunroof, power rear liftgate, navigation, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and EyeSight, making it the best-value path for most shoppers.
• 3.6R: This is the choice if you want the strongest engine in the lineup. The 3.6-liter 6-cylinder makes 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque, and the expert says it is the more satisfying engine, especially if you plan to carry people and cargo or drive in demanding conditions.

For safety equipment, the blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Limited models and optional on the 2.5i Premium.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Subaru Outback?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop patiently but still move quickly on strong listings.

• Deal availability: 33.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,802 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.44% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 61.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,208, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Subaru Outback's resale value?

The current average of $12,208 sits slightly below last year's $13,189.

That decline suggests the market has softened, which can be good news if you’re buying now but less favorable if you’re planning to sell soon. Even so, the Outback’s value retention remains a strength, and that helps cushion depreciation compared with weaker-used models. If you keep mileage reasonable and maintain the vehicle well, you should be in a better position to preserve resale appeal later.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.3/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback safe?

The 2016 Subaru Outback earns five-star ratings in every NHTSA assessment except for a four-star rollover resistance rating, and it earns the IIHS top rating of Good in every assessment.

It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

Subaru’s EyeSight suite powers adaptive cruise, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Subaru’s Starlink services also add automatic collision notification, SOS emergency services, and a remote vehicle locator. One caveat to keep in mind is that the IIHS rates the child seat LATCH anchor system as Marginal, so installing child seats may take extra effort.

Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Outback or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 33.5% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 61.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 7.44% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The expert says the Outback really needs a turbocharger when loaded or driven at altitude, which is useful context if you plan to use it hard.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $10,644, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,208 average.
• Redesigned for 2015, it is bigger and better than before.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger overall shopping mix, the 2016 is the better target because it combines a softer price trend with solid owner satisfaction and broad practicality. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the value play, especially if you find one in good condition with the features you want.

How does the 2016 Subaru Outback compare to the 2016 Toyota RAV4?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.