Used 2016 Subaru Outback for Sale nearMadison, WI

How much does the 2016 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 4.93% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,703 listings available, which suggests you should have a workable range of choices.

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback a good car?

Generally — the 2016 Subaru Outback earns a 4.33/5 user rating and an 8.00/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its spaciousness, comfort, fuel efficiency, safety features, and handling. That lines up with the Outback’s practical, travel-friendly character: it is built to carry people and cargo, support outdoor plans, and handle family use with ease. The market also shows 31.9% of listings as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a vehicle that feels dependable, with praise for its comfort, spaciousness, fuel efficiency, and safety. The expert notes also describe it as a strong value with an impressive track record for reliability and the ability to go almost anywhere at almost any time. Subaru’s value-retention reputation adds to that long-term ownership appeal.

For used buyers, the main risk is less about the platform and more about finding one that has been maintained well and not worn hard by family or outdoor use.

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

At 62.9% 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 pre-purchase inspection, especially if the Outback has seen heavy family duty or outdoor use. Pay close attention to seat condition, interior wear, and any signs of prior bodywork or repair quality. If the listing includes advanced driver-assistance equipment, make sure every feature works as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The 2.5i Premium test vehicle adds a power sunroof, a power rear liftgate, navigation, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and EyeSight safety tech; the base setup is less richly equipped.
• Powertrain: Most models use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with a CVT, while the 3.6R uses a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder that is more satisfying when the car is loaded or driven in the mountains.
• Safety package: EyeSight adds forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and steering-responsive fog lights; 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, but the interface can be annoying to use because it lacks a direct Audio button.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5i model is rated at 28 mpg in combined driving, and the test vehicle averaged 27.5 mpg.

Which 2016 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• 2.5i Premium: This is the best-value choice if you want the core Outback experience with useful upgrades. 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 trim that most clearly balances price and equipment.
• 3.6R: This is the pick if you care most about stronger performance. The 3.6-liter 6-cylinder makes the Outback feel more satisfying, especially when you are carrying people, cargo, or heading into the mountains.

For safety equipment, EyeSight is the key package to seek out, and blind-spot warning 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 carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,703 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.93% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.9% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,516, 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 $12,768 sits slightly below last year's $13,430.

That softer pricing suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. For a future seller, that also means resale value may depend more on condition, mileage, and equipment than on broad market momentum. Well-kept examples should still hold appeal because the model has strong practical demand.

Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.33/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback safe?

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

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

Subaru’s EyeSight suite adds forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. With an active Starlink subscription, owners also get automatic collision notification, SOS emergency services, and a remote vehicle locator. One caveat is that the IIHS rates the child seat LATCH anchor system as Marginal, so child-seat installation deserves extra attention.

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:

• 31.9% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.9% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.93% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• It combines strong safety, practical utility, and value-retention appeal in a way that suits active families.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $10,673, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,768 average.
• Redesigned for 2015, it is bigger and better while still preserving fuel economy.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger current-market balance of price, safety, and owner satisfaction, the 2016 is the better default choice. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the more budget-friendly path and still delivers the Outback’s core versatility.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.