Used 2016 Subaru Outback for Sale nearSacramento, CA

How much does the 2016 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 6.85% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,833 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. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its spaciousness, comfort, and fuel efficiency, and they also highlight its safety features and handling. That lines up well with the Outback’s practical, family-friendly mission: it is built for carrying passengers, loading cargo, and giving you confidence when you head into rough weather or the mountains. The market also shows 33.3% 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.

User feedback points to a vehicle that owners find dependable, with repeated praise for its spaciousness, comfort, and fuel efficiency. The expert evaluation also describes it as a practical vehicle with a strong track record for reliability and the ability to go almost anywhere at almost any time. Subaru’s value proposition is reinforced by the model’s reputation for retaining value over time.

The main long-term ownership risk for used buyers is making sure the specific vehicle has been cared for well, especially if you plan to keep it for many years.

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

At 62.6% 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 thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are considering a higher-mileage example. Focus on signs of prior body damage, interior wear, and any evidence that the car has been used hard in winter or mountain conditions. If you want the safest and most satisfying ownership experience, condition matters as much as trim level.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The 2.5i Premium stands out because it can be equipped with the safety and convenience features that make the Outback feel more complete, while the Limited adds blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert as standard. The base setup is more stripped back, so feature gaps matter if you want the full family-friendly experience.
• Powertrain: Most models use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower and a continuously variable transmission, while the 3.6R uses a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine with 256 horsepower. The 4-cylinder is adequate around town, but the expert evaluation says the car really needs a turbocharger when loaded up or driven at altitude.
• Safety package: EyeSight adds adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Subaru also offers blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, but that feature is standard only 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 and buttons that make it easier to use. The expert evaluation does not specify wireless phone integration or over-the-air updates.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5i model is described as returning 27.5 mpg in combined driving, and the expert evaluation notes that this is strong for a 5-passenger crossover SUV.

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 best-value choice if you want the Outback’s core strengths without stretching too far on price. It gives you the practical 2.5-liter engine, and when equipped with the available option package, it can add the most important convenience and safety upgrades, including EyeSight.
• 3.6R: This is the pick if you care most about stronger acceleration and a more satisfying engine. The expert evaluation says it is the model the reviewer would buy, but it is also the most expensive version in the lineup.

The safety package is strongest when you get EyeSight, 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 is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile listings.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,833 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.85% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 62.6% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,297, 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 $12,297 sits slightly below last year's $13,201.

That softer pricing suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help future sellers if they buy at the right price today. Because the market is still showing meaningful demand and the Outback has a strong reputation for practicality, resale should remain supported by shopper interest. The biggest advantage for a future seller is buying a well-kept example now, since condition will matter a lot when it is time to trade or sell.

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 the highest possible crash-test ratings from both IIHS and NHTSA, including a five-star rating in every federal assessment except for a four-star rollover resistance rating. In IIHS testing, it earns Good ratings in every assessment and a Superior rating for front crash prevention when equipped with EyeSight technology.

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

EyeSight is the key driver-assistance suite, and it includes adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Subaru also offers blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, but that feature is not standard on every trim. 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:

• 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 62.6% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 6.85% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.3/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The expert evaluation highlights strong safety, practicality, and value, with an especially high safety score.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $10,772, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,297 average.
• Redesigned for 2015, it is bigger and better than before.

The bottom line: The 2016 is the better choice if you want the strongest mix of value, safety, and current-market availability. If your budget is tighter, the 2015 can still make sense because it delivers much of the same practical appeal for less money.

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

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.