2016 Subaru Legacy Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$21,745 to $29,945

Original MSRP

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expert review

5.0

avg user rating

(4 reviews)
2016 Subaru Legacy Preview summaryImage

Every car category has its hidden gems, and the 2016 Subaru Legacy is one of these. The Legacy has been a separate model from the Outback since 2015 and is available only as a sedan for the upcoming model year. Subaru steers those looking for a wagon towards the Outback, perhaps figuring that a bit more ground clearance and plastic body-cladding won't hurt anyone. Despite being completely renewed in 2015, the 2016 Legacy has additional important changes in store for it that we think buyers will like.

It also seems certain that the 2016 Subaru Legacy has its work cut out for it. It competes with the mega-popular Camry and Accord sedans, and the Altima, Mazda6, Ford Fusion, and Hyundai Sonata are no slouches either. One would think it would be hard for the Legacy to bring any unique characteristics to such a competitive segment--but that is far from true. First off, the Legacy is its segment's safety leader; although other models have earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick Plus designation, the Legacy scores the highest with its “Superior” rated EyeSight forward collision litigation system. It also offers very impressive fuel economy and standard all-wheel drive. Step back from the sales numbers and it looks like the big sellers are actually the ones trying to keep up.

The 2016 Subaru Legacy is offered in just four trims. First up are the three with the 2.5-liter, horizontally opposed (boxer) four-cylinder engine, with 175 hp: the base 2.5i, the Premium, and the Limited. MSRP for the 2016 Legacy starts at about $23,000. The Premium trim adds content, with the EyeSight system, Navigation, and a moonroof as available options. The Limited adds leather and runs at about $31,000 with all the available goodies included. On top of them all is the Legacy 3.6R, with a 6-cylinder, 256 hp engine and leather--add in the safety and infotainment package that you'll want and the price comes to about $34,000. These are very competitive prices for the Legacy's segment, and Subaru doesn't appear to charge extra for its AWD either.

Reviewers that have driven the Legacy rate it above average in handling and road manners. Subaru retuned the electric power-assist steering for all 2016 Legacy models in order to provide a more linear and natural feel, following a 2015 improvement in dampening aimed at bettering the ride over washboard surfaces. Past models felt underpowered by the 4-cylinder engine, but testers claim that the newer Legacy cars equipped with Subaru’s newest engine and Lineratronic Constantly Variable Transmission (CVT) feel decidedly perkier. The gearless transmission is smooth and has the benefit of returning outstanding fuel economy when coupled with the 2.5-liter 4-cylinder; the 2016 Legacy has been estimated by the EPA at 26 mpg city/ 36 highway/ 30 combined. The Legacy with its AWD system is also more fuel efficient than the current Camry 4-cylinder (non-hybrid) in every category and 2 mpg better in combined. We should point out that the noise signature of the Legacy’s 2.5i boxer engine is different than that of in-line engines; most find it to be louder and buzzier.

The Legacy 3.6R's 3.6-liter V6 has a reputation for smooth power delivery, but like all V6 cars in the class, that comes at a cost to its fuel economy. Combined mileage in the Legacy 3.6R dives to just 23 mpg. The EPA says that that will add about $400 to your annual fuel costs, with today's relatively low gas prices.

Inside, the 2016 Legacy will feature heated cloth seats (there is no warmer combination), with leather available only on top trims. Space is considered good for the segment. New features for 2016 include auto on/off headlights and wipers.

The available infotainment system is popular with reviewers for its large, clear, easy-to-operate touchscreen. New for 2016 is the Subaru STARLINK Safety Plus package on Limited and Premium vehicles already equipped with the optional technology package. STARLINK includes SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, and Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts. An optional monthly subscription adds Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights, and Remote Vehicle Locator.

Returning to safety, the Legacy was one of only nine models (out of hundreds) that had zero driver deaths over a three-year span in IIHS' most recent study on deaths per model. In addition to its perfect crash test results and available EyeSight forward collision prevention system, Subaru offers lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and blind-spot detection in its technology packages. Be sure to check that your Legacy has these if safety is a top priority.

The 2016 Subaru Legacy is a vehicle that stands out in its class for safety, efficiency, and value. Those looking for a midsize sedan that they won’t see on every corner should consider putting the Legacy at the top of their list.

Published May 31, 2022 by John Goreham

User reviews for 2016 Subaru Legacy

Write a review
User rating:
by Sami K
Nov 20, 2023
Great car. Saturday and reliable. Lots of good safety features.Nov 20, 2023
by Leonardo A
Nov 25, 2022
Is an incredible Car! Reliable, fast,Safe and great on Gas … also a lot of people told me a lot about oil burning fast on Subarus however I had mine for 3 years and doing oil change with Synthetic every 6000k miles and never had a problem. Nov 25, 2022
by Khalib R
Aug 13, 2020
Very roomy vehicle, comfortable, smooth drive. Vehicel gets great ratings on safety and reliability Aug 13, 2020

2016 Subaru Legacy Pricing

Original MSRP
$21,745 to $29,945
Price range
$11,748 to $12,544
Average price on CG
$11,748
YoY price change
$12,538 to $11,748

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: metallic · Door trim: metallic · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: urethane

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90

Engine

Alternator: 90 amps · Battery: 490 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Headlamp bezel color: dark gray · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 6.2 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Touch screen display radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 6

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: metallic · Door trim: metallic · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90

Engine

Alternator: 90 amps · Battery: 490 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil pressure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: cloth

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim type: aluminum alloy

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance scheduling

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual seat cushion front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 576 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 11.6 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: metallic · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Center console: with lighting · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: grocery bag holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.90

Engine

Alternator: 90 amps · Battery: 490 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: stainless-steel · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: rear · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim type: aluminum alloy

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual seat cushion front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 11 · 576 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · Front brake diameter: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: metallic · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): two 12V front · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: 490 CCA

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: grey · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rocker panel color: body-color · Window trim: silver

Headrests

Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment: STARLINK · Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: wiper activated · Tail and brake lights: LED

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power · Inside rearview mirror: manual day/night

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact absorbing seats: dual front · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off · Rearview monitor: in dash

Seatbelts

Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: perforated

Security

Power door locks: anti-lockout

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.5 · Turns lock-to-lock: 2.8

Suspension

Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: double wishbone · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse

See all trims (4)