2016 Subaru Outback Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$24,995 to $33,395

Original MSRP

8
of 10

expert review

4.3

avg user rating

(16 reviews)
8
out of 10
expert review
Look & feel
7/10
Technology
7/10
Performance
8/10
Safety
10/10
Form & function
7/10
Cost-effectiveness
9/10
2016 Subaru Outback Test Drive Review summaryImage

Pack some people aboard, load the cargo area with provisions, head into the mountains, and it becomes painfully obvious that the Subaru Outback really needs a turbocharger.

Some automobiles are themselves objects of passion. Others are designed to facilitate the pursuit of passions. For example, BMWs are known as the Ultimate Driving Machines. Along the same lines, the 2016 Subaru Outback could be called the Ultimate Thriving Machine, because that’s what you can do when you own one.
7/10

Through February of 2016, El Nino had failed to deliver the deluge of winter rain and snowstorms forecast for drought-stricken California. While this is a devastating blow to the state, it also proved a devastating blow to my 2016 Subaru Outback review.

Twenty years ago, the Subaru Outback earned my respect and won my admiration. I lived in Colorado then, back when Chipotle was still a local Denver delicacy. My first-ever review of this jacked-up station wagon with SUV styling cues came during a Rocky Mountain blizzard, and I never forgot how that ’96 Outback plowed through the white stuff like it wasn’t even there.

Fast-forward a couple of decades, and I scheduled my test of a 2016 Outback during what was supposed to be the thick of El Nino’s effect on California. Drenching rains, we were promised. Mountains of snow, the experts predicted. Mudslides, coastal erosion, and falling rocks, oh my!

In Mammoth Lakes, it was 55 degrees and sunny the entire final weekend of February, my kids sledding on what soaking-wet snow remained, my wife marveling at how mostly frozen June Lake groaned and crackled and popped as the morning sun began warming the ice on our final morning before returning to Los Angeles. She, during her first 42 years on the planet, had never seen or stepped upon a frozen lake before this trip.

Not that the Wardlaw clan didn’t find a way to have some fun with the Outback. Behind our rented cabin, a slushy forest trail demonstrated that I’ve apparently forgotten how to drive in the snow, so perhaps it was for the best that El Nino had instead proved to be El Nada. We barreled down dirt paths near Mono Lake, too, exploring places most crossover SUVs wouldn’t dare tread, coating the Subaru in a fine layer of dust to lend legitimacy to its adventuresome appearance.

By the end of this test, we’d racked up nearly 1,000 miles, and the Subaru Outback had once again proven itself to be the perfect family car for most people, most of the time. You can get one for as little as $25,845, or you can spend as much as $37,335 for the top-of-the-line 3.6R model with every factory-installed option. Subaru dealerships also offer a lengthy menu of accessories for this car, most of them useful to the weekend-warrior types who are typically drawn to the Outback.

My test vehicle was the Outback 2.5i Premium, painted Twilight Blue and equipped with Warm Ivory cloth seating. It had the top option package, which installs a power sunroof, a power rear liftgate, a navigation system, and a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic alert. This upgrade also includes Subaru’s EyeSight safety suite, adding forward-collision warning with automatic emergency braking, a lane-departure warning system, and steering-responsive fog lights that illuminate when the car is turning in order to help the driver better see around dark corners. To this, Subaru added a Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (PZEV) emissions system, bringing the grand total to $32,035.

From a styling perspective, the only thing I didn’t like about my test car was the plain 17-inch aluminum wheel design. The 2.5i Premium and the 3.6R have more attractive 18-inch wheels with a machined finish.

With that said, design does not sell the Outback. Is it ugly? No. Is it gotta-have-it-gorgeous? Not even close. Call the design purposeful, with gray cladding all around its lower perimeter, corrugated in places for an extra-rugged look, and its signature oversized fog lights lighting the way on cloudy days. There’s a good joke to be made about the Outback’s huge roof rack, too, though you’ll need to rely upon your own imagination to make it.

Inside, the Outback is more appealing. Equipped with tan cloth seats, my test car took on an upscale 2-tone appearance, one supported by fabric-wrapped windshield pillars, tastefully textured surfaces, and metallic trim. Although it looks upscale, the Outback is far from delicate, proving it can take the abuse of a family road trip.

Christian Wardlaw
Published May 25, 2021 by Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw has 25 years of experience reviewing cars and has served in editorial leadership roles with Edmunds, J.D. Power, the New York Daily News, Autobytel, and Vehix. Chris prefers to focus on the cars people actually buy rather than the cars about which people dream, and emphasizes the importance of fuel economy and safety as much as how much fun a car is to drive. Chris is married to an automotive journalist, is the father of four daughters, and lives in Southern California.

User reviews for 2016 Subaru Outback

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User rating:
by Sheri M
Dec 02, 2024
Solid car good winter car ...just awesome. Compared to toyota Dec 02, 2024
by Anonymous
Feb 14, 2024
The tan leather seats are very poor quality. Started to stain after one year and are now ripping.Feb 14, 2024
by Mike H
Sep 02, 2023
Subaru outback’s have taken our family from 0 to college all three of my children now last one our sons in college current dependable machines Ty Sep 02, 2023

2016 Subaru Outback Pricing

Original MSRP
$24,995 to $33,395
Price range
$13,271 to $13,816
Average price on CG
$13,345
YoY price change
$13,816 to $13,345

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Single 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 · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · IHeartRadio internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Total Number of Speakers: 4

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 · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: urethane · Steering wheel trim: vinyl

Convenience Features

Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · 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: grocery bag holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Manual adjustments: 6

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · 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: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black

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

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0 · 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): front

Telematics

Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: vehicle location

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheels: steel

Wheels

Wheel covers: full

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

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 · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Pandora internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM 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: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Center console trim: simulated alloy · Dash trim: simulated alloy · Door trim: simulated alloy · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · 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: audio · Storage: in-floor · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · 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

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Manual Adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black

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: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: cloth

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0 · 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 voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer

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 · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Stitcher 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: 12.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center with cupholders · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · 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: cruise controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11

Engine

Alternator: 110 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Bumper detail: front underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · 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: low oil pressure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Halogen

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black

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 · Rear seat manual adjustments: reclining · Upholstery: perforated

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0 · 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): front

Telematics

Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: MySubaru · Smart device app function: maintenance status

Tires

Type: all season

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy

Windows

Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: dual speed

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 · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · Aha internet radio · Stitcher internet radio · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · Touch screen display 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 · Cargo area floor mat: rubber/vinyl · Center console trim: simulated wood · Dash trim: simulated wood · Door sill trim: aluminum · Door trim: simulated wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Assist handle: rear · Cargo cover: retractable · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Memorized settings: 2 driver · Multi-function remote: trunk release · 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: 4.11

Engine

Alternator: 130 amps · Battery: maintenance-free

Exterior Features

Bumper detail: front underguard · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: metallic · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: metallic · Headlamp bezel color: black · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Rocker panel color: black · 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: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off

Mirrors

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

Passenger Seat

Power adjustments: 4

Rear Seats

Type: 60-40 split bench

Roof

Roof rack color: black · Roof rails: black

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

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Steering

Steering ratio: 14.0 · 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 voice recognition · 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 · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: dual speed

See all trims (4)