Used 2016 Subaru Outback SUV Consumer Reviews
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No complaints. Whaaaat?
Rusty Castleman, 07/22/2016
updated 01/23/2017
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
24 of 24 people found this review helpful
As an engineer, I expect a lot from a vehicle and am hard to please. We traded a Volvo XC-90 which I never liked because so much about it "doesn't make sense." So far, I've not uttered that phrase a single time about our Outback. Engine is very smooth and quiet, ride is great, very quiet inside and well appointed. The Eyesight system is phenomenal! The adaptive cruise control is amazing; works so well that in stop-and-go traffic the car will drive itself almost - you only need to lightly touch the accelerator to make it move once it stops. Fuel mileage is great at 33 mpg on the highway. With the 4 cyl engine and CVT transmission, it is a little sluggish at slow speeds, but you need only to downshift with the paddle shifter for the extra power you need - as soon as you let off the gas, it shifts right back into 'Drive'. Of course you can move the shifter to 'M' to shift manually. The only thing I find lacking is the navigation system, which like every one I've ever seen is hopelessly outdated from day one. (Why don't they just link to Google Maps and be done with it?) Other than that, it's everything we hoped for.
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Outstanding in all respects.
Steve Ratcliffe, 04/13/2016
updated 10/13/2017
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
22 of 22 people found this review helpful
I was downsizing from SUVs since I don't need the third row and don't tow anymore. I studied and drove the Volvo, Mazda, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Hyundai. The Subaru Outback beat them all "Hands-down". I bought the Outback Limited 2.5 with the "Eye Sight" system on it and find it to be far superior to any other make for excellent setting options and comfort in using it. I also like the multitude of options with the audio and map controls. The back seat is also comfortable and has adequate leg and hip room. I highly recommend this car.
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2016 Subaru Outback for sale near you
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Very Subaru
Bon Voyage, 07/23/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
18 of 18 people found this review helpful
I've owned my '16 Outback limited with eyesight for about three months/ 3000 miles. It is my second Outback (non consecutive). Overall, this is a great utilitarian family car, and if you have owned an Outback before, you'll recognize its strengths and weaknesses. The car offers great utility, use of space, and overall function. It's not sporty by any means, but it is great at getting me and all my stuff (including a one year old and all his stuff) where I want to go comfortably and safely. It's a fantastic road trip car, with incredible back seat comfort. The adaptive cruise control included in the Eyesight package was worth every penny. I never used to use cruise control, but I use the adaptive cruise control on almost every trip. The gas mileage is also very good for the weight of the car. I have generally experienced 30 mpg average when driving 75 on the highway. There are downsides. First, don't buy this car if you're looking for sporty handling. This should immediately be clear from a test drive, but acceleration, road holding, and "feel" are not sporty. However, they are in line with reasonable expectations. The only surprise I have had from a handling perspective is how much the car jumps/skips when it hits a bump, especially when going around a curve. My '01 Outback did this a bit, but I was surprised to experience it in my 2016. The outback holds the road over imperfections far worse than other cars I've driven in this price range. Secondly, the entertainment/nav is a massive point of frustration. It has a lot of functionality, but it is hard to navigate and overly complex. While the navigation is nicely integrated into the sound system and dashboard. However, Waze and Google Maps outperform the navigation so profoundly that I don't even use the integrated navigation. After running Waze in parallel with the Nav for a few months, the Subaru navigation has so consistently provided sub-optimal or confusing directions that I prefer to just use my phone. This leads me to my other complaint about the the system. It works pretty well over Bluetooth, but as soon as you plug the phone into the USB, the system wants to treat your phone as an iPod and the whole experience gets disrupted. Overall, the entertainment system is super clunky and hard to use. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to save preset stations (have not yet opened the giant manual) and the system is heavily integrated with Sirius, which really undermines the system if you don't buy a subscription. With all this said, I'm very happy with the car.
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Ski car
Peter Phares, 02/05/2016
updated 08/09/2018
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
27 of 28 people found this review helpful
The Outback was purchased as a ski-commuting vehicle (for usually no more than 2-3 passengers, including driver). I've had it 2 year, 8 months and driven 22,000 miles- 90% highway (200 miles each way to skiing). Overall, good cargo capacity, loading/unloading of cargo, and equipment (fold down half of the rear seat and putting skis inside in ski bags). The ride is comfortable, and I use the dynamic cruise control a lot- which works well, even in heavy traffic or slow traffic. It's a generally a fairly quiet vehicle with muted road and wind noise (except side mirrors- see below). GREAT snow traction! I haven't had any issues getting moving in 8"+ of fresh snow, and have never gotten stuck. The 6 cylinder motor has good power, and the CVT works well generally- but reverse responsiveness is a bit uneven, and strange compared with a standard automatic (but hasn't been a big deal). The paddle shifters are very helpful on downhill grades. Fuel economy is ok, not great. Highway fuel economy is much better if you keep it under 70 mph on the freeway (which can be slow on some CA freeways)--- keep it 2-3 MPH under 70 and I get 26-28 MPG. Avg 70 MPH, and I get no more than 26 MPG. If you average 75 on the freeway, you'll get 24 mpg max. I don't jackrabbit start or use heavy throttle, mostly drive with eye-sight cruise control on. Currently, I'm not using the roof rack and don't have a cargo box- so loading the roof would reduce mpg further. I would have preferred a turbo 4-cylinder option to the 6 cylinder. My biggest complaint about the car is driver seat comfort. I am 6'1", and 210 lbs. The seats are not large enough for someone over 6' tall, and it's difficult to find a comfortable driving position for longer trips. The view of the instruments for taller drivers isn't great. If I had the ability to change the car, I would create a longer seat cushion for more thigh support, add more bolstering on the sides of the seats (almost none there now, not good in corners), improve adjustment range of seat tilt, and increase the steering wheel telescoping length. I have a 2009 Honda Accord coupe and a 1999 VW Passat, and in both cars I find several comfortable seating positions for long trips--- not so in the Outback.... I'm constantly adjusting the seating position, but nothing feels quite right. The center console intrudes too much into the leg space. I'm not uncomfortable in the car- but never very comfortable either. It also could use a center armrest which adjusts up/down. Wind noise with side mirrors is bad, in anything more than a light cross-wind you get some significant rumble coming off the mirrors (guessing 10 mph+ cross winds it gets rumbly). The door storage pockets don't work well for water bottles. MirrorLink never worked (connect to phone for phone based apps)- from what I've read, I need an older version of the app on my phone (which is not compatible with my newer Samsung phone). This is a joke that Subaru didn't update the MirrorLink to work with newer phones. The App menu still prominently displays 'MirrorLink', yet the functionality isn't there- horrible to sell the feature they never planned on supporting. One other complaint is the quality of the lower body cladding--- it pits very easily. My VW Passat with 180K miles on it has much less pitting on the lower cladding from snow and sand coming off the tires than the Outback with 4500 miles. The front splash guards need to be bigger and the cladding plastic a higher quality. Overall, I'd give the car a "B" grade. The jury is out on whether I keep it long term or sell in a few years (I normally like to keep a car for 8-15 years) Too early to tell on reliability (no repairs thus far at 22K miles). Friends with Subarus have had good luck with reliability- other than the older models with known head gasket issues.
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Outback Shine Again
Barry Hecht, 02/22/2016
updated 02/23/2017
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
16 of 16 people found this review helpful
Consumer Reports Loves this Car, and so do it. I have yet to experience all of its features, so this is an early review. The instrumentation and infotainment/navigation/active safety systems are particularly well laid out. Ergonomics are exceptional, always a Subaru plus. I have only the 2.5 l engine, which is exceptionally vibration free and quiet. Acceleration is OK...not great, but certainly adequate. I can get better acceleration when I really need it with the paddle shifters. Benefit is very good gas mileage. I expect the CVT to be a real plus. I bought the car with the "eyesight" (active safety) and Nav packages. It is close to an autonomous car. I can travel highways without using the gas or brake pedals (careful...this is a double edged sword, but it works!) Note: No experience on reliability; car is too new. However, this is my fourth Subaru Outback (or predecessor), over 31 continuous years, and the others have been great in reliability. Second Review, 13 months: There are a few items on the technology side that are either difficult to work, or I have not learned them yet. Voice commands are 80% NOT reliable, and I speak clearly. Very difficult to control radio while driving ---(touch controls on screen for 36 stations). Autonomous cruise control was dangerous to use in a snowstorm in mountainous Vermont, but using Paddle Shifters worked great to control car on hills.
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Moving up to the 2016 Outback Limited
S D Miller, 01/05/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
26 of 27 people found this review helpful
I looked at several other vehicles including the Forester, Hyundai Sport, Volvo X60, VW Tiguan and the Audi Q5. In the end the Outback seemed a much more logical choice for the money. The Outback rode a little better than the Forester and Tiguan, but the Audi Q5 was indeed a nicer vehicle, but at a much greater cost. The Subaru Outback Limited was a loaded vehicle and really liked the latest safety equipment provided. We immediately drove the vehicle from Houston to KC and hit some of the worst rainstorms we'd ever been in. There were even tornado's. The vehicle handled marvelously and was always sure-footed. The front and back seats were both very comfortable for four adults and handled all of our luggage. The HID lighting was not available, but I will get after-market which is a nice option when driving on old blacktop roads. The only other item not available was a front passenger seat memory & height adjustment. It can be difficult for over 6 ft people when the seat can't be lowered. The engine is very smooth with the transmission, but definitely could use a few more ponies under the hood. However, the trade-off with the 6 cylinder didn't really work for us. There wasn't a big difference in power in the lower range and the mileage dropped quite a bit - as do most larger engines. The Turbo 4 cylinder as in the Forester would be a welcomed option indeed. We did end up getting an extended warranty due to all the electronic equipment on this model. (not shown in total price)
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Second Outback ... better than our '13.
Steve H, 11/13/2015
updated 07/13/2018
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
36 of 38 people found this review helpful
Our '13 Outback Premium had 50,000 miles on it, and we got a good trade on a '16 Limited. We did go down a trim level, but other than the radio & leather - we are happy. The Outback overall is not too big on the outside, but not too small on the inside - so a good comprimise. And it's a nice balance between performance and economy. We had a minor issues with a wear spot on the outer edge of the leather seat along the outer seam area on the '13. The local dealer worked with Subaru to get it repaired free of charge (thanks C&S Waterloo & Subaru). And the repaired seat (new leather top portion) still looked good and was holding up when we traded for the '16. I do like the cloth seats in the '16. Our '16 drives better and gets better mileage than our '13! We now have 4,000 miles on the '16. The 16 CVT is calibrated a little differently than the '13 - and seems to do much less "downshifting" going up hills, which is way better! The CVT just is happier overall - so more enjoyable to drive. Also, the ride seems more compliant (not as harsh over bumps, etc) while at the same time - seems to corner a little flatter. To me, the driving experience has improved over our '13. The MPG's are better with the '16. In our old '13 highway driving was around 26-28 at best, and really negatively effected by how windy it was. The '16 seems to get 27-28 just in 45-55 MPH suburban type driving. And on the highway we've gotten 30-31 on long trips (like driving from IA to SC). On the interstate we are usually going with the flow traffic, so 7-8 over. (Ofcourse that uses more gas.) Even though this is a mid-level Premium, it has nice freatures (and more than the '13). We decided to get the sunroof, instead of all the new safety options. The safety features would be nice, and hopfully they will be standard in most autos in the near future. And I should say, the mid-level radio in our Premium is really not too bad. Not as good as my '13 Limited (ofcourse), but you can stand to listen to it. I'd recommend the optional plastic trim over the rear bumper by the tail gate, and the all weather floor protectors, and the seat back and cargo protectors. We got the power rear gate, and it works OK, but not a big deal too me. Ironically, since I've had the Outbacks, we have left the mid-west winters for the SC area (and grand daughters), so haven't actually had much snow experience ... yet. But returning to IA for turkey day in a few weeks, so who knows??? I've just done the normal maintenance, and no problems (other than the worn leather in the '13 that Subaru replaced). The Outbacks have been good, and the '16 is better One Year Review Had the car a year now, has 30,000 miles! Running back and forth between IOwa and South Carolina. Car has NO issues. Just normal maint at Subura dealers and a couple recalls. Mileage seems to have improved since about 18,000 miles. Driving from SC to Chicago this week first tank showed 32 MPG on car computer and second tank 31. We like the power lift gate more than we thought. Like the cloth seats too, comfortable - and seem to be more durable than the leather on our '13. Wish Subaru would offer a mildly tuned turbo on the Outback that would have about 25 more hp and torque - but use regular gas - and not use more gas! Overall both our Outbacks have been good, but the '16 is better due to drivability and handling than our '13. Almost two years old now ... and 43,000 miles. We like the power lift gate more than we thought we would. Handy when walking up to the car pushing a grocery cart, or at Costco with a load. The original tires are wearing out and need to be replaced, expected. Good car Update July 2018 We traded the '16 with 53,000 miles for a 2018 Outback. Got the safety features this time, instead of the sunroof. Kind of touchy on the lane watch. Adjustable cruise cntl is nice in stop & go. Buy on the highway if you come up on someone slower, you have to remember to pass - or you will slow down and "match" their speed. Like the styling of the 2018 so much better than the '13 & '16 we owned. Having a "sometimes" issue with the back-up camera. Backing out of the the screen is under exposed (darkish and blurry), so I can't really see with it as I back out of the driveway. Then, about 7-8 seconds latter, the screen flicks and adjusts to normal - and I can see fine. BUT, that's after I am done (or 90% done) backing up. The '16 did NOT have this trait. Have taken it to a dealer twice, so far - it is not fixed. Tried a reprogram, next thay said will be a new head unit (radio). So, supose I'll try that. The dealer in Charlott has been good at trying to make it right. The service writer, John is good to work with. And hoping it gets fixed! As a back-up camera you can't see with isn't much help!
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My wife loves it
Desert Mountain Biker, 07/15/2016
updated 02/11/2022
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
This is our second Outback. My wife hated the passenger seat in the 2006 and wasn't too fond of the hard seat on the driver side either. Fortunately, the 2016 has enough driver side adjustments that she can find a very comfortable driving position. The passenger side was still an issue so we didn't buy until I found a cushion in one of the upper level catalogs that relieved that problem. It has a support matrix and memory foam and it boost her up a bit since which is ok since she is 5'4". If the passenger seat had the same adjustments as the driver's seat, we could have bought the car sooner. She loves the radio and the great visibility and the backup camera and warning system. I really like the adaptive cruise control. It is great for both local driving and for the freeway. Average gas mileage is an honest 24mpg and we have gotten 27 +mpg on long trips through desert and mountains but most of our driving is not in dense city driving. We recently did a trip through Colorado to Animas Forks at 11200 feet on a very bad road. The only vehicles on that day that made it up into that region were the intermediate sized 4WD vehicles and newer Outbacks and Foresters. The x- mode was really nice for the return trip down the hill and the hill holder was also nice in places where the car could slip backwards between shifts. The navigation system is nothing special, confusing at best but useful once one gets use to it. But it does seem to miss useful data like gas station locations in Cal. The phone and Garmin type navigation are superior. I wish we didn't have to have the moonroof - mostly useless in a desert climate - in order to get Eyesight. Based on more than a 60 fillups, the indicated fuel economy is 5.5% too high. Not bad but not correct either. I wish the seats were a bit longer but my wife would not have liked that. Fortunately, the seat adjustments make long distance driving comfortable. Based on several hours of riding with my 6'1" frame, the back seat is also amazingly comfortable and roomy especially in comparison to the 2006. We had one trip for hours through the desert in 122 deg heat with no problems. The A/C worked very well. The engine is very responsive and quiet. Downshifting for long declines with the paddle shifters is easy. We have has no problems and see the dealer for the scheduled service only. And unfortunately for me, my wife has stopped driving our other car and is now a great fan of Subaru. The only negative is that the battery failed at only 14 months in a hotel parking lot in Tucson. Fortunately, not very inconvenient. 17 months later, the replacement battery from AAA also failed in my garage. That one was free and the inconvenience was minimal. I had also talked with a lady waiting for service at the dealership who had had 2 battery failures within the first 2 years and was waiting on yet another. The service rep recommended getting one of the portable batteries for jump starting at ~$100. Given that we live in the desert, the heat could be a factor but the life is much less than any other batteries I have ever had. I bought a portable charging device when the current battery reached 1 year. There have been no maintenance issues. But we have replaced 2 windshields because of rocks from the 101 in Scottsdale, AZ. Because cracked windshields are so common here, our auto insurance has full glass coverage. We also had the moon roof shatter when it was hit by something from a large panel construction truck going the opposite way. That was also covered under insurance. The tires were replaced with Michelins at about 40000 miles ago and they might have slightly reduced fuel economy. At 82000 miles, one of the fans failed, struck the radiator and caused a leak. Both radiator and fan had to be replaced but no other engine components were damaged. Still like the vehicle and we did test drive the new XT for 4 days as a loaner and that 2022 is even better. So we ordered one and traded the 2016 to the dealer because the increase used car value helps cancel the high price one has to pay for a new version. The 2022 XT is a definite improvement on the 2016 but it will take awhile to determine how much.
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I love, no LOVE my Subaru
SCM, 04/30/2016
updated 05/05/2021
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful
I have generally thought that Subaru's were good cars but if I'm honest they have been at best just ok to look at and more often than not kind of ugly. Growing up in a ski resort many people drove Subaru's because they are good in the snow and affordable. I was needing a car that would allow me to haul around dog crates and signs I use in my Real Estate business. I looked at many SUVs and found that most of them were just OK. I didn't even look at Subaru because of my perception of the looks of the car. Then I saw the new Outback and thought "It still looks like a Subaru but it is much nicer looking". It was like knowing a girl who is plain and then meeting her sister who has the family resemblance but is a knock out. I did a great deal of research on this car and in terms of safety, reliability and performance it looked like it could not be beat. I then went for a test drive and was expecting the car to be a bit sluggish but to my surprise I was happy with the acceleration. I drove the 6 cylinder and although acceleration was better you took a big hit in the MPG. The interior fit and finish of this car is top notch with leather and soft to the touch finishes everywhere. Most of the other cars I looked at looked like Tupperware had done the interiors with all the hard plastic everywhere. The eyesight system ROCKS! This car will keep you in your lane, apply braking in an emergency and has adaptive cruse control. The car is quite with a bit of a stiff ride which gives you the ability to use the car off road. I really like that the car sits up high so it is easy to get in and out of. The mileage is amazing being that the car is large and four wheel drive. I am getting about 29 in town and 34 on the highway. Not bad as it is rated at 26/33. Absolutely everything about this car functions well. rear seats fold easily, rear hatch opens electronically. seat comfortable and adjustable. Really good infotainment center as well. To be fair there are a few minor things I would change. I wish the doors would lock when the car is put in gear and I wish the passenger seat had a height adjustment but if that is the extent of my wish list for a car I think that is pretty short. In my work, I often have people in my car. I get lots of comment's like "What kind of car is this" and "This is nicer than I thought Subaru's were." I showed this car to my mother who liked it so much that she bought the identical car a month later. I think what sold her is that were she lives they had a snow storm that was the biggest in something like a hundred years. They did not have enough snow plows to do the streets and even people with four wheel drive trucks were having difficulty getting around. My Subaru did so well that I ended up driving her neighbors to the grocery store as none of them could get out of their drive way. If something happened to this car I would go out and buy it all over again. My research tell me that I'm not alone in this. The car is #1 in brand loyalty, Owners keep their Subaru's longer than any other brand and they have the highest resale value as well. I guess we all love our Subaru's This is my favorite car I have ever owned. UPDATE: I have now owned the car over a year and put 26k miles on it and I'm happy to say I still LOVE this car Update II I have had the car two years and it is still the best car I have ever owned update III 56000 miles and still the best car I have ever owned Update IV I’m still in love. At 65000 miles some of the maintenance items are starting to be needed but I have still yet to have any kind of breakdown. Update V: 75000 miles and only scheduled maintenance. I still LOVE this car Update VI 98000 miles. It’s no scheduled maintenance, I had to replace the clock spring in the steering wheel. A little over 200 bucks but it hasn’t changed the fact that I LOVE this car
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No longer your father's Subaru!
WJZ, 12/22/2015
updated 12/22/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
34 of 36 people found this review helpful
I've owned many Subaru's over many years. I'm no die hard Subaru owner however. In the past, they've been quirky and were always "catching up to the competition"! This newest generation is close to, or at the top of the heap, among it's competitors and I find myself more than satisfied with it in so many ways. Perfect? No! Going to acoustic glass in the front quiets typical wind/road noise up front but only highlights noise from the rest of the chassis. Not a real problem in and of itself, but I feel Subaru should have gone the rest of the way with noise reduction. Let's face it, this is a car that can cost almost $40K and road noise (although not bad) should not be quite as noticeable. There are a few other shortcomings, such as the lack of power adjustments on the passenger seat and some displays on the dash are too small. In all honesty, the technology can be a bit overwhelming too (ex: the separate manual for the navigation system is bigger than the owner's manual). There are more warning lights and buzzers than anyone needs, they can be distracting and we've shut a few off altogether. All this being said however, doesn't mean this isn't a wonderful car with many great features. It is that and then some. First time with a 6 cylinder Subaru and we find the motor quiet, refined and quite impressive from an acceleration perspective. The 6 cylinder engine changes the character of the vehicle perceptibly for the better (IMHO) and fuel mileage is not atypical. We've compared this vehicle to many others out in the marketplace that it competes against and it simply has more features, at a better price, than all of them. In the past, we've found the Subarus we've owned to be reliable, capable and to have above average resale value (in spite of their quirkiness). As of this review, I can add they are now better all around, even if that means a bit less quirky as well. Owning the vehicle for over 1 yr. now, my only real complaint is the overall noise level of the vehicle. Now that the tires are worn down a bit, there is a bit more road noise being transmitted into the vehicle thru the chassis. I think Subaru should banish this to "a thing of the past". We also own an 11 yr. old BMW X3 and I don't think the Outback is as quiet as the old X3 (that vehicle not known for it's quietness). Summing it up then, the Outback is still a very nice vehicle, but more refinement would certainly help it's cause.
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