Used 2016 Subaru Outback SUV Consumer Reviews
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First Impressions
awm, 08/27/2015
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
WOW...Amazing! We just purchased the 2016 Outback Limited with EyeSight. It's basically fully loaded. This is our 3rd Subaru. We started with a 2012 Impreza (which we traded in) and then a 2013 Crosstrek. As I'm ready to retire, I was looking for a new vehicle that included the latest safety features. As I learned about the EyeSight system, I was intrigued. Simply put, it's totally amazing. Everything seems to work as advertised. The display when one engages the adaptive cruise control shows the vehicle icon and the vehicle in front of it. The lanes will blink if one is crossing lanes without using the turn signal. The lane assist is amazing. When engaged, it gently but firmly steers the vehicle back in its lane, but is inactive if you mean to cross lanes and use the turn signals. The display even shows when the vehicle is braking. The vehicle will brake on its own when EyeSight is engaged and you keep your foot off the brake pedal. We're still learning how all of the safety features work. The 12 Harman-Kardon speakers are great, and the Infotainment system looks impressive, but I have to learn all of its features. The Outback feels very luxurious inside. We like our Venetian Red Pearl exterior. The alloy wheels are sharp-looking. The car has a solid feel to it and the ride is smooth, but not too smooth so that you lose the feel for the road. The Outback definitely has better acceleration than either the Impreza or the Crosstrek. It's amazing that the stated fuel economy is exactly the same for the 2016 Outback and 2013 Crosstrek. The side mirrors do indicate when there is a vehicle in the blind spot. All in all, a very impressive technological tour de force. But, it is still an Outback, with lots of "for people on-the-go" features and great interior human and storage space. Over the years I have observed that many people who retire buy a new Cadillac or Lexus (or similar). The Outback is meant for active people of all ages, including those that are retiring. Can't wait to use it in the snow. In short, the Outback is the "let's go and enjoy the outdoors" vehicle that we all expect, and much more in terms of quality, features, performance, and safety. Great job Subaru! <br><br> Additional Review After 6 months of ownership- <br><br> Our overall impression is still very positive. The EyeSight system is amazing, and appears to be working very well. I especially like the alarms that tell you if something is coming your way when backing up. This works well even for children walking along the curb to a school bus stop. Very useful feature. Having seen some specific negative comments from others, I can address them from our experience- - Wind noise. Yes, there is some, when driving on the Interstate. However, it's very similar to all of our other vehicles, so it's really not an issue. - The heater works very well and quickly, including the seat warmers. - The leather seats are of high quality. Very attractive. - Yes, the clock is not in the best spot. You have to teach yourself where to look. - Now that it's wintertime in the East Coast, we did notice that the 2.5i engine is a bit noisy during a cold start. But the noise dissipates as the engine warms up. - We do have a small dog, and we put her crate in the back on occasion. The crate fits easily, thanks to the generous space. In short, we're looking forward to warmer weather to take the Outback out for longer drives.
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Great car...but the seats...
Tim, 03/17/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
I looked at cars for months. Took a hard look at the Murano, Edge, CX5, and Grand Cherokee before finally getting down to two: Acura RDX and Outback 3.6. After multiple dealer visits to both and a lot of research, I found the lack of trunk space and higher price tag of the Acura (along with outdated infotainment on Base model) pushed me to the Outback. Outback has been everything I hoped (with one exception I'll get to below). The 3.6 with the CVT delivers the best driving experience I've ever had. It's not a BMW to be sure, but the acceleration and shifting is so smooth, I'm blown away. So happy i got the 3.6. And I love the fit and finish inside, high quality, and definitely a luxury look. While i found the infotainment screen a little cumbersome at first, once I spent 20 minutes or so with it in the driveway, i love it. Nice big touch screen and great phone interface too. I also like how the arm rests hit me while I hold the wheel, and the headroom is fantastic (I opted NOT to get the sunroof). This care feels more like a luxury car inside than the RDX did. The only thing I don't like are the seats. I'm 6'1", and the drivers seat is way too short. I realize 90% of Outback drivers are 5'4" women, but these seats are awful. I haven't done a roadtrip yet (only had it two weeks), so I'm interested to see how I hold up. For anyone over 5'10", be very sure you are ok with the seats on this car before you buy. Do a nice long test drive or keep it for a day if you can. I'm looking into some after market bolstering options, but I don't think there's much that can be done. It's a shame too, as I couldn't be happier with everything else about this car.
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Still happy after more then 18 months
captjrh, 01/28/2016
updated 07/31/2017
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
We're alive... great advertising, true story. My wife and I were rear ended, while we were moving. Impact was so hard it opened the cover on my moon roof. We were fine, the Outback, not so much... but the Honda was a total loss. All fixed and still keeping us safe.been driving it daily since January of 2016 and really like the ride. A/C is cold, Nav is accurate, and back-up camera nice and clear. Still, a few things that I don't care for are: 1) both side mirrors are small and don't tilt out enough, and 2) doors don't lock automatically while driving. Still Happy with the MPG. Real concern is when parked in the hot sun, the inside gets wicked hot. Get an Aftermarket auto start cause the Subaru auto start requires you to be standing almost on top of the car. Safe Driving!
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Awesome road warrior with poor nav system
Bill, 03/02/2017
updated 03/05/2019
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I traded in a 2002 Ford Explorer, which I loved dearly and had served me well, for this fully loaded 2016 Outback. I need a vehicle that is good for road trips, and the Outback exceeded all expectations. It can handle any weather and road conditions. It is comfortable and roomy. It is smooth and capable on the interstates, but yet has off-road capability as well -- not as good as the Explorer, but good enough for what I would ever encounter. I came to absolutely love the adaptive cruise control. Visibility and sight lines are superb. Temperature control using just full automatic is perfect. All this and the overall price is very reasonable, and gas mileage is good too (especially compared to the Explorer). But, like I said, I need a road car, and I have to mark this one down a grade because of the very poor navigation system. They are so over-safety conscious that they do not allow you to look ahead at the next few turns unless you are at a full stop, a serious drawback in unfamiliar areas, and especially when the system wants to re-route you due to sensing traffic issues. Also, it was hard to find the controls to limit this re-routing function, which is overly sensitive at the factory settings. Also, the maps need updated, as even a well-established interstate in existence for over 10 years was not located correctly, gave me wrong directions to get on it. There were also bugs in the system, freeze-ups, although there is a factory "fix" for the system part if you ask the dealer about it. Then, after all these bugs, the system quit working entirely for awhile and they whole thing had to be replaced. Honestly, I prefer to take along my 10 year old Garmin rather than use this car's navigation system. And I could not find a place on the Subaru website to give "constructive criticism" feedback on it, like they only want to know positive stories. I would give this car a solid A+ but for the navigation system, which is important to me in my road car. I also have another car, my little convertible, so only use this one about half the time. 3/2019 update: my radio, which incorporates the nav system, has now been replaced a second time. Both the radio function and the nav function are affected, the unit is prone to failing internally. It's a shame, this issue ruins a superior vehicle.
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Officially an Outback addict
J. Margeson, 06/25/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 10 people found this review helpful
I have been through a number of cars in my life...from little Mercedes convertible roadster to big Jeep Wrangler and everything in between. The Outback without a doubt is proving to be my favorite all-rounder. It handles much better than one might think so you get a real drivers experience. It's true that with the 4 cylinder you are not going to win any drag races BUT it has more than enough power to get me moving along at a good clip. The trade off is great mileage for my long commute! This is the first car that I've been able to sit in comfortably for hours on end due to the seating, and during Snowmaggedon this vehicle was simply worth its weight in gold. I dare say the Outback performed better on the snow covered roads than my Jeep, and definitely better on wet roads. It has a TON of room in it, both for passengers and cargo. I'm 6' 3" with room to spare in the front and back seats. Interior is quiet and comfortable. And from what my research shows, this car is going to have a great resale value when I decide to get my next Outback!
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3.6R Outback, Not what you think of Subaru
Carl, 02/17/2016
updated 01/31/2025
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
22 of 24 people found this review helpful
Update at 136000 miles. Alternator went bad. Replaced once with aftermarket, didn't last but maybe a year, replaced with OEM $$$, but this one seems okay. Timing cover gasket leaking, $1200, and now valve cover gaskets leaking, $1000. Would I buy this car again? probably not unless I needed the AWD most of the time. Update:I am now having transmission or torque converter problems @ 27k miles. Dealer seems uninterested or unable to fix or both. I have had to contact Subaru directly to try and get a bad shudder I the driveline fixed. A big hassle. I'm not sure I would purchase the car again. Update: Transmission still shudders, but much worse in the summer heat. My guess is the fluid is thinner and causes the shudder to be worse. Also, the car nearly left me stranded when the alternator started malfunctioning. Subaru dealer could not find the problem, my local mechanic said it was bad and replaced. No further battery or alternator problems have cropped up. I would not purchase the car again. I purchased this vehicle out of state because there were NONE locally to purchase or even drive. I saved a lot even with transporting the vehicle. My wife needed the Eyesight features. The Eyesight technology is Amazing. Not gimmicks but useful feature that improves driver safety and makes long trips more pleasant. The 6 cylinder engine is strong, quiet and smooth. I have never owned a AWD vehicle before and this car is more sure-footed than my pickup truck. Even on slippery muddy roads with hills, the car never loses traction and requires no special input from the driver. Subaru has the AWD down to a science. The only thing I dislike is the front seats are not large enough for someone 6' or over on long trips. A longer thigh cushion would fix things. If you are shopping for a 2016 3.6 6 cylinder model, take a very careful test drive and check to see if it has the transmission shudder mine has when coasting from 35-45mph. I believe it is the torque converter locking and unlocking. Subaru dealer has been unable to fix the problem. The transmission problem ruins the car driving experience for me. It's now in the repair shop, still under warranty for the 3rd time for this problem. I guess I will see if it can be repaired. If not, I will sell before the warranty expires. Other than the transmission, it is a great car. Torque converter still shaking badly, but only in hot weather. Transmission was changed by SOA, but they did not replace the torque converter, which I believe is the real problem. transmission fluid was changed by the dealer with no improvement. Upper camshaft solenoid valve was replaced by me to clear engine check light and a stalling problem. Fairly easy fix once code reader told me what to replace. 140k miles.
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Best deal for a practical off road car
Julius, 05/10/2016
updated 11/15/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I bought this car for better access to climbing areas. For the price, I could not find a better car with high clearance that can handle off road driving along with reasonable safety features (Eyesight package) for long drives. This is a great, fuel efficient car for comfortable road trips to adventure destinations. The one thing it is not is a fun drive. It is a relatively low power SUV crossover, so it lacks acceleration and sportiness, but that isn't why you buy an Outback...
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Love the car HATE the Nav and Entertainment system
Jeff Z, 04/08/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I love my Outback. I've got the eyesight and navigation system. The eyesight is incredible and one of the reasons I purchased the vehicle. I frequently travel the midwest for my job and wanted a safer car. The eyesight with auto adjust cruise control is probably the best feature of a car I've ever owned and makes long trips much easier to handle. The front drivers seat is also SUPER comfortable especially when the butt warmer is on! The thing about the car that is absolute garbage are: 1) The navigation system is awful and at time unusable. It frequently has me getting on and off the highway for no freaking reason and says there are traffic jams ahead when there are none so how can you trust it. It completely freezes up on me when I am driving in Chicago and almost got me into an accident while I was trying to get it to work. 2) The entertainment system integration with your phone frustrates me to no end. The apps for the vehicle are an absolute joke and Subaru should be ashamed of what they are putting out compared to other car companies. The buttons on the steering wheel are not the best choices for me to have on the wheel and the voice system is utterly USELESS. 3) Gas mileage is nowhere close to what they advertise - I usually don't even get close to what they advertise for the city mpg when I'm driving highway miles so that is very disappointing. Even with these items I would still buy the vehicle, although I wish that I could have turned down the navigation upgrade as for me it is barely usable.
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Update
Patrick, 03/25/2016
updated 09/26/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
I have now owned this 2016 3.6 loaded Subaru Outback 6 months. What I'm impressed with is the overall ride of the vehicle. Steering, suspension, quiet cabin, are all indications that the folks at Subaru have decided to make this more than just a quirky wagon. You can feel the grab of the all wheel drive system and it instills confidence for sure. My first long distance trip was seamless. The 6 cylinders clearly provide the passing power needed. The only issue I have is the radio reception. Compared to my last vehicle (2006 Acura MDX) the strength of the reception is noticeably weaker. Overall I just love the Outback!
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Why buy an SUV?!?
William Roe, 08/04/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
The obsession with big trucks and SUV's baffles me. This Subaru is PERFECT, and gets much better gas mileage! We just returned from a 2000 mile trip with 3 kids (2 in car seats) and 2 adults and a back full of luggage. The 2.5i engine did just fine in the mountains, and we had no problem with room! Was the back seat cramped, yes, but the 30MPG was fantastic! We have had this car for 1 year now, and I'm very happy with my decision.
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