Used 2016 Subaru Outback SUV Consumer Reviews
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2016 Outback 3.6 Great car for the money
Chris, 06/10/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
13 of 14 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 2016 Outback 3.6 in November of 2015. I've only put about 2500 miles on it at this point, June of 2016, but really like the car and would buy it again. It has been problem free, the Eyesite/Starlink work well, same for lane departure warning and Blind spot, Super easy to get in and out of, really happy with it. I just have a few complaints that have to do with features, not quality. 1.) no central locking feature for door locks, my 2002 Toyota Tundra has central locking, at over $38,000 for my Outback should have central locking, 2.) The power passenger seat does not have the same movements as the driver seat. 3.) no heated steering wheel 4.) Does not have Bi-LED headlights 5.) no secondary buttons for radio, to many steps to go through touch screen to get between nav and radio. 6.) Stereo is not that great for an upgraded stereo (Harman/Kardon). 7.) would be nice to have cooled seats as well as heated 8.) No lumbar adjustments for passenger seat. 9.) does not offer front and rear sensors. 10.) more exterior and interior color choices. I know these things most people would probably consider not needed, but I do and the central locking for safety reason, never know what stop light or sign you may be at. This is a car I would buy again and I hope Subaru will make changes and add some, if not all the items I think it should have. Just so it's here, I average about 21 mpg, but I live at a high elevation, and drive up and down hills a lot. Like the extended warranty they offer as well, got the 7 year / 100,000 mile warranty with zero deductible.
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Great Car But Found NEW PROBLEM!!
Chas Topkis, 06/26/2016
updated 07/06/2020
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
Update 2020 07 02 -- We are still very pleased with our 2016 Outback however, we found a new problem buyers should know about: THE KEY GETS STUCK IN THE IGNITION. Recently, when turning off the car, the key would not turn completely in order to remove it. My research says there is a sensor that detects when the car is placed in Park, and once detected, it allows the key to be removed. If that sensor fails, the key will not turn to the point it can be removed. I have called several dealer to price repairs. A couple tell me to bring the car in for diagnostics and they will figure it out. At other places the repair cost ranged from $350 to $800. My research also shows this problem has been around for at least 5 years. So why Subaru has not addressed this, is beyond me. Whether it is in newer models, I don't know. There is a way to get the key out. Just put your foot on the brake and grab the gear shift handle. Press the gear shift button rapidly a couple times and see if that works. If not, pull the gear shift down to drive and then push it back into park. The intent is to trip that sensor to recognize the car is in park. It works, but is annoying.
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2016 Subaru Outback for sale near you
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- 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,200In-stock online
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Johnny Cash-black on black Outback
Alp Traveler, 10/25/2015
updated 10/30/2017
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
43 of 50 people found this review helpful
The above ratings may have been rated higher if I had enough miles on my car to properly assess them. I have just 500 miles and have not actually had a chance to experience what some of the questions want ratings for. I was driving a 2003 Vibe, this is 2015. I loved her(my Vibe), no complaints, no mechanical issues, but....it was time to move forward and treat myself to a new vehicle(she had a new owner within 24 hrs of listing). The problem, no vehicle spoke to me until...I test drove the Outback, MULTIPLE TIMES, over a year period to finally make my move. I did spreadsheet after spreadsheet, comparing mpg, insurance, specs, tire size, safety features, read reviews, etc. of my narrowed down search of about 4 different cars by different companies. I ended up ordering a 2016 Outback with all the bells and whistles, including the 3.6 engine. I LOVE it, it has nice and smooth acceleration and it drives solid. I was unsure how I would feel about the CVT but find no complaints at all. I did decide to purchase the 3.6 vs the 2.5 because I did not like the CVT and the 2.5 lag while test driving on the highway, accelerating on the entrance ramp of the highway and passing. As mentioned above, my spreadsheet statistics meant I was only going to put an extra $100+ a yr into my gas fund by going up to the 3.6 vs the 2.5. For those of you who eat out frequently, that means you might eat out 1 less time as a family for the advantages. It is presently fall, my winter will be upon us soon so I can see how it drives on the snow and if the driving ability matches all of the reviews I read previous to buying my car. I ordered the black on black because I did not like the look of the black colored wheel arch molds and cargo rack when looking at purchasing the white Outback. I did not order the tan interior, although I think it looks VERY SHARP with a black exterior because many reviews, including conversations with various dealerships, made mention of the tan leather taking on colors from blue jeans, etc. I plan on keeping Johnny Cash for 7-10 yrs, I wanted a no hassle interior (no regrets, my car looks very sharp). I love the concept of the luggage rails pivoting out upon the need to use them. I carry many items on my rooftop but do not like the extra noise and depletion of gas mileage by having a fulltime rack on my roof as I did with my past cars. This concept is waaaaaay cool! Should you need a longer roof line to fit your Thule box you can switch the rails to different positions so they provide a longer roof line. I ordered the Eyesight and love it! I especially like the cameras, the side mirror warnings and the adaptable cruise. I have not driven in conditions that allow the fog lights to "do their thing" on curves but the concept sounds promising. I will revise my review as I put more mileage on my car. Don't hold your breath though, on a good day I may only put 10 miles on my car. After a few road trips this winter I will be able to better assess. All I can tell you is, everytime I get into my car or look at it I am totally geeked. I made the right choice.....sorry Grand Jeep Cherokee and Honda CRV you just didn't speak loud enough to me. If you are in Metro Detroit, Michigan, I highly recommend Al Serra in Grand Blank. They will work with you, not pressure you, not trick you and make your purchasing experience smooth. I checked out 3 other dealerships, some of them 2x's. I was so unhappy that I was willing to fly out to the east coast to buy my car, until, I found Al Serra. Areas of improvement: Passenger seat-no lumbar adjustment Heated seats-does not reset to "off" when car turns off Dealership All Weather Mats- less than ok, I ended up buying WeatherGuard and love them Heated Steering Wheel-no option Small Glove Box Subaru site-no ability to purchase seat covers, yet their motto is pet friendly. This makes you needing to go off-site in order to purchase. 2017-18 Fall....I have owned the car for 2 years now. My evaluation is still close to the same as my last eval with few adjustments. I wish the car was a tad bigger,closer to an SUV but still love my vehicle. We just did an 8 hour drive and both of us felt like the front seats could add more comfort for road trips. My mileage is better than what was predicted by Subaru. Road noise is ok but after being in our Buick Encore where they have "Bose noise canceling" in the cabin area,I have become more sensitive to road noise. Also,the vehicle only recognizes 1 phone. If you share vehicles in your family that means 1 person doesn't have their phone sync.
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Great car
Mary Remington, 12/04/2015
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
Stepped outside the box on this vehicle and bought the top of the line. Absolutely love this car. I is very comfortable with 10 point driver seat adjustments. Wish I could raise the passenger seat but only moves back and forth. The safety features of the EyeSight are really great, so glad we opted to get this. The dash is well designed. Only downside is on rare occasion there is a glare from the screen but only on rare occasion. Four cylinder has really has good pickup.
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Perfect all around vehicle!
William Roe, 10/06/2015
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
I only have a couple hundred miles on the car, but this is everything I hoped for. I have previously been a VW, BMW, Acura owner and this vehicle is my favorite so far. It provides a perfect blend of utility, comfort, safety and economy. I don't live in a hilly area, and don't pull weight so the 2.5i is plenty of power, and I prefer the few MPG you gain. I also went with the PZEV... a few hundred to have peace of mind that I'm doing my part in polluting less. No complaints with the car at all, I'm very happy with the purchase!
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Should have stayed basic
Mr.Moto, 09/08/2016
updated 09/12/2018
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
31 of 36 people found this review helpful
I decided for my third Subaru I would get it with all the bells and whistles. I was one of the lucky ones who got one with a bad steering column and its been down hill since. I am on the second radio and the navigation still has problems. The rear hatch has been looked at three times and it still decides on its own when it will open or close. The answer my dealer has given is when the power hatch won't respond just hold the button down and it should become a manual hatch. How convenient. I want to know if I hold the ignition button down will the price of 3.6R I bought become the same price as the 2.5 and where do i get my refund? If you want to feel the "Love" save your money and get a base model. Edmunds wanted my updated review so here I am again. My dealership worked very hard to fix all the issues I had on the car. I stopped counting after the third radio swap. The rear hatch still had its ‘maybe I will open’ attitude and it had developed a wonderful hesitation in throttle response when it first stated up. In the end, even with all their efforts of the service department, the best thing to do was put the car out of its misery. I traded it in for a sweet 2018 Crosstrek 6 speed with basically nothing on it. I pretty much went from one extreme to the other with trim levels and I couldn’t be happier. This is our 6th Subaru so my issue isn’t with the brand, I just had a poor example of the Outback. It did hold its value quite well even with all its problems so that was positive.
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It took 9-weeks to get what I wanted and it was wo
Richard, 05/08/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
First the wife and I love the way the 2016 Outback looks. We have had the car for only one week now. We test drove the 2.5 limited first around the test track, our dealership has. We got out of the 2.5 and right into a 3.6 limited, once more around the test track, what a world of difference between the two engine's. My concern was merging into highway or turnpike traffic, with 4 adults and luggage. We ordered the EYE-Site package, for the extra money cant beat all the safety features. We keep our cars for at least 10 years. Before even test driving the car's, I went into the Subaru service shop and spoke with two mechanics. I asked them if they would purchase the 2016 outback, one told me he has a 2015 outback and pointed to it in the parking lot. The other mechanic, let me know that he had a 2011 outback and would have a 2016 if he could afford it. Both told me if I keep cars for 10 years, to order the 3.6 engine, if I can afford it. Took 9 weeks for our car to be built and delivered, to the dealership. After all the research we did, I feel confident our new 2016 -3.6 Tungsten Metallic Limited, will be around for the next 10 years and hopefully enjoyed every mile driven.
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3,500 miles and still in love
Duke, 05/21/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I opted for the special order R3.6 with the H6 engine and every option and trailer hitch. The H6 engine and special CVT make this car very different from the 2.5. Highway performance is amazing. Merging and passing are easy. This car can cruise at 80 mph with no trouble. I don't recommend you do so but to know it can is a comfort. The extra 200 pounds for the engine and CVT makes a great difference in the ride. Very quite. My wife feels very safe and secure in the passenger seat. Plenty of cargo space. No recalls. Previous car was a 2006 Toyota Highlander. Was not impressed with the 2016 model.
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Value packed
Mike, 02/15/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
We opted for the 6 cylinder. Vehicle is very peppy...plenty of power. Love all the features you get with the full electronics package. I especially like the Eyesight Technology.
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Wish US made a wagon like this.
Garry, 06/03/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
We haven't bought a new car in about 10 years, and took this purchase very seriously. We basically wanted all wheel drive in something that would get good gas mileage, and after a lot of research the 4-cylinder Outback seemed to fit the bill. We've had it for 2 months, and already have 3500 miles on it. I have to say I love driving this car. The ride is great, great handling, the seats seem to be comfortable as we have taken 4-hour drives in it. The electronics are probably more than I would have wanted, but the options came with the power passenger seat and sunroof I did want. I use the cruise a lot, and the adaptive cruise option is neat. The only problem so far with the car is mileage. One reason I chose the 4-cylinder was EPA highway of 33 mpg. So far I'm only getting about 29. I've asked about that, and the Subaru dealer told me it would improve over time. We'll see. But I would recommend the Outback to anyone.
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