Used 2016 Subaru Outback SUV Consumer Reviews
Used Outback for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Near perfect except seat comfort
Metalman, 10/05/2016
updated 09/25/2017
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is my 2nd Outback. 1st being a '13 which I traded at 80k miles due to seat discomfort & it did use some oil. The '16 is improved in many areas. Now at 21k miles. While the driver's seat is much better, it isn't flawless. The upper back support annoys me. It seems many car manufacturers think they have to angle the upper portion of the seat forward. While some brands maintain a nice straight seat back. (I notice on many Ford's & a Mazda 6 I drove). At 6' 207lbs., this creates a pressure point on my spine & bugs me after longer trips. I wish subaru would collaborate with Toyota or another brand who understands seat comfort better. The headrests ratchets but still too eager, I flipped it backwards like I did on my '13. (normal aging promotes forward neck posture enough being forced by modern day cars). The hi beam illumination on my '13 were way better on than on my '16. I almost think the '13 had better grip in deep snow but had only 1 experience in the '16 where it seemed only the front wheel spun in a turn position in deeper snow. Still could use auto door locks and automatic unlock by pulling interior handle as my Dodge Intrepid had this way back in 2001. But I only point out my gripes. Everything else is great. 4 Cylinder power is plenty, CVT is superb. Steering response is great. I can cruise above 80mph with ease. Update: Now 45k miles. Just put new Michelin Premier LTX. Mpg increased to 28mpg + with 80mph my cruise average. Car is great except seat comfort as I stated before. Maybe a shorter person wouldn't notice as much. Road in a Ford Fusion this week and its seats were great. I have cracked windshield from a stone last winter in a passenger top side. But glad I didn't replace because just got another. If it were not for my seat gripes I would continue driving. Subaru find someone to help you understand seat comfort. They don't get int. Think I will look into something else. Maybe '18 Mazda 6 or give the new Prius a try.
- Performance
102K and going strong!
Chuck C., 07/16/2016
updated 02/22/2022
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Limited 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I have now had the Outback for 7 years and its going strong! Aside from routine maintenance, the only problem I've had was a wheel bearing going out 2 years ago. First time I've ever had this problem with any car (including two previous Subarus). Not sure why but it could have been from some unnoticed trauma to the car rather than a defect. The car still drives like it did when it was new, though.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
2016 Subaru Outback for sale near you
Showing 3 of 46 listings
- 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUVMSRP: $10,200In-stock online
- 2.5i Limited PZEV 4dr SUVMSRP: $15,890In-stock online
- 2.5i Premium PZEV 4dr SUVMSRP: $12,499In-stock online
See all 46 listings
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
great daddy car, get eyesight package
harold, 03/03/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
feel very safe. get eyesight! too many safety features to pass up on. don't have time to list all of them. in adaptive cruise control you don't have to adjust if there is traffic, car will slow down and resume on its own. also, car will stay in lane by itself. there is an eyesight package that many salespeople and dealerships are not aware of called package 14 which includes eyesight, blind spot monitoring, and power lift gate without adding other costly options. cloth interior looks ok but not practical. get custom seat covers
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Reliability
- Value
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Like the ad say's, We Lived
Don Miller, 03/19/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
We love this car. We were in crash in our 2015 Outback when a woman pulled in front of us(failed to yield) and the front end of our car was destroyed. The car was totaled. My wife and I had injuries, but nothing life threatening. The 5 star safety rated Outback safety features saved us from serious injuries. Based on this, and the fact that we really liked this car, we have bought a 2016 Outback with all the same safety items. I would also like to add that Joe Amore of Subaru International of Merrilleville, In did and excellent job in finding us a new Outback with the extras we wanted
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
First Subaru and really like it
David W., 06/15/2016
updated 06/17/2019
2016 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited 4dr SUV AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT)
14 of 16 people found this review helpful
Updated. Owned it now 3 years. Still very pleased and would buy again, but would shop some other makes/models to see what is is new. I really like this car and it serves us well. Still lots of power to merge on to freeways, zip over the Cascades, and handle off roads while camping, and fishing. I will give you my cons: The only major one is the Navigation system is worthless. Would not pay money for it, but it probably bundled with other features I would want. I will say some of this could be my like of understanding, but it sure is not intuitive. I use my iPhone and connect it as my audio source. The problems I have are trying to put in an address is very difficult, and it will not allow a customized address while you are driving. My wife has tried. We give up. Minor annoyances: The locking button to lock/unlock tall the doors, is not lighted. All the other driver side armrest controls are (mirrors, windows). Now how many times do I adjust my mirror in the dark. Never! How many times am I trying to unlock the doors in the dark. ALWAYS! Please light up the locking switch. The plastic interior side panels seems to scuff and scratch easily. Otherwise I am very pleased. I do recommend this car, apart from the navigation system. I have only had this Outback 2 weeks so cannot really speak to reliability, just going on what Consumers Reports and Edmunds reviews. I really like this vehicle. I traded out of a Honda Pilot I have had for 10 years and really liked the ride, storage, seating, comfort, and style, but gas mileage was poor, and my Children are adults so we do not need that big of a SUV. That said we backpack, fish, camp, kayak, ski, etc. so needed a vehicle that could tow light trailer, do forest service and gravel road, snow and mountain passes. Went of the 3.6 engine for towing, lost some gas mileage, but like the extra acceleration when needed. Does as well as my pilot. The ride with the 18" wheels, and suspension is delightful, smooth and handed the rough spots well. Comfortable seats, love the eye sight features. The mirrors that adjust at night keep me from being blinded in the sideview mirrors. The navigation is really nice and the satellite radio has been a surprise I did not expect to enjoy as much as I do. It handles well, steering give me a feel of the road without being annoying. The braking is fantastic, so smooth and even. I look forward to many adventures with this vehicle and hope it lives up to its safety and reliability ratings. Buying the vehicle was no hassle. Did it through Edmunds, the dealer beat their suggested market price by over a $1000. Up front pricing, relaxed, no pressure, got the color, features, and better price. That was amazing. Dealer and Subaru corp. seem very interested in customer satisfaction unlike some other make I have had in the past and have never bought again. Go Subaru
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
New Happy Convert
Scott Dorsey, 02/24/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
With aging parents and growing kids to transport, I had completely outgrown my 2005 Honda CR-V. It was a nice car and served me well, but I was ready for a change. I was looking for a Crossover or SUV with similar or better gas mileage and driving experience. Nothing against Honda, but I'd ruled out another Honda because I was ready for something different. Other SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, Nissan Rogue and Dodge Journey caught my eye, so I test drove and enjoyed each. However, after doing the research on those models, I just wasn't sold on what they had to offer. Their rear visibility, blind spots and safety ratings were a concern, especially on the Rogue. Too, coming from a CR-V with All-wheel drive, I wanted to keep that feature without having to pay extra for it. So, when I finally got around to doing the research, then test driving the 2016 Outback, I was sold, almost immediately. The quality of the build, interior materials, front seat legroom comfort (for a tall guy like me - 6'2"), quiet cabin, nice ride and feel, short turning radius, unobstructed view, ease of use of the infotainment center and many other thoughtful appointments made me an instant convert. And, the CVT works great, too! In some ways, it's hard to believe that a thoughtful guy like me made the switch so quickly. To top things off, Stivers Subaru of Decatur Georgia did an excellent job of addressing all my questions, to make the transition seamless! I purchased my 2016 Subaru Outback, 2.5i, Limited, in Twilight Blue with black/charcoal leather interior. I LOVE it! Since I made the switch, I've received many favorable comments from friends and neighbors about how it looks. They're very handsome vehicles, and there aren't many in my area, yet! Those who've had the opportunity to ride in my Subie were very pleased with the experience. I know I've made a good choice, and now, I'm looking forward to many happy years ahead behind the wheel of my 2016 Subaru Outback!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Never EVER thought I'd own one!
Frank V., 08/24/2016
updated 10/24/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Had a 2010 Nissan Rouge with 140k miles when the CVT transmission went. NOTE: Previous vehicles were a Lexus and Infiniti - now more value conscious. Narrowed search down to: Hyundai Santa Fe Sport, Toyota Highlander, and the Subaru Forester. When looking at the Forester I drove the Outback and was sold immediately. Post two months of average use and one 1,500 mi. road trip, its actually beat all expectations. EyeSight rocks! Came loaded with everything except the keyless entry - still have to put the key in which is a minor annoyance. Have the green exterior with light color cloth seats which I'm somewhat concerned about keeping clean. Cargo space and access (to) are exceptional. Front seats are very supportive. Cargo and back of the back seat protective mats come in handy. Am looking at purchasing the black plastic wheel arches. Tips: Spray glass cleaner onto a cloth rather than directly onto the inside of the windshield so as not to get any cleaner on the EyeSight cameras. Have Subaru tech walk you thru EVERY button and its use - they can be "quirky". When using the UBS cord with your phone, don't expect to keep the cover closed - it'll really crimp (the cord). Don't attempt to run it on empty nor "overfill" when fueling. The performance information provides all that you'll need. Can't wait until the first snow!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great car
Bonnie Pierce, 04/12/2016
updated 08/01/2016
2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i 4dr SUV AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This car is so loaded with features it will take awhile to learn them all. Fairly intuitive though.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value