The 2016 Subaru Outback lasts around 250,000 miles with only some minor battery drain and stereo system issues. At $16,325 to $19,800, it’s a good value for a wagon which offers the practicality of a midsize SUV.
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback a Good Used SUV?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2016 is a good year for the Subaru Outback since it offers more reliable engines than earlier years, paired with a nice interior. Owner reviews praise the off-road performance, low fuel costs, as well as the spacious cabin.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Interior materials are better than other SUVs, the seats are very comfortable, although cargo space is lower than the competition.
- Reliability 7/10 – There are improvements in reliability for the 2016 Subaru Outback with fewer problems than earlier years. Buyers should avoid models from 2013–2015 which have engine issues. Models from 2016-2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – The base 4-cylinder engine is weak, while the V6 is similar to other SUVs.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2016 Outback is very safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. There’s a standard rearview camera. Optional upgrades available include adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, as well as collision warning systems.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is good at up to 28 MPG, giving 518 miles of range from the 18.5 gallon tank. Fuel costs are $63 lower than average, at $188 per month.
- Value 8/10 – Low prices paired with affordable ownership costs make the 2016 Subaru Outback a good overall value.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Subaru Outback?
- Consumer Reports says the Outback is a nice mix of a wagon and SUV with high owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Outback a 4.4/5 praising the spacious interior, but doesn’t like the weak base engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Outback 4.5/5 enjoying the capable all-wheel-drive system, but owners don’t like the low 3,000 pound towing capacity.
What Common Problems Does the 2016 Subaru Outback Have?
Common problems found on the 2016 Subaru Outback include excessive battery drain, stereo system issues, as well as engine surging noises. Overall, these problems are similar to other midsize SUVs, although the repair costs are slightly higher than average.
Excessive battery drain is a widespread complaint from owners at around 45,000 miles There are a lot of electrical accessories and computers used in the Subaru Outback, which can drain the battery. Diagnosing the source of the problem can be done by most shops for around $150. Repairs can cost $20 to $350 depending on what is drawing the power down.
Stereo system issues have also been mentioned by owners in the first 10,000 miles. The GPS unit in the stereo loses connectivity often, and has to be restarted to get it working again. There are software updates available which improve the reliability, and can be installed by dealerships for under $50.
Engine surging noises also show up on some Subaru Outback models in the first 20,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a failing sensor on the engine including the mass airflow sensor. Changing out the sensor costs around $150, and allows the engine to run smoother.
There are 4 fairly serious recalls on the 2016 Subaru Outback, which are more severe than other midsize SUVs. The most serious recall covers the drive shaft detaching from the differential which can cause it to strike the gas tank. Subaru will replace the driveshaft nuts on affected models for free. Other recalls cover a transmission oil leak, as well as a steering column issue, which are also mechanically serious.
How Long Will the 2016 Subaru Outback Last?
A well-cared-for 2016 Subaru Outback should last around 250,000 miles, which is about 50,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Highlander. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other SUVs, according to data from Repair Pal, at $541 per year.
Since many 2016 Outback models for sale have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the radiator fan for $500, the oxygen sensor costing $185, as well as the oil pan, which costs around $450.
I haven't had any problems. I take it in for the suggested maintenance. We have taken several long trips in the Subaru and haven't had any problems.
Very reliable. I drove this vehicle 50,000 miles last year through all sorts of weather, day and night and have never had an issue with it.
As an all wheel drive vehicle, it tends to use tires more frequently than my previous vehicles. There are thousands on the road and it is not really unique.
It is very reliable and I have not experienced any problems. This being my second purchased Subaru I have developed trust in the brand.
It is very reliable. The light switches are easy to turn on, and will drain a battery if you don't realize you hit the switch. At that point, it is a bit frustrating to get in the car, get the hood open, to jump the battery. I had a window that would not open up after this happened. It was an easy fix, but frustrating for a moment. Otherwise, love it, plan to have one forever.
I have not found any problems at this time. I did have to buy 4 new tires and felt that the tires should have lasted longer. I only have 35,000 miles.
It is very reliable. Gets me through any weather. I drive it almost every day. It is the best car I have ever owned.
The 2016 Subaru Outback is very reliable, with no significant problems presenting while in regular use.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is great in the 2016 Subaru Outback with a standard 6.2-inch touchscreen and a larger 7-inch touchscreen available as well. Standard safety features are good, offering a rearview camera. Optional upgrades include EyeSight driver assistance with lane departure warning & intervention, forward collision warning, rear cross traffic alert automatic braking, and even pedestrian detection.
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback a Good Value?
Yes, the 2016 Subaru Outback is not a good value since they offer an improvement over older models. Blue book prices range from $16,325 to $19,800, making it close in price to the Honda Pilot, or Mazda CX-9. When new, the price range was $24,995 to $33,395. Depreciation is similar to other SUVs, losing around 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Subaru Outback?
There are four models of the Subaru Outback offered in 2016, from the base 2.5i all the way up to the luxurious 3.6R Limited.
2.5i is the base model with:
- 17-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Fog Lights
- Air Conditioning
- Power Windows & Locks
- Cruise Control
- 2-Inch Touchscreen
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 4-Speaker Stereo System
2.5i Premium is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Heated Front Seats
- Dual-Zone Climate Control
- 10-Way Power Adjustable Front Seats
- Satellite Radio
- 7-Inch Touchscreen
- 6-Speaker Stereo System
2.5i Limited is next in the lineup with:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Leather Upholstery
- Rear A/C Vents
- Power Liftgate
- Heated Rear Seats
- 12-Speaker Harmon Kardon Stereo System
3.6R Limited has more features such as:
- 6-Cylinder Engine
- Xenon Headlights
- Premium Leather Seating
What Engines Come In the Subaru Outback?
- The base engine is an average 2.5L 4-cylinder which makes 175 horsepower while getting up to 28 MPG.
- A step up is the stronger 3.6L V6 which produces 256 horsepower at up to 22 MPG. Performance is okay compared to other SUVs, taking 7.1 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Subaru Outback Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Subaru Outback?
The 2016 Subaru Outback is a very comfortable midsize SUV offering seating for up to 5 people. Interior materials and seats are very nice, holding up well over time while still offering great support.
Passenger room is excellent throughout the cabin, with more than enough room to fit taller adults in the backseats.
How Much Storage Space Does the Subaru Outback Have?
Cargo space is worse than other midsize SUVs, offering storage space that is closer to a compact SUV. There’s enough space for 5-6 suitcases behind the seats, and around 12 with the seats folded flat.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The fifth generation of the Subaru Outback came out in 2015, and was replaced by the sixth generation in 2020.
2014: Heated seats are standard on the 2.5i Premium and higher models.
2015: Fully redesigned for the fifth generation with updated styling and engines.
2016: Steering system improvements, StarLink app suite added to the stereo system.
2017: Touring model introduced with more luxury features.
2018: Small exterior styling changes, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto available.
2019: Standard EyeSight safety suite added to all models.
2020: Fully redesigned for the sixth generation with new engine choices, styling, and technology.
How Does the Subaru Outback Compare to the Competition?
The Subaru Outback is better than most other midsize SUVs on the market from 2016 since it offers a nice interior paired with advanced safety technology for the money.
The Subaru Forester is another SUV made by Subaru which costs around $1,500 less. Steering is more responsive in the Subaru Forester, while the Subaru Outback offers more room for passengers. We recommend the Subaru Forester for most shoppers since it’s slightly cheaper to own long term.
The Honda Pilot is another midsize SUV which costs around $2,000 more. Passenger and cargo space are both better in the Honda Pilot since it seats up to 7 people, while the Subaru Outback offers standard all-wheel-drive. We recommend the Subaru Outback for 2016 since it’s more reliable, although the competition is much closer in other years.
Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Outback?
Yes. It is comfortable, economical and has great safety features. The adaptive cruise control makes long drives easier. The blind spot indicator and lane feature makes me feel safe.
Yes, it is very reliable. Also super gas efficient for a vehicle of its size. Spacious interior and handles the roads well in all conditions.
Yes, I like my outback. It is dependable in the weather. It is fuel efficient. It is sporty yet can hold my whole family.
Yes . I considered my needs prior to purchasing my car. Having had a subaru previously I was happy with its reliability and performance. The outback best fit my expected needs at the time of purchase.
It is a great vehicle. I feel safe in all weather. I feel in control on the road. It has a small turn circumference, considering the size of the vehicle.
The best! It has all wheel drive and is solid when you're on the road. I get 30 mpg on the highway and 28 mpg in town. It takes regular gas, which is a savings
It is an excellent vehicle. I love the all wheel drive and the all weather package that keeps the car free from the outside elements.
The 2016 Subaru Outback is certainly a good vehicle on account of its excellent usability, appealing interior, and comprehensive feature set.