2016 Subaru Outback Review: Problem-Free & Comfortable All-Wheel-Drive SUV

Nov 11, 2022

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.

The Good

Interior materials are nice for a midsize SUV, visibility is great with all the large windows and there’s excellent safety technology offered.

The Bad

The roof rack system is difficult to use, the base 4-cylinder engine is weaker than the competition and the suspension is firm.

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

Brian A

The best utility car for the money.

I love my car. This has been the best car I have every owned. I have all the room I need for everything I do, and it can go anywhere with it is all wheel drive. It is extremely reliable. It is so much car for the money. The interior and amenities that are standard are so much more than most cars twice it is value.

Andrea M

It always starts (except when I ran it out of gas!) and rides more smoothly than past models. It is very comfortable to drive.

I love the way my car accelerates & rides. It is not as efficient on gas as I would like, but then I'm a bit heavy on the gas pedal. The amount of room is excellent and I mostly like the stereo system except that the "buttons" are on the wrong side.

Al P

Roomy and easy to drive whether short distances or long and reliable.

It is big enough to fit everything we need on a daily basis for short and long trips away from home. It is long between oil changes and service.

Shaun H

It is a very safe car. The safety features that are built in not only make it a safer all around car, but it makes it a more enjoyable drive.

I love the safety features. The adaptive cruise control is fantastic. And it is a joy to drive. I just wish the gas mileage was a little better.

Whitney M

Perfect for new families!

I love my vehicle. I especially love how safe it is, the eyesight features and all the technology. The dual air conditioning and comfort for passengers is a huge plus. The cargo space is very roomy and I can fit a stroller and an entire cart full of Costco groceries in the back.

Ben M

Subaru highlights solid car.

The eyesight feature is very good and reliable. Breaks work well and I feel very safe. Interior is nice feels high quality. The HUD could be better. Video quality is a little shotty. X mode works well in back roads and fuel efficiency is pretty solid.

Ashley N

I love its safety rating, the way it's designed, and how it feels to drive. I wanted a safe car that could last, and Subaru lasts forever. I also personally align with the company's ethos.

It's a safe and reliable option for moms who don't want to get a minivan.

Carra H

I have not had my car very long, but it has been great. The Miles per gallon isn't bad and I like the height,

It drives really well and has a great safety rating

Negative Owner Reviews

Robyn A

People supposedly love Subarus but they're not reliable anymore.

EVERYTHING! It doesn't have auto-lock; every option I paid a lot of money for doesn't function; there was an issue with the battery dying with only 39K miles on the car and the dealership tried to make me pay for it.

Morgan P

Good gas mileage and safe to drive.

Good on gas but expensive to fix. Lots of room but I prefer the high ground clearance of jeeps. It's just not a cool car.

Em K

Basic Subaru outback-buy a higher trimline.

Do not buy the base model if this car. Things do not work as well. For example, the heat is either too hot or too cold. There is a lot of cabin noise. Also since it is and you have to replace all tires at once and that gets really expensive. The handling in inclement weather is really good, though, and the main reason we bought the car.

Emily

It's great but has some electricity problems

I love driving this car. The all wheel drive is wonderful in the winter and the size is perfect for traveling long distances with family gear. However, the car starter is extremely finicky. I have to be very close to the vehicle for it to register and even then if I turn away or don't press it at the right intervals the car won't start. There is also a linked door system which turns the car off if I open a door and break the start link. Seems anti-intuitive to produce a car that turns off after started with a car starter. Also the power window for the passenger side seems faulty, working very randomly. Also the steering navigation and stereo setup seems like an afterthought. If you pay attention to button layout. The steering radio volume and change controls are in the opposite direction of one another which isn't too hard to correct if designed appropriately. For all the technology advancements out there this car made a very rough incorporation. Again the overall design is good but the add-ons seem very pieced in. When compared to a GMC touch system, I'd choose GMC.

Greg Dwyer

Wheel Bearings do not last

At 39,000 had to replace rear wheel bearings. I have had many cars and never had this problem. Apparently it is a long standing issue with all Subaru’s the bearings are junk and they should improve their engineering.

Leigh D

Great car, could be more comfortable.

No performance problems - has been very easy on upkeep. Only maintenance has been some battery issues. However the car is not comfortable for me. The steering wheel does not have an area where you can grip the bottom of the wheel. Also, when I adjust the steering wheel to the height I like, it blocks the dash. Further, the visibility is bad. There's something about the way the car is made that makes it more difficult to see clearly than other cars. That being said, it is super reliable, great in tough conditions, and pretty good on gas.

Dylan R

Great car but two problems.

The only real big problem with this car is that there is a big problem with it switching gears, it is always in too low of a gear and it always has trouble switching from reverse to forward on a hill, and my house is on a hill.

Nancy J

I am not overly impressed with this vehicle. Pretty non exciting.

The vehicle has been dependable to this point. The cabin is a little small but to be expected. All wheel drive works as it should but have had tires wearing out rapidly. Will be putting the 3rd set of tires and the car has only 28000 miles on it. The first set wore quickly due to alignment issues from the factory but the second set needed replacing after 11000 miles. Not impressed with this issue.

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.

Penny D

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.

Danielle K

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.

Mary D

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.

Ruthyn G

It is very reliable and I have not experienced any problems. This being my second purchased Subaru I have developed trust in the brand.

L S

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.

Stephanie C

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.

Emma G

It is very reliable. Gets me through any weather. I drive it almost every day. It is the best car I have ever owned.

Aubrey P

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

2.5i

175 HP 28 MPG

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2.5i Premium

175 HP 28 MPG

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2.5i Limited

175 HP 28 MPG

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3.6R Limited

256 HP 22 MPG

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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.

Ranks #4 Midsize SUV by Owners

2016 Toyota 4Runner

4.71

Tie

2016 Ford Flex

4.7

2016 Subaru Outback

4.66

Do Owners Recommend the Subaru Outback?

Penny D

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.

Danielle K

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.

Mary D

Yes, I like my outback. It is dependable in the weather. It is fuel efficient. It is sporty yet can hold my whole family.

Ruthyn G

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.

Tyler C

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.

Tyler W

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

Blake H

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.

Sarah R

The 2016 Subaru Outback is certainly a good vehicle on account of its excellent usability, appealing interior, and comprehensive feature set.

Owner Reviews

Write a Review

TH on February 19, 2024

Bewsre

I have a 2016 Subaru Outback. The transmission started sloping at 72,000 miles I took it to the dealer and was told the transmission was fine. Weeks later it again slipped like it was in neutral. I again took it back to the dealer. He again told me it was fine. I asked him to please drive it for a while not just around the block. He called 2 days later so tell me I needed a new transmission. I told him I had purchased the extended warranty. He said it wasn’t covered to call Subaru and gave me a phone number. I called and was assigned a representative to handle my problem. I explained to her exactly what happened and she said oh sure that should be covered. She said she would get back to me. Over the next 3 months I made 19 phone calls, spoke to numerous representatives and never got an answer. I was so frustrated I traded the car in for a Toyota. I would never, ever buy a Subaru again.Beware of Subaru warranty. It’s all Bullshit

MM C on June 25, 2021

Safety features are great.

Good handling, safe driving, powerful, very comfortable for drivers and passengers, good am and FM radio, all wheel drive, good for winter snowing days, spacious, both inside the car and the truck. Can carry a lot. Minimum maintenance, good fuel economy.

Sam M on June 25, 2021

The best car that I have owned so far!

Has all the features I have ever wanted in the car. It is a great size for our family of 4 and is super comfortable. I have had some electrical issues but other than that I haven’t really had any problems with my car. I hope to be driving it for a long time.

tj W on June 25, 2021

Subaru outbacks are the way to go!

No problems with this car. It has been incredible. The space is definitely enough for me and my family to take our luggage plus 2 dogs on all road trips. The fuel mileage is better than any car I have had in the past and I am getting it with an SUV! That is not normal. I love the leather interior and heated seats. The led headlights also help seeing so much.

Rick H on June 25, 2021

Subaru outback - safe and reliable.

Car has great safety features and the all wheel drive handles very well in all weather conditions. Entertainment and navigation features are good. Leather interior is ok, but not as luxurious as some other manufacturers. Gas mileage is in low 20’s which is ok for vehicle size.

McKall G on June 11, 2021

The 2016 Subaru outback is amazing.

It is very comfortable and safe, the gas mileage on it is amazing and will last you a very long time. It's not too old but not to knew and the price of it is great. Amazing car. Haven't had any problems with it yet. It is probably the safest car I have been in because of all the safety features they have put into it like lane departure warning.

Anna H on June 11, 2021

Reliable family car that is also multi functional and good for urban areas.

My Subaru is a really reliable car, a good size for moving, to fit many people, and not too big to drive around the city and park. I haven’t had any issues with it, and I like the safety features. As a brand Subaru has always been really reliable for me, and I align with its family values and safety values.

Maren L on June 10, 2021

Amazing! We love our Subaru.

Extremely comfortable easy to drive and love everything about it! We haven’t had any issues at all and expect to have it for a very long time. The eyesight navigation is fantastic. Something I didn’t know I wanted or needed. Hah. I’d easily buy another Subaru.

Andrew C on June 5, 2021

Subaru outback, coming in hot with all the space.

My Subaru outback has been amazing! It is spacious enough for a tall male along with enough room for my one year old and all of his stuff. The ride is smooth and does not hesitate when you press on the gas. Subaru's are reliable and great on gas. A few minor issues but nothing crazy.

Leigh D on May 25, 2021

Great car, could be more comfortable.

Zach D on May 22, 2021

The best car I have ever gotten.

I really love the car I can use it for everyday use and even take it off-roading if needed. I am able to fit a lot of stuff into the car. I can even use it like a truck without it being too big and I do not have to worry about the back end getting hit like a truck can.

Stephen M on May 16, 2021

Runs great and is very reliable! Buy Subaru!

I really like my car. It handles well in the snow. Unfortunately, one tire loses air too fast. It is a minor inconvenience, but I deal with it. This problem is from a minor collision I had a few years back. I am hoping to get this fixed by Subaru. The car really runs great though and I am very happy with the car. I do not like white though.

Malcolm W on May 14, 2021

Subaru outback: a jack of all trades.

My outback is capable of just about any task I need it to complete, and does so with fairly good fuel efficiency. I am able to take my dog places, carry backpacks, or even go on trips without infringing on passenger space. Furthermore, the all-wheel drive makes it easier to go in potentially dangerous locations, such as the roads up to some ski locations. Possibly better yet, the abs braking system helps ensure my safety when something goes wrong. As a whole, this car is a good choice for someone seeking overall good performance and space, without sacrificing fuel efficiency or aesthetics too much.

Laura A on May 12, 2021

Reliable and dependable vehicle.

Very reliable and handles well in all weather conditions. There is plenty of room for kids, dog, and suitcases for travel and everyday use activities. Not usually had any major mechanical problems which I have always appreciated. Been driving Subarus for over 15 years.

Courtney W on May 5, 2021

It's a really great car and I will always love subaru’s.

Passenger window does not always roll up. The car drives smooth and has plenty of comfort. I really like the sound system and the performance. My car is very discuss and the suit conditioner works really well and fast and cools the car down quickly. The heater works great and the heated seats are especially awesome.

April O on April 27, 2021

Fun without sacrificing storage or gas mileage.

The 3.6 handles well and does not feel like you are settling for a 'mom car.' It has the reliability of a Subaru, and the capability of going on off-road trails while maintaining a comfortable road car drive. The space and storage on the interior is ideal for an active traveler/camper.

Catherine P on April 19, 2021

I feel safe and comfortable in the car.

Very comfortable to drive, can see everything (even though I am short). My husband is tall - he is also able to drive the car comfortably. I have been hit twice while I was at a stop (by oncoming cars) - no injuries to me - the car has been repaired beautifully and still drives like a dream.

Angie B on April 11, 2021

Why I like and do not like my Subaru.

Outback is comfortable, and I love all the safety features. The one thing that is super annoying is that the bumper both front and real will sometimes separated and the clips that hold it together are exposed. The bumpers do not come off but it is annoying as I try to click that back together. Another thing that could use improvements is the radio, it feels really complicated if you want to switch between Bluetooth and regular FM stations.

Laurie C on April 9, 2021

Love how much I can fit in my outback.

My outback rides like a luxury vehicle. I never thought I’d use the XM radio or the heated seats but I have found they are my favorite features. I love the cargo space and fold down seats. We are able to transport so many items that we never thought would fit in the car.

Pa L on March 30, 2021

My car is very important to me and helps me get to places.

I like that it is all wheel drive. The car also drives very well in the winter. I do not like that gas is expensive. It takes about $40+ to fill a full tank.

Joe A on March 30, 2021

The select shift either automatic or manumatic.

Driving position is very comfortable. Braking is well above average. Acceleration is well within an acceptable range. The mpg is 31 unless driven hard then it ranges from 21 to 25 mpg. Controls are straight up and clear. The only problem I can see is the time and outside temperature is extremely hard to read. It blends in with the surrounding console. The interior is well integrated and the quality of materials in superior to most cars on the road today. The service is easy and is straight forward. The oil filter is located right up front. According to all the reports, keep the oil changed regularly and the tires regularly serviced, the car should last 12 to 13 years with more than 300, 000 miles. Get a Subaru you will never let it go.

Riz K on March 29, 2021

Reliable and smooth driving car.

We love our car, very roomy and drives smoothly. The only problem we are having is closing the passenger side window. It will slide up all the way and then slides half down. You will have to click the button again and again so the window reaches the top.

David K on March 29, 2021

Complete family satisfaction.

Super satisfied with this outback. Has everything just the way you want safety, reliability, always satisfied with Subaru. When it's time for this car to be replaced it will be by another Subaru. 5 Subaru's in the family. Have encouraged sons to buy and the both drive Subaru's.

Barbara Q on March 24, 2021

It is great to drive, looks rugged and sporty.

My Subaru outback is comfortable, both for drivers and passengers. It is economical to run—gets good mileage both in the city and in the countryside, does not give me any trouble, and has plenty of space for whatever I need to transport.

Amy D on March 24, 2021

Fun to drive, love the sunroof.

Super reliable. But goes through tires. Handles rain/snow extremely well. Has had some quirks, lift gate motor burnt out. Gear shift had to be replaced. Love the satellite radio, features on the steering wheel. Wish it had rear vents (there are none at sea level.

Lili I on March 22, 2021

Great car and very versatile!

Very comfortable, safe, easy to drive and lots of space. Great for families and long drives! Comes with Bluetooth connection which we use all the time as well as other technical features. There are a total of 5 seats and the space in the trunk is very spacious.

Christina H on March 21, 2021

Great car, but poor infotainment.

My 2016 Subaru outback is reliable, comfortable inside, and easy to drive. It is peppy when needed and gets good gas mileage. I've haven't had any major mechanical issues with it. My only complaint is with its dated infotainment system...I'd consider it dated even at the time of purchase. I cannot listen to the radio and hear my android phone's navigation via Bluetooth or corded connection at the same time. It only works if my phone is chosen as the audio source... Therefore, be prepared to choose to hear your car radio or your phone's navigation, but not both. Also, there is no android auto or apple CarPlay. The equivalent program that came with the car can no longer be updated, so no longer works.

Katielyn M on March 16, 2021

Great family car, perfect for adventures!

Interior is comfortable with lots of features to adjust things as needed. It has been quite reliable and is great on gas mileage. The size is perfect. Not to small and not too big which makes driving it on the highway comfortable. Lots of room for kids, pets and luggage!

Tabetha G on March 11, 2021

Subaru outback is top notch.

Best vehicle. Some electrical issues but easily fixed. Great for our family to explore off road. The exterior and interior have a luxury car feel but the car handles like more of an SUV. Speakers are above standard quality. Love the cameras for the cruise control settings and safety look out.

Michele A on March 10, 2021

Dependable vehicle and great gas mileage

I like the fact that I can drive 400 miles per tank of gas. What I dislike the most are the tires. I have them rotated every time I get the oil changed but they make a lot of noise. They started making noise at 20,000 miles and are worse now at 40,000 miles. I like The Bluetooth ability on the car so hands off talking on the phone.

Rachel H on March 9, 2021

Reliable and comfortable!

My car is very reliable and comfortable. I have kept up with maintenance and have had very few issues. I did have an issue with my key getting stuck but I took it to the dealership and they fixed it free of charge. I love the amount of space in the back for storing anything from groceries to luggage.

Chriatian S on March 8, 2021

My favorite car yet! Subaru outback with eyesight.

This car is a solid nice ride. Can get me anywhere I want to go. Huge storage great ground clearance. Easy maintenance and I love the four wheel symmetrical drive system with the eyesight. Cruise control automatically speeds up and slows down when detecting traffic around me.

pat d on March 7, 2021

I think it is a really safe car.

Our vehicle is a fully loaded 2016 Subaru Outback. I love the new safety equipment! The car is very comfortable and seats 5 people comfortably.

Harry K on March 5, 2021

They last a long time and owners keep them over 10 years.

It has the best safety features. I'm told it has great resale value. The gas mileage could be better and the controls could be placed on the dashboard for better visibility.

Isabella G on March 3, 2021

Best safety car of the year.

It's a very smooth drive and it is my father's car and he's obsessed with it. Very reliable. It is very upgraded and good size and comfort level. Love the sensors and backup camera. It is a great ride and is big enough for the whole family and all those carry ons. The seat is super comfortable and the backseat you can lean back is awesome.

Laura M on March 2, 2021

Great SUV for city dwellers with families, failing infrastructure, in a city recently rated #1 for worst drivers.

This is my first SUV, I prefer driving smaller cars, and the seats are much to desired. Other than the seats, I love the double sunroof and the ability to haul large furniture, firewood, and gardening supplies. Safe car that drives well in poor weather conditions as well. Great SUV but prefer driving smaller vehicles

Adam W on March 1, 2021

Would buy again. Electrical needs work.

We bought out the lease on our 2016 Subaru outback. It had minor issues with the radio and there was a recall that we had to get taken care of. Besides that it rides nice and handles well in the harsh Wisconsin winters. I would recommend buying one. The eyesight really is nice traveling through big cities.

lil R on February 26, 2021

Good fuel mileage and gets us where we want to go

Smooth ride, good fuel mileage, gets us where we want to go

Susan H on February 22, 2021

Safety features, camera when backing up, Blind spot monitoring, Lane departure, Cruise control that adjusts itself to match speed of car in front so when someone cuts in front of you it keeps the distance between safe so you are not always having to adjust it yourself are some of my favorite features

Love the room and Safety features.. Only thing I wish it did was have the doors lock when you start driving like my old vehicle

Abigail O on February 22, 2021

Subaru outback review we love it.

I love it, so comfortable and great for kids. So reliable, have never had problems with her. The only part I do not like is the lack of door storage. The vehicle works amazing in the winter and great in all of the other seasons. The whole family loves the car. They should make a Subaru van.

Kaylee G on February 21, 2021

Safety for the entire family!

This car is extremely reliable. No issues since purchase. Perfect for our family of 5 to travel and just enough room for everything we need. Great gas mileage and smooth ride. This car even worked with three across car seats after a little bit of research. Our car has all the bells and whistles that help us feel safe on the road with the family.

Chris R on February 20, 2021

Spark plugs are hard to change.

If you like working on your own vehicles it is too difficult to change the spark plugs on this model outback. There might be a special tool for this but I have not looked into it. The alternative is to pay $350 for just a spark plug change. I am not sure about other models.

Claire C on February 18, 2021

I use the built in navigation system feature whenever it is necessary as a safety precaution.

Built in Navigation System, Emergency gear, extra space in back, Siri system, seat warmers, emergency breaks

Crystal M on February 17, 2021

A great car for outdoorsy people and suburbanites alike

It's a safe vehicle and has eyesight technology which makes long road trips a lot easier. The earned seats are nice. So is the adaptive cruise control. Also like the room in the backseat and hatchback area. It's a very smooth ride considering what kind of car it is. It is also very dog friendly, for people who care about that

Hannah M on February 16, 2021

Good vehicle, reliable, and comfortable.

One piece of the interior windshield frame became unattached on the passenger side. The a/c and heat blower weakened. Have had no mechanical issues as of right now. The car is very comfortable and I love how the car feels very open and you have a good sight range when you drive. The adaptive cruise and lane assist is convenient when on long drives.

Jill E on February 11, 2021

If you want a safe reliable do-it-all car, buy a Subaru.

The oil light comes on irregularly and the computer needs to get reset. Otherwise, my car is perfect. It is safe and comfortable. Super dependable and covers most terrain well. I feel comfortable driving it with my baby and cannot recommend it enough. Once you buy a Subaru, you will not want another kind of car.

Skyler B on February 10, 2021

Obsessed with my Subaru outback.

I love my 2016 Subaru outback. It is so comfortable and all of the safety features help me feel protected when driving. The back up camera is accurate and very useful as well as the sensors around the car let me know when cars are coming around me or getting to close. I also love the lane assist, which warns me when I am getting too close to other lanes. I could not have asked for a better car.

Liz R on February 10, 2021

Subaru outback: it is only ok.

For the most part it is been fine, but it seems like it takes a lot more maintenance than my Honda. Tires are expensive because for regular wear and tear, you have to replace them all at the same time to make sure the AWD works optimally. But, I live in the northeast and the AWD is crucial in this environment--cold and snow for much of the year. Major things need to be replaced it seems at every 15000 mile check up, with each one seeming to cost between $700-$1500. Not an issue if you do not regularly maintain your vehicle, but we do, and as I said before, the Honda is not this high maintenance.

Morgan P on February 10, 2021

Overall a great car. It has lots of space and safety features.

I haven't had any problems with it so far. It has good gas mileage. I love a lot of the driving features like alerting you when you have drifted over the lane or if there's an obstacle ahead, and will even stop itself. I also love how spacious it is. I have lots of room for groceries and have even transported furniture in it.

Judy L on February 10, 2021

My experience with my outback. Love my outback!

The performance is wonderful. Able to log in all information into dashboard. There is plenty of room for everyone. Love the heated seats. Gas mileage is about 16 mpg in town and about 22 mpg on highway. Able to drive as automatic or standard transmission, paddles on the steering wheel. Has settings for 2 drivers to set for that particular driver. Problems: it is very noisy going down the highway. Wished the seats were cooled as well as the heated. Cup holders in doors are useless, way to small to fit anything. Wish it had more items on dashboard computer, directions, etc.

Tatiana R on February 10, 2021

Impressive highway performance.

This vehicle gets good gas mileage for an AWD vehicle. The eyesight technology makes it very easy to drive on a highway with no braking needed when traffic slows and speeds up! It is considered a very safe vehicle. The only drawback is that it does not carry as much cargo as a large SUV.

Alex Showalter

Alex is an automotive enthusiast with over 15 years of experience in the used car market. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Vehicle History as our Staff Writer and has written hundreds of used car reviews helping buyers make informed purchasing decisions. He is a member of the Automotive Press Association, and keeps up-to-date on the latest changes in the industry. Over the years, he has driven hundreds of cars, working on many of them. His mechanical experience evolved from modifying off-road trucks as a teen to focusing on automotive electrical systems as he got older. He now specializes in reviewing used cars as an automotive journalist. Some of his favorite brands are Toyota and BMW. The Toyota Land Cruiser is one of his favorite vehicles of all time since they’re built to last forever and can go anywhere. One of his current cars is a Lexus LX570, built on the same platform as the 200-series Land Cruiser, but it’s a better value in the used market.