Overview & Reviews

User Reviews:

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  Subaru Outback 2016 - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Mary Spence - October 20 - 10:39 am

  You should drive both the 3.6 and the 2.5i to get a feel for the difference. Also should test the difference between the cloth seats and the leather seats, In my view comfort is important with the leather seats that give more. So I got them.

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  Better than I could imagine - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Laura - October 5 - 1:16 am

  Im loving the car. It is proving to be even better than I imagined. Handles great on freeway. Love the EyeSight Assist system. Great when trying to back out of parking lot spaces.

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  2016 Outback--my 2nd Outback - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Ted Waltman - September 23 - 5:37 am

  Tough to find the base model. Great car for the money. Sound system is great. Position of exhaust below rear diff is poor--will catch on a rock or ice for sure (but not a darn thing one can do about it other than to note how vulnerable it is).

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  1st Subaru, last Subaru w/ the bells & whistles - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Nikki - September 1 - 7:19 am

  Replacing a mid-size sedan for something with utility for an active lifestyle. Enter the new 2016 Subaru Outback. With limited inventory, selection was few so I settled on a 2.5 Limited model with every bell and whistle including all of the aftermarket options. Hindsight, 16k miles later, I should have opted for the 3.6 without the bells and whistles. The key-less/proximity entry/ start is a pain in the ass in that I have no way to hide this giant remote while I surf or scuba dive which impacts doing anything with the water; the standard key would have been far more functional for me. I am finding the rear auto opener isnt so great when I have something extra long and sticks out. Regarding the Navigation system, it is crap. It is a Tom-tom and even in Southern California, there are places/cities that arent even in the database. Google/Yahoo maps on your phone is far more reliable. And that takes me to the voice activation. It rarely recognizes anything I say unlike iPhones Suri. As far as mechanical, I have been very pleased though I wish breaking wasnt so soft or the engine were the 3.6 so it had some immediately available acceleration for passing and hills. But all and all, it has not been a lemon outside of the navigation system, crossing fingers. Again, just go for the base models.

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  Second Outback ... better than our 13. - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Steve H - August 31 - 4:16 pm

  Our 13 Outback Premium had 50,000 miles on it, and we got a good trade on a 16 Limited. We did go down a trim level, but other than the radio & leather - we are happy. The Outback overall is not too big on the outside, but not too small on the inside - so a good comprimise. And its a nice balance between performance and economy. We had a minor issues with a wear spot on the outer edge of the leather seat along the outer seam area on the 13. The local dealer worked with Subaru to get it repaired free of charge (thanks C&S Waterloo & Subaru). And the repaired seat (new leather top portion) still looked good and was holding up when we traded for the 16. I do like the cloth seats in the 16. Our 16 drives better and gets better mileage than our 13! We now have 4,000 miles on the 16. The 16 CVT is calibrated a little differently than the 13 - and seems to do much less "downshifting" going up hills, which is way better! The CVT just is happier overall - so more enjoyable to drive. Also, the ride seems more compliant (not as harsh over bumps, etc) while at the same time - seems to corner a little flatter. To me, the driving experience has improved over our 13. The MPGs are better with the 16. In our old 13 highway driving was around 26-28 at best, and really negatively effected by how windy it was. The 16 seems to get 27-28 just in 45-55 MPH suburban type driving. And on the highway weve gotten 30-31 on long trips (like driving from IA to SC). On the interstate we are usually going with the flow traffic, so 7-8 over. (Ofcourse that uses more gas.) Even though this is a mid-level Premium, it has nice freatures (and more than the 13). We decided to get the sunroof, instead of all the new safety options. The safety features would be nice, and hopfully they will be standard in most autos in the near future. And I should say, the mid-level radio in our Premium is really not too bad. Not as good as my 13 Limited (ofcourse), but you can stand to listen to it. I recently rented a Toyota Senna van to haul a full load of moving items, and the radio in the rental Toyota was terrible! It actually gave me a headack, so I had to turn it off! The Premium Outback radio is much better to my ears! Also the mid-level Premium does have some nice electronic features that are fun to play with. If you have a smart phone, it can work with that too. I havent used the call feature (like on GM vehicles). Not sure I would pay extra for it as an option. I dont notice any more actual usable space inside the 16 compared to the 13 (even though Subaru seems to indicate there is). I think any small amount of extra space is just where the lower edge of the windshild is mover forward a little - but not really extra space you can use. The 13 armrest lid design was better than the 16. It had a two step top compartment inside the lid where you put penciles & pens in one level, and other itmes in the next level. The 16 did away with this useful feature. So, not as good to store pens, etc. And Id like a little more knee room for my right leg (as is true in most all cars that are made nowdays.) I like to spread open my legs, and cant do that with the armrest housing. Wish the housing was about 2" thinner to give the driver more leg room! Are you listening Subaru??? Id recommend the optional plastic trim over the rear bumper by the tail gate, and the all weather floor protectors, and the seat back and cargo protectors. We got the power rear gate, and it works OK, but not a big deal too me. Ironically, since Ive had the Outbacks, we have left the mid-west winters for the SC area (and grand daughters), so havent actually had much snow experience ... yet. But returning to IA for turkey day in a few weeks, so who knows??? Ive just done the normal maintenance, and no problems (other than the worn leather in the 13 that Subaru replaced). The Outbacks have been good, and the 16 is better!

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  Impressive - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Paul - August 25 - 3:34 pm

  While just short of one month since purchase; Im very pleased, very impressed with this car. The eyesight assist continues to amaze me. Such clever technology at a reasonable price. My daughter will start driving next year. Ill feel so much better knowing shes in such a safe, reliable car. Assuming I let her drive it. ;))

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  Riding the Outback - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Les Foster - August 14 - 10:38 pm

  Having had the Subaru Outback Limited for only twelve days Im still in the learning stage regarding the technology of this vehicle. I seem to be finding new things with each drive. This car has so many positive safety features, I.e., Eyesight, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, etc. It alerts the driver of possible road icing on cold days. If daydreaming at a traffic light it alerts the driver that the vehicle ahead has moved. The ride is smooth and handles road bumps with ease. Acceleration is amazing for a four cylinder vehicle. Steering is very responsive. While not as luxurious as my former Toyota Avalon, the interior is stylish and attractive, however the drivers seat is not as comfortable as I have enjoyed in previously owned vehicles. Theres ample rear seat legroom, and the reclining rear seats provide passenger comfort for long rides. Overall I am very impressed with the Outback. As to reliability, that remains to be determined as the vehicle ages, but Im optimistic given Subarus overall record.

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  Solid choice for versatile vehicle - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Ray S - July 25 - 12:54 am

  Positives - great value, simple and logic gauges / controls, great audio system, EyeSIght safety system is top-notch, great gas mileage, easy access in and out Negatives - navigation system not as good at my 6 year-old portable Garmin, Starlink system is worthless, do not like the volume button on steering wheel (not as good as Hondas thumb wheel)

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  Great vehicle more than just a car - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By Adam Williams - May 14 - 12:45 am

  Had to buy mine to order. Dealer says they sell before they hit the lot. Three weeks before it got to my garage. Worth the wait.

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  Great but... - 2016 Subaru Outback
  By captjrh - May 6 - 5:22 am

  Car was an afterthought, but a great afterthought. Was going with an Escape until the test drive. Only 2 things that I dont care for are: 1 both side mirrors are small and dont tilt out enough, and doors dont lock automatically while driving. Other than that, Im hoping the New Car MPG gets better and wish they had a front license plate holder bthat doesnt require you to screw holes into the bumper cover.