“Good size, excellent safety features, medium price, great resale and reliability. I bought the V-6 and love its overall combination of ride, handling, traction, pick up and gas mileage.”
2016 Subaru Legacy: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Subaru Legacy is mostly a carryover, and its main change is revised steering tuning for better feel. Limited trims also received retuned suspension dampers for a smoother ride, while the engines, transmissions, styling, and trim lineup stayed the same.
About the 2016 Subaru Legacy
6th generation (2015-2019), second model year with minor steering and suspension retuning.
Subaru positions the Legacy as a family sedan for buyers who want everyday comfort and bad-weather confidence without moving to an SUV. Its big differentiator is standard all-wheel drive on every trim, something most midsize sedan rivals did not offer. Subaru also leans on interior space, a quiet cabin, strong safety credentials, and easy-to-use touchscreen features, making the Legacy feel like a practical, secure commuter and road-trip sedan rather than a sporty sedan.
The 2016 Legacy ranges from the straightforward 2.5i to the comfort-focused 2.5i Premium and leather-trimmed 2.5i Limited. The 3.6R Limited adds a six-cylinder engine, while every trim has all-wheel drive and a touchscreen.
What changed, by category
Safety
Lane Keep Assist joined the optional EyeSight safety package; it did not become standard across the lineup.
Structural
Steering was recalibrated across the lineup for better feel. The 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited also received retuned suspension dampers for a smoother ride.
2016 Subaru Legacy specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 4-Cyl, 2.5 Liter / 4-Cyl, PZEV, 2.5 Liter | 6-Cyl, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode | Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode | Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode | Auto, CVT w/Manual Mode |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 26 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 36 mpg | 29 mpg |
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 175 hp | 175 hp | 256 hp |
| Torque | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 174 lb-ft | 247 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2700 lb | 3000 lb | ||
| Trunk/Cargo | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft | 15 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in | 38.1 in |
| Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic Emergency Braking | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| Touch Screen Monitor | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
| Remote Start | ||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2016 Subaru Legacy compared with the 2015 model?
The main change is revised steering tuning across the lineup. Limited trims also received retuned suspension dampers, and Lane Keep Assist was added to the optional EyeSight safety package; otherwise, the 2016 model largely carries over.
Did the 2016 Subaru Legacy get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2016 Legacy kept the same engines and continuously variable automatic transmissions as the 2015 model, including the four-cylinder engine in 2.5i models and the six-cylinder engine in the 3.6R Limited.
Which 2016 Subaru Legacy trims received the smoother suspension tuning?
The 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited received retuned suspension dampers for a smoother ride. The steering recalibration applied to every 2016 Legacy trim.
Is all-wheel drive standard on every 2016 Subaru Legacy?
Yes. Every 2016 Legacy trim has standard all-wheel drive, from the base 2.5i through the six-cylinder 3.6R Limited.
Is Lane Keep Assist standard on the 2016 Subaru Legacy?
No. Lane Keep Assist was part of the optional EyeSight safety package rather than standard equipment across the 2016 Legacy lineup.
2016 Subaru Legacy Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Subaru Legacy.
4.3
2016 Subaru Legacy
(308 reviews)
“It's sturdy and reliable, while providing top-notch comfort. The engine is very noisy over 60mph.”
“My Subaru Legacy has been more than I had expected. I am sold on being part of the Subaru family. I often have people think my Legacy is of the "luxury" model type models such as BMW. When I tell them no it's a Subaru they take another look, checking my Legacy out further being very impressed with everything it has to offer.”