“It doesn't have Apple play or Android Auto. The Mirrorlink app or whatever it is, is absolutely unuseful and a source of great frustration.”
2016 Subaru Outback: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2016 Subaru Outback is a light-update model led by retuned steering across the lineup for a more natural feel. It otherwise carries over without a redesign or engine changes.
About the 2016 Subaru Outback
5th generation (2015-2019), second model year with minor running updates.
Subaru positioned the 2016 Outback as a do-everything family wagon with SUV-style clearance and standard all-weather confidence. Its pitch centers on standard Symmetrical AWD, 8.7 inches of ground clearance, strong cargo flexibility, integrated roof-crossbar utility, and a comfortable cabin that is easier to live with than a bulky SUV. Compared with many midsize crossovers, the Outback’s identity is more outdoors-ready and wagon-like, with an emphasis on road trips, rough-weather driving, and practical everyday hauling.
The 2016 Outback remains a practical AWD wagon, with the 2.5i covering the basics and the Premium adding heated seats, dual-zone climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen. Limited models bring leather, premium audio, blind-spot monitoring, and a power rear gate, while the 3.6R Limited pairs those features with a stronger 256-hp six-cylinder engine.
What changed, by category
Structural
Steering was retuned across the lineup for a more natural feel. The 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited also received revised suspension dampers intended to smooth out rough pavement.
Safety
Blind-spot monitoring became standard on the 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited after being optional for 2015.
Tech
The windshield wipers gained an automatic on/off mode linked to the headlights.
2016 Subaru Outback 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 Manual | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual | Auto, CVT Manual |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 33 mpg | 27 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 | 2700 lb | 2700 lb | 3000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 cu-ft | 73.3 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 | ||||
| Power Liftgate/Trunk Release | ||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Roof Rails | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| SD Card Slot | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| 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
Was the 2016 Subaru Outback redesigned?
No. The 2016 Outback is the second year of the fifth generation introduced for 2015, with only light steering, suspension, safety, and convenience updates.
What changed on the 2016 Subaru Outback compared with the 2015 model?
The main change is retuned steering across the lineup. The 2016 model also adds headlight-linked automatic wipers, revised suspension dampers on Limited trims, and standard blind-spot monitoring on both Limited models.
Did the 2016 Subaru Outback get new engines or transmissions?
No. The 2016 Outback keeps the 175-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder, both paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and standard AWD.
Which 2016 Subaru Outback trims have standard blind-spot monitoring?
Blind-spot monitoring is standard on the 2016 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited. It was optional on those trims for 2015.
Did the 2016 Subaru Outback Limited ride differently from the 2015 model?
Yes. The 2016 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited received revised suspension dampers designed to deliver a smoother ride over rough pavement.
2016 Subaru Outback Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 Subaru Outback.
4.3
2016 Subaru Outback
(709 reviews)
“There is no better car for the value. Given the space and AWD, this is the one "do everything" car.”
“Best value for the money. Love the durability, road clearance, road handling, performance and safety features. Luxury without a luxury price.”