2016 Subaru Outback from $25,845 | Boston Subaru Dealer

Review of 2016 Outback:
What's New?

2016 Subaru Outback.jpg

This is the current generation Outback parked next to the previous generation (in white).

This page compares the 2016 Outback with the 2015 Outback.

Or, compare current generation (2015 and 2016) with previous generation (2010 to 2014).

Executive Summary

2016 Outbacks are available at Planet now. Or, learn more about ordering a 2016 Subaru Outback from Planet Subaru.

Don't expect huge changes from last year's model. Subaru introduced an all-new Outback for the 2015 model year so Subaru didn't make many revisions in this second model year. Dimensions, sheet metal, and most specifications are identical. Prices increased only $100-$400, less than the rate of inflation. Subaru did make some important tweaks:

On all models, a new auto on/off mode operates the windshield wipers with the headlights.
Premium and Limited trims receive upgraded infotainment capabilities through the Starlink system.
Subaru retuned the electric power-assist steering for all Outback models to provide an even more linear and natural feel.
The EyeSight option adds Lane Keep Assist, which the driver can activate with a steering wheel mounted switch. This enhancement of the EyeSight system activates above 40 mph. If the EyeSight camera detects the vehicle drifting from the lane, steering assistance control engages to direct the vehicle back into the lane. If the vehicle leaves the lane, Lane Departure Warning is triggered and audible and visual alerts are engaged.

2016 Outback Colors

Available interior colors are noted in parentheses (B=black, I=ivory)

2016 Subaru Outback changes:


Subaru upgraded Starlink infotainment capabilities		With new AT&T 4G LTE capability, Sirius XM Connected Vehicle Services provides: Stolen vehicle recovery, Automatic collision notification, Remote vehicle services such as lock/unlock via smartphone Monthly vehicle health reports.
Cosmetics Sheetmetal and wheels remain the same.		You won't be able to visually distinguish a 2016 Outback from the 2015 model.

Eyesight
Subaru's award-winning suite of driver assistance technologies gets another upgrade on the 2016 Outback with Lane Keep Assist, which uses the electric power steering to nudge your car if you drift out of your lane.

The system already included adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure warning, Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic alert.

Interior Space
These dimensions remain the same.

108.1 cubic feet passenger volume

2015 Subaru Outback Rear Legroom.JPG

Rear legroom 38.1 inches

2015 Subaru Outback Cargo Blue.JPG

35.5 cubic feet cargo space with seats up. Dawg sets you back a few cubic feet.

Adding space or making substantial changes to the interior takes a lot of money and engineering resources, so Subaru usually undertakes this project only once every five years.

Cost
Prices only went up $100 to $400.

See current pricing

Even without increasing margin, Subaru needs to keep up with inflation. Even during these times of low inflation, 1% on a $25,000 car is $250.

Engines and Fuel Economy
2.5 liter displacement in the standard engine does not change.

Continuously variable
automatic transmission:
25 city, 33 highway

No manual offered.

Go Go Motor Option
Optional six pot has 256 horsepower, but gets pretty good fuel economy because of the advanced transmission.

Optional 3.6 liter
six cylinder
with high torque Lineartronic
Continuously Variable
Transmission

20 city, 28 highway

Subaru sells a diesel in world markets but we will not see that engine stateside. Pipe dreamers hoping for the return of a turbocharged engine can keep dreaming.

Take a deep dive in the 2016 Outback...

The 2016 Outback 2.5i, with the 2.5-liter Boxer engine and standard Lineartronic CVT with manual mode and paddle shifters, starts at an MSRP of $24,995. The Outback 2.5i achieves 25 MPG city/33 MPG EPA-estimated fuel economy, among the highest for midsize crossovers with all-wheel drive.

On Outback 2.5i models, the Active Grille Shutter system helps to improve fuel economy by reducing wind resistance. The Outback 3.6R Limited models are powered by a 256-horsepower 3.6 liter, 6-cylinder Boxer engine teamed to a high-torque Lineartronic CVT with manual mode and paddle shifters.

The Outback receives several refinements for 2016. On all models, a new auto on/off mode operates the windshield wipers with the headlights. Subaru retuned the electric power-assist steering for all Outback models to provide an even more linear and natural feel.

EyeSight Driver Assist Technology Adds Lane Keep Assist

The 2015 Outback earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating with the available Subaru-developed EyeSight system, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning, and, for 2016, adds a Lane Keep Assist function. Limited trims also feature standard Blind Spot Detection + Rear Cross Traffic Alert, which are included with the EyeSight option on the Premium trims.

Lane Keep Assist, which the driver can activate with a steering wheel mounted switch, is an enhancement of the EyeSight system that activates above 40 mph. If the EyeSight camera detects the vehicle drifting from the lane, steering assistance control engages to direct the vehicle back into the lane. If the vehicle leaves the lane, Lane Departure Warning is triggered and audible and visual alerts are engaged.

On Eyesight-equipped models, Steering Responsive Fog Lights help support visibility in the direction of a turn. In their redesign, the new-generation Outback also gained driver and front passenger seat cushion airbags designed to retain the occupant's seating position and hold the occupant in place in an accident.

New SUBARU STARLINK Safety & Security

For 2016, Premium and Limited trims now feature the new SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security features. Two STARLINK packages are available and are among the most affordable in the industry. The STARLINK Safety Plus package includes SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alerts.

For even greater peace of mind, the STARLINK Safety Plus & Security Plus Package adds Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights and Remote Vehicle Locator.

STARLINK Audio Systems

All Outback trim lines for 2016 feature STARLINK, Subaru's in-vehicle platform that provides hands-free connectivity and entertainment services. STARLINK is designed to work seamlessly with the in-car head unit to provide smartphone integration and tap into nearly unlimited entertainment through apps such as Pandora, iHeartRadio® Aha, and Stitcher. The technology can deliver live traffic alerts and also help reduce driver distraction by displaying texts and allowing the driver to use voice commands for music and navigation (when equipped).

The Outback 2.5i models feature STARLINK 6.2" Multimedia with today's most in-demand user technologies, including: 6.2-in. single-touch gesture display, AM/FM stereo with HD Radio®, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Radio Data Broadcast System, single-disc CD player, Bluetooth® hands-free phone connectivity and audio streaming, iPod® control, iTunes® Tagging, a USB port and auxiliary input jack. Smartphone integration features Aha and Pandora®, along with STARLINK cloud applications iHeartRadio®, Stitcher, Calendar, Music Player, News and Weather. The screen also provides the display for the standard rear vision camera.

The Premium and Limited trims of both models have a standard STARLINK 7.0" Multimedia Plus with a high-resolution 7-in. LCD screen featuring multi-touch gesture controls, much like a smartphone or tablet. In addition, STARLINK 7.0" Multimedia includes Bluetooth hands-free SMS text messaging and dual USB ports.

Optional STARLINK 7.0" Multimedia Navigation features voice-activated controls and also includes SiriusXM Traffic® and NavWeather® (4-month trial subscription included). Navigation equipped models now come with three years of complimentary map updates.

Three Trim Levels for Each Model

The 2016 Outback 2.5i models are available in standard, Premium and Limited trim lines. The six-cylinder 3.6R versions of both are available exclusively in Limited trim. In addition to the STARLINK 7.0" information and entertainment system and STARLINK Safety and Security features, the Premium trim for both models adds 17-in. alloy wheels, the All-Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer), dual zone automatic climate control system, 10-way power driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle, electroluminescent instrument panel with LCD color display, auto up/down front windows, illuminated overhead console and front door pull handles and body-color side mirrors.

A moonroof package can be added to the Premium and Limited trims and also includes an auto-dimming rear view compass mirror with Homelink®. A power rear gate, which features height memory, is available for the Outback 2.5i Premium and standard on the Limited trims.

The Outback Limited trims step up the luxury with perforated leather-trimmed upholstery, heated rear seat backs and cushions, rear-seat air conditioner outlets, 4-way power front passenger seat, a Harman Kardon® 575-watt equivalent amplifier and Harman Kardon Surround 12-speaker audio system, 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, turn-signal side mirrors and woodgrain-pattern matte-finish interior accent trim. Optional Keyless Access & Push-Button Start with PIN code access is available exclusively for Limited trims.

2016 SUBARU OUTBACK
Model/Trim	Applicable option code	MSRP	MSRP + destination and delivery ($850)
Outback 2.5i	01	$24,995	$25,845
Outback 2.5i Premium	11, 12, 13, 14, 15	$27,395	$28,245
Outback 2.5i Limited	21, 22, 23	$30,395	$31,245
Outback 3.6R Limited	21, 23	$33,395	$34,245

Partial Zero Emissions (PZEV) models
Outback 2.5i	01	$25,295	$26,145
Outback 2.5i Premium	11, 12, 13, 14, 15	$27,695	$28,545
Outback 2.5i Limited	21, 22, 23	$30,695	$31,545

All models equipped as standard with Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT)

Destination & Delivery (D&D) is $850 & includes handling & inland freight charges to dealer's location and may vary in the following states: CT, HI, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, & VT. D&D to dealers in Alaska is $1,000.

Option code
01	Standard model	--
11	Standard model -- 2.5i Premium	--
12	Moonroof Package + Power Rear Gate	$1,695
13	Moonroof Package + Power Rear Gate + Navigation System	$2,295
14	EyeSight + Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert + Power Rear Gate	$1,695
15	Moonroof Package + Power Rear Gate + Navigation System + EyeSight + Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert	$3,490
21	Standard Model -- 2.5i Limited	--
22	Moonroof Package + Keyless Access with Push-Button Start + Navigation System	$2,295
23	Moonroof Package + Keyless Access with Push-Button Start + Navigation System + EyeSight	$3,090

Subaru made big changes when it introduced the current Outback generation (left) as a 2015 model. Compare last generation to current generation.

Outback Links:

See current pricing and trim levels.
Visit our Outback Center with pics and links.
Peruse a fancy dynamic Outback Brochure.
Watch an Outback pulling out of a glacier.
Review Insurance Institute for Highway Safety test results
See Outback's top three outward visibility ranking

Search for your Outback or place a factory order:

Outbacks through the years:

Originally introduced in 1995, the first Outback was basically just a Legacy wagon with two tone paint and a little cosmetic differentiation. In 1996, Subaru produced the Outback that you would recognize today, with aggressive cladding, raised suspension, and bigger engine. 1997 saw the first Outback Sedan, a vehicle unlike anything sold at the time. It was available all the way through 2007.

2015+

This latest generation is slightly larger in every dimension, and the upscale interior abounds with technology and infotainment functions. Airbag count rises to eight with the addition of seat cushion airbags that deploy from the flat part of the seat to hold front occupants in place during an accident.

2010 through 2014

Sales went through the roof with the introduction of a larger Outback, close in size to traditional sport utility vehicles but a heckuva lot more economical and responsible. Continuously variable transmission debuts and causes steroidal fuel economy gains. Eyesight appears in 2013.

2005 through 2009

In 2005, we welcomed a quieter, more upscale Outback, even though the size remained pretty much the same. Six airbags were standard. Subaru offered a turbocharged XT model only on this generation.

2000 through 2004

This generation ironed out the wrinkles in the previous version, especially in the interior, formerly an expanse of hard plastic and curious ergonomics. Hood scoop from the Techno-Brutal era of Japanese auto styling goes away and no one misses it. First optional six cylinder arrived in 2001, along with Vehicle Dynamics Control.

1995 through 1999

Arguably, Subaru created the "crossover" segment by building a car with the sport utility capabilities of a truck. No wonder that "Subaru" comes quickly to mind when people think rugged, practical, and economical. This was a functional car, but not a pretty one. Dual sunroof model, also known as the "Double Bubble," appears in 1998.

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