2016 Subaru Outback Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
After 2 years with a family of four trying to take road trip adventures in a Prius, we decided we wanted a more spacious and comfortable family vehicle and cross shopped nearly everything family oriented on the market, from compact SUV's to mini vans. We initially test drove over a dozen models, and narrowed down to 3 finalists, the Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, and the Subaru Outback. During final test drives the winner was crystal clear.-------------------------------------------------- The Outback has the best overall interior of everything we looked at from comfort of the seats, cleanliness of the dash design, and over all fit and finish quality. Run your hand over gaps in Toyota dash pieces and you will find mold marks, sharp edges, and generally a cheap feeling interior. The Outback build quality and overall interior design feels comparable to the BMW X5. The X5 materials of course feel somewhat richer than the Outback, but at a steep cost premium. -------------------------- Driving the Outback is where the Subaru difference really shines. While the Outback has a lower power spec than most comparable models, the Outback still feels more fun to drive. The high suspension but lower than average center of gravity compared with an SUV makes the Outback buttery smooth on the road. The visibility of the road was the best of anything we drove, and when you move between a car that has poor visibility to the Outback, the importance of good visibility cannot be understated. Even with the relatively low HP rating of the 2.5i engine, the acceleration feels strong thanks to smooth CVT programming and the perfect AWD system. The steering wheel mounted paddle shifters and manual mode add to the fun. On the highway and around town, the Outback was the best drive. -------------------------------------------------------- At the end of our search, had the Outback been the same cost as the other finalists we would have still chosen the Outback. The bonus was that the fully equipped Outback final cost was about $7k less than only a moderately equipped Highlander. The only thing missing is the ability to seat 7 when grandparents visit. If Subaru could some how add the option for old school station wagon rear facing 3rd row seats for small kids, the Outback would achieve a new level of family utility perfection. As is though, we are on cloud 9 driving our new Outback. -------------------------------------------------------- There really is no better all-around vehicle on the market at any price, and yet the Outback manages to be an incredibly good value. If you like to take your family on road trip adventures, this is the best option on the market.
VS
Critical Review
I would not recommend buying this car if you're looking for an adventure mobile. Subaru no longer offers a mechanical parking brake and has removed the manual release mechanism on the electric parking brake in the 2015 Outbacks. If either of the two parking brake actuator motors malfunctions, it completely disables the vehicle. The only option is a tow to the Subaru dealer. This happened in my car, resulting in a 140 mile tow. This is especially frustrating as a non-safety-critical system malfunction can result in being stranded if it happens outside of cell phone service. I am disappointed that Subaru made this design decision in a car which is heavily marketed towards adventurous people. Another thing to note is that the car does not come with a full size spare tire, which is another important consideration if you're planning on using dirt roads or going off-road.
2016 Outback Reviews
Showing 8 of 258 reviews.
excellent in all weather, comfy to sit in, lots of options, reliable.
infotainment touch screen lacks responsiveness, not the best looking car but it is a wagon, head gasket now weeping oil
had this for 7 years and overall it's been quite good. it's comfortable to drive and I love all the options it came with including 4 heated seats, drivers multi way seat adjust, bluetooth, moon roof etc. I'm not fond of the touch screen responsiveness on the infotainment system. It's roomy for passengers or cargo, pretty good on fuel and absolutely great in the snow and one keeps their freedom from the weather and can drive in pretty much anything. the head gasket has started to weep oil and that's an expensive fix so that's disappointing but there are lots of kms' on this vehicle now.
hAS BEEN A GREAT VEHICLE. BUT NOW WE ARE GETTING CLOSE TO RETIREMENT AND NEED SOMETHING NEW TO PULL OUR 5500LB CAMPER AROUND WITH.
Great driving, premium features, All wheel drive, usually good engine response, easy to maintain value with regular repairs, lots of mechanics in PNW with experience working on these cars
hard to find a budget friendly version of car that's under 12 years old without over 120k miles on it, and those options will be more expensive then other reliable car brands
Great driving, premium features, All wheel drive, usually good engine response, easy to maintain value with regular repairs
I purchased my 2017 Outback a few weeks ago. As soon as I sat down in the drivers seat I felt comfortable and supported. I love how it handles. I just want to keep on driving it has everything I wanted like blindspot sensors and navigation. It makes my long commute ver enjoyable!
We bought a new Outback Touring in March 2019. We had it serviced at the recommended intervals at the dealer we purchased from. We reported issues with the Eyesight safety system from the first service, and were repeatedly told the system was checked and no issues were found. The Eyesight issues have gotten to the point where we cannot use cruise control, or any of the other safety systems that use the Eyesight sensor, and we cannot use the car for trips any more as a result. Now the head unit is failing, and will not accept the updates that supposedly fix it. The leather drivers' seat has torn. The window switches work sporadically. Our Outback has 40,000 miles on it, and has been serviced regularly and cared for meticulously. We can't sell it to someone else while it has these issues (we still have a conscience), and we can't use the car for trips either. Be very careful about purchasing anything from Subaru at this point. They have not only lost their legendary quality, but they've apparently lost any incentive to make things right for their loyal owners.
Great for pets and road trips
Gas Mileage could be better
Our 2018 Subaru Outback has been a pretty good reliable car. If you travel and spend a lot of time outdoors with pets you should consider this car. The driving experience is average. We have taken the Outback off road several times and it has performed very well. The Outback is relatively comfortable on long road trips.
Off road
Drinkssome fuel
Ive had ravs , highlander , impreza , jeep Best of the bunch A bit clunky on back roads but + clearance . Goes in snow
172,000 mile Good interior and exterior - normal wear Leather seats Blind spot monitors Back up camera Moon roof Roof rails Trailer hitch
