Used 2016 Subaru Outback for SaleNationwide

How much does the 2016 Subaru Outback cost?

Prices have softened 5.88% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,703 listings available, which gives you a solid pool of options to compare.

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback a good car?

Generally — you’re looking at a 4.33/5 user rating and an 8/10 expert rating, which points to broad appeal for used shoppers. The standout strength is Safety at 10/10.

Owners consistently praise its spaciousness, comfort, fuel efficiency, safety features, and handling. That lines up with the Outback’s use case as a practical vehicle for family travel, cargo hauling, and outdoor trips, especially if you want something versatile rather than flashy.

The market also shows 31.6% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable?

Owners rate it 4.33/5, a solid signal of long-term satisfaction.

The owner feedback points to a vehicle that feels dependable in day-to-day use, with repeated praise for comfort, practicality, and fuel efficiency. The expert evaluation also describes it as having a strong track record for reliability and as a vehicle you can count on for broad usefulness.

The cost-effectiveness review adds that Subaru’s value proposition is reinforced by strong residual value, which matters if you plan to keep the car for years and eventually resell it. For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is making sure the specific example you choose has been maintained well and hasn’t been worn down by heavy family or cargo use.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 Subaru Outback?

At 63.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has seen winter driving, road trips, or frequent cargo duty. Pay close attention to seat condition, interior wear, and any signs that the car has been used hard, since comfort and cabin quality are major parts of the Outback’s appeal.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The 2.5i Premium test vehicle adds a power sunroof, power rear liftgate, navigation, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert, and EyeSight; the base setup leaves out some of those conveniences.
• Powertrain: Most models use a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with a CVT, while the 3.6R uses a 3.6-liter 6-cylinder that is more satisfying when the car is loaded or driven in the mountains.
• Safety package: EyeSight adds forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and steering-responsive fog lights; blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Limited and optional on 2.5i Premium.
• Infotainment: Subaru’s Starlink system is straightforward to pair with a smartphone and includes physical knobs and buttons, but the interface can be awkward when you want quick access to audio presets.
• Fuel efficiency: The 2.5i model is expected to return 28 mpg in combined driving, and the test vehicle averaged 27.5 mpg.

Which 2016 Subaru Outback trim should I buy?

The 2016 Subaru Outback is offered in 2 trim levels: 2.5i Premium and 3.6R Limited.

Here's the short version:

• 2.5i Premium: This is the best-value choice if you want the core Outback experience with useful upgrades like the power liftgate, navigation, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and EyeSight when equipped as tested.
• 3.6R Limited: Choose this if you want the stronger 6-cylinder engine and are willing to pay more for better performance when the car is loaded or headed into the mountains.

The safety package note to keep in mind is that EyeSight is the key driver-assistance suite, and blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic alert is standard on Limited and optional on 2.5i Premium.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 Subaru Outback?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop without rushing.

• Deal availability: 31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,703 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.88% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 63.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $12,518, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2016 Subaru Outback's resale value?

The current average of $12,548 sits slightly below last year's $13,332.

That decline suggests the market has become a bit more favorable for buyers, but it also means future sellers may need to price competitively to stand out. If you buy well now, you’re starting from a lower entry point than a year ago, which can help cushion depreciation later.

The Outback’s strong value reputation and broad appeal should help it remain attractive to used shoppers. Vehicles with solid owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 4.33/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2016 Subaru Outback safe?

The 2016 Subaru Outback earns five-star ratings in every federal crash assessment except for a four-star rollover resistance rating, and it earns Good ratings in every IIHS crash test, plus a Superior front crash prevention rating when equipped with EyeSight technology.

It earns a 10/10 safety score from our experts.

The EyeSight suite powers adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and lane-keeping assist. Subaru also offers automatic collision notification, SOS emergency services, and a remote vehicle locator with an active Starlink subscription.

One caveat to keep in mind is that the IIHS rates the child seat LATCH anchors as Marginal, so installing child seats may take extra effort.

Should I buy a 2016 Subaru Outback or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2016 if:

• 31.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 63.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 5.88% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 4.33/5 — a solid satisfaction signal.
• The 2016 stands out for its strong safety reputation, practical versatility, and broad family-friendly usefulness.

Consider the 2015 if:

• At $10,680, the 2015 costs less than the current year's $12,548 average.
• Redesigned for 2015, it is bigger and better while still preserving fuel economy.

The bottom line: If you want the stronger overall package and are comfortable shopping the current market, the 2016 is the better all-around pick. If your priority is spending less up front, the 2015 is the value alternative worth a look.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.