For 2016, Subaru made some minor changes to its beloved Outback after its 2015 redesign.
Subaru added a few optional features such as the Subaru Starlink system and a lane departure intervention safety feature. The limited trims, such as the 3.6R trim we test drove, have new suspension dampers that make for a more smooth ride.
Despite its recent redesign and this year’s added features, the best feature of the Outback has remained the same — its ability to take on the city or go off road. The Outback can cruise through the city, taking on potholes as if they don’t exist, or take on rocks and bumps on an unpaved path. This is especially true of the 3.6R-limited trim, which includes the aforementioned suspension dampers.
Additionally, the Outback can easily haul all of your necessary cargo, whether it’s this week’s groceries or your camping gear, in its 36 cubic-feet of holding space.
Other than its smooth ride, the Outback provides a comfortable experience by having a very roomy interior with more than adequate legroom. The seating in the Outback is well-cushioned and very supportive, even for prolonged driving periods.
The standard trim comes with soft, fabric upholstery while the 3.6R limited trim is lined with leather. The interior is designed with high quality materials and comes with handy features in all of the trims. Standard features in the 2016 Outback include: a 6.2-inch touchscreen Starlink interface, rearview camera, Bluetooth phone and audio integration, full power integration, four-speaker sound system, Pandora and Aha radio streaming.
The next trim, the 2.5i Limited, adds a larger touchscreen display, heated seats and exterior mirrors and voice controls. The highest trim, the 3.6R, adds Xenon headlights and a six-cylinder engine on top of the 2.5i Limited features.
The upgraded six-cylinder engine on the 3.6R trim boasts 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The stronger engine causes a lower, but not terrible, fuel economy rated at 20 city and 27 highway mpg than the standard engine. The standard Outback engine has 2.5 liters and four cylinders, which pump out 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The fuel economy for the standard trim is 25 city and 33 highway mpg.
Not only is the Outback comfortable with a great performance, but it also is loaded with both standard and optional safety features. The Limited trim includes with blind spot monitoring and a rear cross traffic alert system. The Outback also boasts remarkable visibility.
These standard and optional features have earned the Outback a five out of five rating in government crash ratings and a “Superior” rating for frontal collision from the IIHS.
The 2016 Subaru Outback has added a few new features from the previously remodeled 2015 model such as the improved suspension. The best aspects of the Outback, however, are its comfort and roominess. You can comfortably seat five while also having a plentiful amount of cargo room for everyone’s belongings. The 2016 Subaru Outback is a spacious and comfortable capable of taking on the city as well as the off roads.
The MSRP for the 2016 Subaru Outback is $24,995.
