2016 Subaru Outback
The 2016 Subaru Outback is a compact SUV, rated at 28 MPG combined by the EPA, with a 5-star NHTSA overall safety rating. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.

- Combined MPG
- 28
- NHTSA safety
- Starting price
- $30,000
- Recalls
- 4
Watch: Outback reviews
Full specifications
Identity
SRC · NHTSA vPIC| Make | Subaru |
|---|---|
| Model | Outback |
| Model year | 2016 |
| Vehicle class | Compact SUV |
Engine & drivetrain
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Displacement | 2.5 L |
|---|---|
| Cylinders | 4 |
| Transmission | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City MPG | 25 |
|---|---|
| Highway MPG | 32 |
| Combined MPG | 28 |
| CO₂ tailpipe | 319 g/mi |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2200 |
Available configurations
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| Outback AWD | 28 MPG combined |
|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 22 MPG combined |
Fuel economy
SRC · EPA FuelEconomy| City | 25 MPG |
|---|---|
| Highway | 32 MPG |
| Combined | 28 MPG |
Efficiency vs class average
About 13% below the class average.
- Amount financed
- $27,000
- Total interest
- $4,697
Partner offers · may earn us a commission
≈ $1,436/yr · 12,000 mi/yr · $3.35/gal
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Cost to own
Estimate monthly payments and 5-year fuel cost using the tools in the sidebar. Figures use EPA fuel economy and current U.S. energy prices from EIA.
Safety ratings & recalls
SRC · NHTSA vPIC- Overall
- Frontal crash
- Side crash
- Rollover
Recalls (4)
- AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE19V910000 · 2019-12-19
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Outback vehicles. A replacement air bag control module may have been installed that is not compatible with the passenger air bag module, possibly affecting air bag deployment.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger air bag module, free of charge. The recall began February 3, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUX-09.
- STEERING:COLUMN16V292000 · 2016-05-11
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT15V502000 · 2015-08-10
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall began on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.
- POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT15V794000 · 2015-11-24
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016 Legacy vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 16, 2015, and Outback vehicles manufactured October 24, 2015, to November 17, 2015. Due to the improper tightening of the securing nuts, the drive shaft may separate from the rear differential.
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will inspect the fastening nuts, and tighten or replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on December 10, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-856-488-8500. Subaru's number for this recall is WQV-57.
Compare with rivals
All model years
Frequently asked questions
What is the MPG of the 2016 Subaru Outback?
The 2016 Subaru Outback is EPA-rated at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 32 highway).
Is the 2016 Subaru Outback reliable?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2016 Subaru Outback. Recalls are repaired free of charge by the manufacturer — verify any open recalls by VIN before purchase.
How safe is the 2016 Subaru Outback?
The 2016 Subaru Outback earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating, including 5 stars in the frontal crash test.
How much does it cost to fuel the 2016 Subaru Outback?
At 12,000 miles per year, the 2016 Subaru Outback costs roughly $1,436 per year to fuel, or about $7,179 over 5 years at current U.S. energy prices.
What type of vehicle is the 2016 Subaru Outback?
The 2016 Subaru Outback is classified as a compact suv. Common rivals in this class are worth comparing on price, MPG, and safety.
Sources: NHTSA vPIC · EPA FuelEconomy · NHTSA vPIC