The 2016 Subaru Outback 2.5i Premium is essentially the 'Swiss Army Knife' of the automotive world. It?s not quite a rugged SUV, and it?s more than a standard station wagon?it?s the vehicle for people who want to look like they?re headed to a trailhead even when they're just going to the grocery store.
Here is a breakdown of what makes this specific trim and year a standout choice in the used market.
The Essentials
The '2.5i Premium' sits in the sweet spot of the 2016 lineup. It avoids the Spartan feel of the base model while keeping the price lower than the leather-clad Limited or the gas-thirsty 3.6R six-cylinder.
Engine: 2.5L 4-Cylinder Boxer engine
Horsepower: 175 hp
Drivetrain: Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (Standard)
Transmission: Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Ground Clearance: 8.7 inches (Higher than many dedicated SUVs)
Why People Love This Year
The 2016 model year benefited from being the second year of the fifth generation. Subaru ironed out the first-year kinks of the 2015 redesign and upgraded the tech.
1. The 'Goldilocks' Features
The Premium trim added several 'must-haves' that the base model lacked:
All-Weather Package: Heated seats, heated side mirrors, and a windshield wiper de-icer (a lifesaver in snowy climates).
Upgraded Infotainment: A 7-inch Starlink touchscreen that felt significantly more modern than previous iterations.
Dual-Zone Climate Control: No more fighting with your passenger over the temperature.
2. Safety & Visibility
Subaru?s 'EyeSight' Driver Assist technology was an available option for this trim in 2016. It included adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking. Even without EyeSight, the visibility in an Outback is legendary; the pillars are thin, and the greenhouse is large, meaning you actually know what?s happening in your blind spots.
3. Utility
With 73.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, it rivals many mid-sized SUVs. The integrated roof rack rails are a stroke of genius?the crossbars swing out when you need them and tuck into the rails when you don't to improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise.
The 'Real Talk' (Considerations)
While the Outback is a fan favorite, it isn't perfect. If you're looking at buying one today, keep these things in mind:
The CVT Experience: The transmission is tuned for fuel efficiency, not 'zip.' If you?re trying to pass someone on a steep mountain grade, the engine will roar, but the acceleration will be... patient.
Infotainment Quirks: While the 2016 screen was an upgrade, it doesn't support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto (that didn't arrive until 2018). You?re stuck with Subaru?s native interface or Bluetooth.
Oil Consumption: Some 2.5L engines from this era are known to go through oil a bit faster than expected. It?s always smart to check the dipstick every few fill-ups.
The Verdict
The 2016 Outback 2.5i Premium is the ultimate 'sensible' car. It?s safe, it?s cavernous, and it handles dirt roads and snowstorms with a level of confidence that puts some 'rugged' trucks to shame. It?s a vehicle designed for a lifestyle, not just a commute.
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