Fresh from redesigns in 2015, Subaru has given minor updates to the 2016 model year Outback and Legacy and has announced pricing for each before they arrive at dealers this summer.
The 2016 Subaru Legacy will start from $22,540 including destination while the 2016 Subaru Outback pricing will start at $25,845.
For 2016, Subaru has added its new Subaru Starlink Safety and Security to both the Legacy and Outback. If you opt for either the Premium or Limited trim, you’ll gain SOS Emergency Assistance, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and Diagnostic Alert.
For a few extra bucks, Starlink Safety Plus & Security Plus Package adds Stolen Vehicle Recovery Service, Vehicle Security Alarm Notification, Remote Lock/Unlock, Remote Horn and Lights and Remote Vehicle Locator. As you can probably tell by the names of these features, they’re definitely reactive safety systems, not proactive avoidance systems like automatic braking or lane departure warning systems.
Under the hood, all remains unchanged from the 2015 model year, meaning the 2016 Outback can be had with either a 2.5-liter boxer four-cylinder paired with a CVT transmission or a more gutsy 3.6 liter six-cylinder motor with 256 horsepower on tap. The four-pot achieves 25 mpg in the city and 33 highway.
The Legacy borrows the Outback’s base motor, with 175 hp and marginally better fuel economy ratings, at 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway when matched with the CVT.
The only other change worth noting for 2016 is that the Japanese automaker has tweaked the electric power steering system to “provide an even more linear and natural feel”. Well Subie, wouldn’t a more “natural feel” come from a manual steering rack? Yes, yes, the automotive world has changed and there’s no going back, but a man can dream.
