Subaru of America, Inc. introduced the SUBARU STARLINK™ Safety and Security features and other enhancements for the 2016 Outback, the new-generation design of The World’s First Sports Utility Wagon® that debuted for 2015. A deft blend of confident design, standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, interior refinement, award-winning safety technology and exemplary fuel efficiency has helped push the Outback to new sales records.
The combination of Subaru’s acclaimed Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and standard Active Torque Vectoring gives Outback confident grip in all weather conditions. Standard X-Mode, Hill Descent Control and Hill Start Assist augment Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive to assist the driver in navigating rough roads, slippery surfaces or steep inclines.
In addition to the STARLINK Safety & Security features, the Outback received several other refinements for 2016. On all models, a new auto on/off mode operates the windshield wipers with the headlights. Subaru re-tuned the electric power-assist steering for all Legacy and Outback models to provide an even more linear and natural feel. In the 2015 redesign, the Outback Limited trims gained exclusive Stablex suspension dampers, and these have been further refined to reduce vibration over rough roads, especially those with washboard-texture concrete surfaces.
Four- and Six-Cylinder BOXER Engines
The Outback 2.5i is powered by a 175-horsepower double overhead camshafts (DOHC) 2.5-liter Boxer engine that produces 174 lb-ft. peak torque. It’s paired with a standard Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) with manual mode and paddle shifters. The combination achieves 25 MPG city/33 MPG highway EPA-estimated fuel economy ratings, among the highest for midsize crossovers with all-wheel drive. The CVT features with manual mode and paddle shifters. The Active Grille Shutter system helps to improve fuel economy by reducing wind resistance.
Safety Leader with Newly Enhanced EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology
Subaru’s renowned safety engineering uses the brand’s proven Ring-shaped Reinforcement Frame body structure, which has been shown to excel in all crash tests by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The available Subaru-developed EyeSight® system, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control, Automatic Pre-Collision Braking and Lane Departure and Sway Warning, adds a Lane Keep Assist function for 2016. Limited trims also feature the standard Blind Spot Detection / Rear Cross Traffic Alert system, which includes Lane Change Assist. The system is included with the EyeSight® option on the Premium. With EyeSight®, the 2015 Outback earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ rating.
Most Versatile Outback Ever
The Outback exemplifies Subaru’s mastery of outdoors-oriented vehicle engineering, not just for its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and 8.7-inch ground clearance, but also for numerous details that help make it more convenient to load and carry cargo, as well as items such as kayaks and bikes. Roof rails with integrated retractable crossbars are standard, and step-style doorsills allow a person to stand firmly when securing objects to them.
Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and X-Mode
The standard Active Torque Split version of Symmetrical AWD uses an electronically managed continuously variable transfer clutch to actively control torque distribution in response to driving conditions and wheel slippage. Taking input from acceleration, steering angle and yaw rate sensors, the system optimizes traction and steering response when accelerating through turns and curves, particularly when the road surface is slippery.
- Subaru Media
