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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $18,920–$25,404 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2016 Subaru Legacy is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.3/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.2/10, while Technology at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.9/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 8.2/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.5/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.0/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $18,920–$25,404, 22 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Legacy sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. At 7.6/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2016 Subaru Legacy sits in the middle of the field. Until its performance and technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 Subaru Legacy ranks #802 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 39% of the segment. Its 7.3/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $18,920 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 32%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2014 Subaru Legacy scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2016's 7.3 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.8/10 | $25,641 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.7/10 | $24,895 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.6/10 | $24,148 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.6/10 | $23,401 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.6/10 | $22,654 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $21,907 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $21,160 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.4/10 | $20,413 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $19,667 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.3/10 | $18,920 | |
| 2015 | 7.2/10 | $18,173 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 7.1/10 | $15,749 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft 24/11/2015 · 15V794000 | 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… |
|---|---|
| Steering / Column 11/05/2016 · 16V292000 | 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… |
| Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft 10/08/2015 · 15V502000 | 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. |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Subaru models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
