2016 Subaru Legacy — Full Specifications
As an Amazon Associate and CJ Affiliate and AWIN publisher we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links.
Running gear matters most — before anything else, UK: check tyre prices at TirendoUS: check wheel & tyre prices at WheelHero for this car's fitment.
The 2016 Subaru Legacy is a saloon/sedan offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) / 29 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 28–35 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a Subaru Legacy workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 Subaru Legacy: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 35 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2.5L 4-cyl |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2.5L 4-cyl · 3.6L 6-cyl |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (AV-S6) |
| Fuel Type | Regular Gasoline |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | Saloon/Sedan |
| Passenger Volume (EPA) | 105 cu ft (2,973 L) |
| Luggage Volume (EPA) | 15 cu ft (425 L) |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 35 combined / 31 urban / 42 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 29 combined / 26 city / 35 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 188 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 7 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $2,300 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 2 configurations for the 2016 Subaru Legacy across 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl). Combined fuel economy ranges from 23 to 29 mpg (US), or 28 to 35 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 35 | 29 (26/35) | 188 | $2,300 |
| 3.6L 6-cyl | Automatic (AV-S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 23 (20/28) | 240 | $2,900 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 105 cubic feet (about 2,973 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures; they are measured differently from the boot capacity numbers UK manufacturers quote.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 Subaru Legacy
Running Costs: 2016 Subaru Legacy
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 Subaru Legacy at 35 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,039 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 Subaru Legacy Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Subaru Legacy (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (2), Steering (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Steering — campaign 16V292000, reported 11 May 2016. Risk: The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.
- Power train — campaign 15V794000, reported 24 November 2015. Risk: If the drive shaft detaches from the rear differential, it may strike the fuel tank and result in a fuel leak, increasing the risk of a fire.
- Power train — campaign 15V502000, reported 10 August 2015. Risk: If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.
Owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Subaru Legacy. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (51), Unspecified (41), Visibility/wiper (17). Complaints include 9 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 104 complaints across the 16 Subaru Legacy model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 Subaru Legacy
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Electrical system (51 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Steering (1 recall campaign · 16 owner complaints) — Check for play, noise or heavy steering, and ask whether any steering recall work was done.
- Visibility (17 owner complaints) — Check wipers, washers and demisters work properly.
- Transmission & drivetrain (2 recall campaigns) — On the test drive, watch for hesitation, jerking or slipping between gears and ask for transmission service history.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
Subaru models in our database average about 33 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2016 Subaru Legacy's 35 mpg is 2 mpg above that make average. Its 188 g/km CO₂ figure is 18 g/km lower than the 206 g/km Subaru average.
Of the 16 Subaru Legacy model years we cover, the 2016 ranks 7th for combined fuel economy on its best configuration (35 mpg UK combined, against a high of 36 mpg). See every Subaru Legacy year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 Subaru Legacy
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2016 Subaru Legacy: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2.5L 4-cyl with a automatic (av-s6).
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 Subaru Legacy?
The most efficient configuration returns around 35 mpg (UK) combined, or 29 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 28 to 35 mpg.
How much does the 2016 Subaru Legacy cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $2,300 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 Subaru Legacy (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Power train (2), Steering (1). 1 campaign carried a “do not drive” or “park outside” advisory. A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 Subaru Legacy?
Among the 147 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (51 complaints), Unspecified (41 complaints), Visibility/wiper (17 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
How much interior and luggage space does the 2016 Subaru Legacy have?
EPA measures interior passenger volume at 105 cubic feet (about 2,973 litres) and luggage volume at 15 cubic feet (about 425 litres). These are US EPA interior-volume figures, which are measured differently from the UK boot-capacity numbers manufacturers quote.