Why 2016 Subaru Outback is named “Best Buy” 7 years running

The 2016 Subaru Outback is named a “Best Buy” for the seventh straight year. What keeps Outback on the annual list?

The 2016 Subaru Outback is named to the Canadian Car Guide’s (Le Guide de l’auto) annual Best Buys list for the seventh straight year. The Outback tops the Mid-Size SUV under $50,000 category again.

To make the Best Buys list in itself is a good achievement, but the SUV-alternative Outback getting the award for the seventh consecutive year, speaks volumes about its enduring core values of utility, all-wheel-drive and safety. It’s what Subaru has carved out in their niche market of multi-purpose vehicles. Owners will use their Outback for many uses during the week.

Car Guide (Le Guide de l’auto) has been the largest automobile publication in Quebec for 49 years and cars are judged in at least nine areas. To get a Best Buy award, judges use strict criteria in the categories of price, styling, fuel consumption, comfort, performance, maintenance costs, daily drivability, reliability and resale value among many others. After independent evaluations take place, an editorial consensus is made to determine category winners.

2016 Outback gets enhancements like new auto on/off mode that operates the windshield wipers with the headlights. Subaru engineers also retuned the electric power-assist steering to provide “an even more linear and natural feel.” 2016 Outback also gets new infotainment and safety upgrades. Outback retains its excellent off-road characteristics, but gets a bit more civilized in the process.

Outback isn’t the only Subaru vehicle to get recognized by Car Guide. The Japanese automaker has three others that received high marks. Subaru's WRX, XV Crosstrek and Impreza also were honorable mentions this year. Shiro Ohta, chairman, president and CEO of Subaru Canada said, “For the seventh year in a row we are grateful to receive this award and with three other Subaru models placing well in their respective categories it proves how this knowledgeable group of automotive journalists think highly of Subaru products, as do more and more Canadians.”

The fifth-generation Outback comes with a roomier interior, a more capable chassis and higher fuel efficiency. It also comes with a new updated design with an enhanced AWD system and its quieter than ever. The 2016 Subaru Outback wagon gets new refinements that keep it on the Best Buy list for seven years running.