Finding a Head Unit Replacement for Your 2016 Outback

A head unit replacement for a 2016 Subaru Outback means swapping out the factory radio and infotainment system with an aftermarket unit — usually one with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or a larger touchscreen than the original. The 2016 Outback uses a single-DIN opening (a standard rectangular slot about 2 inches tall), which means most aftermarket units will fit, but you'll need a dash kit to fill the extra space and look finished.

Your first step is to decide between doing the work yourself or having a shop handle it. A DIY installation takes 1 to 3 hours if you're comfortable with basic tools and electrical connectors. A professional installation at a car audio shop, Best Buy, or Subaru dealership typically costs $100 to $300 in labor, plus the price of the head unit itself. Dealership work costs more but uses Subaru-specific parts and won't void your warranty if it's still active.

To find shops near you, search "car audio installation near me" or "head unit installation [your city]" in Google Maps. Call ahead and ask if they stock 2016 Outback dash kits — some shops order them, which adds a week to the timeline. Best Buy's Geek Squad can install most aftermarket units same-day if you buy from them, though availability varies by location.

Key Takeaways

  • A 2016 Outback head unit slot is single-DIN, so most aftermarket units fit, but you need a dash kit to fill the gap and look professional.
  • Professional installation at a car audio shop or Best Buy runs $100 to $300 in labor, while DIY takes 1 to 3 hours with basic tools.
  • Call shops ahead to confirm they have the 2016 Outback dash kit in stock, because ordering adds a week to the job.
  • You'll need the factory radio removal tool (a U-shaped metal piece) or a shop can provide one; some head units come with it.

What Head Units Fit a 2016 Outback

The 2016 Outback's factory opening is single-DIN, which is the industry standard for most aftermarket head units. This means you have hundreds of options from brands like Sony, Alpine, Kenwood, Pioneer, and Clarion. The most common choice is a 6.5-inch or 7-inch touchscreen unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which typically costs $200 to $600 depending on features and brand.

Before you buy, check the depth of the unit you're considering. The 2016 Outback's dash has limited space behind the radio opening, and some larger touchscreen units won't fit without modification. Most shops can tell you the maximum depth allowed — usually around 6 to 7 inches. If you're buying online, read the product specs carefully or contact the seller's support line with your vehicle year and model.

You'll also need a dash kit, which is a plastic frame that fills the gap between the single-DIN opening and the larger dash opening. Metra and Scosche make kits specifically for the 2016 Outback; they cost $20 to $50 and come with instructions. Some shops include the dash kit in their labor price, so ask when you call.

Wiring and Connector Compatibility

The 2016 Outback uses a standard ISO connector for the head unit, which is the same plug most aftermarket units accept. However, Subaru also has a steering wheel control interface, which means if you want to keep using your steering wheel buttons to change volume or skip tracks, you'll need a steering wheel control adapter. These adapters cost $15 to $40 and plug between the factory harness and the new head unit.

If you're having a shop do the work, ask them to include the steering wheel control adapter in the quote — it's a common add-on that many customers forget about. Without it, your steering wheel buttons won't work with the new head unit, and you'll have to use the touchscreen or physical buttons instead.

The factory Subaru harness also includes a backup camera wire if your 2016 Outback has a rear camera. Most aftermarket head units have a backup camera input, so the shop can wire this in during installation. If your new head unit doesn't have this input, the camera will stop working unless you add an aftermarket camera module.

DIY Installation Steps

If you're installing the head unit yourself, you'll need a screwdriver set, a panel removal tool (plastic pry tool), the factory radio removal tool, and wire strippers. Start by disconnecting the negative battery terminal to avoid electrical shorts. Then remove the trim panel around the radio — it usually clips in and pops out with gentle pressure from the panel removal tool.

Next, use the factory radio removal tool to release the factory head unit from its mounting bracket. The tool slides into slots on either side of the radio and pulls it forward. Once it's out, disconnect the ISO harness and any other connectors behind it. If your Outback has a backup camera, note which wire it is before you disconnect anything.

Install the new head unit by reversing these steps: connect the ISO harness first, then any steering wheel control adapter, then the backup camera wire if applicable. Slide the new unit into the mounting bracket and find it with the screws that come with your new head unit. Reinstall the trim panel, reconnect the battery, and test all functions before you close everything up.

Choosing Between DIY and Professional Installation

DIY installation makes sense if you're comfortable working with car electronics and have the right tools. The main risk is damaging a connector or the wiring harness, which can be expensive to repair. If you've never done this before, a professional installation is worth the $100 to $300 cost for the peace of mind and warranty coverage.

Professional shops also handle complications faster — if your backup camera wire is damaged or your steering wheel controls need extra configuration, they know how to fix it. They also have the right tools to remove the factory radio without scratching your dash, which matters if you ever want to resell the car with the original head unit.

Best Buy's Geek Squad is a good middle ground if you're buying your head unit there anyway. They handle the installation same-day in most locations, and if something goes wrong, you can return to the same store. Subaru dealerships are the most expensive option but the safest if your vehicle is still under warranty.

Aftermarket Head Unit Features to Consider

The most common upgrade is adding Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which mirrors your phone's navigation, music, and messaging apps on the head unit's screen. This is standard on most units $300 and up. If you use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, CarPlay or Android Auto is worth the extra cost over a basic radio.

Bluetooth connectivity is now standard on almost all aftermarket units and lets you stream music and take calls wirelessly. Some units also include a built-in microphone for hands-free calling, though you can add an external microphone if your new unit doesn't have one.

Backup camera input is common but not universal — check the specs before you buy. If your 2016 Outback already has a factory backup camera, you want a head unit that can display it. Some units also support front and side cameras if you want to add those later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a new head unit work with my 2016 Outback's factory backup camera?

Yes, if your new head unit has a backup camera input. Most aftermarket units do, but check the product specs before you buy. The shop can wire the factory camera to the new unit during installation. If your head unit doesn't have this input, the camera stops working unless you add an aftermarket camera module.

Can I keep my steering wheel volume and track controls with a new head unit?

Yes, with a steering wheel control adapter. This small device plugs between the factory harness and the new head unit and costs $15 to $40. Most shops include it automatically, but ask when you call for a quote. Without it, your steering wheel buttons won't control the new head unit.

How long does a professional installation take?

Most shops complete a head unit installation in 1 to 2 hours. Best Buy's Geek Squad can often do it same-day if you buy the unit from them. If the shop has to order a dash kit or steering wheel adapter, add a week to the timeline. Call ahead to confirm they have the parts in stock.

What if I want to keep my factory head unit and just add CarPlay?

You can't upgrade the factory 2016 Outback head unit to add CarPlay — Subaru didn't design it for that. Your only option is to replace the entire head unit with an aftermarket one. Some people add a separate CarPlay device that sits on the dash, but this isn't as clean as a full replacement.

Do I need to reprogram anything after installation?

Most aftermarket head units work when ready after installation with no reprogramming needed. However, if you're keeping your steering wheel controls, the shop may need to configure the adapter to match your specific head unit model. Ask the shop if this is included in their labor or if there's an extra charge.