2020 Subaru Legacy
At the start of the 1990s, Subaru introduced the Legacy sedan and wagon for a new audience looking for a bigger car for families. It was turned out to be a huge success for Subaru, as it opened up a new chapter for the company.
Over the years, the Legacy would take a backseat to its wagon cousin. Subaru transformed their wagon into a rugged, do everything kind of vehicle – the Outback. Over the years, the Outback became Subaru’s most popular model in its lineup – even today.
The good news is that Subaru still offers the Legacy sedan. For 2020, it rides on Subaru’s newest Global Platform for the first time, offering the brand’s latest technology and engineering updates for their sedan.
But, does the new platform keep the Subaru Legacy in the mid-sized sedan game?
Some may look at the Subaru Legacy and would dismiss it as it is more an evolutionary design from the previous generation. It is, but you can definitely spot the changes. It rides on the same wheelbase as the previous model, but there is a bit more length this time around. However, you can see some cosmetic changes showing some sleekness and sharper lines compared to the last Legacy.
Our tester was the Limited model, which includes a set of 18-inch alloy wheels and additional driver assistance technology. Overall, the Legacy is a handsome package that be both unassuming and stylish at the same time.
Inside is where you will find the most dramatic change over the last generation model. It follows a trend for Subaru models to take a giant leap in terms of quality and ergonomics to engage its occupants. This is true with the new instrument panel, which includes an improved TFT information screen set in-between two large analog dials. The biggest news is right in the middle with the new 11.6-inch STARLINK infotainment screen. The screen is responsive and quick. Overall, the materials are of better quality than before, and the controls are good to the touch and easy to use.
The Limited model offers some sporty seating, with solid bolstering for front seat occupants. Power adjustments are available for rake, height, front cushion tilt, recline, and lumbar support. Rear seat room is quite good, though the roofline may be tight on headroom for taller people. The trunk is large for the class at 15.1 cubic feet. The rear seatbacks do fold down for longer cargo.
Another big news for the Legacy is the replacement of its horizontally-opposed (Boxer) six-cylinder engine for a new 260-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder motor for the XT models. Our tester had the standard 182-horsepower 2.5-liter Boxer four-cylinder engine, connected to a continuously variable transmission driving all four wheels. The engine and transmission are responsive and fluid, getting up to speed effortlessly. For fuel consumption, we averaged 27.3 MPG.
The ride quality is smooth, but we found some feedback from not-so-good road surfaces. There seems to be a bump noise coming from the rear double-wishbones that we were unsure what it might be. Handling is good and responsive, and cornering is very smooth. The brakes are solid with a lighter feel from the pedal. The Legacy stopped very well in normal and panic situations.
The steering system starts with a thick-rimmed wheel for the driver to work with. The turning radius is very good, although it tends to feel light on-center. There is a button on the steering wheel that helps hold the wheel within the lane, when the Adaptive Cruise Control is on. We found it to be a bit obtrusive and lacked correction when it is enabled.
Subaru’s EyeSight driver assistance system is actually very good in the way it keeps you on the road. Part of this system is the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. It scans the driver to make sure their eyes are on the road, as well as to pre-set your identity and your settings as you drive your Legacy.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy lineup starts at $22,745. Our Limited tester came with a sticker price of $32,690. There are six different trim levels to choose from in the Subaru Legacy lineup,, including two XT turbocharged models.
Eve with standard all-wheel-drive, the Legacy is constantly compared to by some of the leading passenger sedans sold in this country. The Legacy’s competitors include the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Ford Fusion, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Volkswagen Passat, Nissan Altima, and Chevrolet Malibu.
What makes the Subaru Legacy stand out above its competitors is how it delivers an improved experience through a unique driveline. This is the hallmark of a solid sedan made for all climates and conditions.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
