Subaru Legacy Summary
The Subaru Legacy is the longest-running nameplate in the Japanese automaker’s lineup. As the largest Subaru sedan, it excels at family duties, offering plenty of room front and back. Not only does it come with the brand’s famous all-wheel drive system, but it also includes a suite of advanced driver assist tech. Its low-key styling, however, probably isn’t for everyone.
The current model features four- and six-cylinder engines paired to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combo majors on fuel efficiency. Earlier generations offer up a sporty Subaru drive with turbocharged engines and manual transmissions.
Subaru Legacy Safety
The Subaru Legacy has consistently scored well in safety and crash tests over the years. Subaru’s entire range of four-door models earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick+ nod for 2019, and the Legacy is no exception. The current generation offers plenty of advanced safety features to keep you and your passengers secure, such as EyeSight®. This optional suite uses pre-collision braking assist to anticipate a potential frontal impact, lane departure warning to keep you from veering out of your lane, adaptive cruise control and more to identify and avoid potential risks.
Other standard safety features from models 2013 and onward include:
- Front-side and side-curtain airbags
- Anti-lock braking system (ABS) to ensure maximum braking performance in all conditions
- Traction control system (TCS), which detects slip at any wheel and applies the brakes to keep you pointed in the right direction
- Rearview camera (optional on 2014+ models)
Subaru Legacy Interior
With six generations spanning 30 years, the Legacy showcases a huge variety of interior colours and styles. Earlier models from the 90s to the early 2000s are simpler, with robust plastics and cloth seats, while later models have a more refined ambiance, with the option of leather seating. The Legacy’s large windows give it an airy-feeling interior—something the optional sunroof increases. Additional-cost options include:
- Heated rear seats (available on recent models)
- Rear seat climate controls
- Leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel
- Power-adjustable passenger seat
Subaru Legacy Technology
While a lot of the modern Legacy’s technology focuses on safety, it also offers plenty of creature comforts. An in-dash touchscreen has been standard for more than a decade, with many drivers praising the latest version for its easy-to-read graphics and speedy response times. Higher trim levels feature an 8-inch screen.
Older generations of the Legacy feature an audio system with AM/FM radio, a CD player, auxiliary input and SiriusXM.
Subaru Legacy Space
With a 2,750 mm wheelbase, the contemporary Legacy can happily fit a family and their luggage. Trunk size is a class-competitive 425 L. Earlier models have tighter accommodations for backseat passengers. However, older Legacies also came in a wagon format, improving cargo space.
Subaru Legacy Comfort
The Subaru Legacy sticks to the road, thanks to a combination of standard all-wheel drive and double-wishbone rear suspension. Some drivers find the current car lacking in oomph. This is compounded by the CVT transmission, which saps power versus a traditional gearbox, and it’s the only available transmission in the Legacy. Previous generations traded on Subaru’s rally-bred 4x4 history, with a strong turbocharged boxer engine paired with a six-speed manual. The rare 2.5GT Spec.B model (2006–2009) adds an SI-Drive rotary knob for drivers to select different levels of sportiness.
