Overview
Subaru has made its reputation by offering a good value proposition, with standard all-wheel drive across its lineup and targeting the highest possible safety ratings. It’s not surprising, then, that the company would follow this strategy with the Legacy as a way of helping it succeed in a highly competitive market segment. It’s one of the few sedans in its class to offer all-wheel drive for less than $30,000, and it earned the highest possible crash-test ratings from both U.S. agencies that do such testing. By other metrics, however, it struggles. Its performance on the track and during everyday driving fails to impress, the interior design and materials are dated, and several upscale features that have become common in other mass-market cars are missing from Subaru’s family sedan.
What’s New for 2018?
The Legacy is refreshed for 2018, with some exterior tweaks and a variety of changes to its interior, infotainment system, and safety equipment. Outside, there’s a lower and wider grille and a tailpipe newly integrated into the rear design. The Legacy’s chassis has also been tweaked for an improved and quieter ride. In keeping with Subaru’s safety-conscious image, the standard backup camera now includes gridlines that move when you turn the steering wheel, and adaptive headlamps are newly available.
Pricing
Original MSRP:
- Base: $23,055
- Premium: $25,155
- Sport: $27,205
- Limited: $29,955
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Legacy’s base horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine and continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) won’t set any pulses racing. The 175-hp 2.5-liter engine is on the low side of the class for power and doesn’t have the grunt to motivate the Legacy with anything approaching enthusiasm. And the 256-hp 3.6-liter flat-six, which also mates exclusively with a CVT, has many of the same problems as the car’s entry-level engine. The largest issue: despite its displacement and promising horsepower rating, the six-cylinder Legacy feels slow off the line. Nimble handling and a compliant ride are two standout characteristics of an otherwise mediocre driving experience. Unfortunately, an inscrutable helm and more body roll in corners than we’d prefer mean it’s not nearly as rewarding to drive as rivals like the Honda Accord or the Mazda 6.
Fuel Economy
EPA fuel-economy testing and reporting procedures have changed over time. For the latest numbers on current and older vehicles, visit the EPA’s website and select Find & Compare Cars.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
The Legacy’s interior was updated for 2018 with new materials, an all-new steering wheel, and minor tweaks to its information displays. With the entry-level model’s low base price, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that most desirable features, such as heated seats, leather upholstery, and dual-zone climate control cost extra in the Legacy. The sedans in this segment are all very similar in size and structure, so even though the Legacy falls on the low end of the scale for cargo room, it’s not far off from the best in the class. A cleverly designed center console makes for flexible in-cabin storage.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Subaru’s touchscreen infotainment system is easy to use, with large, colorful graphics and quick response times. The Legacy’s standard infotainment system consists of a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB port, and an auxiliary input jack. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is available and can be equipped with navigation and a premium Harman Kardon audio system. All trim levels except the base model come standard with four USB ports.
Safety Features and Crash Test Ratings
For more information about the Subaru Legacy’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.
Warranty
Some older vehicles are still eligible for coverage under a manufacturer’s Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) program. For more information visit our guide to every manufacturer’s CPO program.
