The Subaru Legacy is powered by one of two engine choices. The base engine is a 182 horsepower 2.5L 4-cylinder "boxer" engine, with the pistons arranged so that they are parallel to the ground, rather than perpendicular to it like in a traditional inline engine. This means a lower center of gravity and again, better vehicle handling without any compromise in ride quality. The optional engine is also a 4-cylinder "boxer," this one with slightly less displacement at 2.4L. However, it does have a turbocharger and thus makes 260 horsepower. Subaru uses a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) to send power to all-four wheels. Unlike a traditional automatic, the CVT transmission does not have set gears and is instead able to vary gear ratios on the fly, helping to offset the fuel economy penalty that comes with all-wheel drive. The 2022 Legacy is rated at 35 mpg highway and 27 mpg city with the base engine and 32 mpg highway and 24 mpg city with the turbocharged option.
There are six trim levels for the 2020 Subaru Legacy, base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT, with the XT badged cars utilizing Subaru's more powerful turbocharged engine.
Standard features on the base Legacy include 17-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, paddle shifters behind the steering wheel, keyless entry, dual front USB inputs, eight cup holders and Subaru's STARLINK multimedia system displayed through a 7.0-inch screen. Interesting safety features that come standard on the base Legacy include automatic high beams, a rearview camera, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, a lane keep assist function and forward collision mitigation.
Premium trim adds nicer 17-inch alloy wheels, body colored heated side mirrors, a 10-way power adjustable driver's seat, heated front seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a nicer stereo and a bigger 11.6-inch screen in the center console.
The Sport trim comes with 18-inch wheels, LED fog lights, integrated turn signals in the side mirrors, a trunk spoiler and cloth upholstery with contrasting stitching.
Limited and Limited XT models begin to knock on luxury car territory, offering leather trimmed seating surfaces, headlights that swivel with the steering wheel, power adjustable front seats, heated outboard rear seats, blind-spot detection and rear cross traffic alert, reverse automatic braking and a 576-watt-equivalent Harman Kardon premium sound system with 12 speakers.
Top of the line Touring models get auto-folding side mirrors, ventilated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery and a 180 degree front view monitor.
Comfortable, Spacious Interior
All-wheel Drive
Sleek Exterior Styling
Good Reputation For Reliability
Safety Features
The Subaru Legacy rolls into 2022 with minimal changes.
The Subaru Legacy is a mid-sized car, competing with some of the best selling cars in America such as the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord. Those cars however are front-wheel drive, while the Legacy comes standard with all-wheel drive, giving a distinct advantage to the Subaru for anyone who lives where it snows or even frequently rains. In addition, the Subaru Legacy actually undercuts its two main competitors with a lower base price.
