Test Vehicle’s MSRP: $35,095 (Base Model: $23,645)
Seating Capacity: 5
Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a rearview camera; a brake assist system; a brake override system; daytime running lights; automatic headlights with windshield wipers; a hill hold assist feature; an incline assist feature; an automatic on/off headlights with windshield wiper system; an electronic brake distribution system; an EyeSight Assist Monitor system; and a tire pressure monitoring system
Limited XT (Review Model): 18-inch wheels; leather seats; power memory operated driver’s seat with a manual leg extender; heated rear seats; a heated leather steering wheel; a driver focus distraction mitigation system; a heads up display system; a reverse automatic braking system; all-weather package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer); 12-volt outlet in the rear seat; automatic dimming rearview mirror; a blind spot electronic braking system with lane change assist; a rear cross traffic alert system; dual tailpipe outlets; a dual zone automatic climate control system; an keyless ignition starter system; a power moonroof; automatic height adjustment headlights; SiriusXM radio; a navigation system; and a 12-inch touchscreen-like infotainment system
Options: none
Other Trim Levels:
Premium
Sport
Limited
Touring
Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an AM/FM/CD/HD audio system
Bluetooth Connectivity: Yes
USB Connectivity: Yes
Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.5-liter, 4-cylinder/175-hp
Recommended Fuel: Regular
Standard Fuel Mileage: 24-city/36-hwy
Why: Just as Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and Ford has steered clear from producing midsize vehicles, Subaru has stayed in the game, with its more premium-like and slightly larger Legacy, which rides on the brand’s all-new global platform.
The evolutionary styling of the all-wheel drive midsize sedan continues to be powered by the brand’s 2.5liter, 4-cylinder engine and an all-new 2.4-liter, 260-horsepower engine. Our test vehicle was outfitted with Subaru’s all-new smooth-shifting 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, which produced 260-horsepower.
The last time we spent time behind the wheel of a Subaru was in 2017. With the current generation Legacy, Subaru seemed to have addressed a lot of our concerns. The passenger volume inside the cabin of the Japanese designed and built vehicle has slightly increased. The rear legroom has been enhanced too, making it feel more like a midsize sedan, when compared to the outgoing model.
Moreover, we found that the new Legacy is more refined, offering plusher, supportive seats, especially with the manually operated driver’s side leg extender. Also the interior design team deserves a ten out of ten with the layout of the instrument panel, as well as the supersized touchscreen navigation system. The redesign supersized infotainment screens operates like an i-pad. With the new system, one can adjust everything from the heated seats to the audio system to turning-on-and-off some of the driver distraction systems.
This year’s model is also available with an in-vehicle Wi-Fi system. This has to be the most high tech Legacy built today and a heads up display system.
Lastly, the all-new Legacy is available with the latest safety driving aids too, ranging from a Distraction Mitigation System, which can identify signs of driver fatigue to a radar-activated cruise control system.
But: While the styling of the all-new Subaru hasn’t evolved to a more contemporary design with a fastback roofline like the Hyundai Sonata, from the naked eye the current exterior design looks like the vehicle it replaced.
Also Subaru can no longer tout that they’re the only all-wheel drive midsize vehicle in the segment. Both Hyundai and Nissan have followed suit with their restyled sedan.
Lastly, while we’re smitten with the user friendly, feature-rich infotainment system, we were unable to access the real-time traffic update for the city we were based in. Unfortunately, we were only able to access select preprogrammed markets.
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Verdict: This has got to be the best Subaru Legacy we’ve driven. The new 2.4-liter engine doesn’t seem sluggish and underpowered. The vehicle received a top tier interior update and we’re just over the moon with the supportive, but luxurious seating. While the exterior styling still resembles the model it replaced, this is one midsize vehicle that’s seems to edge out many of its competitors in terms of the quality of the ride and the overall layout of the vehicle.
Competition: Chevy Malibu; Hyundai Sonata; Kia Optima; Mazda6; Nissan Altima; VW Passat; and Toyota Camry
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