Overall Rating
Updated on: July 5, 2021
Automotive Journalist
Subaru Legacy can be thought as an underdog in the highly competitive entry level sedan segment. The standard symmetrical all-wheel- drive is an added benefit which is best in class. It is loaded with features and cruises comfortably on highways with very less road noise.
Standard all-wheel drive
Excellent safety
Outward visibility
Intuitive infotainment system
Underpowered base engines
Fuel economy
Dated design
Abrupt throttle
Dodge renamed their trim lineup for ChargerRear view camera and rear parking sensors are standard on all Chargers
Vehicle images are guides only and may not reflect the model's exact specifications/features– exact specifications/features should be confirmed with the seller.
Features
Engine and Performance
Fuel Economy
Interior
Exterior
Safety
Competition
6.7
OVERALL RATING
Overall Rating
Under the hood the Legacy is equipped with 2.5-liter flat-4 producing 175 horsepower and an optional 247-hp flat-6. The powertrain is mated to a smooth 6-speed continuously variable transmission (CVT) that makes the most of what’s on tap. Even with its standard all-wheel drive, the Legacy earns decent fuel-economy.
7.0/10
Features
5.0/10
Engine and Performance
5.0/10
Fuel Economy
8.4/10
Interior
5.0/10
Exterior
9.0/10
Safety
6.0/10
Competition
The Legacy is offered in four trim levels: A base-level 2.5i model, a mid-level Premium model, the Sport, a 2.5i Limited version and a 3.6R limited version. The 2.5i, Sport, Premium and limited models only use the sedan's 4-cylinder engine while the 3.6R is offered with a 6 -cylinder engine. The 2020 Subaru Legacy starts at around $22,195, which is below average for the class. The top-of-the-line 3.6R Limited trim is $31,945. All-wheel drive and a continuously variable automatic transmission are standard.
|
Trims |
2.5 i |
2.5 i |
2.5i Sport |
2.5 I Limited |
3.6 R Limited |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$ 22,195 |
$ 24,295 |
$26,345 |
$29,095 |
$ 31,945 |
|
Key Features |
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive |
Available Eyesight Driver Assist Technology |
18-inch alloy wheels |
12-speaker 576-watt-equivalent Harman Kardon premium audio system |
256-hp SUBARU BOXER engine |
|
|
SUBARU STARLINK Multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto |
10-way power driver's seat |
Keyless Access with Push-Button Start |
Leather-trimmed upholstery |
LED Steering Responsive Headlights (SRH) |
|
Active Torque Vectoring Vehicle Dynamics Control |
17-inch aluminum-alloy wheel |
Two-tone interior upholstery |
Blind-Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert Keyless Access with Push-Button Start |
Dual exhaust outlets | |
|
DOHC 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER engine Bluetooth with USB and iPod control capability |
All-Weather Package w/ heated front seats SUBARU STARLINK Safety and Security Available power moonroof |
Sport grille and rocker spoilers with chrome accents Power Moonroof Rear spoiler |
“The 2020 Subaru Legacy is no thrill machine, but this under-the-radar mid-size sedan is hard to beat for its comfort, safety, and value.” - car connection
Subaru Legacy comes with a horizontally opposed 2.5 liter DOHC 16 valve 4 cylinder which pumps out 175 bhp and 174-pound-feet of torque. The acceleration is languished but enough for city driving. People who crave power can opt for the 3.6 liters 6 cylinder which generates 256 hp and 246-pound-feet of torque. Asymmetrical AWD system is standard on all the variants
Every powertrain is mated to a 6 -speed automatic transmission. It shifts seamlessly and doesn’t make any weird noise on higher rpm’s. The throttle response is quick and the transmission makes most out of the power.
|
Models |
Subaru Legacy |
Nissan Sentra Sedan |
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE |
Toyota Corolla L Sedan |
Honda Civic LX Sedan |
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MSRP |
$22,195 |
$17,790 |
$20,240 |
$18,100 |
$18,700 |
$20,250 |
$20,240 |
$18,870 |
|
Engine |
2.5L DOHC 16 Valve 4-Cylinder |
Regular Unleaded I-4, 1.8 L |
1.4L Turbo Inline 4 |
2.0 L inline-four |
1.8 L inline-four |
2.0 L inline-four |
2.0 L inline-four |
1.4L Turbo Inline 4 |
|
Transmission |
6-Speed Automatic |
6-Speed Manual |
8 Speed Automatic |
6-speed Automatic |
CVT |
CVT |
6-speed Auto |
6 Speed Automatic |
|
Horsepower |
175 hp |
130hp @ 6000rpm |
147hp@5000 rpm |
147hp @ 6200 rpm |
132hp @ 6000 rpm |
158hp @ 6500 rpm |
155hp @ 6000 rpm |
153hp@5600rpm |
|
Torque |
174 lb-ft |
128lb.-ft @ 3600rpm |
184lb.-ft@1400 rpm |
132 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm |
128 lb-ft@4400rpm |
138 lb.-ft @ 4200 rpm |
150 lb.-ft. @4000 rpm |
177lb.-ft@2000-4000 |
Acceleration
The 2.5- liter produces 175 hp which takes 8.6 to reach 60 mph from a standstill. Legacy feels sluggish off the line. The driver can manually shift with the optional shifters but it hardly does something to make the engine lively. The six-cylinder powertrain is a definite bump for acceleration runs.
|
Models |
Subaru Legacy |
Nissan Sentra Sedan |
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE |
Toyota Corolla L Sedan |
Honda Civic LX Sedan |
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
0-60 MPH(sec) |
8.6 sec |
9.5 |
7.7 |
8.3 |
9.4 |
8.2 |
8.0 |
7.7 |
|
Quarter mile(sec) |
15.3 sec |
17.4 |
NA |
16.4 |
17.2 |
16.3 |
16.2 |
16.3 |
|
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year) |
2.5L |
5.9 |
5.2 |
10.2 |
9.8 |
8.4 |
11.2 |
5.6 |
|
Curb Weight (lb..) |
6.0 |
2866 |
2959 |
2767 |
2840 |
2742 |
2899 |
2870 |
The prime reason for the superb handling of the Legacy is its “Boxer” engine. This setting allows the engine to sit lower than conventional V formation powertrain. Low center of gravity results in less body leans on curves. An all-wheel-drive system which features Active Torque Vectoring is standard. This liked attribute of Legacy is permanently engaged at all times, meaning all four wheels are constantly at work keeping the car planted in every situation.
Newly refined materials and increased sound-deadening measures have been added, while a new steering wheel gives the driver an even better feel for the road ahead. The Legacy’s compliant ride and all-wheel drive are two standout characteristics of an otherwise average driving experience. People living in snowy weather condition and the countryside will love this Subie.
The brakes of the legacy do not have a strong bite, though they are easy to modulate. The pedal travel is small and spongy but it comes to a smooth stop in an emergency situation. It takes 179 feet to stop from 60 mph which is acceptable.
|
Models |
Subaru Legacy |
Nissan Sentra Sedan |
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE |
Toyota Corolla L Sedan |
Honda Civic LX Sedan |
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brake Front (in.) |
11.6 |
11 |
11.5 |
10.3 |
10.8 |
10.2 |
10.7 |
10.8 |
|
Brake Rear (in.) |
11.8 |
9 |
10.8 |
9.7 |
9.1 |
9.8 |
9.5 |
10.4 |
|
70-0 MPH (ft.) |
179 |
122(60-0MPH) |
191 |
182 |
183 |
180 |
179 |
110(60-0MPH) |
The 2020 Subaru Legacy offers two engines, both of which are mated to a standard 7 speed CVT. In spite of being an all-wheel-drive car, the five-passenger sedan is relatively fuel efficient when compared to front wheel drive sedans. It delivers 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway which is tremendous. Individuals opting for the six-cylinder variant, remember that you will get around 20/28 mpg on city and highway respectively.
|
Models |
Subaru Legacy |
Nissan Sentra Sedan |
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE |
Toyota Corolla L Sedan |
Honda Civic LX Sedan |
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
MPG (city) |
25 |
27 |
30 |
28 |
28 |
32 |
27 |
30 |
|
MPG (highway) |
34 |
35 |
39 |
37 |
35 |
42 |
36 |
39 |
|
MPG (combined) |
29 |
30 |
34 |
32 |
31 |
36 |
30 |
33 |
|
Fuel Tank Capacity(Gal.) |
13.4 |
13.2 |
13.2 |
14 |
13.2 |
12.39 |
13.2 |
13.7 |
The new Legacy is more refined and sophisticated from the inside than ever before. The passenger cabin is one of the most spacious in its class. A large group of amenities will keep your travelers in comfort mode for the whole voyage.
The front seats boast enhanced lumbar support and tilt-adjustable headrests, they are covered with soft and high-quality cloth. Door and center armrests have thick padding. Legacy has enough legroom for rear passengers, although the seatback rake is a bit upright. Slim roof pillars account for greater outward visibility and the cabin is really quiet on higher rpm’s.
|
Models |
Subaru Legacy |
Nissan Sentra Sedan |
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE |
Toyota Corolla L Sedan |
Honda Civic LX Sedan |
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Passenger capacity |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
5 |
|
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
104.6 |
39.4/54.7/42.5 |
38.5/55.9/41.1 |
38.8/56.2/42.3 |
38.3/54.8/42.3 |
39.3/57.0/37.1 |
38.3/54.8/42.3 |
38.9/54.8/42 |
|
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.) |
40.0/58.1/42.9 |
36.7/53.9 |
37.2/54/37.4 |
37.3/55.0/35.7 |
37.1/55.0/37.4 |
37.1/55.0/37.4 |
37.6/54.4/35.8 |
37.3/53.7/36.1 |
The 2020 Subaru legacy comes with a Starlink infotainment system and a standard 6.5-inch infotainment screen, Bluetooth, a USB port, and an auxiliary input jack. An 8.0-inch touchscreen is available and can be equipped with navigation. Other convenience features include:
The entry-level sedan falls on the low end of the scale for cargo room. Still, it is generous enough for 6 carryon luggage. Legacy has 15 cubic feet of cargo space and the rear seats can be lowered to accommodate more belongings. Also, there are numerous pockets and compartment to store your articles.
|
Models |
Subaru Legacy |
Nissan Sentra Sedan |
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE |
Toyota Corolla L Sedan |
Honda Civic LX Sedan |
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Cargo Capacity (lb..) |
15.0 |
15.1 |
14.1 |
14.4 |
13.0 |
15.2 |
12.4 |
14.8 |
"The Legacy is priced in line with such popular front-drive models as the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. And while the Legacy's handsome styling isn't groundbreaking, we feel it falls right in line with popular sedans such as the Ford Fusion and Hyundai Sonata." - Autotrader
The revived Subaru Legacy received a slight makeover last year. The upgraded front grille, updated fog light covers, and more extensive lower front fascia make a sportier look. The hawk-eyed headlights look stunning in the night. The trunk lip spoiler and overhauled rear fascia complete things off liberally. The steeply raked windshield and roadster like roofline make an appealing silhouette but it remains on the conservative end of the midsize-sedan styling spectrum.
|
Models |
Subaru Legacy |
Nissan Sentra Sedan |
Volkswagen Jetta S Sedan |
Hyundai Elantra Sedan SE |
Toyota Corolla L Sedan |
Honda Civic LX Sedan |
Mazda 3 Sport Sedan |
Chevrolet Cruze Sedan L |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Curb weight (lb..) |
3514 |
2866 |
2767 |
2844 |
2840 |
2724 |
2899 |
2870 |
|
Length(in) |
188.8 |
182.6 |
185.1 |
181.9 |
183.1 |
182.3 |
180.3 |
183.7 |
|
Width(in) |
72.4 |
69.3 |
70.8 |
70.9 |
69.9 |
70.8 |
70.7 |
70.5 |
|
Height(in) |
59.0 |
58.9 |
57.4 |
56.5 |
57.3 |
55.7 |
57.3 |
57.4 |
|
Ground clearance (in) |
5.9 |
6.4 |
5.6 |
5.3 |
6.7 |
6.3 |
6.1 |
6.4 |
|
Wheelbase (in) |
108.3 |
106.3 |
105.7 |
106.3 |
106.3 |
106.3 |
106.3 |
106.3 |
The design now feels a bit dated as compared to rivals. Toyota corolla and Civic sedan are way lighter than Legacy and feels nimbler in a sharp turn.
As always before, Subaru Legacy continues to flaunt good outer looks. With a brushed new exterior redesign, 2020 Subaru Legacy is one that awe-inspires passengers with its outer appearance. Some exterior highlights of the latest avatar of the popular sedan are:
Honda Civic
The Honda Civic and Legacy earn lots of praise as an amazing daily driver. Subaru is a better value product because of the lower price tag and lots of standard safety features. The Civic has athletic handling along with a comfortable ride. Choosing between these two may just come down to whether you want more amenities at a cheaper price with the Legacy or better overall performance with the Civic. The Subaru Legacy is the better value in base form thanks to a lower starting price and heaps of standard infotainment and advanced safety amenities.
Mazda 3
The Mazda 3 has one of the lower base prices in the segment, but its void of standard safety features. Both cars offer turbocharged engines with almost the same power output. The Subaru has low composite safety scores, which makes the Mazda a better option. The Mazda 3 is a good car but it does not stack up well against the Legacy.
Toyota Corolla
The Toyota Corolla is an excellent daily driver but is a bit dreary to drive. You will get more of everything, such as cargo space and rear seat room, except fuel economy. The Subaru Legacy is still a better alternative as it offers comfortable interior and an appealing design. In terms of overall performance, the Subaru Legacy is a sure winner.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy is among few value for money sedans you have got in market. The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine feels a bit underpowered but you can get an extra oomph from the optional 3.6 liter engine. Legacy has a comfortable ride and the symmetrical all-wheel-drive proves an edge over other cars. This Subie is a decent ride with a comfortable cabin but there are many well-equipped options out there.
