Look for the definition of an underrated midsize sedan, and the one you’ll most likely find is the Subaru Legacy. This hidden gem brought a lot to the table throughout its seven generations. It even had the honor of being one of the first vehicles built at Subaru’s Indiana manufacturing facility, which now produces several models. From hot GT models with manual transmission to the more refined last-generation XT, the Legacy defined all-weather capability in its class. This was the original AWD sedan. Let’s take a look back at the final generation and see why it’ll be so missed.
Subaru Legacy: Understated to a Fault
Design isn’t what you get a Subaru Legacy for. Every generation kept it conservative, but more so this final iteration. It essentially shared its front fascia with the Outback of that era and kept a more traditional three-box profile. No swoopy coupe-like shapes here. As a result, the Legacy became one of the most conservative midsize sedans available. So much so that it effortlessly flew under the radar. For a slightly more aggressive look, the Sport trim added gray side mirrors, a rear spoiler, trim-specific 18-inch alloy wheels, and a red grille accent.
That more conventional sedan design did have benefits, though. It gave the driver exceptional visibility, and the cabin felt airy, even with just a standard sunroof. Four people fit comfortably with generous head and leg room all around. Most importantly, the cabin never exuded a claustrophobic sensation the way some of the Legacy’s competitors did with their swoopy shape. A quiet cabin and great fit and finish, especially on the Touring trim, added a class-above vibe, too.
Big Screen Meets Big Safety
As with recent Subaru models, the Legacy featured the Starlink interface. While the base model had two seven-inch touchscreens, most trims featured a single 11.6-in unit. Despite having physical buttons and knobs, most functions required going into the display and several submenus. Additionally, the system had slow responses and load-up times, which made it irritating in some instances. At least the 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system sounded great with its clarity and immersiveness.
What about driver assistance tech? The Legacy had it all covered, too. EyeSight came standard on all models. However, this older system lacked the third camera found in newer versions used in the latest Impreza, Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback. Thankfully, it helped you with steering inputs and lane centering without getting overly intrusive. On the other hand, its adaptive cruise control system could be smoother when slowing the vehicle. Moreover, the DriverFocus system on the Limited, Sport, and Touring trims turns into an overprotective nanny. It yells at you even when you simply change the fan speed or lower the volume.
Smooth and Stable
Despite the sporty reputation of previous-generation GT models with a stick, the final iteration of the Subaru Legacy doubled down on daily usability. The standard 2.5-liter boxer-four made 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. Enough power for the majority of the population and ideal for daily driving. The standard CVT did most of the heavy lifting, ensuring that the engine stayed in its sweet spot.
Looking for more? The turbocharged 2.4-liter boxer-four gave you that. With 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, the Legacy Sport and Touring XT trims moved without any fuss. Minimal turbo lag and a well-tuned CVT made all of that low- to mid-range grunt easy to access, resulting in a fantastic cruiser. However, the CVT didn’t like getting rushed and lagged if you pushed too hard.
Once the road started to twist and turn, the Legacy held its own. Stable handling, minimal body roll, accurate steering, and generous traction defined its personality thanks to its standard Symmetrical AWD system. Thanks to its low center of gravity, it never felt unruly, giving you confidence when things got a little crazy, rain or shine. Additionally, strong brakes, a well-calibrated brake pedal, and minimal dive on hard stops inspired confidence.
On the other hand, the Legacy rode exceptionally well, absorbing road imperfections without any drama. The suspension balanced refinement and control quite well, resulting in a sedan that remained predictable yet cushy. Credit tires with plenty of sidewall and alloy wheels that top out at 18 inches, too. Unlike some of its rivals, the Legacy leaned into comfort more, adding to its refined personality.
In terms of efficiency, the Legacy impressed. With the base engine, the EPA rated it at 27/35/30 mpg city/highway/combined. Turbocharged models dropped to 23/31/26 mpg. Not bad considering the added traction.
Subaru Legacy: The Sensible Midsize Sedan
The discontinuation of the Legacy marks the end of an era for Subaru. It highlights its pivot towards more adventurous SUVs, cementing its eco-conscious yet outdoorsy and down-to-earth image. The Legacy’s influence remains undeniable. It helped bring the joys of AWD to the mainstream and showed that it’s possible to have a four-season sedan without going to luxury brands. Although its design didn’t turn heads, the Legacy proved that beauty is more than skin deep. It brought so much substance in an unassuming package and punched way above its weight. This was the thinking person’s midsize sedan. The one that didn’t need to show off to prove its talents.
