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Legacy comes with standard AWD
AFFORDABLE midsize sedans are having a tough go of it these days, but that’s not necessarily the case with the Subaru Legacy. It’s one of many models that exemplifies the automaker’s longstanding commitment to provide all-wheel drive as standard equipment on nearly every vehicle it builds.
Other mainstream brands have begun offering all-wheel drive as an option for their nonluxury sedans, but Subaru’s success partially rests on its Symmetrical AWD system found in all models except the BRZ sport coupe. And Subaru does so while remaining competitively priced with non-awd nameplates.
The seventh-generation Legacy that showed up for the 2020 model year isn’t significantly different from the previous iteration, but subtle changes to both ends of the car as well as restyled fenders and doors combined to make for a more appealing package.
As with most of the Subaru lineup, including the equally new Outback wagon, the Legacy is constructed using the company’s Global Platform, which is touted as doing a better job providing comfort, driving agility and collision protection. The front and rear suspension components were also engineered to deliver more precise handling and fewer jarring incidents on rough roads.
Compared with the previous Legacy, the revamped model is fractions longer between the front and rear wheels and for overall length and width. The cabin provides about the same ample legroom and headroom as before, but the dashboard has a more organic look and feel.
All Legacy models except for the base come with a vertically orientated 11.6-inch touch screen that somewhat resembles an Apple ipad. And because it’s not angled toward the driver, the communications, infotainment and ventilation settings are fully accessible to front passengers and visible to those in the back. The base Legacy comes with a 7-inch screen.
Engine choices consist of a 2.5-liter four-cylinder that puts out 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. It’s standard in all but the top two trims, which are fitted with turbocharged, 2.4-liter four cylinders producing a healthy 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet.
The engines connect to continuously variable transmissions with eight simulated gears controlled by steering-wheel paddle shifters. An actual shift lever is located in the center console.