Subaru has its utility vehicles, but this all-wheel-drive sedan could be its best value
Sedans in general have become somewhat of a hard sell lately, but that shouldn’t necessarily be the case with the 2020 Subaru Legacy. Providing space and security for five passengers is its primary function, and transporting them over a variety of terrain is well within its comfort zone.
Other mainstream automakers have tried offering all-wheel-drive as an option to their non-luxury sedans, withmixed results, but Subaru’s growing success partially rests on its Symmetrical AWD that’s standard in all models, except the BRZ sport coupe. And Subaru does so while still remaining competitively priced.
The seventh-generation Legacy, now on sale, isn’t significantly different from the previous iteration, but subtle changes to both ends of the car as well as restyled fenders and doors combine to make for a more appealing package.
As with most of the lineup, including the also-new 2020 Outback wagon, the Legacy is constructed using the Subaru Global Platform that’s claimed to do a better job providing comfort, driving agility and collision protection. The front and rear suspension components have also been engineered to delivermore precise handling and fewer jarring incidents on rough roads.
The new Legacy is now fractions longer between the front and rear wheels as well as in overall length and width. The cabin provides about the same ample legroom and headroom as before, but the dashboard has amore organic look and feel. All Legacymodels except for the base come with a vertically orientated 11.6-inch touch-screen that somewhat resembles anApple iPad. And since it’s not angled toward the driver, the various communications, infotainment and ventilation settings are fully accessible to front passengers and visible to those in back. The base Legacy comes with a seven-inch screen.
For 2020, the 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 base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim levels. Order up the Limited XT or the Touring XT and you get a turbocharged 2.4-liter fourcylinder producing a healthy 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet.
Both 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.)
For best fuel economy, the base 2.5 is rated at 27 mpg in the city, 35 on the highway and 30 mpg combined.
The AWD’s active torque vectoring system applies light braking to the inside front wheel when cornering, allowing the car to turn better.
At $23,650 (including destination charges), the base Legacy comes with a partial lineup of dynamic safety
technologies such as emergency braking, adaptive cruise control (maintains a safe distance from the vehicle in front) and lane-departure warning.
The Premium adds dual-zone climate control, heated front seats (power-operated for the driver), windshield de-icer and 17-inch alloy wheels that replace the steel versions.
The Sport gets 18-inch wheels, a unique grille and rear bumper, aluminum pedal covers and LED fog lights. A power passenger seat and auto-leveling and pivoting headlights are part of the Limited’s equipment list.
Opt for the Touring, the Limited XT or the TouringXT and a power moonroof and distracted-driver mitigation are included, along with the turbo V6 (the same engine is used in the seven-passenger Subaru Ascent utility vehicle).
The turbo XT is notable for delivering plenty of zip and holds tight in the curves with minimal body lean. The Legacy’s cabin is also a quiet place with very little bothersome road or wind noise. The one complaint would be the numb steering that somewhat detracts from the car’s driving enjoyment.
That quibble aside, the Legacy’smix of comfort, spaciousness and performance is equal to, or better than, other mid-size sedans, with the added benefit of allweather and all-road road mastery.