Legacy Sport makes AWD, latest driver tech affordable
“What’s the best car to buy?” is a question we get fairly often. “That depends …” is one direction that conversation can take.
If the discussion needs to be short and sweet, like Google crunching a hodgepodge of data to highlight the most hassle-free route to a destination, we have no problem suggesting a close look at a handful of vehicles that are stone-cold safe bets.
The Legacy is one of them. Subaru’s all-wheel-drive vehicles consistently score high marks for safety, value, dependability and depreciation. And that’s not marketing pitches but the findings of independent crash testing, surveys, critiques and analyses of financial data by folks like Consumer Reports, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Kelley Blue Book and ALG.
Americans may be smitten with SUVs and crossovers, but the family-friendly midsize sedan segment — and Subaru misses no opportunity to remind us that dogs are family — is still hugely important.
Which brings us to the Legacy 2.5i Sport, a new addition to Subaru’s 2017 lineup.
With a starting MSRP of $25,995, the Sport is mid-pack, nested between the Legacy 2.5i ($21,995) and 2.5i Premium ($23,995) and the 2.5i Limited ($28,840) and 3.6R Limited ($31,640). (Destination is another $820.)
The Legacy 2.5i Sport delivers impressive value for around 25 grand. Standard features include heated front seats and outside mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer, 10way power driver’s seat, dual zone climate control, auto up/down front windows, leather-wrapped steering and shifter, security system, remote keyless entry and autodimming mirror with Homelink.
The last couple of years have been a watershed period for Subaru. Once quirk, its products’ styling and amenities have risen to competitive levels. There’s no better example than the infotainment gear. The 2017 Legacy Sport gets Subaru’s Starlink Plus multimedia interface with single CD player, HD Radio, FM, SiriusXM radio and Travel Link. The 7-inch touch screen and MySubaru app can handle news, food, weather, music, podcasts, audiobooks, and other multimedia content. The system is compatible with many Apple iOS and Android devices. And can you make hands-free calls or stream media using Bluetooth? Of course.
Despite that Sport name, think “flair,” not added performance. The Legacy 2.5i Sport retains the “legacy” powertrain, namely Subaru’s ubiquitous 175-horse, 2.5-liter dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder boxer engine paired with the latest version of the brand’s Lineartronic continuously variable transmission.
But here’s where its price point amazes: standard on every Legacy, including the 22 grand base, is Subaru’s proven full-time all-wheel-drive and torque vectoring. The EPA estimated fuel economy ratings come in at a respectable 25 mpg in the city, 34 highway.
Spotting the Sport shouldn’t be too difficult. It gets its own dark gray front grille, 18 x 7.5-inch alloy wheels and 225/50 tires, fog lights with black housings, chrome trim along the rockers and the foldable side-view mirrors integrate turn signals. Inside, the cabin features piano black and simulated carbon fiber trim while the fabric two-tone upholstery has blue stitching.
Subaru has embraced safety as a mission and there’s no better example than the way it’s democratized accessibility to the latest safety technology. On the Legacy Sport, Subaru’s driver-assist technology, EyeSight, gives consumers a safety edge without forcing other higher trim levels or packages that bundle unwanted, price-jacking features. The price for the system (and EyeSight includes navigation) is $2,095 – which could be the insurance deductible if rear-end someone.
EyeSight monitors traffic movement, optimizes cruise control, and can alert you if you drift outside your lane. (Perhaps you need to stop for coffee?) The pre-collision braking system can apply full force and cut the throttle in abrupt traffic or sudden emergencies, helping to avoid or reduce collisions. The Sport’s EyeSight also includes automatic reverse braking for 2017. The automaker says it will make autonomous braking standard on all Subarus by 2022.
EyeSight also includes adaptive cruise control that lets you set following distance, high-beam assist, blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert. (Watch how EyeSight works at http://bit.ly/28JwitP)
Besides looking a whole lot better, Subaru’s midsize sedan has a comfortable cabin, a very nice ride and confident handling. Interior noise has been noticeably tamed and sightlines and ergonomics are good.
The Legacy Sport’s horizontally opposed four-banger is good for the center of gravity but with that engine producing a mere 175 horsepower and 174 lb.-ft. or torque at 4,000 rpm, don’t expect a rocket. Fortunately, the much-improved CVT has a manual mode that emulates a six-speed transmission and the trick is to keep it in the gears and put the paddle shifters to work. To be clear, the Legacy 2.5i Sport never felt underpowered but we hope direct-injection and/or Subaru’s expertise with turbocharging can be stirred into mix to bring back a GT version.