Overview & Reviews

Introduced more than two decades ago, the Subaru Legacy is the brand's longest-running nameplate in the United States. Thanks to its all-wheel drive, the Legacy has often been selected by consumers as a winter-beating alternative in the midsize sedan or wagon segment.

Perhaps as a consequence of the Legacy's off-beat nature, it's never been as popular in terms of sales as mainstream picks like the Accord and Camry. In recent years, though, Subaru has attempted to expand the Legacy's appeal by making it roomier and more fuel-efficient. The newest generation, in particular, is a fully competitive rival. As a used vehicle choice, we still highly recommend the Legacy (particularly if you want all-wheel drive), though certain model years are going to be more appealing than others, so a bit of extra research is recommended.

Current Subaru Legacy
The newest Subaru Legacy sedan has been fully redesigned for 2015. Representing the car's sixth generation, the new Legacy shares a similar look and feel to the previous version, but changes under the skin have resulted in more passenger and cargo room. The cabin itself features nicer materials and updated electronics.

The Legacy has a choice of two engines. The base 2.5-liter horizontally opposed ("boxer") four-cylinder produces 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. The available six-cylinder, which is also a boxer design, generates 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. Both engines come with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive.

Trim levels include 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited. Highlights for the base 2.5i models include air-conditioning, cruise control, full power accessories, a rearview camera, a touchscreen display, Bluetooth and a four-speaker sound system. The 2.5i Premium adds dual-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, heated front seats and an upgraded audio system that includes a larger touchscreen. Going with the 2.5i or 3.6 R Limited (which has the six-cylinder engine) gets you leather upholstery, a power passenger seat, heated rear seats and a 12-speaker premium sound system. Major options include a sunroof, a navigation system and added safety features.

Seating is pretty roomy inside the Legacy, and outward visibility is excellent. The cabin is trimmed in high-quality materials, and the touchscreen that's bundled with the navigation system can be controlled like a tablet. On the move, the Subaru Legacy's standard all-wheel-drive system gives it plenty of capability in bad weather. Both the four- and the six-cylinder engines are quiet and provide class-acceptable acceleration. We also like how the Legacy easily soaks up bumps and ruts, yet maintains its composure when you're driving through turns. All in all, the Legacy is a smart choice for a midsize family sedan.

Used Subaru Legacy Models
Previous to the current model was the fifth-generation Legacy sedan sold from 2010-'14. Compared to the car it replaced, this Legacy was bigger both inside and out and was more visually distinctive because of its blockier styling.

Originally, Subaru offered this Legacy in 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Premium, 2.5GT Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited trim levels. All came standard with all-wheel drive.

The 2.5i models had a 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder engine that produced 170 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque. You could get it with a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. The 2.5GT boasted a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter four that cranked out 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, but only the manual transmission was offered. The 3.6R models came with a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine that generated 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic was the only available transmission.

Standard equipment included air-conditioning, a height-adjustable driver seat, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a four-speaker stereo. Moving up to the Premium and Limited trim levels would get you added features like power front seats, dual-zone climate control, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a premium sound system. Exclusive to Limited models was an optional navigation system with a rearview camera.

The most significant changes for this fifth-generation Legacy occurred for 2013 when Subaru gave the car a sleeker look, made the four-cylinder engine slightly more powerful (173 hp) and fuel-efficient, revised the suspension tuning and CVT, and added a newly available frontal collision warning system (Subaru's "EyeSight" system). The 2.5GT model and its turbocharged engine were also discontinued that year.

Though it had some appealing qualities, this generation's Legacy didn't appeal to us as much as previous ones did. It was certainly roomier and more fuel efficient, but it largely lacked the snappy, fun-to-drive personality established by the fourth generation. In reviews we praised the car for its roomy seating, good outward visibility and standard all-wheel drive. Downsides included behind-the-times audio and navigation systems, below-average fuel economy with the six-cylinder and a ride quality that could seem overly firm at times.

The fourth-generation Legacy was produced from 2005-'09. It was available as both a sedan and a wagon until 2008, when the wagon was discontinued. Although the base car was a bit of a stripper, the other trims were well-equipped and made the Legacy as luxurious and comfortable as some midsize cars wearing luxury badges.

When this Legacy was introduced for '05, it was available as a sedan and wagon, and there were two basic trim levels: 2.5i and 2.5GT. The former had a 168-hp 2.5-liter boxer-4, while the 2.5GT received a 250-hp turbocharged version of the same engine. These models came with either a five-speed manual or an automatic transmission -- four speeds in the base 2.5i, five in the 2.5GT. As time went on, a few additional models joined the lineup, notably the sedan-only 2.5GT spec.B and 3.0 R. The former was a better-handling version of the 2.5GT, while the latter was a luxurious Legacy that came with a 245-hp 3.0-liter flat-6 and a five-speed automatic transmission. As with all Subaru vehicles, AWD was standard.

In road tests, our editors found the fourth-generation Subaru Legacy to be both sporty and comfortable -- a challenging combination for manufacturers to master. The base 2.5-liter engine provided adequate power, but the turbocharged GT model was the one to have for enthusiastic driving. However, the GT performed better with the manual transmission, as the five-speed automatic seemed ill-suited to the turbo motor's power delivery.

This Legacy was a bit tight in the backseat relative to its midsize rivals, but it compensated with comfortable front seats and a sleek BMW-like dashboard design. Additionally, the wagon model brilliantly combined impressive driving dynamics with all-star utility. Although this Legacy vintage is getting a bit old now, we still highly recommend it if you're looking for a used midsize sedan or wagon with all-season versatility and an extra dose of driving flair.

Notable changes to the fourth-generation Legacy began in 2006, when the sedan-only GT spec.B trim was added. For 2007, the GT spec.B received a six-speed manual in place of the original five-speed unit, and the 2.5-liter engine's horsepower rating was revised to 243 (from 250). For 2008 Subaru discontinued the wagon model, and the sedan-only 3.0 R model debuted, bringing six-cylinder power to the Legacy lineup. For 2009 stability control became standard and every Legacy except the base 2.5i received an upgraded nine-speaker audio system.

The previous, third-generation Subaru Legacy was more of a rugged all-weather performer than the current model. Sold from 2000-'04, it launched with three primary trim levels: base L, sporty GT and premium GT Limited. A Brighton value trim was also included in the 2000 lineup for the wagon, but was removed the following year.

Although it was a bit lacking in refinement, the previous Legacy was well stocked with standard features, including AWD. All trims came with a smooth and responsive 165-hp 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission was standard and a four-speed automatic was optional. In 2003, Subaru moved the L trim upscale and added the L Special Edition trim, which was renamed the 35th Anniversary Edition a year later.

Value-minded buyers looking for an all-weather vehicle might take a look at the second-generation Subaru Legacy. Sold from 1995-'99, it was best known for spawning the Outback wagon, a rugged SUV alternative that came with standard AWD. The model's one weak link was its anemic 135-hp 2.2-liter four-cylinder engine, which many people felt was a downgrade from the 160-hp turbocharged 2.2-liter four-cylinder that was available in the first generation's Sport Turbo trim (sold from 1991-'94).

User Reviews:

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  Wonderful car - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By vext - March 11 - 5:23 pm

  Bought this as a family car and for my wife. She immediately felt at home, loves how roomy and quiet it is, quite an improvement over previous smaller Legacys. She found the CVT trans easy to use, especially for steep Seattle hills, where it provides more control. She loves the new styling and elegant interior. Im very happy that shes got AWD, ABS, traction control to keep her safe during our monumental winter rains.

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  2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Jason - March 11 - 10:45 am

  Ive owned cars from nearly every popular make and never wanted a Subaru. I test drove this BEAUTIFUL Legacy 3.6R Limited and instantly fell in love with it. It comes with every bell and whistle Subaru offers and its bullet-fast! I love my car so much I bought a 3.6R Outback 2 months later!

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  Subie junkie - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Ron - March 8 - 3:20 pm

  My first Subaru experience was 16 years ago when my wife and I rented a new 90 Legacy Sedan to see if we wanted one. We ended up buying a 91 Legacy wagon (kept it until 2003...we sold it to a friend with 190,000 miles, theyve put on another 30,000 with no problems). We then got an 04 Forester XS. My company has 3 Subies (2 05 Imprezas and an 04 Forester X). My son has a 90 Legacy sedan with 205,000 miles and it still runs fine. My newest is the 07 Legacy sedan (I got tired of people borrowing my Forester, so I got one with a 5-speed thinking I can have it to myself!). So far, its flawless...better ride and handling than the Imprezas and Foresters, also more head and leg room.

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  Impressed - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Samantha - February 26 - 8:56 pm

  This is my first Subaru and it probably will not be my last. I am quite impressed with this vehicle. I went from a 2008 MKX to this and probably will not go back. Interior is impressive and compares to the luxury versions quite easily. The V6 isnt as fuel friendly as others but it packs one heck of punch when you hit that gas pedal.

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  The Dragon Wagon - 2006 Subaru Legacy
  By Chad - February 22 - 5:33 am

  I love this ride! You are pretty much getting a higher end sports car for under $30k. Takes corners very well, even with a case full of stuff on the racks, but still smooth over rougher roads. With the turbo and sport shift you can get around the slow driver on the two lane roads very quickly. Interior is tasteful, nothing gaudy inside. Lower profile and sleeker look than the Outback but still have the AWD. The ability to make some "simple" mods to maximize that boxer engine.

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  So Far So Good - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Richard F - February 19 - 2:33 pm

  Living in the Northeast I wanted an all-time 4x4 with good handling and in a sedan format that I could afford. So far I havent been disappointed! Only "complaint" I have so far is that the manual mode paddle shifters isnt truly a manual mode as you cant shift up until the computer says (arrow)you can and the shift is felt more in this car than my last CVT (Nissan)however it is fun to drive so far and I dont mind driving past the gas stations either since my last vehicle was a 6 cylinder Nissan (but I do miss the power just a little, lol) Well see how the long-term service maintenance holds up however!

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  WoW!! Im blown Away and Love my Choice! - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By DeanO - February 12 - 10:53 pm

  I would consider myself a person that likes the finer things in life. That said, Ive owned Acuras, BMWs, and Several Lexus Models in the past. I traded my 06 Lexus RX330 in on a new Subaru Legacy, and I am completely THRILLED with my purchase. I test drove Accord, Altimas, Passat, and there is absolutely no comparison on build quality, the fun factor of paddle and manual shifting, and the AWD really grabs the road. In the rain, you never feel like you are close to losing control. I drive long trips, and the car is soooo comfortable, and has all the features I was looking for and more than I was accustomed to. With regular gas, 34 MPG on the highway, Im in LOVE with my car!

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  Great car, AWD is big plus for our snow season - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Chris Quinlan - February 4 - 8:13 pm

  Its a great car with a few important qualifications to consider: The stock tires arent very good, so if you buy it for winter driving, as we did, youre going to need replacements very soon after purchase. This car was the 3rd out of 4 Subarus we have purchased (all at the same dealership and sales rep). The others were a Forester (2009), Outback (2012) and another Outback (2017). The Forester and Outbacks are MUCH better in the snow given their higher high ground clearance and are unstoppable on bad roads (except for the cars in front of you of course), the legacy is a sedan, so even with the AWD on all models, you wont get the same ground clearance and hence as good snow performance as the Outbacks or Foresters. DO NOT BUY A BLACK SUBARU!!!! The paint will Scratch incredibly easily. My wife ran it through a non-touchless car wash, the washes that use the big rotating brushes, and the car came out with $300 worth of damage on the hood. But it has also had spots on the roof and trunk. This apparently happens when dirt, bird poop, sap, etc., is on the car in the sun. Whatever it is, the black paint gets so hot it will "cook" it resulting in the paint bubbling up and cause expensive to repair damage. In our case, the dealer went back to Subaru and theyre going to repaint the car, mostly due, I think, to the fact that weve bought four Subarus from one dealership in the last seven years.

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  I will miss my Subaru - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By Longtime Subie Owner - February 2 - 10:23 pm

  We leased this car after our previous Legacy was 11 years old. There was no doubt about the replacement. Wifes only requirement was color (Diamond Gray Metallic), and it had to have a spoiler. There was no doubt about getting another Legacy, and this car exceeded our expectations. Great handling, just enough power to be fun, manual shift mode, in-dash 6CD player... This car was great, but with a growing family it is just not big enough. Trading up to a Toyota Sienna AWD. I will miss owning such a reliable, low-maintenance car.

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  My Second Subaru - 2002 Subaru Legacy
  By Sirstinky - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I bought this with 69k miles and so far I put a little over 1000 on it. My 1991 has 190,000 miles on it and still runs good so I got another one. So far so good. This is a very good-looking wagon. I love the awd. Good brakes and handling. Its not too loud inside (theres the common Subaru wind noise) and the ride is smooth. So far no head gasket issues, but the engine has a noisy lifter now when cold and the transmission could be better. Jerky shifts when cold, and it upshifts/downshifts slowly when you need it to. The interior looks good and is solidly-built. Not many squeaks or rattles for 70K miles. Gas mileage bad in city driving 19-21 mpg.