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:

• 

  Three Years - 60K miles - 2007 Subaru Legacy
  By spinski - January 22 - 3:03 am

  This car has been awesome. Great power, excellent handling. The Si Drive is super fun. The low ground clearance is no problem in snow. With Dunlop SP Wintersport M3s the wagon will power through 2 feet of snow. A great vehicle.

• 

  Teens first car - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By kidchauffeur - January 14 - 4:10 am

  We bought this for our high school student to drive. We feel happy that shes in a relatively safe (but maneuverable) car, and she enjoys driving it. (We were looking for underpowered with ABS brakes -- AWD was a bonus -- much appreciated those nights when she drives on rain-slick roads.) Its nearly 10 years old, but does not look it. It probably isnt easy to make a teen smile with a 10- year-old car, but this one does. One note: SUPER IMPORTANT to get the engine treatments. This one had up-to- date engine treatments and Subaru USA was able to tell us when next is due.

• 

  Owned 2017 Legacy 3.6R for one week now - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Paul H. - January 10 - 12:44 am

  This is my families 5th Subaru, my last car was a VW diesel Jetta which I just sold back to VW after the big scandal. So far I am pretty happy with this model. The performance with the 3.6R is great but you do pay for the AWD and performance in MPGs but that is understandable. I looked at Hondas and Acuras but really preferred the interior on the Subaru its clean and elegant, it has a little bit of fake wood, but not as plasticky as the Acura. Handling is very good, nice tight suspension and very comfortable, the HID headlights are awesome. The additional safety features Eyesight, blindspot detection etc. are really nice features and well implemented. On the down side the voice control for GPS is a joke I wont go into detail here but the implementation is pathetic. Also there is no carplay option even though Subaru offers it on its own Impreza line. The small console compartment where the USB port is located, is to small to hold an IPhone 6 let alone a 6+, without leaving the compartment door open. The three criticisms above are really comfort and convenience issues I still love subarus but they were soooo close to getting a perfect score.

• 

  Well rounded sports sedan - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By RocPat - January 7 - 4:36 pm

  Researched all wheel drive vehicles for several months before deciding on the Legacy for numerous reasons. Im extremely happy with my decision and always look forward to driving it. It handles rain, snow, and freezing temperatures with aplomb. When the weather is nice its tons of fun to blast down twisty back roads. One of the most well-rounded vehicles Ive ever driven!

• 

  Great to mdate - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Dave - January 6 - 2:16 pm

  Have over 12,000 miles on vehicle already and have not had any problems. Very good dealer treatment and attention. Switched from reg oil to blend after 2nd oil change and notice just shy of 2mpg per gallon increase. Drives as solidly as my old "92 Buick GS did and has enough get up and go for me. Funny that Legacy has the same HP of the Buick with 2 fewer cylinders!

• 

  Great fun for a family car - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By MasterZeus - December 29 - 11:00 am

  This car is great fun if you have a family. The back seat is a little tight, but everything else about this car is awesome. It accelerates like crazy. It has great build quality and well designed layout.

• 

  Legacy -- all the way ! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By legacy driver - December 28 - 7:33 pm

  Once I drove the Legacy, I completely fell in love with it. It takes away from all other cars, including Hondas, Mazdas, and Toyotas. This car is in its own class, you really cant compare it to any others (many people think the car looks way more expensive then it actually is). I get great gas mileage, better then they say! I average 28-29 MPG with 75% highway and 25% city. I cant go anywhere with out people asking me what kind of car I drive. The Legacy is so comfortable, and the handling is great! I would recommend this car to anyone. Before buying any other car, you must test drive the Subaru Legacy. I swear, you wont regret it!

• 

  Excellent handling on snow and wet surfaces! - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Lorraine Morgan - December 26 - 1:25 am

  This car handled great during a heavy rain storm. The headlights are excellent and I love the mirrors deflect headlight blind from behind. The stereo system is great and the controls work fine. The controls on the steering wheel are easy to operate and I love the mute button for the stereo. The drivers seat adjust up,down,lumbar and the steering wheel adjust,its perfect.

• 

  Great driving SUV replacement - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By ivankong - December 22 - 12:14 pm

  Ive owned my 04 legacy 35th anniv wagon with 5spd manual since 2007. I bought it with 33K and it now has 58K miles. I had a Jeep Cherokee before this and it was not a good driving vehicle, nor was it good in the snow (surprisingly). I bought the legacy wagon because I wanted awd and some room in the back like an SUV, but I also know that 95% of the driving I do is on the road and I wanted a car that drives like a sports car. This car does that. I have a separate set of wheels with studded snows for the winter and when I have to drive in really bad conditions (I live in CO) I have no worries at all. Awd with manual trans and studded snows all around are great.

• 

  Engineering Problem - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Phillip - December 21 - 10:00 am

  After reading multiple consumer reviews complaining about drifting and steering wheel vibration in the 2010 Subaru, I waited for the 2011 model. I asked the dealer about it and they said the new model corrected the problem. I drove it about 15 miles as a test and it seemed fine, but above sixty miles per hour on the way home the steering wheel started to shake visibly. Subaru appears to have the same engineering problem with the 2011 model. The steering dynamics are also really bad. I will upgrade with Continental tires in a few days and have someone else check the front end. If that doesnt fix it, I will become a major critic of this car company. Very disappointed.