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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  Get this car - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By wesue4u - June 18 - 1:10 pm

  Owned high performance Audis (S6, S4), BMW (M3) and even a Mercedes or two but love getting into and driving this car as much if not more. The car is tight, quick and comfortable and looks very sporty with its 18 inch wheels.

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  Legacy Limited - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By Jack - June 6 - 2:30 pm

  Great car. I researched the heck out of this and this car has exceeded my expectations. Im 63" and the the interior (esp. headroom) is amazing. 4,000 miles and not a squeak and the Limited interior and sound system result in a wonderful travel experience. Im avg. right at 30.0 in overall mpg. May not be the quickest car, but more than adequate for me.

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  used to be a Honda fan....key word, used:) - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By cole46_51 - June 3 - 4:00 am

  This car is just awesome! My friend has a WRX, and the Legacy GT is the WRX, but with style. Has many luxury features for far less money than you see on other cars like Acura, BMW, Audi. Im still young, so insurance is a big thing; well Im sorry, but a 4 banger with a turbo putting out 250 HP... thats a sports car! But its not considered one, and because ALL Legacys have a 5 star crash rating, insurance companys love that and insurance prices are very good. Different story if you get yourself a Mustang or 350Z.

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  LOVE this car! - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Red - May 31 - 7:13 am

  After looking at most mid-size sedans on the market, I knew the Legacy was for me. I purchased the Limited about 2.5 months ago and I have 2500 miles on it. So far, the only problem Ive had is a leak in the sunroof after going to a high pressure wash. Supposedly it says to avoid high pressure washes, although I couldnt find it in the manual. Not a big deal, weve just changed our car wash and the problem hasnt reoccured. I love the CVT and the AWD has made the winter driving much easier. My husband is 65 and has plenty of headroom, even in the passenger seat. We often have 5 adults in the car and there is always plenty of room.

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  Ruby - 2009 Subaru Legacy
  By Staypuft - May 28 - 2:20 pm

  I picked up my Ruby Red SE on Labor day and got the same lease deal they were offering on the 08. Drove many other cars and this was love at first drive. I am a very large person but the smallish size doesnt bother me. Everything seems to be cut to fit. Quality is top notch. I have been given compliments nearly every day. My kids think its a sports car and all the neighbors are jealous.

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  All wheel drive, period - 2016 Subaru Legacy
  By Joe Barbano - May 15 - 2:09 pm

  We test drove a lot of cars and decided the best in this class for 2016 were Accord, Mazda6, Camry and Legacy. Mazda by far most fun to drive and best looking. Honda best overall package, other than all-wheel drive. Camry maybe best value but boring and least good looking. We live in upstate NY and get over 150 inches of snow per year, much of it sticky lake effect so its hard to discount the all wheel drive. Add to that heated outside mirrors, wipers and even rear seats and the Legacy is a car that seems to be designed just for our climate. Yes, its the slowest of the bunch, but the interior quality is excellent and the car looks great even if not as stylish as the 6 and the infotainment and gps seemed really good, although Apple Car Play would have been a nice option, which only the Accord offers in this group. It also has memory driver seat and a host of safety features. Hard to believe a large phablet size phone doesnt fully fit in the area with the usb and aux plug ins, and there is a bit of road noise on the highway, but those are minor complaints. We picked up our new Legacy yesterday and are hoping to love it. So far, so good.

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  Love my new (used) Subaru! - 2013 Subaru Legacy
  By chicken farmer - May 14 - 6:21 am

  This is my third Subaru in the last 30 years (two of them used). When I was looking at this car I also test-drove 3 used Subaru Legacies. The others were a year newer with fewer miles but the rides were poor. The pickup on this car is fine. I love the CVT. I am so happy with the paddle-shifting! It is wonderful for complete control in snow, and uphill and downhill! I have only had the car for 3 months (Oct-Jan).. The things I dont like are: Takes a long time to warm up. I dont like the trunk-closer "handle" hole - its not sturdy and cant close the trunk - you have to push down on the dirty trunk cover after all. I am very short, and the headrest on the drivers seat was almost a deal-breaker for me, but Ive gotten used to having NO real neck support as my head goes into the big hole before the very high headrest pushes forward (who likes to have THAT?). Lots of cars have that now. Also the paint seems to be a joke. I noticed immediately that I should keep my keys away when going to the door, or Ill add to the many scratches! The trunk is ENORMOUS and I cant believe it can hold more than my old wagons trunk. This car has nice amenities! I love the winter package. Everyone else is scraping their cars and I sit in there and wait for it to do itself! But I wish it had fog lights! They told me those would be $500 to add. But this ones trim level is MUCH nicer than the cars with fog lights (lower models). Both of the other cars I test drove had better brakes. I love that the hood goes up by itself when you unlatch it; no stick to have to push up high to hold a HEAVY hood up (Getting harder for a short, older woman)! Also I think its silly that the inside light goes on SLOWLY when you open the door! But I am mostly totally delighted with my "new" car!

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  Subaru Bang for the Buck - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By rich sasso - May 14 - 2:16 am

  What you should know is it is a great all wheel drive car for the money. When you close a door on a Legacy you would think you were in a Mercedes. Very comfortable and roomy. Power is non-existent so if you are an aggressive driver it isnt the car for you. If power isnt a factor then its acceleration is ok to mediocre. Dash, air control and radio controls etc. are convoluted. But it does have a nice screen in the dash. Warranty is lousy but reliability ratings are high. Compared to our prior Sonata the warranty is poor. Looking at the big picture the car is a steal for the price.

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  I traded an M3 for this - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By New to Subaru - May 4 - 11:53 pm

  Were starting a family, so I traded in my dream car, a 97 BMW M3, for this car. Did I hesitate? Of course. But Id do it all over again! This car has more horsepower (250 vs. 240), as much torque (250 vs 236), and on paper, is almost as fast 0-60 (5.9 vs. 5.7). On top of that, its got a more comfortable ride, has an adult backseat, cargo space to burn (folding seats!), and a 2700 lb. towing capacity. Hellooo boat. The gauge cluster is very nicely done, except the confusing lack of boost gauge. Feature for feature, the Legacy has almost everything the M3 had, including heated sport seats.

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  Love my Legacy Great MPG - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By misss - April 29 - 2:12 pm

  I have had my Legacy for two years now. Bought it new. When I take long drive Im making 34 MPG. Right now with some city and mostly highway Im getting about 29 MPG. Its a little less in the winter time with all the idling we do in the cold weather. Love the heated seats and heated side mirrors. I feel really safe on our icy roads in the winter. Would by another in a heart beat.