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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  Great Bang for the Buck! - 2008 Subaru Legacy
  By mcool - September 18 - 5:30 pm

  I upgraded from a 2005 Honda Accord Special Edition Coupe, and Im very satisfied with my choice. Subaru was definitely not a brand I would have considered, but when I saw the Legacy, I fell in love with it. The car has a look that rivals its German counterparts, yet it drives and feels like a true Japanese car that dominates its path. The Legacy has enough power to pass as a basic 6-cylinder, but it has the awesome gas mileage of a 4cyl., even with AWD!!! The design of this car is superb, and the standard features are truly unbeatable! If youre looking for a car thats not basic, but not expensive, this is the car to look at! Once you drive it, youll refuse to look at anything else!

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  2nd RU - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Oenny - September 10 - 10:53 pm

  I was very impressed with the make over of the Legacy. This is our 2nd and I dont think we will regret it. Love the aggressive lines of the body and the bold front end. The vehicle really stands out in a crowd of cookie cutter cars. Then again Subrau has always been different.

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  Leave my head alone! - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By Doug Anzalone - September 9 - 8:35 pm

  Driver head rest pushes my head forward- other people have not had a problem due to their body types- larger than me or smaller

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  Great Car - 2001 Subaru Legacy
  By mmb132 - September 9 - 10:26 am

  I bought the 2001 Legacy GT Limited Sedan in October 2004. I used a 2001 Camry as a trade in and I have NO regrets. This car is spectacular! In winter I feel like Im driving a tank; the AWD is great. On dry pavement its like driving a sports car. Anyone who gets into the car is very impressed with the leather interior, the stereo, the roominess of the back seat and the comfortable ride. My only gripe I would say is the gas mileage but, maybe thats because of the AWD? Im not really sure. Besides that this a great car.

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  Air Flow and Media Hub problems? - 2011 Subaru Legacy
  By legacy66 - September 6 - 11:15 pm

  This is my first subaru - shortly after I had made my decisions to purchase an Acura, I stumbles across a Subaru dealership and was totally sold on the Legacy. I do have 2 concerns/problems Im wondering if anyone else is having...? The heater/ac airflow on the floor only setting pushes out way more air from the dash/windshield defroster. This is particularly irritating on a cold, sunny day. The upper part of the car becomes too hot, and the lower part where your feet are is too cold. I also had a media hub installed for my IPod and it makes a clicking noise whenever I play it in the car. Ive had the car serviced and they tell me both issues "are working as designed". ???

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  Watch out...suddenly its gone - 2000 Subaru Legacy
  By unhappyexsubaruowner - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Radiator gave out (after only 75,000 miles). Although I pulled over right away, the result was cracked heads, rings, etc...they wont know the extent of the damage until they start working on it, but at minimum the repair s more than the car is worth. Subarus service after the sale is pathetic. In my experience, the service department has bordered on incompetent. In this latest case, the dealer offered to "take the car off my hands" for nothing, so long as I bought another car off him. So their solution was to sell me another car without consideration for the fact that the other car they sold me died after only 75,000 miles. Thanks for nothing.

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  Empirical improvements over other legacy years - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  By G Dog - September 2 - 12:49 pm

  We showed up at our local subaru dealership to look at a few low mile off-lease legacies that seemed fairly priced. 13s, 14s and 15s. Its worth noting that the sixth generation models benefited substantially from the small increase in power and what the dealer claimed were adjustments to the CVT powertrain. Stand on the accelerator of the 2013 and the vehicle sounds like the engine is racing, but there is very little corresponding acceleration. The chain is racing but the gears dont engage until the speeds match up. For the small increase in HP, it seems they got some of that worked out - the car doesnt get up and run away, but neither do you feel like your driving in a half-neutral gear with a slipping transmission. Another improvement is in the cabin soundproofing. The 2017 had much less road noise. And finally, it should be noted that the standard backup camera is really an asset vs. earlier offerings as the view out the back window - while better than many cars - is still restrictively high. We decided to go with a lease on the 2017 based on those considerations, and also dealers seem to be ordering far more PZEVs now than in the past, which Id take any day over a hybrid with heavy metal batteries that will require a strict EPA compliance when reprocessing (shipped off for reprocessing in China or elsewhere where cutting corners on environmental compliance is not uncommon), and the PZEV cost us nothing extra to get in a 2017 lease - I figure its because the residual with that feature gets a slight boost due to the higher exhaust warranty.

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  My third legacy - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By edward - September 1 - 4:23 pm

  I replaced my 2008 tribeca with the 2010 legacy, primarily to improve fuel economy. The tribeca is a great vehicle, but I wanted something more fuel efficient. This is my third legacy, having owned a 2000 legacy limited and a 2005 legacy gt limited. I love this car, the increase in interior space, especially with respect to the rear seating is welcome and a major improvement. So far Im impressed with the mpg Ive been receiving, and love the CVT transmission. What more can I say, its a Subaru, theyre the AWD champs.

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  Nice drive! - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Albert Bender - August 28 - 12:46 am

  After 1000 miles behind the wheel, I continue to be very impressed with this car. I carefully considered other Japanese sedans (IS350, G37, Acura TSX V6) and selected the Subaru mostly for its total integration of performance, comfort, and excellent ergonomics. It was also less expensive. My only complaints are lack of a temperature gauge (MPG instead) and side mirrors that do not fold. I love everything else about this car. The instrumentation is outstanding; the engine responsive and loves to rev; the transmission with paddle shifters is the best I ever driven (both the Lexus and Acura had issues when transitioning into sport mode). And the navigation/audio system is great.

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  First Time Subaru Owner - 2010 Subaru Legacy
  By Tom - August 17 - 12:50 am

  Had a terrible time in the winter last year so I wanted something that would provide better driving so with the AWD Subaru was at the top of the list. The 2010 redesign caught my eye. It is now just as roomy as the Accord and Camry that I tried out and was quieter than the Accord. I chose it over the Camry due to the AWD. Although not as spirited in the engine from a start it is plenty powerful and cruises nice. I just hope the seats break in faster.