• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

You are here: Home / New Car Reviews / Top-of-the-Range Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited Delivers

Top-of-the-Range Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited Delivers

September 5, 2014 by admin 10 Comments

2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited

Subaru continues to ride on a crest of month-over-month sales increases, based largely on its mix of utility vehicles. Not to be overlooked is the midsize Subaru Legacy sedan, the only standard all-wheel drive model in the segment. For 2015, the Legacy is all-new and Auto Trends had one 3.6R Limited edition model for a week’s worth of drive time in central North Carolina.

2015 Subaru Legacy

The 2015 Subaru Legacy is priced from $21,695 or $1,400 more than the base 2014 model. Don’t be alarmed by the increase: the base six-speed manual transmission is gone, replaced by an automatic.

The latest edition is sold in four trim levels: 2.5i, 2.5i Premium ($23,495), 2.5i Limited ($26,495) and 3.6R Limited ($29,595). As equipped, the test model cost $32,585 or toward the higher end of the segment’s price point, but keeping in line with the all-wheel drive Chrysler 200 and the Ford Fusion. Incidentally, only the Subaru and the Chrysler have six cylinder engines; the Ford Fusion is powered by an inline-four.

The standard engine for the Subaru Legacy is a 2.5-liter horizontally-opposed (boxer) four cylinder engine making 175 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 174 foot-pounds of twist at 4,000 rpm. The 3.6R is powered by a horizontally-opposed six cylinder engine making 256 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 247 foot-pounds of torque at 4,400 rpm. Both engines are paired with a continuously variable transmission with manual mode, the latter mimicking six forward-gear “steps” as you move down the road.

Both engines return unchanged from last year, but the 3.6R swaps out a five-speed automatic for the CVT. Fuel mileage for both models has risen too from 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway to 26 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway for the four cylinder. For the flat six, fuel mileage has increased from 18 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway to 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. Both models take regular grade gasoline.

2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited

Sixth Generation Legacy

The latest Subaru Legacy brings this model to its sixth generation. As is common to sedans in this class, the current iteration is larger and more refined than its predecessor. Today’s midsize sedans rival the size of large sedans from the turn of the millennium and are increasingly outfitted with amenities that once appeared only in luxury cars.

Once again, the current generation sits on a 108.3 inch wheelbase, but measures 0.7 inches wider and 1.6 inches longer than the previous model. Subaru shaved 0.3 inches from its height to give the sedan a sportier look. Minor dimensional differences aside, cabin and trunk storage are slightly larger. Importantly, this model seats five comfortably despite the moderately pronounced drivetrain hump in the rear passenger compartment.

When it comes to style, the Subaru Legacy doesn’t push the design envelope. Like the Toyota Camry, the Legacy has a certain blandness that is still evident. Even so, the fascia is sportier with a slightly larger grille and a correspondingly smaller lower air intake to show for it. The headlamps seem better proportioned and the body sculpting is more refined. Like many of its competitors the Legacy employs a coupe-like roofline for a more sophisticated look. The 3.6R is finished with dual exhaust tips, a notched trunk and wraparound tail lamps.

2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited

Standard Equipment, Trim Levels

Choose the base model and your sedan comes equipped with 17-inch wheels, four-wheel disc brakes, electric power-assist steering, an active grille shutter system and electronic parking with hill holder assist. All models now have active torque vectoring — what applies braking pressure to the front inside wheel when handling a curve. The overall effect provides better steering and more confident handling.

Inside, the base edition is outfitted with an infotainment system managed by a 6.2-inch touchscreen. This system provides smartphone integration, hands-free calling and audio streaming. Cloth bucket seats up front and a split folding 60-40 seat is to the rear. Cruise control, air conditioning, front and rear center cup holders, in-door bottle holders, front seatback pockets, a concealed illuminated storage tray for your smartphone, a second smartphone holder and map lights are included. You also get power windows, power door locks, an overhead console for your sunglasses, sun visor extenders, front door courtesy lights, a trunk light and trunk grocery bag hooks.

Move up to the 2.5i Premium and your Subaru Legacy is outfitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats and heated side mirrors, a 10-way power driver’s seat, dual climate control, an upgraded audio system, an updated instrument panel, illuminated door handles and fancier trim.

2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited

Choose the 2.5i Limited and you get a number of upgrades including 18-inch wheels wrapped within all-season tires, a 12-speaker Harmon/Kardon audio system, heated rear seats, a 4-way power front passenger seat, foldable side mirrors with integrated turn signals, fog lights, a rear center console and perforated leather-trimmed seats.

The changes for the 3.6R Limited package over the 2.5i Limited include the larger engine, steering wheel paddle shifters, dual exhaust tips, high definition headlamps and larger front brake rotors. What pushed the test model’s price up was a moonroof package that also brought in keyless access and push button start, a $2,195 add on. A $795 destination and delivery charge brought this model to its final price.

One option not included with the 3.6R is a rear cross traffic alert/blind spot detection feature, part of an EyeSight driver assist technology package. It requires the moonroof package, adding $795 to your final price.


2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited

View manufacturer details and pricing


Subaru 3.6R Limited

With its leather dressing, aluminum trim and wood inlays, the Legacy 3.6R Limited puts the polish on the model line. The driver’s seat is very comfortable and the rear seat offers very good head, shoulder, thigh and leg room. This model comes with a two-analog display flanking a digital driver’s information center, steering wheel-mounted controls and more than enough power to get you going and keep you moving down the road.

Some people are put off by CVTs, but in this case I found that the Subaru transmission didn’t hit me with the hesitant shifting or rubber-band effect found in some models. The overall power was more than enough, perhaps more than what you need. For many shoppers, staying with the four cylinder should be sufficient and an especially good choice if you put a premium on fuel economy.

2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited

Noise, Vibration and Harshness (NVH)

Handling was quite good with no issues present. What does need work is the wind noise that become noticeably detectable at highway speeds. There is no escaping the fact that you will hear constant airflow seeping in through the windows. In the noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) category, the Subaru Legacy gets two out of three right. Turn on the audio system and you’ll manually “cancel” out the noise.

Will the Subaru Legacy pull in more shoppers? That seems likely based on the sales trajectory for the brand alone. That it is also the only model in the segment with standard all-wheel drive is a bonus too. Even so, a refreshed Toyota Camry, a new Hyundai Sonata and recently introduced or updated models from Honda, Nissan, Ford, Chevrolet, Mazda and Chrysler will be ready to battle. Subaru can also tout the model’s safety features, once again ranked a Top Safety Pick+ by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited


2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited

  • Sticker price from $29,595
  • Price as tested: from $32,585
  • Seats 5 occupants
  • 3.6-liter 24-valve flat (boxer) six cylinder gasoline engine
  • 256 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm
  • 247 foot-pounds of torque @ 4,400 rpm
  • 3.62 inches bore by 3.58 inches stroke
  • Engine compression ratio: 10:5-to-1
  • 6-speed automatic transmission
  • Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
  • Length: 188.8 inches
  • Width: 72.4 inches
  • Height: 59 inches
  • Passenger volume: 104.6 cubic feet
  • Storage volume: 15 cubic feet
  • Towing capacity: N/R
  • EPA: 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway
  • Regular grade gasoline
  • Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons
  • Curb weight: From 3,662 pounds
  • IIHS safety rating: Top Safety Pick+
  • Limited vehicle warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles
  • Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles
  • Corrosion warranty: 5 years/Unlimited miles
  • Vehicle assembly: Lafayette, Indiana

More Car Reviews

Say It: Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Off Road Fun With a Toyota FJ Cruiser Ultimate

Living Large With a 2015 Cadillac Escalade Premium 4WD

Grand and Efficient Sedan: Toyota Avalon Hybrid


2015 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: 2015 MODELS, all-wheel drive, boxer engine, CVT, Midsize Sedan, SUBARU LEGACY

About admin

Matt Keegan has maintained his love for cars ever since his father taught him kicking tires can be one way to uncover a problem with a vehicle’s suspension system. He since moved on to learn a few things about coefficient of drag, G-forces, toe-heel shifting, and how to work the crazy infotainment system in some random weekly driver. Matt is a member of the Washington Automotive Press Association and is a contributor to various print and online media sources.

Reader Interactions

Trackbacks

  1. Zoom-Zoom and a Mazda CX-5 says:
    April 15, 2017 at 8:15 am

    […] Top-of-the-Range Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited Delivers […]

    Log in to Reply
  2. Sport Luxury Crossover: Infiniti QX70S says:
    April 15, 2017 at 8:16 am

    […] Top-of-the-Range Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited Delivers […]

    Log in to Reply
  3. Wouldnt You Really Rather Have a Buick (LaCrosse)? says:
    April 15, 2017 at 8:28 am

    […] Top-of-the-Range Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited Delivers […]

    Log in to Reply
  4. Compact Luxury Value: 2015 Audi A3 Sedan 2.0T says:
    April 15, 2017 at 8:31 am

    […] Top-of-the-Range Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited Delivers […]

    Log in to Reply
  5. Sweet Swede: 2015.5 Volvo XC60 T6 Drive-E says:
    April 17, 2017 at 9:12 am

    […] Top-of-the-Range Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited Delivers […]

    Log in to Reply
  6. The Top-of-the-Range Kia K900 says:
    April 17, 2017 at 3:49 pm

    […] Top-of-the-Range Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited Delivers […]

    Log in to Reply
  7. Attainable Opulence: 2015 Hyundai Genesis says:
    April 17, 2017 at 7:57 pm

    […] Top-of-the-Range Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited Delivers […]

    Log in to Reply
  8. All-New 2015 Chrysler 200 Debuts says:
    April 22, 2017 at 2:46 pm

    […] the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Malibu, Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Volkswagen Passat, Subaru Legacy, Mazda 6 and the related Dodge […]

    Log in to Reply
  9. Subaru Legacy Delivers Quality and Reliability says:
    July 10, 2017 at 6:06 am

    […] See Also — Top-of-the-Range Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited Delivers […]

    Log in to Reply
  10. New York: 2015 Hyundai Sonata on Display — Auto Trends Magazine says:
    January 25, 2018 at 1:25 pm

    […] include the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion, Chevrolet Malibu, Chrysler 200, Subaru Legacy, Mazda 6, Volkswagen Passat and its corporate cousin, the Kia […]

    Log in to Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All

Recent Comments

  • Drive Dissection: 2017 Nissan Maxima SR — Auto Trends Magazine on From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Premium Nissan Maxima Sedan — Auto Trends Magazine on From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan — Auto Trends Magazine on Second Look: 2020 Nissan Sentra
  • Buying Guide: 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • Highlights of the 2020 Kia Sedona — Auto Trends Magazine on Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • From Datsun to Nissan: 40th Anniversary of the Maxima Sedan
  • The Mazda CX-5 Brings a Premium Touch to the Compact Crossover Utility Vehicle Segment
  • 4 Car Upholstery Cleaning Tips
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
September 2014
S M T W T F S
 123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
282930  
« Aug   Oct »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in