Introducing the 2020 Subaru Legacy.
If you’re shopping for a new vehicle, then more than likely you’re looking at a crossover, not a sedan. If you’re a Subaru fan, that means you’re probably considering a model such as the Outback, one of four utility vehicle models offered.
But if you’re looking for value in a family vehicle, the Subaru Legacy shouldn’t be overlooked. It is a midsize sedan with room for five and has several advantages that make it a compelling purchase for new-vehicle shoppers.
Here are the 10 things we like about the 2020 Subaru Legacy:
1. All-wheel drive, all the time.
Subaru equips the Legacy with standard all-wheel drive, the only model in this segment that doesn’t charge extra for it. Further, only the Nissan Altima and the soon-to-be-retired Ford Fusion offer all-wheel drive. No other competitors have it. Not the Toyota Camry nor the Hyundai Sonata.
2. Your choice of two flathead engines.
Subaru offers two engine choices, but the previously available six-cylinder is gone. The standard engine displaces 2.5 liters and makes a laudable 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. The upgraded engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque Both engines have horizontally opposed cylinders and sit lower in the engine bay for optimized weight distribution.
3. An efficient transmission is available.
A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, but most models come with a continuously variable transmission. The Legacy’s 35 mpg highway rating is strong; you’ll get about 30 mpg overall. That’s impressive with the added weight of all-wheel drive.
4. You’ll enjoy a large car’s interior room.
We’ve seen midsize cars morph from generation to generation and the Subaru Legacy is no exception. The current model is nearly the same size as before, but that’s a good thing as the cabin is large enough to hold five adults. As for the trunk, it supplies 15.1 cubic feet of storage space.
5. A new generation debuts.
The 2020 Legacy launches this sedan’s seventh generation. Fittingly, the new model was introduced at the Chicago Auto Show, almost exactly 30 years after the original was introduced. Auto Trends was on hand to report the debut.
6. It rides on a new platform.
Despite its size similarity to the outgoing model, the new Legacy rides on the Subaru Global Platform, which is slated to underpin everything this manufacturer makes. The architecture is more rigid and therefore quieter. It also supplies improved driving dynamics.
7. Check out that big screen.
Most Legacy models have an 11.6-inch display screen, which is nothing less than huge. Its bundled with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone compatibility, and includes Bluetooth, satellite radio, HD Radio, and an app suite.
8. Navigation supplied by TomTom.
Subaru remains one of the few manufacturers committed to TomTom navigation. Its the system of choice in trims where navigation is offered.
9. Give us some EyeSight.
Bundled under the EyeSight umbrella are several standard driver-assist features. This year, Subaru offers adaptive cruise control with lane centering, pre-collision braking and throttle management, and vehicle lane departure and sway warning. A head-up display is also standard and lists various EyeSight details.
10. It comes well equipped for under $30,000.
Prices continue to rise across the industry. For 2020, the Legacy is priced just $200 more than the model it replaces. Choose the Limited (one of six trims) and you’ll pay about $30,000 for a well-equipped model that brings in LED steering responsive headlights, keyless entry with push-button start, 18-inch machine finish alloy wheels, leather-wrapped seats, a Harman Kardon audio system, and blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert.
2020 Subaru Legacy Parting Thoughts
By no means is the Subaru Legacy a best seller in its class. The previously mentioned models from Toyota and Nissan as well as the Honda Accord, Kia Optima, and the Chevrolet Malibu outsell it. But the Legacy is the newest model among them and its safety attributes and price give it a leg up in a shrinking segment. You may be considering a crossover, but the Legacy shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if all-wheel drive is one of your requirements.
2020 Subaru Legacy Specifications
| Subaru | 2020 Legacy |
|---|---|
| Segment | Midsize sedan |
| Price Range | $22,745 to $35,895 |
| Destination Charge | $900 |
| Engine No. 1 | 2.5-liter, inline-four |
| Horsepower | 182 @ 5,800 RPMs |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 176 @ 4,400 RPMs |
| Transmission | 6- speed manual |
| Engine No. 2 | 2.4-liter, turbocharged inline-four |
| Horsepower | 260 @ 5,600 RPMs |
| Torque (lb.-ft.) | 277 @ 2,000- 4,800 RPMs |
| Transmission | CVT |
| Seating | 5 |
| Curb Weight (pounds) | 3,499 to 3,790 |
| Wheelbase (inches) | 108.3 |
| Length (inches) | 190.6 |
| Width (inches) | 72.4 |
| Height (inches) | 59.1 |
| Headroom (f,r…inches) | 39.4, 37.2 |
| Legroom (f,r…inches) | 42.8, 39.5 |
| Shoulder room (f,r…inches) | 58.1, 57.4 |
| Hip room (f,r…inches) | 55.5, 54.8 |
| Storage (cubic feet) | 15.1 |
| Gross vehicle weight (pounds) | NR |
| Towing (pounds) | 1,016 to 1,131 |
| Payload (pounds) | NR |
| Fuel | Regular |
| Fuel Tank (gallons) | 18.5 |
| EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) | 27/35/30 (2.5L); 24/32/27 (2.4L) |
| Manufacturing Plant | Lafayette, Indiana |
Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer.
See Also — What’s Next for the Subaru BRZ?
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