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All-Wheel Drive Edge: 2017 Subaru Legacy

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New Sport trim adds pop to the Legacy line.

2017 Subaru Legacy Sport

Subaru can no longer be considered a niche car manufacturer. Fresh off its eighth consecutive year of record growth, this burgeoning Japanese brand continues to attract a wider base of American car shoppers, thanks in large part to its SUV-skewed lineup.

But that’s not the only reason Subaru is growing: the manufacturer continues with its near universal standard all-wheel drive fleet (the rear-wheel drive Subaru BRZ is the lone exception), an edge no other mainstream manufacturer can claim.

Subaru’s non-SUV fleet includes the BRZ sport coupe, the Impreza and WRX compact models, and the Legacy — a midsize sedan. Notably, the Legacy is one of Subaru’s oldest and most enduring model names, introduced in 1989 and is now in its sixth generation. Originally a compact car, the Legacy was stretched to midsize status six years later and was also sold as a wagon for a season. Afterward, that wagon evolved into the Outback, one of the brand’s best-selling SUV models.

2017 Subaru Legacy

The 2017 Legacy is available in five trims: 2.5i ($21,995), 2.5i Premium ($23,995), 2.5i Sport ($25,995), 2.5i Limited ($28,840), and 3.6R Limited ($31,640). A Legacy 2.5i Sport model was a recent weekly driver and was discounted by $2,000 before a $4,845 Sport Option package was added, bringing the final price to $28,910, including $820 for destination.

The Sport trim is new for 2017. Other changes include new reverse automatic braking and high beam assist technologies.

2017 Subaru Legacy Sport

Speaking about the Sport trim, it features exclusive styling features such as a dark-gray front grille, fog lamps wrapped with gloss black housing, 18-inch sport-styled wheels, and chrome accent rocker panel trim. Inside, you’ll find a two-tone interior with piano black and carbon fiber patterned trim.

Adding a Sport trim to the Legacy line was a wise choice for Subaru. The midsize segment continues under assault as consumers make the shift to SUVs. The Legacy gained ground in 2016, as sales increased by 8 percent just as net car sales fell by 8.1 percent according to Autodata Corporation. In any case, the Legacy is easily outsold by most manufacturers, with the Toyota Camry,Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, and Ford Fusion vying for leadership. Other models with stronger sales include the Hyundai Sonata, Chevrolet Malibu, and the Kia Optima.

The All-Wheel Drive Advantage

But in a segment where differentiation seems difficult to accomplish, the Legacy is the only model with all-wheel drive only. The Ford Fusion offers all-wheel drive as did the Chrysler 200 until the latter was discontinued in 2016. Even if the segment continues to contract, the Legacy should gain a larger slice of the pie, thanks to AWD and now a Sport edition.

What the Legacy won’t win is a design award — neither ugly or handsome, the Legacy offers practical looks and contemporary style. Standard 17-inch steel wheels in the 2.5i give way to 17- or 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels elsewhere; all-season tires are standard across the model line.

Projector-beam halogen headlights are standard; HID projector headlights are available. Fog lights appear at the Sport level. You’ll also find folding side mirrors with available integrated turn signal indicators, chrome embellishments, and one or two exhaust tips.

2017 Subaru Legacy Sport

Ample Room for Five

Today’s midsize sedans offer true five-person space and the 2017 Legacy is no exception. Sitting on a 108.3-inch wheelbase, the Legacy offers excellent room up front and suitable space in the rear seat. A 60-40 split-folding bench seat offers access to the trunk, measuring 15 cubic feet.

All models, except for both Limited editions, are dressed in cloth upholstery. Leather-trimmed upholstery is standard on both Limited models.

Moving away from the base models brings in such amenities as a 10-way power adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. Also available is heated outboard rear seats and wood grain or carbon fiber-patterned trim.

Keyless entry with push button start is available, as is an automatic dimming rear mirror, and dual-zone climate control. Standard equipment includes air conditioning, power windows and door locks, an electronic parking brake, and cruise control. Every model comes with a center console, an overhead console, a tilt and telescopic steering column, and eight cup and drink holders.

2017 Subaru Legacy Sport

Top Tech Features

On the tech front, the 2017 Legacy offers a standard four-speaker audio system. A six-speaker audio system is found with the Premium and Sport trims. Limited models have a Harman Kardon audio package — a 12-speaker arrangement with 576 watts of modulated deliciousness at the ready.

If you want navigation, it is obtainable at any level, except with the base trim. The system is tied in with the STARLINK multimedia plus system with a seven-inch screen, Siri Eyes Free, HD Radio, a CD player, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. Only by opting for the upgraded STARLINK package is navigation available.

A Reputation for Safety

Subaru has long held a merited reputation for stellar safety, including exemplary crash testing scores, and the 2017 Legacy embodies that. Once again, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has awarded this midsize sedan with its highest honor — Top Safety Pick+.

Beyond its symmetrical all-wheel drive system, the Legacy is equipped with daytime running lights, traction and stability control, and a rearview camera. Apart from the Legacy’s suite of airbags, it is the available package of driver assist features that clinch it for the sedan — namely high beam assist, blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert, and EyeSight Driver Assist technology. EyeSight includes adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning, and lane keep assist. You’ll find these options available on every trim except for the base model.

2017 Subaru Legacy Sport

2017 Subaru Legacy Sport

Your Choice of Boxer Engines

Subaru gives Legacy shoppers two engine choices. Both offer a horizontally opposed (Boxer) layout and that means the engines sit slightly lower in the bay. Both are paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission. The standard four-cylinder displaces at 2.5 liters and makes 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. As equipped, these models make 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway.

The 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine is available only with the top-trim Limited model. This version makes a robust 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque. The 3.6R Limited achieves an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

2017 Subaru Legacy Sport

On the Road

The base model should be sufficient for most buyers. it delivers adequate off-the-mark acceleration and power increases steadily as it approaches highway speed. In the all-important “passing on the highway” analysis, the Legacy gets the job done, supplying sufficient faculty to pass and without lagging. Most people will probably be satisfied with this sedan’s steering — light to the touch — and handling — sufficient to superior, especially when torque is sent to the wheels that need it most.

And the all-wheel drive system certainly came in handy when our area was socked by a winter storm. Our storms are typically icy, so that means I don’t drive at all as the all-wheel drive does no better than other options when it comes to stopping. It was only after the ice melted did I conduct the bulk of my driving, traversing slush and other melting material, while doing so in complete confidence. The Legacy stayed planted even as I pushed the sedan through my share of the many puddles encountered. You should consider AWD as an extra measure of security whenever you drive on wet roads.

Buyer Considerations

So, which model should you choose? I vote for the Sport as it has the looks and price point I think most people prefer. The package upgrade brought in a moonroof and the EyeSight driver assist package, among other amenities. For under $30,000 you get all-wheel drive and certain advanced driver-assist safety features, a combination no other model offers, except for the Ford offers.

For a vehicle offering few surprises, there was one standout feature: fuel economy. Indeed, after 246 miles of driving, the gas tank needle barely touched the middle position, demonstrating that even with all-wheel drive the 2017 Subaru Legacy is an altogether efficient machine.

2017 Subaru Legacy Sport

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Takata Recalls to Pace Yet Another Record Year

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With tens of millions of vehicles under recall for replacement air bags, other recalls may get buried. Millions of other models are also under recall for an assortment of mechanical and software problems.

Takata is in the process of working with 11 car manufacturers to recall 33.8 million vehicles in the United States, representing nearly 1 in 7 registered vehicles. That staggering number will most likely push this year’s recalls above the 60 million vehicles recalled last year, a record.

As important as the Takata air bag recall is, there are a number of other recalls that have been recently announced or are currently in progress. Thus, Auto Trends is presenting a sampling of some of the more noteworthy recalls for 2015:

Lincoln MKZ

The Lincoln MKZ & Ford Fusion are under a recall.

Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ — Certain 2013, 2014 and 2015 Ford Fusion and Lincoln MKZ models manufactured earlier this year and Ford Edge models manufactured in late February are being recalled. Ford says that more than 487,000 models may have a steering problem affected by corrosion that could cause the steering gear motor to separate from the gear housing, increasing the risk of a crash.

Kia Soul — Owners of certain 2014 and 2015 Kia Souls and Soul EVs should have their vehicles checked for potential gas pedal breakage. About one dozen pedals have fractured, leading Kia to recall nearly 209,000 vehicles to install rubber supports underneath the pedal.

Volkswagen Jetta — At the beginning of the year, Volkswagen announced a recall involving approximately 50,000 2015 Jetta vehicles. The recall addresses a potential problem involving the halogen headlights. Specifically, software within the control module may shut down the low-beam headlights when the high beams are activated. The problem could affect the driver’s vision, leading to a crash.

GMC Canyon Recall

Under Recall: GMC Canyon

Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon — Owners of certain 2015 Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon trucks are being alerted to a problem affecting the driver’s and front passenger seat. Nearly 50,000 vehicles are being recalled to inspect the seat-frame attachment hooks to ensure that they are secured properly. If not anchored properly, the affected parts will be replaced.

Hyundai Elantra — More than 200,000 Hyundai Elantra sedans covering the 2008 to 2010 model years and Elantra Touring hatchbacks for the 2009 and 2010 model years are being recalled. Hyundai has identified a flaw in the vehicles’ electronic power steering system, what could affect steering performance. In essence, the affected models may perform in manual steering mode, requiring greater driver effort. No accidents have been reported related to this problem.

Toyota Camry recall.

Select Camry & Camry Hybrid models are being recalled.

Toyota RAV4 and Other Models — More than 112,000 Toyota vehicles are being recalled to address various problems. The RAV4 EV may have a software issue that could cause these vehicles to shift into neutral, increasing the risk of a crash. Other vehicles, including select 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may have damaged electric power steering circuit boards.

Chrysler Minivans, Dodge Journey — Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is recalling more than 700,000 Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town & Country minivans for the 2008, 2009 and 2010 model years. They are also recalling 2009 and 2010 Dodge Journey utility vehicles. The issue for these vehicles has to do with the ignition key — what could shut the car off under certain conditions. As part of that recall, FCA is urging owners to remove extra keys from the key rings to prevent the vehicles from accidentally turning off, leading to a loss of control.

Recalls and Procedures

If your vehicle has been mentioned in any of the above listed recalls, contact your dealer to have it repaired. For everyone else, you can check whether your vehicle is under recall by first writing down your vehicle identification number (VIN) found on the dashboard. It also appears on your registration card.

Next, visit the NHTSA’s Safercar.gov website. Specifically, click here to be taken to a page where you can enter your VIN to find out if your vehicle has been recalled. The website covers recalls conducted over the past 15 calendar years.

Recalls Look-up by VIN
Following that, contact any dealer for your manufacturer to schedule an appointment. The manufacturer will pay for repairs. You should also ask your dealer or the car manufacturer for a loaner vehicle as you wait for repairs to be completed.

Notably, signing up immediately for recall service will ensure that your name is on the list. When the parts become available, you will be notified. Finally, if your car is currently “in the clear” check back again periodically. When tens of millions of cars currently under recall, your vehicle may eventually find be listed.

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