2020 Subaru Legacy

With people switching more towards crossovers, 2020 redesigned Subaru Legacy has reminded us that the sedan family is not yet dead. The Japanese may be content with the Legacy’s all-wheel-drive, keeping it unique in the mid-size family sedan. But the 2020 Legacy has brought in a great mix of its traditional and all-new modern design features, adding to the appeal of it. It competes with the likes of redesigned Honda Accord and not so boring Toyota Camry along with Nissan Altima. The base is placed with a 182hp 2.5L boxer four-cylinder engine, not the quickest. The 2020 Legacy with its 6 trims ranges from $22745 for the base and goes up to $35,895 for Touring XT.

The Subaru Global Platform is the savior, redesigning this seventh-generation Legacy with ample to look out for. This Legacy is the quietest ever thanks to the use of high strength steel and strong adhesive and sound-insulated windshields. It offers plenty of room both in front and rear. The trunk is larger than before. For speed enthusiasts, XT models offer a 2.4L turbocharged engine with a tuned continuously variable transmission.

The Subaru Legacy starts at $22,745 plus $900 as destination charges. The four-door sedan comes in six trims with a new introduction of Legacy Touring. The All-wheel drive is standard across the lineup.

The XT models are equipped with a more powerful 2.4L boxer four-cylinder turbo engine than the standard 2.5L four-cylinder variant. With an exception of the base trim, Legacy flaunts a massive 11.6-inch vertical display working on a next-generation Starlink infotainment system. The Touring XT topping the lineup at $35,895 includes 180-degree front-view monitor, power-folding outboard mirrors, perforated Nappa leather seating, upgraded leather wrapping the steering wheel and ventilated front seats.

This new Legacy combines Subaru’s traditional hallmark i.e. Horizontally-placed engine and an all-wheel-drive with modern refinements to keep it relevant in the present scenario.

What do we recommend?

With plenty of interior space and a larger trunk than before, the Legacy is a good mid-size family sedan. A long list of active safety and driver assistance feature comes standard. Also, for city rides and wind cruising highway stroll, the 2.5L engine suits better with the refined CVT. Further, the 2.5L offers a better MPG rating with an all-wheel drive as standard. At an affordable price of $22,745 loaded with such features and improved drivability, The base Legacy will be the right pick.

The refreshed Subaru Legacy comes flaunting a refined, naturally aspirated 2.5L flat-four engine delivering 182 hp (up by 7) and 176 lb-ft torque. Just adequately powered! With the refinement, the automaker managed to overcome the previously irking engine behavior but the Legacy isn’t speedy and hums at high speeds. 

No worries, buyers can opt for the more enticing option of 2.4L turbocharged flat-four cylinder engine cranking a healthy 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque. Though the 2.4 L engine is available with XT models only.

Both engines are paired with an upgraded continuously-variable transmission (CVT) driving all wheels. The revised CVT with the base adds to a smoother ride than before. The tweaked high torque CVT with the 2.4L power upgrade handles the added twist with ease. The all-wheel drive is unique to the segment as the rivals including Accord and Camry offer front-wheel drive only.

How Fast is the 2020 Legacy?

New for 2020, the 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine replaces the traditional six-cylinder engine providing the desirable drivability to the Subaru. Plentiful of acceleration. XT is competitive for a 6.1-second zero-to-sixty time. With new updates making Legacy more rigid and with brake-based torque vectoring, it doesn’t feel as athletic as we hope. Also, the entry of Legacy into Subaru’s Global Platform enhances the underpinnings making it much lighter.

The base 2.5L is not the quickest and takes 8.4 seconds for zero-to-sixty after all the refinements. The continuously variable automatic transmission that includes paddle shifters to control artificial gear steps is smooth but at the same time lacks instant acceleration while starting from a stop.

The standard all-wheel-drive in unique to the Legacy in the segment with likes of Nissan Altima offering it as optional. The Accord and Camry are placed with FWD only. Though the rivals manage to surpass the acceleration figures, Subaru Legacy will be able to assert much influence in the American mid-size sedan market.

How are the ride quality and handling of Subaru Legacy?

The seventh-generation Legacy with an evolved design structure using high strength steel and adhesive bonding makes it lighter and 70 percent stiffer up front contributing to better handling and a much quieter cabin. The gracious Subaru Global Platform comes to rescue, adding desired upgrades, lower center of gravity and making it best of its kind. Also, the redesigned front and rear suspension and sway bars are light Which adds to superior handling. Though the steering is not as responsive and the ride quality takes a deep dive in rough road conditions, they are light and easy to control.

The suspension, steering rack, wheels, and tires are the same regardless of trim and engine choice. The Legacy is meant for comfortable and plush ride quality. The redesigned underpinnings suit the standard 2.5L setup more. Also, with the standard all-wheel-drive system, the 2020 Legacy is stable through corners but is still behind the likes of Accord in handling agility.

How do the brakes perform in Subaru Legacy?

The Subaru Legacy is equipped with front and rear ventilated disc accompanied by four-wheel ABS and emergency braking assist. Also, the Legacy comes with default grippy V-rated all-season tires on 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels, the 2020 Legacy has achieved the highest levels of dynamic performance and ride comfort in its history.

Though before the car arrived at dealerships, Subaru reports a missing component hampering the brake pedal response and its a production glitch. Anyways, after rectification, I hope that the brake pedal response the way it is designed for.

The new lightweight construction of Legacy yields more dividends in real-time than thought. As it comes in all-wheel drive, it should be known that AWD is a little less fuel-efficient than the front-wheel-drive.

Surprisingly, Subaru gets a typical 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway with its base engine. The Legacy fares well as compared to more efficient competitors.

The 18.5-gallon fuel tank with EPA 35 mpg on the highway, gives Legacy a lofty range of 647 miles. It adds to the practicality of the car, as less time spent is on the pump is a utility. Of course with the turbocharged engine, the ratings drop to 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The automaker has put a long time working to improve the look and feel of its cars, surely that has paid off. To begin with, Legacy offers plenty of room both in front and rear but Accord beats the Legacy with exceptional rear legroom. The upright roofline and expansive glass area offer the utmost visibility. Talking of multiple real-time dividends of the Subaru platform, a quieter cabin, and reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) at highway speeds adds to the list.

The seats are soft and cushioned generously than on those of rivals. The back seat, too, is well padded. The redesigned center console and dashboard add to the upscale feel complemented with lesser sections of plastics and more of soft-touch material. In higher trims, the use of Nappa leather adds to the comfort and luxury, introduced first time in Subaru.

Limited and Touring models get 10-way power front seats with adjustable driver-seat cushion length, plus front and rear seat heaters that extend up your back. The outboard rear seats even have optional heating, and there are two USB ports for rear passengers as well. Touring models add ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

How much tech-laden is the Subaru Legacy?

Subaru with its 2020 release of Legacy has embarked upon a lot, things Subaru was missing out on. Though it is not completely reborn, the Legacy with its tablet-style 11.6-inch multimedia touchscreen draws the attention. The redesigned dashboard, large display, split-screen functionality showing multiple information at the same time along with traditional useful knobs for volume and tuning is a great amalgamation.

The Subaru gets the latest version of the Starlink infotainment system which unfortunately is a bit complex when it comes to the user experience. The base gets an updated multimedia and control system with a 7-inch display. Subaru for the first time offers Wi-fi hotspot connectivity. The Android and Apple IOS connectivity comes integrated. Subaru Starlink subscription connectivity services are offered, with three years of the emergency assistance package free.

In my opinion, the vertically-oriented display is the star of the show but overall Subaru has one of the best infotainment.it is not just the large screen but because the climate controls are always on display. The ribbon top up the display gives the driver’s choice of helpful information. Also, Subaru’s system deploys two processors—one for infotainment and the other for climate and car functions ensuring a lightning-fast response.

Key infotainment features

• 11.6-inch vertical display with climate control and split-screen feature
• Dual-zone automatic climate control
• Wireless device charging
• 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
• Front and Rear USB Ports
• Android Auto and Apple Carplay
• Standard Wi-fi connectivity and Navigation

How spacious is the cargo of Subaru Legacy?

The 2020 Legacy does not have the largest of trunks but offers adequate cargo capacity. Subaru smartly articulated standard mounting brackets on the roof for cargo and adventure-gear system.

The split-folding rear seats supplement keeping long or bulky items with ease.

 The trunk opening is wide and it is easier to load the luggage in the trunk with easy-to-go liftover height.

Key interior features

• Transmission, Cruise And Audio Controls On Steering Wheel
• Interior Air Filtration
• Climate Control
• Front And Rear Cupholders
• Remote Keyless Power Door Locks
• Driver Seat With Power Adjustable Lumbar Support
• Rear Ventilation Ducts

The Subaru practices a “Dynamic X Solid” design philosophy for the 2020 Legacy redesign. Still, 2020 Legacy flaunts a mix of traditional and modern Subaru traits. Wider fenders emphasize tire and wheel presence, giving it an athletic and sportier look. 

A reworked side-mirror design improves not only appearance but also aerodynamics and quietness. Symbolizing the Legacy’s “Bold in movement”, a new Touring trim makes entry leveraging luxury inside out. It is placed with entry chrome plating, decorated door handles and satin tone plated side mirrors.

 It may be noted that the redesign is not revolutionary but evolutionary. The 2020 Legacy’s headlights and taillights are more sculpted, with minor changes to the grille and more sloping hood as well. The design is different from the predecessor but still lacks enough flare to beat its rivals.

The stout structure of the Subaru Legacy, creation of Subaru’s Global platforms has consolidated quite a few design features resulting in a rigid structure and added safety. Crash protection is markedly improved, as the new body absorbs over 40-percent more energy in front/side crashes than the current model. In addition to above, standard front and rear airbags including driver knee airbags make passive safety quite reliable.

The active safety features include standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with Lane Centering Function which provides steering assist when the vehicle veers outside its lane. DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, optional on Limited and standard on both XT trims, uses a dedicated camera and facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction. 

In another Legacy first, the 2020 model offers a Front View Monitor providing safety and assistance when checking road conditions ahead or parking. 

Key Safety Feature and additional driver-assist technologies include:

• 8-Airbags 
• LED Steering Responsive Headlamps (Limited, Touring)
• Reverse Automatic Braking
• Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist
• Rear Cross-Traffic Alert.

2020 Subaru Legacy Vs 2020 Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is a better package with exemplary performance, comprehensive space, intuitive infotainment, ride comfort with a luxurious feel. The Honda leads Subaru when it comes to the handling agility. Though Subaru has taken a big leap with its new design and added features, it still trails the Honda Accord.

2020 Subaru Legacy Vs 2020 Nissan Altima

Here, we have a lot of similarities between the two, so picking up one will depend on the priorities. The powertrain configurations are equivalent. Nissan Altima is comfier and more tech-laden whereas Legacy offers upscale and a luxurious feel along with more active safety features. Further, Altima is placed with a front-wheel drive with a payable option of an AWD. Also, Altima offers better MPG ratings but a lesser range.

2020 Subaru Legacy Vs 2020 Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry and Subaru share some common traits like upscale interiors, indispensable room for all along with plenty of easy-to-use-technology including driver-assistance technology. The Toyota Camry is quite superior in comparison to Subaru when it comes to performance. The Camry’s front-wheel drive is fuel-efficient and performs better while cornering. Overall, Toyota will be the first choice but Subaru isn’t a bad choice.

The new construction of Subaru Legacy in 2020, surely confirms the claim of the Japanese automaker of it being the best Legacy. The 2020 Legacy has produced ripples in the market segment with the state-0f-art infotainment system and a long list of safety features. The upscale feel with exceptional interior cabin design and space is the one to look out for. Though it is not a sports sedan, it surely manages a composed ride on highways with its unique AWD. Therefore, for buyers looking for an affordable mid-size sedan with an all-wheel drive and a plush ride, Subaru Legacy is the apt choice.