2020 Subaru Legacy Review: Putting The Sleepers To Sleep
The Subaru Legacy has to be one of the most forgettable sedans on sale in the USA, and that's exactly why we like it, especially now that it has been redesigned and now gets a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine. The redesign might not be noticeable at first, but after taking a closer look, you'll notice small improvements that, as a whole, make a big difference between the 2020 and 2019 model. A stiffer chassis, exterior design updates, lower road noise, and a new infotainment system are but a few of the improvements made to the new car. We love the fact that this car drives beautifully, offers good interior and trunk space, and is one of the safest cars on American roads, all without being noticed by a single person whilst driving down the road. Give us one in gray with a turbo motor and watch as we sail under cop radars every day of the week.
What's the Price of the 2020 Subaru Legacy?
The comfortable and capable Legacy's pricing starts off at a bargain MSRP of only $22,745 for the Base model, $1,275 less than an entry-level 2020 Honda Accord. Next in line is the Premium, which adds that 11.6-inch display, and $2,250 to the asking price for a total of $24,995. The Sport model, which features cross-stitched seats and LED fog lights, will set you back $26,945. Third from the top sits the Legacy Limited, which costs $29,745 and adds a leather interior. The Limited XT shares most of its features with the Limited, but more importantly, it gets the new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine as standard and will cost you $34,195. The new Touring XT is only available with the turbocharged power plant, gets heated and ventilated Nappa leather seats, and goes for $35,895. These prices don't include registration, taxes, and a destination fee of $900.
2020 Legacy Exterior
Dimensions
| Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 190.6 in | 108.3 in | 59.1 in | 72.4 in | 62.2 in | 63.4 in | 3,499.0 lbs |
2020 Legacy Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The new decade brings with it a new platform, which Subaru claims to be 70% more rigid torsionally, and twice as stiff in the rear suspension mounting area. The result of this stiffening is a car that's more eager to dive its nose into a corner and it also feels more responsive to steering inputs. While the Legacy might not be as focused as Subaru's more sporty WRX or STI, its DNA still shines through the modest bodywork, and we are grateful that Subaru has stuck with its standard symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, which gives the driver a certain level of assurance and confidence. Steering the Legacy is a rather disconnected affair, more so than in the Honda Accord, which highlights the Legacy's focus on comfort over all-out performance. Out on the open road, the Legacy soaks up bumps in its stride, and thicker window glass, door seals, and aerodynamic tricks have resulted in a car that whispers down the road.
2020 Legacy Interior
2020 Legacy Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
| Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 3 Years / 36,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
| Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2020 Subaru Legacy Sedan A Good car?
The latest redesign couldn't have come at a better time for the Subaru Legacy: the outgoing Legacy was starting to show its age on the outside as well as under the skin, and despite being one of the few sedans in its class to offer AWD, sales were starting to tail off. The new Legacy looks sharper thanks to a few choice touches, but more importantly, it feels great to drive. An improved chassis with improved overall stiffness has made the Legacy feel better on the road, and added insulation has made it more refined too. Subaru has also thought it good to add an all-new turbocharged engine to the lineup: the new 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine packs a strong punch with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft of torque, and while it doesn't feel like a storming performer, it does have enough power to keep the mildly sporty driver content. We love the fact that it's ultra-safe, comfortable, and capable of flying under the radar 24/7.
What Subaru Legacy Model Should I Buy?
If all you're looking for is a capable, safe and reliable four-door sedan then the base model with its 2.5-liter boxer motor, manual air conditioning, and standard adaptive cruise control will do the trick. But, if you're looking for something a bit more unique, then there's a wide range of options left on the table. The redesigned Legacy drives so well on the open road that it would be a shame not to go for a model with the new turbocharged engine. If it were up to us, we'd get the top of the range Legacy Touring, which features heated and ventilated front seats in Nappa leather, as well as conveniences such as a 180-degree front view monitor, power moonroof and driver attention assistance. We'll have ours in Magnetite Gray with the optional wireless charger.
2020 Subaru Legacy Comparisons
2020 Subaru Legacy vs Honda Accord
The Honda Accord has been a favorite for years, and with good reason, it has always managed to balance value for money with comfort, safety, and practicality, and some models are even fun to drive. The 2020 Honda Accord is one of the most accomplished yet and features a range of impressive turbo gasoline engines that offer both performance and economy. The base model starts off at $24,020, over a grand more than the Legacy, and is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-pot engine producing an impressive 192 hp and 192 lb-ft of torque at only 1,900 rpm. The more powerful 2.0-liter unit produces 252 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. Fuel economy ranges from 22/32/26 mpg city/highway/combined to 30/38/33 mpg. The Accord misses out on the AWD system found in the Legacy and sends its power exclusively to the front wheels. The Accord is a pleasure to drive and feels dynamically superior to the Legacy when pushing through the corners. The interior is also a more modern place to sit in. Both cars share more or less the same interior space, but the Accord offers more trunk space. The Legacy is the safest car, but not by much. The Accord wins the competition if you're still up for an exciting driving experience.
2020 Subaru Legacy vs Subaru Impreza Sedan
The Subaru Impreza has always enjoyed the gaze of the younger market, perhaps because of the urban legend that there used to be Imprezas out in the wild that could make turbo noises and drive really fast over dirt trails. Whatever the case may be, the 2020 Subaru Impreza is more of a mild-mannered people mover than a rally car, and slots in beneath the Legacy price and size-wise. Power is provided by an uninspiring 2.0-liter boxer four-pot, which kicks out 152 hp and 145 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to all four corners via a CVT transmission, and the car will return a Legacy-matching 27/36/30 mpg city/highway/combined. The Impreza does what the Legacy does but on a smaller, less impressive scale. Both cars share the same Star Link infotainment software, AWD system, and other bits, but the price difference and overall experience are tangible: the Impreza is smaller, less practical, and not as refined, but the base price is over $3,000 more. If you're a traveling salesman who never wants to get pulled over by cops or chicks, get the Impreza Sedan.