Legacy

Make
Subaru
Segment
Sedan

In a somewhat unexpected announcement, Subaru has announced that the all-new 2020 Legacy will debut at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show on February 7. Only two teaser images have been released so far, but we do know a few things about the new mid-size sedan. For starters, it will ride on Subaru's new Global Platform, which already underpins the smaller Impreza sedan and hatchback, Crosstrek, and Forester. Even the all-new three-row Ascent crossover rides on this platform.

Why one platform for them all (aside from the BRZ)? It's extremely cost-effective and Subaru isn't exactly one of the biggest automakers out there. In fact, it only has two production plants, one in the US and the other in Japan.

That's why it was such a big deal over a week ago when production was stopped at its Japanese facility after a possible defect was discovered in an electrical power steering unit. Fortunately, that's been resolved but there's expected financial damage for the nearly two-week-long shutdown. But that's not stopping the debut of the redesigned Legacy.

What's interesting about the Windy City car show is that it typically has a reputation for pickup truck reveals. It also comes barely a month after the Detroit Auto Show, so many of the biggest debuts have already happened. Other automakers may wait for New York in April. But Chicago was the chosen venue for Mazda when it unveiled its first-generation MX-5 Miata back in 1989.

As for the new Legacy, one of the teaser images shows a significantly larger and more premium looking touchscreen surrounded by leather trim. It's actually kind of Tesla Model S-like. If you want to know what the next gen Outback will look like inside and out, all you'll have to do is, starting on February 7, picture the Legacy as a wagon with a raised ride height and some additional plastic around the wheels. We'll bring you more details once they arrive.