2019 Subaru Legacy Review
zzdcar' Expert Review
byCalvin KimVehicle Test EngineerCalvin Kim is an automotive journalist at zzdcar.
What's new
All models will come with EyeSight driver assist functionalityBase Legacy 2.5i now has a 6.5-inch multimedia displayPart of the sixth Legacy generation introduced in 2015Car shoppers looking for a vehicle that can comfortably carry four or five passengers, in deep snowbelt territory, often see SUVs as the only way to get around. But the 2019 Subaru Legacy proves that this midsize sedan has what it takes to keep up when the roads get nasty.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Subaru Legacy 2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.04 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.
Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota$131/mo for Legacy 2.5i
Legacy 2.5i
2.5i 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $22,545 MSRP2.5i Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $24,695 MSRP2.5i Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $26,795 MSRP2.5i Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $29,245 MSRP3.6R Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (3.6L 6cyl CVT) - $31,545 MSRP
vs
$164/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
And that's thanks to Subaru's all-wheel-drive system. This system modulates power to all four wheels so that no single wheel can slip and cause the whole vehicle to lose momentum. Additionally, driver assist functions, such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation, are now standard on every Legacy trim level. Combine these attributes with the Legacy's top-notch crash test safety scores and you've got a vehicle that gives you peace of mind.
On a more tangible level, we like that the Legacy comes with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability as standard. This setup allows drivers to flexibly integrate their phone into their car as much as they'd like. Excellent outward visibility, comfortable seats and easy-to-use controls all mean drivers can quickly adapt to the Legacy without effort. It's a car that works well in the city and on long stints on the highway.
But while on the highway, you'll notice the Legacy's one main flaw: The 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's in just about every Legacy trim level is a bit underpowered. (A more powerful 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine is available.) You'll have to plan out those highway passing maneuvers with a little extra care. Also, the Legacy doesn't have as much panache as some more recently redesigned sedans such as the Honda Accord and the Toyota Camry. Overall, though, the Legacy is worth checking out, especially if you can take advantage of its all-wheel-drive capability.
zzdcar' Expert Rating
The Subaru Legacy is unique, thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and horizontally opposed engines. While the 2015 model has new exterior styling and a much-improved, more luxurious, quieter cabin that's plenty roomy, it lags behind most competitors in terms of performance. Its fuel economy, though, is competitive.
Driving
Acceleration is tepid from the Legacy's four-cylinder engine, but it's pretty smooth and relatively quiet. The continuously variable automatic transmission performs simulated shifts so it feels more like a traditional automatic. Handling and steering are acceptable.
Acceleration
The 2.5-liter engine produces 175 horsepower. Expect a 0-60 mph time of about 9.5 seconds. This Legacy is one of the slowest cars in the class, and it feels like it out on the road.
Braking
The Legacy's brakes don't feel all that strong on the road. The pedal is spongy, but the brakes are easy to modulate to come to a smooth stop.
Steering
The steering has an intuitive operation and good weighting, and it feels natural in its action. The Legacy turns into corners nicely, but not so quick that it's abrupt.
Handling
This Legacy is no sport sedan, but it has easy-to-control manners despite considerable body roll around turns.
Comfort
Seat comfort is excellent front and rear, and we were especially impressed with the soft and grippy cloth material. The cabin is fairly quiet. The engine is subdued in most situations, but it can get loud at high rpm.
Seat comfort
The front seats have good cushioning, covered with soft, high-quality cloth. Lateral support is minimal. The door and center armrests have thick padding. The rear seats have good comfort and nice upper-back support, although the seatback rake is a bit upright.
Ride comfort
The Legacy has a quiet highway ride with minimal tire noise and barely perceptible engine noise. The CVT is good about not pegging revs during acceleration, which is nice because the engine can get thrashy at high rpm.
Interior
It's an airy cabin, with not only ample room for passengers but also slim roof pillars for better visibility. There are plenty of handy storage bins for small items, too.
Utility
Cargo volume is generous due to the airy trunk. On the inside, numerous pockets and compartments ensure there's a place for all your personal belongings.
Small-item storage
The door pockets are narrow but feature bottle holders. The good-size front bin has a security door. The armrest bin is easily accessible. The deep compartment in front of the shifter easily holds a phone and wallet.
Cargo space
The trunk opens wide to reveal a large opening and holds a decent 15 cubic feet. The rear seats are split 60/40, with a seatback release in the trunk. The center pass-through is wide but not tall.
Technology
What the Legacy gives up in performance it makes up for in tech. Most digital systems are controlled through the touchscreen. It has a bright, high-contrast display with large buttons and clear text. We like that every Legacy comes standard with frontal collision mitigation and lane keeping assist.
Which Legacy does zzdcar recommend?
The 2019 Subaru Legacy already comes well equipped, so for our money, we'd opt for the 2.5i Sport. Its large 18-inch wheels, and unique interior and exterior trim let it stand out from other Legacy's, while it comes with features like a moonroof and trunk spoiler.
2019 Subaru Legacy models
The 2019 Subaru Legacy is a five-passenger midsize sedan available with two engines and five trim levels: the base 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Sport, 2.5i Limited and 3.6R Limited. Legacy 2.5i versions have a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (175 hp and 174 lb-ft) while the 3.6R has a 3.6-liter six-cylinder (256 hp and 246 lb-ft). All Legacy models come with a continuously variable automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The 2.5i feature set includes 17-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, a rearview camera, a 60/40-split folding rear seat, Bluetooth, a 6.5-inch touchscreen interface, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, four USB ports (two up front and two in back), and a four-speaker sound system a CD player and HD and satellite radio. Subaru's EyeSight safety package is also standard. It includes adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.
The 2.5i Premium adds 17-inch alloy wheels, an All-Weather package (heated front seats, heated mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer), dual-zone automatic climate control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, an 8-inch touchscreen interface, and six speakers for the sound system.
The 2.5i Sport is pretty similar to the Premium but has 18-inch wheels, LED foglights, keyless ignition and entry, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a variety of exterior and interior trim flourishes. The Sport also receives blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
The 2.5i Limited reverts to the Premium's styling but gains an upgraded suspension, power-adjustable front seats, driver-seat memory settings, heated rear seats, leather upholstery and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system. With the 3.6R Limited, you also get the six-cylinder engine and turn-adapting LED headlights.
Notable options for the Legacy, depending on the trim level, include a sunroof, a navigation system and extra driver assist safety features such as automatic high beams and reverse automatic braking.
2019 Legacy Highlights
Trim: 2.5i2.5i Premium2.5i Sport2.5i Limited3.6R Limited2.5i
Base MSRP | $22,545 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 29 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $131/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
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