2024 Subaru Legacy Sedan

　　

2024 Subaru Legacy Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　The Legacy is Subaru's long-running midsize sedan offering standard all-wheel drive, a potent optional turbocharged engine and a commendable level of comfort. Last year, Subaru updated the Legacy's styling and EyeSight system, which is a standard package of advanced driver aids. The Sport model was also fitted with the upgraded 260-horsepower turbocharged powerplant. For 2024, Subaru kept updates to a minimum. The Sport model once again receives a notable upgrade, offering a standard 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Subaru Legacy 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 $3.06 per gallon for regular unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$125/mo  for Legacy Base

　　Legacy Base

　　4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $24,895 MSRPPremium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) (Most Popular) - $27,195 MSRPLimited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) - $31,945 MSRPSport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $34,495 MSRPTouring XT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) - $38,195 MSRP

　　vs

　　$165/mo

　　Avg. Midsize Car

　　The Legacy is a solid choice but doesn't shine in any category. As a midsize sedan with all-wheel drive (a feature most rivals don't offer) at a relatively low price, it's an attractive option for those living in wet or cold climates. But if you prefer a car with superb tech and a stylish design, consider the Hyundai Sonata or Kia K5. Or if you want a fuel-sipping hybrid engine, something the Legacy doesn't offer, the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry should be on your short list. Check out our Expert Rating below for our test team's full review of the Legacy's comfort, tech and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Average

　　7.4

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.0/10

　　How does the Legacy drive? We tested the Legacy with its base 2.5-liter engine. At our test track it accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 8.5 seconds, which is slightly slower than similarly powered rivals. The Legacy's available turbocharged engine has plenty of power, and it's the one we recommend getting. The Legacy shows an aptitude for handling performance, gripping the road a bit better than other midsize sedans. The steering is nicely weighted, and the Subaru responds naturally to the driver's inputs.

　　There's noticeable nosedive during braking, so slowing smoothly can be challenging. Smoothness isn't a hallmark of the automatic engine stop-start system either, and the car bucks on restart with the force of a low-speed rear collision.

　　

Comfort

8.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Legacy? Comfort takes a central role in the Legacy's appeal. Our test vehicle offered simple but effective front seat adjustments. Cushioning is supportive without feeling stiff, and the bolsters keep you in place in turns. Even the back seats are sculpted for passenger comfort and feel much better than a flat bench. The ride is cushy without feeling floaty, but wind and road noise is more pronounced than in rivals. Engine noise, though, is more subdued than in many other cars equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

　　The dual-zone climate system works well, but there is a bit of a learning curve to decipher some settings. The three-stage seat heaters work well and transition from mildly warm to overcooked.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below