What's New for 2015

Introduction

With its midsize sedan competitors showing recent redesigns, the Subaru Legacy updates its own look for 2015. A lower windshield angle gives the Legacy a more coupelike profile, and a larger, slatted grille up front adds visual distinction. It's slightly longer and wider than the current model, but rides atop the same wheelbase to preserve its confident, comfortable ride quality.

The Legacy's cabin is also upgraded with added space, soft-touch surfaces and sound-absorbing materials to soak up road noise. A standard 6.2-inch touchscreen display controls multimedia and smartphone features, while an optional navigation system offers a larger display and voice command. Slightly elevated seating positions improve outward visibility, which remains one of the Legacy's strong suits. The trunk is also bigger, now up to 15 cubic feet.

Engine choices carry over with a standard 175-horsepower four-cylinder or an optional six-cylinder rated at 256 hp. Both engines pair with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) that sends power to all four wheels. The full-time all-wheel-drive system can also adjust power to individual wheels as needed in slippery conditions.

Subaru has extracted more horsepower and fuel efficiency from the four-cylinder, now rated at an estimated 30 mpg combined (3 mpg better than before). The six-cylinder's power figures don't change, but Subaru says it will achieve 23 mpg combined. That's better than the current model, but falls short of the V6-powered Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, though neither of those models offers all-wheel drive. In our testing, we found the current six-cylinder, which uses a conventional automatic transmission, sluggish compared to the rest of the class. The CVT isn't likely to make it any faster.

When the 2015 Subaru Legacy arrives at dealers this summer, the 2.5i four-cylinder model will offer Standard, Premium and Limited trims. The six-cylinder 3.6R model offers only a Premium trim with leather upholstery, a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat, heated front and rear seats, keyless entry/ignition and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system.

The Legacy will also feature Subaru's most comprehensive safety suite yet, including a standard rearview camera and optional blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and adaptive foglights. Subaru's latest EyeSight system, available on Premium and Limited trim models, integrates adaptive cruise control, pre-collision automatic braking and lane departure warning.

The 2015 Subaru Legacy joins a crowded class of very good family sedans that include not just the Accord and Camry, but also the Volkswagen Passat, Ford Fusion and Mazda 6. Check back for a full review of the 2015 Subaru Legacy, including specs, driving impressions and buying advice as it becomes available.