The Subaru Legacy is a comfortable and thoroughly competent midsize sedan. It's got plenty of room inside a large trunk and standard all-wheel drive. However, the non-turbocharged Legacy variants lack a distinctive personality and fail to get the blood pumping. The infotainment system isn't the quickest and easiest to use either.
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 Edmunds 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.
Pros
Standard all-wheel drive provides excellent wet-weather traction
Optional turbocharged engine delivers robust power
Comfortable ride, seats and cabin
Cons
Sluggish base engine slow to accelerate
Touchscreen interface can be distracting to use
Intrusive engine stop-start system
What's new
No significant changes for 2024
Part of the seventh Legacy generation introduced for 2020
Overview
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 $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
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.
Edmunds Expert Rating
average
7.4/10
Edmunds Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds 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.
The Subaru Legacy is a comfortable and thoroughly competent midsize sedan. It's got plenty of room inside a large trunk and standard all-wheel drive. However, the non-turbocharged Legacy variants lack a distinctive personality and fail to get the blood pumping. The infotainment system isn't the quickest and easiest to use either.
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.
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*MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Retailer sets actual price. Certain equipment may be required in specific states, which can modify your MSRP. See your retailer for details. 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport shown has an MSRP of $34,495.
How’s the interior? The Legacy's cabin is warm and inviting with plenty of room throughout for tall adults. The rear is surprisingly spacious, with ample toe room under the front seats and an abundance of headroom. Adjustments are basic, but it's easy to find a comfortable driving position. Getting in and out of the Legacy is a cinch, and the large windows afford excellent outward visibility.
The only misstep is the overreliance on the central touchscreen. There are few physical controls, and most functions are hidden in touchscreen menus. The lack of a dedicated button to disable the engine stop-start is particularly egregious considering how intrusive the system is. The infotainment system is also slow to respond to user inputs. On the bright side, most menus are easy to navigate.
Technology
6.5/10
How’s the tech? There's no doubt the Legacy is loaded with tech, but the hits come as often as the misses. The navigation interface is attractive, but searching for points of interest is effectively useless. There are plenty of USB ports (four on all but the base Legacy), and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration is standard. In our testing, the voice control system was largely ineffectual and Apple CarPlay, as well as the entire Starlink infotainment system, suffered from frequent crashes.
We like that the EyeSight suite of driving aids is standard, but some features are unintuitive. Forward collision warning is overly sensitive and will pump the brakes and sound alerts as you come gradually to a stop. Adaptive cruise is too quick to react to changing traffic situations.
Storage
8.0/10
How’s the storage? At 15.1 cubic feet, the Legacy's trunk isn't huge by class standards. But the cargo area is deep and tall, making it perfect for storing bulky items. Contributing to its practicality are rear seats that fold down either by pulling a trunk-mounted lever or pushing a button on the seat itself. The only flaw is the middle seat belt, which remains attached to the rear shelf, so it's in the way even with the seat folded flat.
The cabin offers many places to store small items, including a two-tier underarm console, decently sized door pockets, a small bin in front of the shifter, and a shelf in front of the passenger. Car seat anchors are easy to access behind small Velcro flaps.
Fuel Economy
7.5/10
How’s the fuel economy? The Legacy with the base engine gets an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, and we had no trouble getting 30 mpg on our real-world evaluation route. Some front-wheel-drive competitors get slightly better fuel economy, but it evens out if you compare the Legacy to rivals with all-wheel drive.
Value
7.5/10
Is the Legacy a good value? The Subaru Legacy is slightly more expensive than comparably equipped rivals, but the gap can largely be explained by its all-wheel-drive powertrain. The interior design is clean, and the materials mix is definitely above average. Bumper-to-bumper and powertrain coverage and roadside assistance are average for the class, though some other midsize sedans offer more generous coverage and free scheduled maintenance.
Wildcard
7.0/10
Most midsize sedans have finally adopted more expressive designs over the last few years, but the Legacy looks relatively anonymous inside and out. The Legacy handles a bit better than rivals, somewhat bolstered by its all-wheel-drive powertrain. Still, the uninspiring engine never really makes you look forward to driving it. Those looking for a more exciting experience should consider a trim level with the turbocharged engine or, better yet, a Kia Stinger.
Which Legacy does Edmunds recommend?
The Premium trim is our recommendation for its excellent value. For a modest price bump over the base model, you get the larger 11.6-inch center touchscreen, heated front seats, rear air vents and a power-adjustable driver's seat. For just a little more, we suggest adding the optional package that includes LED foglights, keyless entry and ignition, blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, and evasive steering assistance.
Subaru Legacy models
The 2024 Subaru Legacy midsize sedan is available in Base, Premium, Limited, Sport and Touring XT trim levels. Base, Premium and Limited trims come with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine (182 horsepower, 176 lb-ft of torque), while the Sport and Touring XT get a turbocharged version of the same engine with 260 hp and 277 lb-ft. Both engines pair with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) and all trims come standard with all-wheel drive.
Base
The Legacy base trim starts with features such as:
17-inch alloy wheels
Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
Automatic climate control
Manually adjustable front seats
Cloth upholstery
60/40-split folding rear seat
Dual 7-inch central displays
Four-speaker audio system
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
Two USB ports
Satellite radio
Every Legacy includes Subaru's EyeSight, a bundle of driver aids that include:
Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
Lane keeping system (makes minor steering corrections to help keep the vehicle centered in its lane)
Automatic high-beam assistance
Premium
The Premium trim adds more desirable features, including:
Heated side mirrors
Windshield wiper de-icer
Dual-zone automatic climate control
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Power-adjustable driver's seat
Heated front seats
Rear air vents
11.6-inch touchscreen display with wireless smartphone integration
Six-speaker audio system
Two rear USB ports
Two unnamed option packages are available for the Premium. The first offers:
LED foglights
Keyless entry and ignition
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning (alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)
Evasive steering assistance (enhances the forward collision mitigation system with steering-based collision avoidance below 50 mph)
The second package bundles those items with:
Sunroof
Navigation system
Limited
The Limited builds off the Premium feature set with:
18-inch alloy wheels
LED foglights
Keyless entry and ignition
Auto-dimming rearview mirror
Driver's seat with memory settings and power-lumbar adjustment
Power-adjustable passenger seat
Heated rear seats
Leather upholstery
12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system
Blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning
Evasive steering assistance
Rear automatic braking (applies the brakes automatically to avoid an imminent collision with an object behind the vehicle)
The Limited's optional feature package includes:
Sunroof
Heated steering wheel
Navigation system
Driver monitoring system (issues an alert if sensors determine you are becoming fatigued)
Sport
The Sport trim gets the more powerful turbocharged engine. It also builds on the Limited trim's standard features with:
18-inch gray wheels
Sunroof
Sport-tuned suspension
Unique grille and exterior trim
Rear spoiler
Cloth upholstery
Red accent interior stitching
Leather-wrapped heated steering wheel
Driver monitoring system
Touring XT
Uses the turbo engine and includes every feature available on the Legacy (minus the Sport trim's unique sporty features) and a few exclusive upgrades, such as:
Power-folding mirrors
Upgraded leather upholstery
Ventilated front seats
Navigation system
Front-view camera (aids in parking)
Enhanced wide-angle camera system (aids in quickly recognizing pedestrians, cyclists and intersection front cross-traffic)
Car has plenty of power. Plush ride, large trunk, plenty of room for 4 adults. You can squeeze 5 in but it will be tight in the rear seat. Heated seats dont get as hot or heat up as fast as the ones on the 2019 crosstrek i had. Some features you habe to scroll through a couple screens to find on the infotainment.
Only fot about 25-27mpg on highway till i hit 5000-6000 miles, then … started getting 30-32.
My crosstrek did the same thing on mpg also so im not worried about that.
My biggest complaints are the windshield, eyesight covers and hood. I will start with the windshield. Had less then 1000 miles on it and it already has small rock chips. Nothing major, juat looked like dead bugs. But sure enough, they are rock chips.
Now for the hood. When driving at highway speeds, the rear portion of the hood flexes and looks like its really flimsy. Reminds me of a flag rippling in the wind. The hood is shut tight, and all bolts are tight etc. Just something i noticed.
The plastic covers on the eyesight are not secured very well. They rattle on all bit the smoothest roads. I can push up on the cover and it will stop rattleing.
Excellent car.. luxurious drive
5 out of 5 stars
SamK, 05/13/2021
2021 Subaru Legacy Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
The car is outstanding in luxurious feel and smooth quiet drive, better than most luxury cars. Very spacious with plenty of cargo space in trunk. I find this car severely underrated.
Minor issues with the car start-stop feature that you cannot permanently turn off.
Great 4-Door Sedan
5 out of 5 stars
Jon, 08/18/2022
2022 Subaru Legacy Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
I purchased my 2022 Legacy Limited 2.5 new back in June. I currently have almost 4000 miles logged. I needed a car to commute to work. I traded in my Ram Pick-up. I was nervous at first since I haven't driven a regular car in so long. I was pleasantly surprised. Though this car doesn't have nearly the punch of a big V8 I still enjoy it. There isn't much power under the hood of the … Legacy, but all I'm doing is commuting now. This car is comfortable and quiet. It does what it is supposed to do, gets me from point A to point B safely and comfortably. I went with Subaru due to it's safety features, all-wheel drive, design and fuel efficiency. There's plenty of room in the back seat for my 5ft8in son and my daughter. Trunk space is enormous. The fit and finish appear to be upscale for this segment. If you're looking for gas mileage and safety this is my pick. If you prefer a little more punch under acceleration, then go with the 2.4 Turbo. There is a significant difference in price and mileage.
As far as safety goes, I think the only competitor is Volvo, but you'll pay the Volvo price. I commute approximately 100 miles a day. I get on the highway, set the cruise control and all safety systems and let the car do it's thing. The distance pacing cruise control works great. The eyesight system works and helps to keep the vehicle centered in the travel lane. If the safety systems wouldn't yell so much when you take your hands off the wheel, I think this car would drive itself.
7 months in my new Legacy, so far so good!
5 out of 5 stars
Grant, 05/11/2021
2021 Subaru Legacy Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT)
Pros:
This was quite an upgrade from my 2013 Altima. I chose the Subaru because of the looks and interior room. The looks are very classy, especially when compared to previous generation Legacies. It looks and even drives like a car that costs twice as much (think BMW 5 series). I drove a lot of different sedans before choosing the Legacy. What sold me on the car for one thing was the … interior room compared to other cars (only the Accord matched it). I'm a large-ish person so this was important to me. But in this car, I can and have sat 4 people very comfortably, and even the passenger sitting behind the driver has a lot of room. What also sold me was the technology features that the Subaru has that a lot of other cars don't, like the 12" touch screen that controls most of the car. The Bluetooth functions work very well, and having the large navigation screen is a huge plus compared to some of the other screens on some cars that I looked at. Plus I like the modern feel of the Subaru Starlink and the integrated look of the screen, compared to some navigation systems, where as some cars have that tacky "tacked on" feel to them. The interior has a lot of premium quality materials and a very nice look and feel to them.
Cons:
The downside is that I had a few problems with my car when I first bought it. It turns out that my car was shipped with a faulty controller unit for the navigation system that caused all kinds of problems. The most egregious and frustrating of which was that projection mode (Android Auto / Apple Car Play) was disabled because of this, and it caused frequent problems with other car functions. It took at least 4 of the 7 months I have owned this car arguing back and forth with the dealer trying to get this fixed before they finally got the unit in. Even worse is that my dealings were known at Subaru corporate because of this mess. Thankfully I got it all sorted out and my car works fine now. There was nothing wrong mechanically with the car, but the faulty navigation system was beyond frustrating before it finally got fixed. But if you do choose the Legacy make sure you check all of the functions on the car before taking delivery!
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2024 Subaru Legacy, so we've included reviews for other years of the Legacy since its last redesign.
The Accord's 2023 redesign introduced a sleek modern design, Honda's latest tech and a revised hybrid powertrain. We like its large trunk and spacious rear legroom, both of which top the Legacy. The Accord's efficient hybrid powertrain is another plus (the Legacy doesn't offer one). However, if you want all-wheel drive, you'll have to look elsewhere because the Accord doesn't offer it. And if you're looking for the best value, keep in mind that many of the Accord's trim levels do not have features that are available on some of its competitors.
The 2024 Sonata sports a new look and interior thanks to a significant refresh. Compared to the Sonata's new futuristic design and restyled upscale-looking interior, the Legacy looks like a car from the past. The Sonata's superior tech, excellent value and powerful N Line model make it one of our favorite midsize sedans. It also provides a spacious cabin and trunk. As with most sedans in this segment, you can't get all-wheel drive, and the Sonata isn't as comfortable as the Legacy.
Thanks to its sporty design, efficient engines and reputation for reliability, the Camry is a favorite among buyers looking for a midsize sedan. Its available efficient hybrid powertrain, standard package of advanced driver aids, and choice of all-wheel drive add to its appeal. There's also the very sporty TRD model, which includes the more powerful V6 engine. But as with any car, there are some drawbacks, including a rough-sounding base engine and lots of wind and road noise at freeway speeds. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Toyota Camry here.
*MSRP excludes destination and delivery charges, tax, title, and registration fees. Retailer sets actual price. Certain equipment may be required in specific states, which can modify your MSRP. See your retailer for details. 2024 Subaru Legacy Sport shown has an MSRP of $34,495.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite Legacy safety features:
EyeSight System
Includes a variety of driver aids such as a lane keeping system, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive
Sends power to any of the four wheels with the most grip. Helps with acceleration when the roads are wet or snowy.
Blind-Spot Detection with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
Warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse.
NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
5 / 5
Driver
5 / 5
Passenger
5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
5 / 5
Back Seat
5 / 5
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
10.1%
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good
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FAQ
Is the Subaru Legacy a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Legacy both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.4 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2024 Legacy gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 30 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Legacy has 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Subaru Legacy. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Subaru Legacy?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Subaru Legacy:
No significant changes for 2024
Part of the seventh Legacy generation introduced for 2020
To determine whether the Subaru Legacy is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Legacy. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Legacy's 4-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Subaru Legacy a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Subaru Legacy is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Legacy and gave it a 7.4 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2024 Legacy gets an average rating of 4 stars out of 5 (based on 30 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Legacy is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Subaru Legacy?
The least-expensive 2024 Subaru Legacy is the 2024 Subaru Legacy 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $24,895.
Other versions include:
4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $24,895
Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $27,195
Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT) which starts at $31,945
Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $34,495
Touring XT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT) which starts at $38,195
If you're interested in the Subaru Legacy, the next question is, which Legacy model is right for you? Legacy variants include 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4cyl CVT), and Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo CVT). For a full list of Legacy models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more