2019 Subaru Legacy Review

Car 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.

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.