The present-generation Subaru Legacy was launched in 2014 and it got a facelift for at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. Sedans may not be as popular as crossover SUVs, but the mid-size four-door market still important model for any automaker. That makes the refreshed Legacy a model worth watching in 2018.
On the exterior, the facelifted Legacy looks more-or-less like the outgoing version. The front fascia has been updated with a new bumper, revamped grille and restyled headlights (with LED DRLs) but the changes are not easy to spot. The side-profile is largely unchanged and the only noticeable alteration at the rear is the design of the exhaust pipes.
However, the upgrades to the interior are a lot prominent. There is a new steering-wheel design, more sophisticated materials all around and a modernized centre console. The infotainment system has been completely overhauled with improved navigation, better voice control and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration as standard.
The Legacy has also received a host of minor mechanical upgrades. Subaru tweaked the continuously variable automatic transmission for smoother gear changes, the noise and vibration levels inside the cabin have been reduced, and the suspension has been tuned for better response from the brakes and the steering. In all, the focus has been on making the Legacy more comfortable, yet sharper to drive.
Subaru has made no update to powertrain of the new Legacy. This means it continues with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine producing 175 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque and the more potent, 3.6-liter six-cylinder petrol engine generating 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque.The four-cylinder Subaru returns 34 miles per gallon highway and 25 city, while six-cylinder Subaru delivers 28 mpg highway and 20 city. A CVT and Subaru's popular all-wheel-drive system are both standard, continuing to give the Legacy a trump card over the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
The four-cylinder Legacy is available in four trims — Standard, Premium, Sport and Limited, while the more potent model comes in Limited trim only.
This is the entry-level model and starts at $23,055 (including $860 in destination charges). For that sum you get a 6.5-inch infotainment screen with a four-speaker audio system, LED running lights, a rear-view camera, 17-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, cruise control, and push-button start. The only available option is costs $350 and replaces the wheel covers with 17-inch alloys.
Starting at $25,155, the Legacy Premium adds heated front seats and exterior mirrors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, a 10-way power driver's seat, and dual-zone climate control to the features on the standard model. An eight-inch infotainment system and two extra speakers replace the standard 6.5-inch setup. Upgrading to the Legacy Premium grants access to a range of optional extras.
Owners can add a moonroof for $1,195, while there are two different versions of Subaru's excellent EyeSight safety suite available. The base version costs $1,545 and adds adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beams. The $3,140 version adds all of that plus the moonroof package and a navigation function for the eight-inch touchscreen.
The Legacy Sport demands $27,205 and largely mimics gets the Legacy Premium's standard equipment. Additional goodies include a moonroof, 18-inch wheels, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a rear spoiler, and a more stylish interior. The only available option for the Legacy Sport is the nav-enabled EyeSight Package, which costs $2,095, with the price drop no doubt due to the standard sunroof.
The Limited trim costs $29,955 for the four-cylinder 2.5i and $32,805 for the six-cylinder 3.6R. Additional standard equipment includes a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, perforated leather upholstery, blind-spot monitoring, heated rear seats, upgraded dampers, and bigger brakes. Moreover, it you pick the 3.6-liter engine with the Limited trim, you get LED adaptive headlights and stainless steel dual exhaust pipes.
The nav-enabled EyeSight system's price drops to $1,595 and adds a reverse emergency braking system, to prevent owners from backing into things.
Subaru faces tough competition in a slowing segment, but a Legacy Premium with EyeSight represents a good value for most consumers, including those considering crossovers. For the enthusiasts, the range-topping 3.6R is an okay choice, although the the smaller, sportier WRX is a better buy for that small group of consumers.
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