2020 Subaru Legacy Review

In a word, or two words, really well. There's a solidity and sophistication to this new Legacy that was absent from its predecessor. Credit goes to Subaru's Global Platform that provides the underpinnings for this sedan. A lot of that solidity can be traced to the extensive use of high-strength steel and adhesive bonding that makes this new Legacy 70% stiffer than the old one.

Ride and handling are also greatly improved. Subaru redesigned the suspension components to be 38 pounds lighter than before. The Legacy is far from a sport sedan, but the changes have helped to reduced body roll considerably while maintaining a fairly soft ride over most surfaces. Subaru has struck a comfortable balance here.

Getting down the road is considerably more pleasant thanks to the improved isolation of Subaru's powertrain. The 2.5-liter flat-four engine simply hums along and has lost most of its previously unrefined behavior. With 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque, the base Legacy isn't exactly speedy. But mated to a heavily revised continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic, it makes the sedan's progress much smoother than before.

If you desire a little extra speed, Subaru's turbocharged 2.4-liter engine — which replaces the previous naturally aspirated six-cylinder engine — should be on the menu. Its 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque provide a satisfying shove and add to the Legacy's newfound drivability. As a bonus, premium fuel is not required with either engine.

With the exception of the base trim level, every Legacy is packing a new 11.6-inch tablet-style infotainment screen. It's a bold piece of electronic hardware that streamlines the interior design. Much of the Legacy's interior layout will be familiar to current Subaru owners but should also appeal to buyers who might not have been fond of Subaru's somewhat quirky interiors of yesterday.

The seats are much softer and generously cushioned than those in many other sedans. When the seats are covered in the high-grade leather found in the Touring XT model, they feel very upscale. The back seat, too, is well padded. And while it might not quite match the rear legroom of the Honda Accord, the Legacy does offer better headroom and visibility thanks to its more upright roofline. The outboard rear seats even have optional heating, and there are two USB ports for rear passengers.

The use of high strength steel has its benefits when it comes to ride, agility and safety, of course. But it also benefits trunk space. By using stronger steel, Subaru was able to make the rear bulkhead thinner, and in return make the trunk just a touch bigger than last year's model. With up to 15.1 cubic feet of capacity, the Legacy's trunk can hold four roller suitcases. Loading those suitcases is easy thanks to a generous trunk opening.

Subaru likes to talk about practicality in other ways, too. The Legacy is hiding an 18.5-gallon fuel tank. When combined with its EPA-estimated 35 mpg on the highway, it gives the Legacy a bladder-busting range of 647 miles. Less time at the pump is a form of practicality, after all.