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Sales of SUVs are seriously overshadowing sedans
these days.
So we're pleased that Subaru has given a new lease on life
with this, the 2020 Subaru Legacy.
Even though the new one is styled much
like the outgoing model, the overall driving experience
is better, and the interior remains quiet.
However, the new infotainment system, with its huge screen,
is not a crowd pleaser.
The Legacy competes with other long-standing sedans,
such as the Honda Accord, Mazda 6, Nissan Altima, and Toyota
Camry.
Subaru's ace in the hole used to be
that it was among the few affordable all wheel drive
sedans going, but Nissan crashed that party with its redesigned
Altima.
To get an idea of just how much the Legacy has evolved,
we rented a pair from Subaru--
a sport model powered by the company's 2.5 liter four
cylinder and a Limited XT, which gets the same 2.4 liter
turbo charged engine shared with the larger Subaru Ascent.
So before we buy our own test car this fall,
here's our first impressions.
The new Legacy gets the same substantial platform enjoyed
by the redesigned Outback.
The result?
The new version has a better ride and very
engaging handling.
However, the standard 2.5 liter four cylinder engine
and continuously variable transmission
make an unpleasant roar when drivers
dip in the throttle for more power,
such as when merging on the highway.
Thankfully, the Limited XT's turbo engine
tames this beast somewhat, delivering near seamless
acceleration with less CVT noise.
Handling for both models feels responsive,
but a little body roll in the corners and decent steering
response.
One aspect of the Legacy that we liked compared to the Outback
was the sedan's superior visibility.
Thanks to its large glass area and thin roof pillars,
drivers enjoy good views all around in this car.
The redesign model also brought a bigger rear seat
compared to the last version.
While many of these updates are real improvements,
we have a few concerns about some of the controls.
The two versions of the Legacy that we rented
had the 11.6 inch infotainment screen,
which is standard on all but the base model.
The expression bigger is better certainly
doesn't ring true here, as our testers were
lukewarm to the new system.
Big screen houses the controls for entertainment, climate
functions, and vehicle settings.
Previous versions of the Legacy had simple controls,
so we're a bit put off that this new system requires
users to wade into menus and sub menus to complete simple tasks.
For example, we felt like we had to jump through hoops
to turn off the lane keeping assist function.
Finally, the seats in the sport model
were unremarkable, with limited adjustments
and only fair support.
And it's too bad that the Limited XT's 10 way
adjustable driver's seat comes only
with two way lumbar support.
All Legacies comes standard with forward collision warning,
automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning,
and lane keeping assist.
Optional features include blind spot warning and rear cross
traffic alert with automatic braking.
Pricing for the new Legacy starts at $22,745
and goes all the way up to $35,895.
Over the years, the Legacy has been a consistently strong
performer in CR's tests, with solid reliability and good road
test scores.
Even though the public's taste for buying sedans
has waned over the last several years,
the Legacy looks to be a competitive choice for buyers
seeking decent fuel economy wrapped up
in an all wheel drive package, and adding
lots of standard safety features of the mix increases
the Legacy's appeal.
However, we're not sure the company's whiz bang
infotainment system is a positive step forward.
For more sedans, check out consumerreports.org.