2024 Subaru Legacy: Here’s What Makes It An Underrated Mid-Size Sedan

Summary

• The Subaru Legacy is a serious contender for mid-size sedans in its price bracket, with 5 trim levels that offer the latest features.
• Subaru integrates the latest tech on standard Legacy models, including an upgraded infotainment system and a suite of driving aids.
• The Legacy offers two engine variants, the 2.5-liter boxer engine for lower-trim models and the sportier 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four engine.

With the offerings currently available on the mid-sized sedan market, it is not surprising that the Subaru Legacy has been essentially forgotten by the likes of more mainstream brands. Even when looking at Subaru’s line-up alone, we have the Outback and Forester models that outshine the Legacy sedan in terms of sales and overall performance. So much so that this makes the Legacy the least popular Subaru model in the States. Not all is bad though, as this mid-seized gem has recorded a 15 percent increase in sales over a year.

It is worth mentioning that although the sedan lives in the shadow of its bigger siblings, Subaru began producing the current generation Legacy in 2019. In contrast, its earlier-mentioned counterparts started production in the nineties. But the Japanese brand reinvented the model, with premium build quality and a sharpened look. Here is what $24,895 MSRP (base) gets you within the Subaru ecosystem.

To bring you the most up-to-date information about the Subaru Legacy, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Subaru, and other authoritative sources, such as Car and Driver.

The Subaru Legacy Is A Versatile Mid-Size Sedan

Subaru Legacy Is Available Across Five Trim Levels

• Base
• Premium
• Limited
• Sport
• Touring XT

Coming to the design, the front fascia of the Legacy was redesigned for 2023. This saw upgrades such as steering-tracking LED headlights as standard along with a bigger and more welcoming grille. This, along with the raised trunk and wide fenders, gives the mid-sized sedan an aggressive stance. Subaru even went as far as re-designing the side mirrors to achieve a better drag coefficient and reduce cabin noise.

The sedan has a length of 191 inches with a mirror-to-mirror width of 81.8 inches. With a wheelbase of 108 inches, the Legacy weighs a little over 3,500 pounds (Premium trim). This is on the heavier side of the sedan spectrum, slowly creeping into compact SUV territory.

The Legacy Features Spacious Cabin With Improved Tech Features

The new generation of Legacy is more spacious than the previous-gen model. It now offers 105 cubic feet of volume, which is usable by passengers, and 15 cubic feet of trunk space. This, however, can be increased due to the rear seats’ ability to fold to free up more room.

The Base model is the only Legacy derivative with a dual 7.0-inch infotainment screen set up. At the same time, all the higher trim levels benefit from Subaru’s latest STARLINK 11.0-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The central screen is very well integrated into the cabin, making it seem like a seamless part of the interior rather than just a screen attached to the dashboard. Apart from this difference, all trim levels are equipped with the brand’s upgraded EyeSight array of driving aids. While the NHTSA and IIHS are yet to test the 2024 Subaru Legacy, the ’23 model received a Top Safety Pick award from the IIHS.

Additional Standard Safety Features

• Adaptive cruise control
• Lane departure warning
• Automated emergency braking
• High beam assist
• Automatic emergency steering
• Lane-keeping assisting

Two Flavors Of Subaru’s Renowned Boxer Engines On Offer

Subaru gives you two options when it comes to powertrain options for the Legacy, and neither of them has a hybrid option – a 2.5-liter boxer engine, along with the more powerful 2.4-liter turbocharged flat-four. The boxer engine made its first appearance for the company the same year the Legacy was released, being nearly built from scratch.

Specifications and Performance

(Souce: Subaru and EPA)

The 2.4-liter Engine Provides A Sporty Drive

This is the engine that comes as standard in the Sport and Touring models. Unlike an Audi S3 or a BMW 340i, the Legacy model is not a fast sedan. But if that extra bit of power matters to you, then you should opt for this engine. While the Touring version gets a 6.1 second 0-60 MPH, the lighter and more agile Sport trim achieves this in 5.7 seconds. The extra bit of power can very much be useful when merging onto the highway, or when overtaking.

The 2.5-liter Boxer Engine Is Low-Cost

As this might be obvious by now, the 2.5-liter boxer engine is what powers the lower-trim models. It very much lacks the kick and the power of the turbo variant, as the boxer can only push the Legacy to 60 MPH in 8.0 seconds. Both engines are coupled to a CVT gearbox, which is an updated version from the previous generation. Both engines transmit their power to all four wheels via Subaru’s revolutionary AWD system, which we will touch on soon.

But let’s face it, the real benefit this engine provides over its nippier alternative is lower fuel consumption. The average consumption of this engine is an average of 30 MPG, whereas the turbo counterpart only achieves 26. With these EPAs in mind, this translates to the 2.5-liter engine having a real-world range of 555 miles on a full tank of gas, while the sportier trims only get 481 miles from the same amount of fuel.

Subaru’s Legendary Symmetrical AWD Comes As Standard On The Legacy

As you might know, Subaru is renowned for having a remarkable rallying history, spanning many decades. Due to technology and improved R&D, Subaru cars are now benefiting from the brand’s heritage without sacrificing comfort and safety. The Legacy model is no exception, having undergone changes that are made to make sure you are satisfied, whether it is along a country lane or on the highway.

Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive System Aids Superior Handling

As mentioned above, all Legacy models come with Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system as standard, which has always been praised by the manufacturer. What this means is that all transmission elements such as driveshafts and differentials are symmetrical, allowing the components to feel less stress under the engine’s torque. It is on par with Audi’s Quattro set-up, which is groundbreaking for a sub-$30,000 car.

Subaru’s Global Platform Assures Cemented Foundation For The Legacy

The Legacy models are built as an optimized version of Subaru’s Global Platform. The manufacturer states that these new chassis are 70 percent stiffer in torsional rigidity and an impressive 100 percent stiffer in both front and rear rigidity. This is the result of Subaru switching to a higher-strength steel and a better structural adhesive. They say that these platform changes allow the Legacy to be more responsive to steering inputs and have improved cornering performance, all without sacrificing comfort.

The Subaru Legacy Is A Hidden Gem That Packs Exceptional Value

There is no shame in saying that this mid-sized sedan is not as well-finished as other models. What the Legacy can be proud of, though, is a meticulously well-put-together interior. In our review of the 2023 Legacy, we found that everything in the cabin feels premium and pleasant to the touch.

On par with this is the ride quality and driver comfort of the Legacy. Factor in the standard symmetrical AWD and all-year usability, the range of punchy boxer engines, and a price that undercuts its primary FWD rivals like the Toyota Camry ($26,420) and Honda Accord ($27,895), and the Legacy makes a strong case for itself, playing its value card.

Subaru Legacy Trim Levels

(source: Subaru)

As for pricing, starting with the base model that carries an MSRP of $24,985, Subaru incrementally implements more modern features into its sedans, all the way up to the Touring model. This is the most expensive version of the Legacy best suited for, well, touring.