2020 Subaru Legacy
#1
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The midsize sedan hops onto the Subaru Global Platform introduced a couple years ago with the Impreza. This structure is much more rigid than the 2019 model year car's platform, and also increases the use of ultra-high-tensile steel and structural adhesives. All this basically means that the new Legacy is stiffer, lighter and safer than the outgoing model — all good qualities to inherit.
Both engine options are reasonably attractive for 2020. Subaru is ditching the 3.6-liter flat-six as the premium option and moving to its new 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four introduced in the Ascent SUV. It makes the same 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque here, good for 0-60 mph times of 6.1 seconds. Most buyers will end up with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer, outputting 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque (0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds). This engine is also relatively new, as we got our first shot at it behind the wheel of the 2019 Forester. Both engines are predictably paired with Subaru's CVT. Your best fuel economy is achieved with the naturally aspirated four, rated at 27/35 mpg city/highway. You'll take a small hit with the turbo at 24/32 mpg city/highway. As the Legacy is still a Subaru, every version is equipped with all-wheel drive.
A revised suspension design features a MacPherson strut setup in front and double-wishbone layout in rear. Subaru claims much higher dynamic performance and ride comfort with this suspension in combination with the new structure.
The 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen sitting front and center, Subaru says it can be split in half to display two types of information at once, like audio on top and navigation on the bottom. The screen will be standard on every level but the base Legacy, but navigation will be optional on all but the top-trim Touring. There are still a couple physical *****, one for volume and one for tuning the radio. Nearly everything else is controllable through the massive infotainment screen. If it wasn't already assumed, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality comes standard.
Subaru says the Legacy is the first with true Nappa leather covering the seats. Adding to the luxury car experience is a claimed three-decibel noise reduction at highway speeds. Subaru EyeSight technology is standard on all trim levels of the Legacy. This means even the cheapest one will have adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. You'll need to pony up to the Limited or XT trims to gain access to Subaru's driver-monitoring system. That gadget detects driver fatigue or distraction, then actively counters with an alert. Subaru also expects the 2020 Legacy to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
There's a lot of great stuff here, but Subaru took the extreme conservative route on exterior styling. With other Japanese midsizers like the Accord, Camry and Altima still looking fresh and striking from their overhauls, the Legacy finds itself looking rather generic. All-wheel drive has always been the separator, and it still is the difference in this segment. However, Nissan is now selling an all-wheel-drive Altima, so the sale just got that much tougher for Subaru. Pricing will be available closer to the Legacy's on-sale date — Subaru says to expect it at dealerships this fall.
Both engine options are reasonably attractive for 2020. Subaru is ditching the 3.6-liter flat-six as the premium option and moving to its new 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer-four introduced in the Ascent SUV. It makes the same 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque here, good for 0-60 mph times of 6.1 seconds. Most buyers will end up with the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer, outputting 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque (0-60 mph in 8.4 seconds). This engine is also relatively new, as we got our first shot at it behind the wheel of the 2019 Forester. Both engines are predictably paired with Subaru's CVT. Your best fuel economy is achieved with the naturally aspirated four, rated at 27/35 mpg city/highway. You'll take a small hit with the turbo at 24/32 mpg city/highway. As the Legacy is still a Subaru, every version is equipped with all-wheel drive.
A revised suspension design features a MacPherson strut setup in front and double-wishbone layout in rear. Subaru claims much higher dynamic performance and ride comfort with this suspension in combination with the new structure.
The 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen sitting front and center, Subaru says it can be split in half to display two types of information at once, like audio on top and navigation on the bottom. The screen will be standard on every level but the base Legacy, but navigation will be optional on all but the top-trim Touring. There are still a couple physical *****, one for volume and one for tuning the radio. Nearly everything else is controllable through the massive infotainment screen. If it wasn't already assumed, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality comes standard.
Subaru says the Legacy is the first with true Nappa leather covering the seats. Adding to the luxury car experience is a claimed three-decibel noise reduction at highway speeds. Subaru EyeSight technology is standard on all trim levels of the Legacy. This means even the cheapest one will have adaptive cruise control and lane-centering. You'll need to pony up to the Limited or XT trims to gain access to Subaru's driver-monitoring system. That gadget detects driver fatigue or distraction, then actively counters with an alert. Subaru also expects the 2020 Legacy to achieve a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the IIHS.
There's a lot of great stuff here, but Subaru took the extreme conservative route on exterior styling. With other Japanese midsizers like the Accord, Camry and Altima still looking fresh and striking from their overhauls, the Legacy finds itself looking rather generic. All-wheel drive has always been the separator, and it still is the difference in this segment. However, Nissan is now selling an all-wheel-drive Altima, so the sale just got that much tougher for Subaru. Pricing will be available closer to the Legacy's on-sale date — Subaru says to expect it at dealerships this fall.
#2
Lead Lap
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Its the one to beat interior wise. Exterior wise, subaru is a yawnfest. The altima kind of looks like the this, and considering its the only one with AWD probably the only competitor to it. The only issue is Nissan has a questionable track record when it comes its to long term reliability, Subaru kind of the same (but the strong following of the subaru will work in its favor).
The headunit is interesting, initially I thought it was the same supplier as the Volvo, now maybe the RAM (could be the same supplier).
The headunit is interesting, initially I thought it was the same supplier as the Volvo, now maybe the RAM (could be the same supplier).
Last edited by coolsaber; 02-07-19 at 10:45 AM.
#3
Advanced
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Add back the hood scoop and give me the 6 speed and brembos from the WXR STI and I am in. We had a 2006 Spec B with mods, I loved that car, even the so called "boring" looks. I just can't do the CVT transmission.
#5
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I'll keep holding my breath for the return of the 6 speed manual LGT while I attempt to cram car seats into the WRX.
Recall that the 3.6L is the 3.0L that they did some odd mods to get it where it's at today....it was underpowered and less efficient than the smaller offerings from other automakers when it debuted. Good riddens.
Last edited by SLegacy99; 02-07-19 at 03:16 PM.
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#8
Lexus Test Driver
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Subaru gets an "A+" for consistently designing cars that look two generations behind. There is no improvement here whatsoever. All angles, lines, and panels are dated. While the interior takes a daring step, the dash comes across as truckish and homely. Disappointing.
#9
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Because they don't have an 8 speed auto. I find that the CVT offered by Subaru is far superior to others that I have driven. Some complain about the simulated gear shifts, but IMO it's like drive a vehicle with a conventional transmission and thus avoids the drone of other CVTs.
#10
Lexus Fanatic
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edit: I'm sure most will say this is nit-picking. I simply cannot stand exposed wires of any sort to rearview mirrors. Even the 2006 LS430 has an exposed wire. But this is 2019, Subaru couldn't have hidden it in a clamshell? And the trunk could benefit from struts unless it has a power pull down. It looks like my 1998 Maxima with the zip tied cable running on the arm. dang!
Last edited by Johnhav430; 02-08-19 at 05:36 AM.
#11
Lexus Champion
#12
Lexus Fanatic
#13
Lexus Test Driver
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Because they don't have an 8 speed auto. I find that the CVT offered by Subaru is far superior to others that I have driven. Some complain about the simulated gear shifts, but IMO it's like drive a vehicle with a conventional transmission and thus avoids the drone of other CVTs.
Besides the fake gear changes - I even have the paddles on steering wheel to change “gears”.
The drone sound is what kills it for me. Ruins the driving experience and embarrassing to have someone in the car with you. Sounds like the car is dying!
I’m aware they don’t have an 8speed.
They can easily go to a supplier and get one or a 10speed. Call their friends at Toypta.
I been driving a rental 2018 Camry on a trip and transmission is great with no drone, rest of the car including engine is much worse than my Legacy.
Last edited by RNM GS3; 02-08-19 at 07:53 AM.
#14
Lexus Fanatic
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You're probably already aware of this, but what the paddles do is simply shift the position of the drive-belt, on the cone-pulleys, to simulate gears. That way, if you want more power for climbing hills, quick passing, or engine-braking when descending steep hills, just flick the paddles where you want them. Otherwise, the belt runs in CVT-automatic mode, up and down, with a continually-variable ratio.
The drone sound is what kills it for me. Ruins the driving experience and embarrassing to have someone in the car with you. Sounds like the car is dying!
#15
Lexus Fanatic