We first saw hints of the next-gen Legacy->ke1402 at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show->ke211 when Subaru->ke86 pulled the covers off of the Legacy concept. Then, in 2014, we finally got to lay eyes on the new Legacy in production form, and boy was it a sight to see. To put it simply, Subaru redesigned the Legacy from the ground up, bringing about a sportier outer shell, coupe->ke141-like roof, an aggressive front end, improved aerodynamics, and a fully revamped cabin with more legroom, a larger instrument cluster display, and a completely new infotainment system. Furthermore, the sedan->ke142 also received updates in the drivetrain department. The same engines carry over, but the four-cylinder offers up more power and torque than before. Needless to say, Subaru wasn’t playing around when it came to updating the Legacy.

As is the standard within the market, the upper trim levels come standard or can be equipped with a host of safety systems that include adaptive cruise control, front collision warning and prevention, blind spot monitoring, and lane change assist, among other things. When tested by the IIHS, models equipped with the EyeSight safety package earned the highest possible rating in frontal crash testing. So, not only is it stylish but pretty safe as well.

So, is the new Subaru Legacy able to keep up with competitors in the market like the Ford Fusion->ke433 and Nissan Altima->ke542? Well, from a glance, it certainly looks that way. But, instead of making that decision for you, scroll down the page to read our full review on the new Legacy and make that decision for yourself.

Updated 05/06/2016: Subaru announced that for the 2017 model year, the Legacy will receive a new "Sport" trim level. Continue reading to learn more about what it brings new to the lineup.

Continue reading to learn more about the Subaru Legacy.

2015 - 2017 Subaru Legacy

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 - 2017 Subaru Legacy
  • Engine/Motor: flat-4
  • Horsepower: 175 @ 5800
  • Torque: 174 @ 4000
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

On the outside, Subaru focused on making the Legacy sportier by giving it a more coupe-like look. Up front there is a new nosecone that is formed by the integration of the grille and front bumper. Subaru also revised the roofline by pulling the base of the windshield out two inches, raking it rearward more than the last-generation Legacy. For good measure -- and more balanced weight distribution -- Suby swapped out the steel hood in favor of an aluminum one.

Gone are those controversial headlights from the last generation, and in come a more traditional set of peepers. Also, the funky-looking half grille is gone in favor of a more traditional louvered grille and the front apron is cleaner.

Around back, the taillights look more elegant than last year's model, and the rear bumper wraps more cleanly around the tailpipe.

The exterior changes net the new Legacy a 10-percent improvement in aerodynamic efficiency, which should result in less money spent refueling. Additionally, all 2.5i trim levels come standard with an Active Grille Shutter system that closes the grille to allow for better aerodynamics and fuel economy.

On higher trim levels, like the 3.6R Limited, the Legacy includes HID low-beam headlights, and all models come standard with LED taillights.

Overall, the changes to the Legacy are not overwhelming, but they are enough to give it an all-new, and more upscale look than it ever had before. Damn fine work, Suby, damn fine indeed.

Nosecone In Detail

This new nosecone really sets the Legacy up nicely, and gives it a more refined look that last years busy front end.

New Rear End In Detail

New taillights, new bumper, hew trunk lid; hell, even the side of the car that the tailpipe sticks out from has changed.

New For 2017

The 2017 model year introduced the new Legacy Sport trim with exclusive stying features, including a dark-gray front grille, fog lamps with gloss-black housings, and 18-inch "sport-styled" wheels. It also features chrome-accented rocker trim and silver turn-signal mirror caps.

Exterior Specifications

Wheelbase

108.3 in.

Length

188.8 in.

Height

59.0 in.

Width

72.4 in.

Overhang (f/r)

39.5 in. / 41.1 in.

Track (f/r)

62.2 in. / 62.8 in.


Interior

The 2015 Legacy also earned itself a fully revamped cabin that starts off with a nice bit of growth, despite the new model having the same exterior footprint as the 2013 model. Inside the cabin, the 2015 Legacy now offers a total of 104.6 cubic feet of passenger space -- a 1.6 cubic-foot increase -- which helps to increase the seating space slightly. Additionally, the trunk now carries 15 cubes of stuff, whereas last year's model held just 14.7 cubic feet.

The dashboard features a pair of binocular-style gauge pods that have an 3.5-inch LCD screen between them -- the screen grows to five inches with the optional EyeSight system. Also added into the mix is an ECO gauge that shows you how the Legacy is doing in terms of mpg to help entice you to drive with a lighter foot.

The Legacy's entire cabin takes on a horizontal theme, which helps it look larger than it actually is. Subaru also added in more premium materials and additional soft-touch surfaces to make the sedan look and feel more luxurious.

In terms of gadgetry, the 2015 Legacy has you covered. It features a new, standard 6.2 Infotainment System that not only does the normal AM/FM deal, but also includes a CD player, a 6.2-inch touchscreen StarLink with Aha and Pandora capabilities, a rearview camera, Bluetooth connectivity with audio streaming, iPod control, a USB port and an aux-in port .

Moving into the 2.5i Premium model nets you a six-speaker sound system, seven-inch screen, SiriusXM and SMS texting. The Limited trim goes even further by including 12 Harman/Kardon speakers and 576 watts of power.

Gauges In Detail

Oh so sexy they are. There is nothing better than well-lit and well-designed gauges staring back at you.

New For 2017

The Sport trim gives customers access to a unique two-tone interior pairing gray and black cloth upholstery and exclusive blue stitching on the seats, door panels, and steering wheel. Other highlights include a carbon-fiber pattern dashboard and door panel trim, and piano black door switch panels and steering wheel switches.

The package also includes a standard Starlink seven-inch Multumedia Plus system with Bluetooth and dual USB ports. The Sport trim can be equipped with Reverse Automatic Braking and High Beam Assist as part of the EyeSight Driver Assist Technology option.

New For 2017

Head room (f/r)

40.0 in. / 37.0 in.

With moonroof:

37.6 in. / 37.0 in.

Leg room (f/r)

42.9 in. / 38.1 in.

Shoulder room (f/r)

58.1 in. / 57.3 in.

Hip room (f/r)

55.5 in. / 55.0 in.

EPA passenger volume

104.6 cu. ft. 100.9 cu. ft. with moonroof

EPA trunk capacity

15.0 cu. ft.

EPA total volume

119.6 cu. ft. 115.9 cu. ft. with moonroof

Trunk liftover height

27.2 in.


Drivetrain

Some familiar engines are found under the 2015 Legacy's hood, as it carries the same set of boxer engines it did last year, including a 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder. The bas 2.5-liter gets some extra lightening over the 2014 version, plus Subaru toned down its noise production. The mods made for 2015 increased its output very slightly, as it now produces 175 horsepower -- a two-horsepower bump. The torque remains steady at 174 pound-feet.

Optional on the 2015 Legacy is the 3.6-liter H-6, which carries over from last year. This engine cranks out 256 ponies and 247 pound-feet of torque.

Both engines mate to a Lineartronic CVT, but the six-pot engine gets a high-torque variant of the transmission. Subaru revised the CVT to lower its internal friction, which will help increase fuel mileage.

Of course, both Legacy engines also mate to Subaru's famed Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive system.

2.5i Models

3.6R Limited

Engine

DOHC 4-cylinder BOXER; aluminum cylinder block and heads

DOHC 6-cylinder BOXER; aluminum cylinder block and heads

Bore x Stroke

94 x 90mm

92 x 91mm

Displacement

2,498cc (152 cu. in.)

3,630 cc (221.5 cu. in.)

Compression ratio

10.3:1

10.5:1

Valvetrain

Chain-driven camshafts, Active Valve Control System (intake valves)

Chain-driven camshafts, Dual Active Valve Control System (intake and exhaust valves)

Horsepower

175 hp @ 5,800 rpm

256 hp @ 6,000 rpm

Torque

174 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm

247 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm

Fuel/induction

Sequential multi-port fuel injection (MFI) with cylinder head direct-mount multi-spray injectors and Electronic

Throttle Control (ETC) system

Sequential multi-port fuel injection (MFI) with multi-spray injectors and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) system

Transmission

Lineartronic® CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) includes 6-speed manual mode and steering wheel paddle control switches

High-torque Lineartronic CVT includes 6-speed manual mode and steering wheel paddle control switches

Fuel economy

26/36/30

20/28/23


Prices

Pricing for the entry-level Legacy began from $22,490 for the 2015 model year. The 2.5i Premium fetched $24,290 before options, while the 2.5i Limited came in at $27,290. The range-topping 3.6R Limited was priced from $30,390. The Moonroof Package added $1,195, while the Moonroof + Navigation retailed for $1,695. Subaru also offered EyeSight + Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert for $1,195 and a bundle that included the Moonroof Package + Keyless Access With Push-Button Start + Navigation System + EyeSight for $2,990.

For 2016, the base model retails from $22,540, a $50 increase over the previous year. The 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, and 3.6R Limited all received $350 premiums, now fetching $24,640, $27,640, and $30,740 before options, respectively. Some options carry the same sticker, while other received a $100 increase.

2016 Subaru Legacy prices

Model/Trim

Transmission

MSRP

MSRP + destination and delivery

2.5i

CVT

$21,745

$22,540

2.5i Premium

CVT

$23,845

$24,640

2.5i Limited

CVT

$26,845

$27,640

3.6R Limited

CVT

$29,945

$30,740


Packages

Moonroof Package

$1,195

Moonroof Package + Navigation System

$1,795

EyeSight + Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert

$1,195

Moonroof Package + Navigation System + EyeSight + Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert

$2,990

Moonroof Package + Keyless Access with Push-Button Start + Navigation System

$2,295

Moonroof Package + Keyless Access with Push-Button Start + Navigation System + EyeSight

$3,090


2015 Subaru Legacy prices

Model/Trim

Transmission

MSRP

MSRP + destination and delivery

2.5i

CVT

$21,695

$22,490

2.5i Premium

CVT

$23,495

$24,290

2.5i Limited

CVT

$26,495

$27,290

3.6R Limited

CVT

$29,595

$30,390


Packages

Moonroof Package

$1,195

Moonroof Package + Navigation System

$1,695

EyeSight + Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert

$1,195

Moonroof Package + Navigation System + EyeSight +Blind Spot Detection & Rear Cross Traffic Alert

$2,890

Moonroof Package +Keyless Access & Start + Navigation System

$2,195

Moonroof Pkg + Keyless Access & Start + Navigation System + EyeSight

$2,990


Competitors

Nissan Altima

Redesigned for the 2013 model, the Altima received a comprehensive facelift in 2015. The reshaped front fascia adopted Nissan's new styling language and a sportier look, while the rear end gained new taillight graphics. Inside, Nissan added new features, including a redesigned center stack, new cup holders, a refined steering wheel, and softer materials for the Zero Gravity seats. On the other hand, the engines remained unchanged. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder cranks out 182 horsepower and 180 pound-feet, while the optional 3.5-liter V-6 generates 270 horses and 251 pound-feet. Unlike the Legacy, the Altima doesn't benefit from an all-wheel drive system. Pricing for the Altima starts from $22,500, which puts it on par with the Subaru.

Find out more about the Nissan Altima here.

Ford Fusion

Three years old as of 2016, the Fusion received its mid-cycle update for 2017. Styling changes are rather mild, but include new LED accent lighting for the headlamps and new wheel designs. Inside, the Fusion gets new tech and new features. The Fusion Platinum gained the most significant updates in the form of antiqued leather for the dashboard and door panels, Venetian leather for the steering wheel, and pedestrian detection. Power is provided by five different engines. First on the list is the 2.5-liter, Duratec, inline-four with 175 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque. Next up is the 1.5-liter EcoBoost rated at 181 horses and 185 pound-feet. Ford also offers a 2.0-liter EcoBoost with 240 horses and 270 pound-feet and a 2.7-liter EcoBoost with 325 horsepower and 350 pound-feet. The Hybrid model has a 2.0-liter Atkinson-cycle four-pot and an electric motor and comes with 188 horsepower on tap. Pricing starts from $22,120.

Read more about the Ford Fusion here.

Conclusion

We love our Subarus, as so few cars can combine the mixture of utility, comfort and reliability that subarus do. However, the Legacy got old really quickly and we could not wait to see it pack its bags. This new design breathes new life into the Sedan, and gives Subaru a fighting change in the midsize segment once again.

Updated History

Updated 06/01/2015: Subaru announced prices for the 2016 Legacy which will arrive at dealerships later this summer. As the model was completely redesigned for the 2015 model year, no changes were made for 2016, except new Subaru STARLINK™ Safety and Security features. Prices will start from $22,540, including destination and delivery.

Updated 02/07/2014: The Legacy has officially made its debut. See all of the details after the jump.

Updated 05/16/2014: Subaru announced prices for the all new 2015 Legacy set to be put on sale later this summer. Prices will range from $21,695 for the 2.5i and up to $29,595 for the 3.6R Limited version. Full details after the jump.

Updated 05/28/2014: Today we added about 100 new high res images to our 2015 Subaru Legacy picture galley. They reveal new details of the interior and more exterior colors. Check the "Images" tab to see them all.

First leaked images

As pretty much no surprise to anyone the production version Legacy has nothing in common with the concept version unveiled back in 2013, so why bother developing that cool concept, when the production version looks like a model from the 1980s?

The headlights are inspired by the recently launched Subaru WRX, while the only thing that reminds us of the concept car is the grille. What's even worst is that on the interior Subaru tried so hard to make the car look more luxury than needed that it completely messed up: take a look at those wood inserts and you will see what we are talking about.