2020 Subaru Legacy Brings New Engine and Tech to Chicago

Subaru launched the new, seventh-generation Legacy at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show, replacing the previous midsize sedan after six years on the market. The new Legacy was redesigned from the ground up, featuring new styling cues inside and out, new tech, and a brand-new engine.

Familiar Yet Fresh Design

Although it designed the new Legacy on a clean sheet, Subaru didn't stray too far from the previous sedan. The shape and proportions are similar and the front fascia reminds of the old sedan. The hexagonal grille has the same thick horizontal trim and horizontal bars below, but it looks sharper. The same goes for the headlamps, which looks crisper a bit more organic around the edges. Down below there's a larger center vent and bigger black surrounds around the foglamps.

The roof becomes sleeker toward the back; it looks like Subaru aimed for a coupe-style look. The wheels are gorgeous as well on the presentation model, but they're probably optional.

The rear fascia looks familiar as well. We can spot the same license plate recess in the center fascia, black trim around the lower bumper, and two-piece taillights. However, the lights have a more aggressive design and a new lighting pattern, while the trunk lid spoiler is now fully integrated into the metal sheet.

Premium-Like Interior

The main features responsible for this are the upgraded materials, the three-tier dashboard design, and the massive, tablet-style display on the center stack. Measuring 11.6 inches, it features Subaru's latest Starlink Multimedia system with optional navigation by TomTom and voice activation. These are standard on the range-topping Touring model, which also includes fine Nappa leather.

The new Legacy also brings a few Subaru-first features to the table, starting with the split-screen display in the instrument cluster. It can show two types of information, like navigation and audio, to improve user interaction. It also comes with optional in-car Wi-Fi connectivity via high-speed LTE for all occupants, including those in the rear seats.

New Engine and Platform

There's plenty of news to talk about under the skin. The sedan now rides on the Subaru Global Platform, which offers enhanced quietness, stability, and agility. The new underpinnings also enabled Subaru to add a new engine to the lineup. Specifically, it replaced the range-topping 3.6-liter six-cylinder with a turbocharged, 2.4-liter flat-four.

The boxer engine mates to a new CVT with lower viscosity oil that reduces power loss by 32 percent compared to the old gearbox. The sprint to 60 mph takes 6.1 seconds, a small upgrade over the old model. Fuel economy is rated at 24 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, a notable improvement over the old 3.6-liter engine, which returned 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.

The new 2.4-liter engine is joined by an upgraded version of the old 2.5-liter boxer. The unit generates 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque, an extra five horses and two pound-feet over the outgoing Legacy. This model is obviously slower than the 2.4-liter version, needing 8.4 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start. Although it's not notably more powerful, it's more efficient, mostly thanks to the new Active Grille Shutters. Economy increased from 25 mpg city and 34 mpg highway in the old model to 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway.

Engine	2.5-liter BOXER	2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER
Horsepower	182 HP @ 5,800 RPM	260 HP @ 5,600 RPM
Torque	176 LB-FT @ 4,400 RPM	277 LB-FT @ 2,000-4,800 RPM
Transmission	Lineartronic CVT	Lineartronic CVT with manual mode and steering wheel paddle control switches
0 to 60 mph	8.4 seconds	6.1 seconds
Fuel economy city/highway	27/35 mpg	24/32 mpg

New Suspension

The Legacy now rides on a new suspension that's lighter, strong, and more responsive. It has MacPherson struts in the front and a double-wishbone layout with coil springs and a hollow stabilizer bar in the rear. The suspension is now 100-percent stiffer in both lateral flexural and rear subframe rigidity.

Segment-exclusive DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System

This segment-exclusive feature, which is optional on Limited and standard on both XT trims, features a dedicated camera and facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or distraction. If the system detects that you are distracted or dozing off, a warning will show up on both the combination meter and 11.6-inch display.

Six Trims Available

Set to go on sale at Subaru retailers in the Fall of 2019, the Legacy will be offered in six trims. You get to choose from Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT.