First arriving on the scene in 1989, the Legacy nameplate has served as Subaru’s flagship sedan for six full generations. Now there’s a new seventh-generation arriving for the 2020 model year, and it’s framed as “the most advanced Legacy in the model’s 30-year history.” Sporting a revised exterior, oodles of new technology and luxury features in the cabin, as well as a new platform and a new turbocharged engine option, the Legacy is feeling fresher than ever. But with segment competition tightening, does the Legacy have what it takes?

2020 Subaru Legacy

Specifications
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  • Model: 2020 Subaru Legacy
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2020 Subaru Legacy Exterior Styling

- Mid-size exterior dimensions - Matte-black bar across front fascia - Standard Active Grille Shutters - More aerodynamic sideview mirrors - Choice between 17- and 18-inch wheels - New black taillight graphics - Raised trunk line

While the Legacy was originally introduced as a compact model, the nameplate made the jump up to the mid-size segment in 1995, and currently occupies a spot above the Impreza in Subaru’s sedan lineup. This translates into more space inside the cabin, as we’ll cover later.

First, let’s talk about what 2020 model year brings in terms of exterior updates. For starters, the 2020 Legacy’s front end now rocks a prominent matte-black bar across the lower fascia, outlining the fog lights and lower intake and adding a little extra visual weight to the nose. The dual-tier intakes now come with a new frameless grille insert design, as well as standard Active Grille Shutters to help with overall fuel mileage.

Moving over to to the flanks, the 2020 Subaru Legacy offers thicker profile panel surfaces and a thicker trunk surface. The fenders are wider as well, although Subaru declined to tell us by how much. The sideview mirrors are reshaped with the generational changeover, and definitely offer a nicer look compared to the blockier sideview mirrors on the outgoing model. The fresh design also helps to reduce drag and add overall efficiency. The Touring trim level adds in power folding and reverse interlocked tilt-down functionality for the mirrors. In the corners, you’ll find either 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels depending on the trim level.

Viewed from the rear, the Legacy now gets updated taillight housings, with black inner graphics that play well with the new front fascia. There’s also complementary black cladding along the lower edges of the bumper. The trunk line is raised in the middle, giving it a spoiler-esque effect that adds a smidgen of extra sportiness to the rear end.

Finally, Subaru has yet to provide us with exact measurements, but it’s expected that the overall exterior dimensions are more or less unchanged with this latest model year update. For reference, you can find the outgoing model’s exterior dimensions below.

New Vs. Old Subaru Legacy

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2019 Subaru Legacy Exterior Dimensions

Overall Length

189.1 inches

Overall Width

72.4 inches

Overall Height

59 inches

Wheelbase

108.3 inches


2020 Subaru Legacy Interior Design

- Redesigned dash incorporates more luxury details - More soft-touch surfaces, double stitching - First Subaru to offer Nappa leather upholstery - Available heated and ventilated seating - Optional 11.6-inch tablet-style central touchscreen - Fewer hard buttons throughout - Apple CarPlat, Android Auto support - Optional 12-speaker audio from Harman Kardon - Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist technology standard across the range - 15.1 cubic-feet of cargo space - More passenger room

Stepping into the 2020 Subaru Legacy’s cabin, the first thing that jumps out at us is a major redesign in terms of cabin layout. Although the general styling is somewhat reminiscent of the outgoing model, the fresh look definitely adds extra premium vibes overall, which is exactly in line with what Subaru was shooting for with this generational update.

Compared to the old dash, which incorporated several large, broad sections of material, the new dash is much more angular and interesting to look at thanks to additional folds and levels.

The center console also comes with a new instrument panel, complete with soft-touch upholstery and double stitching. This treatment also extends to the seats and door trim upholstery.

Speaking of which, the 2020 Subaru Legacy now comes with Nappa leather upholstery, a first for the Six-Star badge.

There’s also a seat heating function that offers an adjustable three levels of heat, and it extends up to the shoulder area to keep your whole back nice and toasty. Step it up to the Touring trim, and Subaru will also add in ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, the latter of which is offered as optional equipment in the Limited trim level.

Both the Limited and Touring models get 10-way power front seats with lumbar support, as well as an adjustable cushion length for the driver. The heating function is available for both the front and rear seats. The sideview mirror position is also locked with the seat position for quick customizability.

This piece of infotainment finery is offered as optional equipment, but comes as standard on the Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels, and it’s actually the biggest infotainment screen ever mounted in a factory-spec Subaru. In our eyes, it certainly does well to back the Legacy’s claim to cutting-edge luxury.

This screen acts as the primary hub for general user inputs, and takes over as a digital replacement for many of the hard button controls found on the outgoing model. For the 2020 model year, these include inputs for the infotainment system, the HVAC system, and various other vehicle settings.

Standout features include a smartphone app-style layout, with tile icons that are configurable to your preferences. There’s also a Near Field Communication feature, plus available navigation by TomTom with a 3-year map update and voice command operation. The navigation is optional on the Premium, Sport, and Limited trim levels, and it’s offered as standard on the Touring model.

The large touchscreen also comes with a cool split-screen display mode for dual functionality. For example, you could adjust the audio on one side of the screen, and review navigation information on the other.

Base models come with an updated multimedia system with dual 7.0-inch Wide Video Graphics Array (WVGA) displays that split the inputs for the multimedia and HVAC control system.

Further infotainment goodies include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, Bluetooth audio streaming, an AM/FM radio, a backup camera, HD Radio support, and over-the-air updates as standard.

You’ll also find as many as four USB ports (two up front and two in the rear) and an auxiliary input jack under the center console. There’s also 12-volt DC power sockets as standard above the Base trim level.

Audiophiles will want to opt into the available 12-speaker audio system from Harman Kardon, which comes with Clari-Fi technology and GreenEdge speakers. Making the most of it, the cabin itself is quieter by 3 dB thanks to improvements like new weather stripping and thicker sound-insulated glass.

Moving onto the safety side of things, the Legacy gets Subaru’s EyeSight Driver Assist technology suite as standard across the range. This includes a Lane Centering Function, a first for Subaru’s U.S. models comes. Lane Centering is part of the Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control feature, and basically keeps the car in the center of the lane without extra driver inputs.

The tech suite also comes with Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

This system uses an onboard camera system and facial recognition software to “identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction.” If the system detects the driver is tired or distracted, it sends an alert to the main touchscreen and the digital display in the gauge cluster.

Another option is the Front View Monitor, which is standard on the Touring XT trim. This captures a 180-degree view around the car, including driver blind spots and directly in front of the bumper, and sends it to the main touchscreen display. This system is particularly useful for close-quarters parking and less-than-ideal driving conditions.

Last on the list of driver assists is the optional LED Steering Responsive Headlamps, which are offered on the Limited and Touring models.

As you might expect, Subaru offers a number of connected services packages through its Starlink technology suite. These include features like SOS emergency assist, enhanced roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, maintenance notifications, a monthly vehicle health report, and a diagnostics alert.

Meanwhile, the Safety Plus & Security Plus package adds in remote engine start, climate control, heated seats (when equipped with Keyless Access and push-button starter), remote lock and unlock, and remote horn and light activation, plus features for parents like boundary setting and speed and curfew alerts. The parents features come with a free six-month trial period.

Finally, there’s the concierge package, which adds in features like digital restaurant and hotel reservation-making, ticket purchase for movies and sporting events, and service appointment scheduling.

That means there’s a bit more room compared to the outgoing model’s 15 cubic-feet of cargo room.

“The trunk in the 2020 Legacy can comfortably hold four full-size roller bags,” Subaru explains. If that’s not enough, you can add even more storage thanks to the standard roof mounting brackets.

The 2020 Subaru Legacy also offers more front shoulder room, more front and rear hip room, and more rear legroom, although Subaru declined to tell us exactly how much space was added. For reference, the outgoing model’s interior dimensions are listed below.

2019 Subaru Legacy Interior Dimensions

Front Headroom

40 inches

Front Shoulder Room

58.1 inches

Front Legroom

42.9 inches

Front Hip Room

55.5 inches

Rear Headroom

37 inches

Rear Shoulder Room

57.3 inches

Rear Leg Room

38.1 inches

Rear Hip Room

55 inches

Passenger Volume

104.6 cubic-feet

Passenger Capacity

5


2020 Subaru Legacy Drivetrain And Performance

- New turbocharged 2.4-liter engine option - Up to 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque - 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds - Standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine - Standard CVT across the range - Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive - New Subaru Global Platform architecture - Lighter and stiffer than before - Updated suspension for a more refined ride overall - Anticipated highest safety ratings

The nameplate is now offered with a new turbocharged engine option, marking the first time Subaru has offered a turbo Legacy since 2012.

Falling under the XT trim levels, the new turbo Legacy produces upwards of 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 pound-feet of torque between 2,000 to 4,800 rpm. The new turbocharged engine displaces 2.4 liters and uses a boxer flat-four-cylinder layout, plus direct fuel injection.

If any of that looks familiar, it’s because it’s the same engine configuration as the 2019 Subaru Ascent, the Six-Stars’ latest three-row, eight-seater SUV.

Mounted in the Legacy, the turbo 2.4-liter provides a 0-to-60 mph time of 6.1 seconds, with estimated fuel returns of 24 mpg in the city and 32 mpg on the highway.

The new turbocharged engine arrives as a replacement for the outgoing model’s naturally aspirated 3.6-liter flat-six-cylinder, which produced 256 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 247 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. Fuel consumption for the ‘six was rated at 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, making this new turbo ‘four more powerful, more torquey, and more fuel efficient. The old six-cylinder Legacy also took roughly 7 seconds to reach 60 mph, which means the 2020 model year chops nearly a full second off the benchmark in top trim. Not too shabby.

The rest of the Legacy line gets a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter boxer flat-four-cylinder with direct fuel injection. This powerplant originally debuted on the 2019 Subaru Forester, but was recently updated with as much as 90 percent new parts.

Understandably, the acceleration times are quite a bit slower than the turbo option, taking 8.4 seconds to reach 60 mph. Fuel returns, however, are considerably improved, rated at an estimated 27 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway.

Each of the two engine options mate to a Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). This transmission includes a set of steering wheel-mounted paddle controls with a manual mode if you feel like switching the ratios on your own, as well as a new lower-viscosity oil for the hydraulic system that helps to eliminate parasitic loss by 32 percent compared to the previous CVT.

Each engine also comes standard with an automatic stop-start feature, plus Subaru’s iconic Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system with Active Torque Vectoring.

Under the panels, the new 2020 Legacy is built on the latest Subaru Global Platform architecture, offering “increased safety, dynamics, and quietness not to mention reduced noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).”

“The 2020 Legacy has achieved the highest levels of dynamic performance and ride comfort in its history,” Subaru claims. While dynamic performance is nice, we’re much more concerned with the ride quality on this sedan.

The platform was optimized for the Legacy, and specifically offers a structure that’s 70 percent stiffer than before in terms of torsional rigidity and front suspension rigidity. It’s also 100 percent stuffer in terms of front lateral flex and rear subframe rigidity compared to the old Legacy platform.

What’s more, the 2020 Legacy comes with a floor cross member filled with a rigidity-enhancing lightweight two-part foal material, which is a first for Subaru.

Another first for Subaru is the 2020 Legacy’s full inner-frame construction, wherein the outer panels were welded to the structure “after the entire body framework is assembled,” as opposed to separate assembly of the upper and under bodies. This makes it both stiffer and lighter than before.

Lightness and stiffness are good for a number of things. Not only does it help with overall fuel economy, but it also makes for a better ride, a lower center of gravity, and overall improved performance.

What’s more, the Legacy’s suspension is now stronger and lighter than before. There are MacPherson struts up front, which now come with new internal rebound springs, aluminum lower L-arms, and a 23-mm hollow stabilizer bar. The rear suspension is a double-wishbone setup with subframe, coil springs, and a new 19-mm hollow stabilizer bar.

Speaking of safety, the new platform helps with overall crash protection, boasting a 40-percent rise in front/side crash resistance. There’s also eight standard airbags. All told, Subaru expects the 2020 Legacy to achieve all the top safety scores, including a Top Safety Pick + rating from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety).

2020 Subaru Legacy - drivetrain specifications


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


2020 Subaru Legacy Prices

The 2020 Subaru Legacy made its debut at the 2019 Chicago Auto Show.

Buyers are offered a total of six trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT, and Touring XT.

Standout features on the Touring XT include a standard turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, as well as Nappa leather upholstery throughout the interior, glossy black pillar moldings, chrome accents on the door handles, and satin plating on the side mirrors.

Meanwhile, the Sport model gets the naturally aspirated 2.5-liter engine, a unique rear bumper and front grille, glossy black sideview mirrors, a trunk spoiler, and a standard set of 18-inch alloy wheels finished in a dark metallic hue. The interior come with aluminum pedals, red stitching, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Sport also gets a unique drive mode for sharper engine response.

Look for the 2020 Subaru Legacy to hit dealers in the fall of 2019.

Exact pricing is still forthcoming, but shouldn’t rise too far beyond the current model’s starting MSRP of $22,545.

2020 Subaru Legacy Competition

Honda Accord

Matching bullet-proof reliability with high value for money, the Honda Accord is a staple of the mid-size sedan segment. The latest model year comes with a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine making 192 horsepower, or you can upgrade to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder making 252 horsepower. Alternatively, you can go green with a hybrid four-cylinder if so inclined. Routing output to the front axle is either a 10-speed automatic or a six-speed manual. Inside, infotainment duties are handled by a standard 7.0-inch touchscreen, but an 8.0-incher is also offered. Upgrade to the larger screen, and you’ll also get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. There’s also a number of standard safety tech features, including lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control. Finally, the Accord bests the Legacy in terms of cargo space with 17 cubic-feet, two cubic-feet more than what you get in the Subaru. Pricing starts at $23,720.

Read our full review on the 2018 Honda Accord.

Mazda 6

While the Legacy’s new turbocharged powerplant and updated chassis promise to inject some fun into the nameplate, the Mazda 6 might be the better buy if driving dynamics are high on your list of priorities. Engine options include a pair of 2.5-liter four-cylinders, one of which is naturally aspirated, and one of which is turbocharged. The latter of those two powerplants doles out an impressive 250 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, with output routed to the front axle by way of either a six-speed manual transmission, or a six-speed automatic. Go for the atmospheric powerplant, and you’ll have 187 horses to play with. Outside, Mazda’s latest Kodo design language looks good, while the cabin is equally aesthetically pleasing. Tech highlights include an 8.0-inch touchscreen and available adaptive cruise control. Pricing starts at $21,950.

Read our full review on the 2018 Mazda 6.

Final Thoughts

All told, the 2020 Subaru Legacy makes for a rather tempting offer. For starters, it’s expected to be quite competitively priced, with loads of equipment and technology both as standard and on the options list. This is especially the case with this latest model year update. And don’t forget the standard all-wheel drive system you get across the line, which is something you won’t find elsewhere in the segment. Finally, Subaru addressed one of the biggest issues of the outgoing model by adding turbocharged power to the lineup. Mercifully, the Legacy is decently quick with the right option box ticked.

However, nothing is perfect, least of all the 2020 Subaru Legacy. For starters, I can’t help but question why the Sport trim level doesn’t come with the turbo engine option - after all, glossy black trim and 18-inch wheels does not automatically equate to a performance model.

What’s more, we feel as though the styling really blends into the crowd, even with the latest model update. The Legacy’s exterior still lacks any defining styling characteristics, and that’s a problem when the competition is much more easily recognizable in a big parking lot.

Speaking of the competition, it’s looking pretty stiff. Add in the fact sedans aren’t as popular as other segments right now, and the Legacy has its work cut out for it. However, given its offering as a smart, comfortable, tech-savvy mid-size sedan with loads of value for the money and standard all-wheel drive, this Scooby has more than a fighting chance.

- New turbocharged powerplant is more powerful, faster, and more fuel efficient - Nice interior tech, more premium appointment - High value for money - Standard all-wheel drive

Further Reading

2020 Subaru Legacy Brings New Engine and Tech to Chicago

Read our full review on the 2018 Subaru Legacy.

Old versus New: How different is the 2020 Subaru Legacy to its predecessor?