The all-new 2020 Subaru Legacy delivers tech, safety, and performance
The return of the turbocharged engine.
The all-new 2020 Subaru Legacy is here with new advanced safety features, an updated infotainment system, a choice of two engines, and standard all-wheel drive. Sedan sales are slowing as crossovers and SUVs take center stage, but these updates offer plenty of reasons to consider the Legacy.
This five-passenger sedan comes with a choice of two engines, including the return of a turbocharged option for the first time since 2012. The base engine is a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. If you crave more performance from your sedan, then try the turbocharged 2.4-liter 4-cylinder with its 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. Both are paired to a continuously variable automatic transmission.
If fuel economy is a priority, then you’ll want to stick with the base engine. It gets an EPA-estimated 27 miles per gallon in the city, 35 on the highway, and 30 combined. The turbocharged engine sees a dip in fuel economy to 24 miles per gallon in the city, 32 on the highway, and 27 combined, so there is a price for that added performance. It’s something to consider if you’re on a tight budget, especially if fuel prices rise.
The roomy interior has better materials this year for a more premium feel as well as an upgraded infotainment system. While the base trim has dual seven-inch touchscreens, the rest of the lineup gets a tablet-style 11.6-inch touchscreen. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the lineup with available navigation and Wi-Fi connectivity.
While sedans are focused on passenger comfort, the Legacy doesn’t forget your need to carry cargo, too. It has 15.1 cubic feet of room in the trunk, which is enough for four full-size roller bags. Standard mounting brackets on the roof make it easy to install a roof rack for extra cargo capacity.
When it comes to safety, the Legacy includes standard automatic emergency braking and EyeSight Driver Assist Technology with the addition of lane centering for the first time in the United States. Whenever advanced cruise control is engaged, lane centering provides steering assist to help keep you from drifting out of your lane.
EyeSight Assist Monitor is also standard with a head-up display showing warning and system status updates right on the windshield in front of the driver. Available features include blind-spot detection with lane change assist, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, and DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System.
This is a unique safety feature that uses interior cameras to monitor the driver. If it detects that you’re not paying attention to the road and are driving distracted, it will flash a warning and sound a chime. This lets the driver and any passengers in the car know that the driver needs to refocus their attention.
The Legacy is available in a range of six trims. The first four feature the 2.5-liter engine starting with the Base at $22,745. That’s an affordable price point, especially when you consider all those standard features.
The Premium at $24,995 adds the 11.6-inch touchscreen, leather interior accents, and dual climate control while the Sport at $26,945 has looks that match its name with a blacked-out appearance package, 2-tone Sport interior, and a rear deck spoiler. The Limited aims for luxury with additional standard features including leather seats, Harman Kardon audio, and heated rear seats for $29,745.
If you want the turbocharged engine, then pricing jumps higher. The Limited XT adds a moonroof, unique badging, and dual stainless exhaust tips for $34,195. The Touring XT tops out the range at $35,895. It includes Nappa leather seats that are heated and ventilated, power folding side mirrors, and a Harman Kardon audio system.
The 2020 Subaru Legacy adds key features from infotainment to safety to a new turbocharged engine along with pricing to fit a wide range of budgets. It’s also the only sedan with all-wheel drive standard across the lineup so you aren’t limited to only select trims to get this winter-weather necessity. The all-new 2020 Subaru Legacy is set to arrive in dealerships this fall.
