2023 Subaru Legacy

Pros:

• The standard all-wheel-drive system gives the car excellent traction in wet weather. You can get a solid turbocharged engine as an option.
• Cabin, ride, and seats that are comfortable

Cons:

• The simple engine that moves slowly
• It can be frustrating to use a touchscreen interface.
• Engine stop-start system that gets in the way

How does the Legacy move? We did tests with the standard 2.5-liter engine in the Legacy. On our test track, 0-60 mph took 8.5 seconds, which is longer than other cars with equivalent horsepower. The Legacy’s optional turbocharged engine has a lot of power, so we recommend getting it. The Legacy is better than other midsize sedans in terms of how well it handles. The Subaru responds naturally to the driver’s actions, and the steering is beautifully weighted.

There is a clear nose dive when braking, which makes it hard to slow down gradually. The car shakes like a slow-moving rear impact when it starts up, and the automatic engine stop-start system needs to be known for being smooth.

How good is the Legacy’s comfort? The Legacy’s main draw is that it is very comfortable. Our test car’s front seat adjustments were easy and worked well. During turns, the bolsters keep you in place, and the cushioning is supportive without being hard. Even the back seats have curves to make them more comfortable for the people sitting in them. It makes them much more comfortable than a flat bench. The ride is comfortable without being floaty, but wind and road noise are louder than in competitors’ cars. But the engine noise is less than many other cars with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Some of the two-zone climate control settings are tricky. The seat heaters work well. They have three locations, from barely warm to too hot.

How does the inside look? The Legacy’s cabin is cozy and has plenty of room for tall adults. Behind the front seats, the back seat is surprisingly big. There is a lot of room for both your head and your feet. Simple modifications can make driving comfortable. The Legacy’s expansive windows make it simple to see outside.

Too often is the center touchscreen used. Most controls are touchscreen menus. Given the technology’s intrusiveness, the lack of a dedicated button to disable engine stop-start is particularly egregious. Also, it takes a long time for the infotainment system to respond to what the user does. Most menus are easy to get around on, which is a plus.

How good is the tech? Legacy has a lot of technology, but sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t. Even though the navigation interface is excellent, finding what you’re looking for is challenging. There are four USB ports on all models except the base Legacy, and smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard. During our tests, Apple CarPlay and the Starlink infotainment system often crashed, and the voice control feature didn’t work very well.

Even though the EyeSight package of driving aids is standard, it can be hard to understand some parts. Because it is so sensitive, the front collision warning will pump the brakes and sound alarms as you slowly slow down. The adaptive cruise control reacts too quickly to changes in traffic.

What about putting things away? The trunk of the Legacy is small for its class, at 15.1 cubic feet. On the other hand, the depth and height of the cargo room make it a great place to store large items. It is more practical because you can fold down the back seats by pulling a lever on the trunk or pressing a button on the back seat itself. The only bad thing is that the middle seat belt stays attached to the back shelf even when the heart is folded flat.

Two-level console, armrest, spacious door pockets, bin in front of the shifter, and passenger shelf are standard. Behind small Velcro covers, car seat anchors are easy to get.

How well does it use gasoline? The EPA says that the Legacy gets 30 mpg on average, but we quickly gained more than that on our test drive. Compared to cars with all-wheel drive, the Legacy’s gas mileage is about the same as some cars with front-wheel drive.

Is it worth buying The Legacy? The only reason the Subaru Legacy is a little more expensive than other cars with similar equipment is that it has an all-wheel-drive drivetrain. The mix of materials is better, and the inside design is appealing. Even though some other midsize sedans offer better coverage and free regular maintenance, the class average for bumper-to-bumper, powertrain and roadside assistance stays the same.

In the past few years, most midsize sedans have finally started to have more exciting designs, but the Legacy’s exterior and interior are unique. The all-wheel-drive system on the Legacy makes it easier to drive than similar cars. Still, the engine could be better, so you never look forward to going. For a more exciting ride, choose a trim level with a turbocharged engine or, even better, a Kia Stinger.

The Legacy Premium is our top choice because it has the most features and costs the least. You can get better sound, heated seats, and USB ports in the backseat for a small amount more than the base model. Some of the best options are a sunroof, fog lights, keyless entry, and a warning for blind spots. If you buy the Sport model, you can get the more powerful turbo engine, but it will cost you a lot of money—about $7,000—to do so. We think that the Premium will be enough for almost all drivers.