2017 Subaru Legacy Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
While not as flashy or as speedy as other cars in its segment, the 2017 Subaru Legacy is as steady as they come. With all-wheel drive and an abundance of safety equipment, the car model is sure to provide new car buyers with an enhanced sense of security.
What’s New for 2017?
For 2017, Subaru is giving buyers the option of purchasing the midsize sedan with its EyeSight safety system. This innovative technology features rear automatic braking and high beam headlights that activate automatically. Along with these advanced options, the car company has added a new trim level to the car model's lineup, which is the Sport.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2017 Subaru Legacy – The Pros
1) comfortable interior
Subaru believes in practicality when it comes to the interior of its vehicles. To this end, the car company’s past automobiles have come with a simple and streamlined interior. When the automaker designed the 2017 Legacy, it upgraded the car model’s inside materials by adding cushioning to the armrests and center console. In this year’s edition, the front and back seats are comfortable. They are also supportive.
2) Standard All-Wheel Drive
To appeal to those who live in areas where weather is likely to affect them adversely, Subaru decided to make all-wheel drive a standard feature of the 2017 Legacy. This amenity decreases the stress of driving through challenging weather conditions like:
• Snow
• Rain
• Sleet
3) Better Gas Mileage
To ensure that the midsize automobile has a handle on its fuel economy, the car company added active grille shutter technology. The shutters open and close at automatic intervals to control the amount of airflow that enters. This decreases aerodynamic drag and improves fuel efficiency. With this feature, the four-cylinder 2017 Legacy receives 25 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon at highway speeds. The vehicle model’s six-cylinder engine gets 20 miles per gallon when it’s driven around town and 28 miles per gallon on the open road.
4) Expansive Model Lineup
With five trim levels that range from the basic 2.5i to the luxurious and loaded 3.6R Limited, the Subaru Legacy has a trim for every type of car buyer. The 2.5i is the most affordable model, but that doesn’t mean it’s sans special features. This model is equipped with:
• 17-inch steel wheels
• All-wheel drive
• Bluetooth audio
Those who spring for the 3.6R Limited will enjoy amenities like:
• A blind-spot warning system
• Xenon headlights
• A six-cylinder engine
5) Standard Rearview Camera
In the 2017 Subaru Legacy, a rearview camera comes standard. This lowers the chances of the driver backing into another car or over a person or an animal. Backup cameras decrease the blind spot zone behind a car by approximately 90 percent.
6) Advanced Safety Features
Stability and traction control come standard in the Subaru Legacy as does:
• Antilock disc brakes
• Front side airbags
• Seat cushion airbags
Those who upgrade to the Premium or Limited model will gain access to StarLink Connected Services. This safety system features automatic collision notification and emergency assistance. The car company also offers car buyers the option of purchasing a 2017 Legacy with its EyeSight Driver Assist Technology package. Along with automatic braking, the technology includes a forward collision warning system that has pedestrian detection as well as a lane departure alert feature that comes with automatic intervention.
7) Touchscreen Infotainment System
Subaru decided to equip its midsize sedan with the StarLink infotainment system. This system is presented on a 7-inch touchscreen, and with it, drivers and passengers have access to smartphone integration apps and entertainment features like:
• A satellite radio
• Audiobooks
• Podcasts
8) Solid Handling
The Legacy’s electric power steering adds weight as the car is being driven. This ensures that the vehicle:
• Tracks well
• Unwinds rapidly as it leaves tight corners
• Handles easily
9) Excellent Outward Visibility
A major bonus of the 2017 Subaru Legacy is that it provides drivers with excellent outward visibility. This is a notable feat since today’s automobiles include high door lines and bulky pillars due to modern-day safety standards in the auto industry.
10) High-End Finishes
With available upgrades like heated front and rear seats, the Legacy’s high-end finishes add a luxurious feel to the sedan. Car buyers will also appreciate the option to upgrade the midsize car with perforated leather upholstery and a moonroof. Other available upgrades consist of:
• The keyless entry system
• A Harman Kardon premium stereo
• A navigation system
Reasons Not to Buy a 2017 Subaru Legacy – The Cons
1) Nondescript Exterior
While pleasant to look at, the Subaru Legacy’s exterior is conservative compared to other car models in the midsize category. The only areas that the car company added exterior styling to are the fenders and windshield. It sculpted the fenders and used a sloped design for the windshield.
2) Stiff Ride
In every trim but the Limited, the ride is stiff. The car company decided to upgrade the suspension in the Limited, so this trim option provides the level of support that most people expect from cars in this category.
3) Sluggish Acceleration
While quiet and smooth, the 2017 Subaru Legacy’s engines fail to deliver the acceleration that other car models in its class provide. This is the case with both the four-cylinder and the six-cylinder engine. The four-cylinder engine generates 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. When the vehicle’s six-cylinder engine was tested, it came in at 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque.
4) Weight is a Factor
Officially, the 2017 Subaru Legacy is a midsize car. However, it’s one of the biggest ones on the market. According to government standards, when the cabin and trunk of a car measures 120 cubic feet, the vehicle is still considered a midsize but just barely. The Legacy’s cabin and trunk measure 119.6 cubic feet. This causes the car to weigh around 3,500 pounds, which is heavy for the midsize class. This is likely why the acceleration is on the slow side.
Steady As She Goes
The Subaru Legacy 2017 is a car with more pros than cons. A comfortable interior makes road trips a breeze while the car model’s tech equipment solidifies its standing as a cutting-edge ride. The Legacy’s advanced safety features and secure handling make it a vehicle that smart people want.
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