2020 Subaru Legacy Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?
Before you spend the money on a new Toyota Camry or Honda Accord, first check out the redesigned 2020 Subaru Legacy. It has improved in a number of different ways. Not only does the latest Legacy offer more driving excitement, but it also has a more upscale interior. A more eye-catching look also helps make the Legacy a winning choice. Let’s find out why you should test drive the new 2020 Subaru Legacy.
What’s New for 2020?
Subaru has completely overhauled the Legacy. It offers several new features. A new optional engine has also hit the lineup.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Subaru Legacy – The Pros
1. Delivers a Smoother, More Efficient Performance
The 2020 Subaru Legacy comes standard with a familiar flat-four Boxer engine. However, it’s been updated to deliver a smoother performance. Subaru tunes this engine to develop 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. A heavily revised continuously variable transmission also helps improve responsiveness. While acceleration is adequate, drivers will especially appreciate the Legacy’s excellent fuel efficiency. You can trust the new Legacy to return 27 mpg in town and up to 35 mpg on the open highway.
2. Symmetrical AWD Comes Standard
Over the years, the Subaru Legacy has remained one of the best family sedans for drivers living in snow-prone areas. Commuters greatly appreciate the Legacy’s standard Symmetrical AWD system. This full-time AWD system makes traveling during the winter a lot less hectic. When encountering slick pavement, you’ll be inspired with greater confidence. This feature gives the Legacy a clear advantage over cars like the Toyota Camry and the Honda Accord, which still don’t offer all-wheel drive.
3. All-New Turbocharged Four-Cylinder Engine
While last year’s optional six-cylinder engine was strong, it sacrificed some fuel economy. For 2020, Subaru has replaced it with a new turbocharged Boxer four-cylinder engine. It punches out a fulfilling 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque. When you push down on the acceleration, the turbocharged Legacy can hit 60 mph in a rather swift 6.1 seconds. Fuel economy has increased to 32 mpg on the freeway. You can enjoy optimum performance using regular unleaded.
4. It Drives Better Than Before
The previous-generation Legacy delivered a decent driving experience. However, it didn’t handle quite as well as the competition. Subaru engineered the new model to deliver more fun on the road. When taking the 2020 Subaru Legacy for a test drive, you’ll immediately notice its balanced feel. Although the Legacy is not a sports sedan, most people will enjoy driving it on an everyday basis. Its list of upgrades includes a redesigned suspension and a stiffer structure.
5. Sharp Exterior Design
While last year’s model was attractive, it didn’t make a big fashion statement. Some people actually described the previous generation’s styling as being boring. For this reason, Subaru focused on giving the new Legacy a sharper look. Sleeker body language and a wide stance help promote a more exciting appearance. Black taillight graphics further bolster the sedan’s curb appeal. When equipped with larger 18-inch alloy wheels, this car looks especially sporty. Some of the same paint options return for 2020, including Crimson Red Pearl and Crystal White Pearl.
6. Feels Luxurious and Roomy On the Inside
The inside of the 2020 Subaru Legacy feels far more luxurious. Upscale interior materials line the cabin. New sound-insulating glass helps reduce wind noise on the highway. However, your family will especially enjoy the Legacy’s roomy accommodations. Even tall individuals will have ample head- and legroom. Generously cushioned seats also help ensure exceptional passenger comfort. Heating and ventilated functions are on the sedan’s list of options. Even the well-padded backseat feels relaxing on long trips.
7. Stands Toe-to-Toe with Today’s Safest Cars
This sedan has always rewarded families with a safe ride. Although the 2020 Subaru Legacy has yet to receive an official safety rating from the NHTSA, experts expect it to score very well. Crash protection should be exceptional. Subaru will include its valuable EyeSight safety technologies on every trim level. Aside from accident-avoidance features like automatic emergency braking, you’ll also benefit from a new adaptive cruise control system with lane-centering technology.
8. Has a Great Infotainment System
Technology lovers will adore Subaru’s new Starlink infotainment system. It’ll make the Legacy a more rewarding car for daily commuting. A dual-screen setup with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto comes standard. Popular apps are integrated into the system, including Pandora. Aside from providing quick access to mobile apps, this interface also has a second display for the HVAC system. A portrait-style, 11.6-inch multimedia screen is found on the upper trims. Built-in navigation makes the upgraded interface great for traveling.
9. DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
According to automotive safety experts, driving while drowsy has become a big problem. It’s just as dangerous as drunk driving. To help remedy this problem, Subaru has recently introduced a new DriverFocus system. It’s designed to warn sleepy heads to take a break. Facial recognition technology and a camera help the system to quickly identify the signs of driver fatigue. This system is ideal for long-distance traveling and daily commuting.
10. Offers Some Help Parking Aids
To help make parking less frustrating, Subaru offers the new Legacy with some helpful driving aids. Parking in tight spots is made easier with the Legacy’s optional Front View Monitor, which displays blind spots on the car’s infotainment screen. You also have access to rear automated braking. When backing up, the system will scan for any potential obstructions.
Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Subaru Legacy – The Cons
1. You May Not Need All-Wheel Drive
Subaru’s standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is a major confidence booster. It gives you an extra degree of security in challenging weather conditions. However, folks living in warm-weather states may not need it. A front-wheel-drive sedan will likely get the job done. Without the additional weight of an AWD system, the 2020 Subaru Legacy would deliver even better fuel economy.
2. CVT Automatic Transmission Sacrifices Some Sportiness
According to testers, the Legacy’s updated automatic CVT performs well. Drivers can expect to enjoy a more responsive performance. However, it still does not feel as sporty as a traditional automatic transmission. If you have never owned a car with a CVT, expect it to be a quite different experience. Automakers use continuous variable transmissions to boost fuel economy. Performance is secondary.
3. No High-Performance Trim Available
Although the 2020 Subaru Legacy offers a cool-looking Sport model, it does not offer the driving experience of a true sports sedan. Aside from a Sport button, Subaru does not equip this trim with any big performance upgrades. You won’t have access to a track-tuned suspension or recalibrated steering system. A manual transmission is also not available. This car is more geared towards comfort.
4. Doesn’t Have Any Extremely Unique Styling Cues
The 2020 Subaru Legacy is certainly a good-looking automobile. Subtle styling changes have transformed it into a more interesting sedan. However, it does not have any styling cues that stand out. Don’t expect the Legacy to draw as much attention as cars like the newly available Camry TRD, which has an aggressive attitude.
5. Unproven Reliability
Because the redesigned 2020 Subaru Legacy was just released, its long-term dependability is unknown. Last year’s model had a poor predicted reliability score. J.D. Power gave the 2019 Subaru Legacy a two out of five rating for dependability. Hopefully, things have improved for the better.
How It Stacks Up Against the Competition
2020 Honda Accord
The top-rated 2020 Honda Accord is a fine choice. It provides excellent passenger space and offers a strong turbocharged engine. However, expect the AWD-equipped Subaru Legacy to perform better on snow-packed streets. You also can’t get the Accord with safety technologies like rear automatic braking.
2020 Toyota Camry
This is the most popular car in the segment. Drivers appreciate the Camry’s solid reliability scores. Like the Accord, the Camry does not offer all-wheel drive. Toyota’s Entune infotainment system is also a step below Subaru’s Starlink Multimedia interface. Integrating your smartphone won’t be as easy when using Toyota's infotainment system. Android Auto is not even offered on the Camry.
2020 Nissan Altima
The new Nissan Altima has become an appealing option. It now offers all-wheel drive. However, you can only get an AWD system with the Altima’s base engine. By comparison, both of the Legacy's engines provide all-wheel drive. Automotive critics also give the Legacy’s interior design a higher rating.
Conclusion
Often overshadowed by more popular models, the 2020 Subaru Legacy now matches up well with all of its key competitors. Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive gives the Legacy a clear edge. However, this midsize sedan is more than just a great winter car. Improved driving dynamics make the new Legacy a more satisfying performance machine.
Don’t forget about the Legacy’s great technologies. Its advanced safety features work flawlessly. You’ll also enjoy the Legacy’s superb Starlink infotainment system. While the base trim is a splendid value, you have access to luxurious options like a powerful Harman Kardon sound system and onboard Wi-Fi.
