The 2025 Subaru Legacy continues to represent everything the brand stands for reliability, comfort, and all-weather confidence. As a midsize sedan, it blends practicality with refinement, offering a smooth ride and a roomy cabin that makes long journeys enjoyable. Subaru’s standard all-wheel-drive system sets it apart from nearly every other sedan in its class, providing confident handling even on slick or snowy roads. However, while the Legacy excels in comfort and safety, the lower trims with the base engine don’t quite deliver the excitement or punch that driving enthusiasts might hope for. The infotainment system, although packed with modern features, can also feel a bit slow and unintuitive compared to some newer competitors.
Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive provides excellent wet-weather traction
- Optional turbocharged engine delivers strong and responsive power
- Comfortable seats, plush ride quality, and quiet cabin atmosphere
Cons
- Base engine feels underpowered and slow to accelerate
- Touchscreen interface can be distracting to navigate while driving
- Engine stop-start system feels intrusive and lacks smooth operation
What’s new
For 2025, Subaru has introduced a few notable upgrades to the Legacy lineup. The Limited trim now comes standard with a sunroof, built-in navigation, and a heated steering wheel, adding a more premium touch without a big price increase. Sadly, Subaru has officially announced that the 2025 model year will be the Legacy’s last, marking the end of an era for the beloved sedan. The car remains part of the seventh generation, which debuted back in 2020, and this final version stands as a mature and well-rounded send-off.
A Legacy Leaving:
After more than 36 years, six model generations, and over 1.3 million units sold, Subaru is retiring the Legacy nameplate. The sedan’s exit is largely due to the growing dominance of SUVs in the global market. Subaru’s own Outback, which originally launched as the Legacy Outback wagon, has evolved into a more SUV-like model and now outsells the sedan version by a margin of more than five to one. Despite this farewell, the Legacy’s DNA lives on through the Outback, which continues to blend car-like driving manners with rugged, family-friendly versatility. For buyers, this farewell year could present an opportunity to grab excellent deals on a vehicle that has built its reputation on safety, comfort, and reliability.
Competitors to Consider
The midsize sedan segment has become smaller but remains fiercely competitive. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord continue to dominate this category with their proven reliability and efficient performance. The Camry transitions to a hybrid-only lineup for 2025, offering exceptional fuel economy, while the Accord maintains flexibility with both traditional gasoline and hybrid options. Other strong contenders include the Hyundai Sonata and Kia K5, both of which bring a stylish design, advanced technology, and luxurious interiors that rival more expensive brands. While the Subaru Legacy holds its ground with standard all-wheel drive and a focus on comfort, these competitors often deliver quicker acceleration, more intuitive infotainment systems, and a slightly more engaging driving experience.
Driving Experience
When it comes to performance, the 2025 Subaru Legacy offers two engine choices. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers adequate power for everyday driving but lacks the vigor needed for spirited acceleration. In testing, it reached 0 to 60 mph in about 8.5 seconds, which is slower than most rivals in its class. Braking performance is solid, though it can feel a bit unrefined at lower speeds, with the front end dipping noticeably under moderate braking pressure. Still, the Legacy manages to stop from 60 mph in a shorter distance than several key competitors, reflecting Subaru’s focus on safety and stability.
For those seeking more excitement, the turbocharged engine option transforms the Legacy’s personality. It provides brisk acceleration and stronger passing power, making highway merges and uphill drives effortless. Beyond straight-line speed, the Legacy impresses with its confident handling and well-balanced steering, giving the driver a sense of control and connection to the road. The ride is comfortably cushioned, absorbing bumps and uneven pavement without feeling too soft or disconnected. Large windows enhance visibility, contributing to a sense of openness inside the cabin.
However, there are still a few drawbacks. Wind and road noise are more noticeable than in some competitors, especially at higher speeds. The engine stop-start system can feel abrupt, and Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assist suite, while comprehensive, sometimes reacts too aggressively. The forward collision warning tends to trigger early, even in slow or controlled braking situations, and the adaptive cruise control can respond too quickly to small traffic changes, creating a somewhat jerkyexperience. Still, these issues are relatively minor in the grand scheme the Legacy remains a secure, well-engineered, and genuinely comfortable sedan that shines in all-weather capability and long-term dependability.
Comfort
Comfort has always been a defining quality for the Subaru Legacy, and the 2025 model continues to deliver a calm and inviting driving experience. The cabin feels exceptionally refined for its class, offering plenty of space and thoughtful touches that make every trip enjoyable. From the moment you settle into the driver’s seat, the Legacy feels like a car built to ease long commutes and highway journeys.
Inside, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming, enhanced by high-quality materials and generous dimensions. Even taller passengers will find ample headroom and leg space, both in the front and back. The rear seats are particularly impressive, sculpted to cradle passengers comfortably rather than forcing them onto a flat bench. They provide firm, supportive cushioning, allowing riders to remain comfortable over long distances. Up front, the seats offer a solid blend of support and softness, with simple yet precise adjustments that make it easy to find a relaxed driving position.
Getting in and out of the Legacy is effortless thanks to its wide doors and low step-in height, and parents will appreciate that the car seat anchors are clearly marked and easy to reach behind small Velcro flaps. The dual-zone climate control system adds another layer of convenience, though it takes a bit of practice to fully master its settings. Once adjusted, however, it maintains a pleasant and steady temperature throughout the cabin. The three-stage seat heaters also deserve praise for their quick response, though the highest setting can feel a little too intense after a while.
If there’s one area that slightly detracts from comfort, it’s the overreliance on the central touchscreen for basic controls. Subaru’s choice to move many essential functions, such as temperature or fan adjustments, into digital menus can be distracting while driving. The lack of a dedicated physical button to disable the intrusive stop-start system is also frustrating, especially for those who find it disruptive in stop-and-go traffic. Still, these small inconveniences don’t outweigh the Legacy’s overall comfort and ease of use.
In-cabin tech
Technology inside the Subaru Legacy is a mixed bag, blending impressive features with a few frustrating quirks. On paper, it’s packed with modern conveniences including a large infotainment display, smartphone connectivity, and a suite of driver-assistance tools but in practice, not all of them feel fully refined.
The navigation system is beautifully designed, with clear graphics and a user-friendly layout. However, when it comes to searching for points of interest, it tends to stumble, often failing to locate nearby destinations efficiently. Fortunately, Subaru has included both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard features, making it easier for drivers to rely on their own smartphone apps for navigation and entertainment.
Every trim except the base model includes four USB ports, allowing everyone in the car to stay charged and connected. The infotainment interface itself is visually appealing, but its performance can feel sluggish, with occasional lag when switching between menus. During testing, the Starlink infotainment system and Apple CarPlay both experienced intermittent crashes, which can be frustrating during longer drives.
Voice control is another feature that sounds promising on paper but struggles in real-world use. Commands are often misunderstood, forcing drivers to rely on the touchscreen instead. Despite these flaws, the Legacy’s technology suite remains comprehensive, offering a wealth of features that cater to modern lifestyles it just requires a bit more polish to match the best systems in its class.
Storage & cargo
Practicality has always been a strong suit for Subaru, and the Legacy continues this tradition. With 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, it doesn’t top the class, but the cargo area’s shape makes it more functional than the numbers suggest. The trunk is both deep and tall, capable of swallowing large suitcases, groceries, or weekend gear with ease.
Folding the rear seats expands storage even further. You can release them using a lever inside the trunk or a button on the seatbacks, creating a nearly flat load floor that’s ideal for carrying longer items. One small drawback is the center seat belt, which remains attached to the rear shelf even when the seats are folded, slightly limiting access for oversized cargo.
Inside the cabin, Subaru has included plenty of thoughtful storage solutions for smaller belongings. There’s a two-tier armrest console that can fit wallets, phones, and charging cables, along with deep door pockets and a small tray near the gear shifter. The passenger also gets a convenient shelf to keep essentials within easy reach. Overall, the Legacy’s storage layout is practical and intuitive ideal for drivers who value organization and usability.
Value
When evaluating the Subaru Legacy’s value, it’s clear that this sedan offers more than just transportation it provides peace of mind, comfort, and capability that extend beyond the price tag. While it may cost slightly more than comparably equipped rivals like the Hyundai Sonata or Toyota Camry, much of that premium is justified by its standard all-wheel-drive system, which gives the Legacy a unique advantage in wet or snowy climates.
The cabin design feels simple yet refined, showcasing Subaru’s signature focus on functionality and durability. The materials are soft to the touch and well-assembled, making the Legacy feel more upscale than its price might suggest. Warranty coverage is solid, with average bumper-to-bumper and powertrain protection, along with roadside assistance that matches most competitors.
However, some rivals go further by offering longer warranties or free scheduled maintenance, which Subaru does not include. Still, when you consider the Legacy’s excellent safety record, refined driving dynamics, and year-round capability, it remains a compelling value in the midsize sedan segment especially for those seeking confidence and comfort over flashiness or raw speed.
MPG
Fuel economy is another area where the 2025 Subaru Legacy proves its balance between performance and practicality. The standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine delivers an EPA-estimated 30 mpg combined, which is right on target for a midsize sedan with all-wheel drive. During real-world testing, the Legacy matched those numbers effortlessly, showing that Subaru’s efficiency claims are accurate.
While some front-wheel-drive competitors such as the Toyota Camry or Honda Accord may post slightly higher figures, the Legacy’s advantage lies in its standard all-wheel-drive system. When you factor that in, its fuel economy becomes quite competitive, particularly for drivers who regularly face wet or snowy weather. The car’s smooth continuously variable transmission (CVT) helps maintain steady revs and contributes to consistent mileage both in the city and on highways.
For buyers seeking better efficiency, the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine sacrifices a bit of fuel economy in exchange for stronger acceleration and more engaging power delivery. Overall, the Legacy’s fuel efficiency reflects Subaru’s focus on balance: it’s not class-leading, but it’s impressively efficient for a sedan designed to deliver year-round traction and stability.
X factor
When it comes to style and personality, the Subaru Legacy plays it safe. Most modern midsize sedans have evolved into bold, expressive designs think of the sleek lines of the Hyundai Sonata or the sharp edges of the Kia K5 while the Legacy remains understated and conservative. Its exterior design is clean but subdued, lacking the visual drama that might make it stand out in a crowded parking lot.
Inside, the story is similar. The cabin is practical, solidly built, and logically laid out, but it doesn’t wow with flashy aesthetics. What it does offer is substance over style high visibility, ergonomic controls, and a sense of refinement that grows on you with time.
On the road, the Legacy handles with confidence, its symmetrical all-wheel drive giving it superior balance and traction compared to most competitors. The steering feels natural, the suspension is well-tuned for comfort, and the car maintains composure on twisty roads. Yet the base engine lacks enthusiasm, delivering adequate but uninspired performance. Drivers who crave more energy behind the wheel will find the turbocharged trims far more satisfying, offering brisk acceleration and a livelier character without compromising comfort.
2025 Subaru Legacy trim level differences
The 2025 Legacy lineup consists of five trims: Base, Premium, Limited, Sport, and Touring XT. The first three versions use a 2.5-liter flat-four engine producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque enough for daily driving but not thrilling. The Sport and Touring XT trims raise the stakes with a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine that boosts output to 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. Both engines pair with Subaru’s smooth CVT transmission and, of course, send power to all four wheels as standard.
Each trim level is carefully structured to meet different needs. The Base model offers the essentials at an affordable price, while the Premium adds extra comfort and technology. The Limited brings in more upscale materials, and the Sport introduces the turbo engine and athletic styling cues. Finally, the Touring XT tops the range with luxury touches like ventilated seats, premium leather, and advanced driver assistance features.
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Which Legacy trim does Cardrav recommend?
For most buyers, the Premium trim strikes the best balance between features and value. While the turbocharged Sport trim offers more excitement, it comes at a price nearly $10,000 higher than the base model. The Premium, meanwhile, delivers everything most drivers need: a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, and a simpler, more intuitive single-screen infotainment system.
Cardrav also recommends adding the optional package that includes keyless entry and start, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert features that significantly enhance convenience and safety without a huge price jump.
Owners Say
Feedback from owners of the 2025 Subaru Legacy paints a picture of appreciation mixed with mild frustration. Most owners praise the comfort of the seats, the smooth, composed ride, and the confidence provided by the all-wheel-drive system. Many describe it as a safe, stable, and pleasant car to live with, ideal for commuting or long-distance travel.
However, not all experiences are perfect. A number of drivers mention issues with the infotainment system, particularly touchscreen lag and Bluetooth connectivity problems. Some also report that the cabin can feel a bit noisy at highway speeds, and that the navigation interface seems dated compared to newer competitors. Still, the Legacy earns consistent respect for its reliability, predictable handling, and strong safety reputation qualities that continue to define Subaru’s enduring legacy in the automotive world.
FAQ
Is the Subaru Legacy a good car?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy continues to build on Subaru’s long-standing reputation for safety, comfort, and practicality. According to Edmunds’ expert testing, the Legacy earned a 6.6 out of 10 overall rating based on performance, comfort, and value. Real-world owners have rated it 4 out of 5 stars, with many praising its stability, smooth ride, and spacious interior.
In terms of cargo capacity, the Legacy provides 15.1 cubic feet of trunk space, which is sufficient for a sedan of its size. The trunk is deep and well-shaped, making it suitable for luggage, groceries, or outdoor gear. Beyond space, the Legacy also excels in safety and reliability, earning strong scores in NHTSA and IIHS crash tests. Edmunds and other automotive experts consistently highlight its outstanding safety reputation, user-friendly driving aids, and the confidence that comes with Subaru’s standard all-wheel-drive system. These factors make the Legacy a dependable and comfortable choice for daily commutes or long-distance travel.
What’s new in the 2025 Subaru Legacy?
For 2025, Subaru has introduced subtle but valuable upgrades that enhance both comfort and convenience. The Limited trim now comes standard with a sunroof, built-in navigation, and a heated steering wheel, features that were previously optional. This change gives buyers more luxury without pushing the price excessively higher.
However, the biggest news surrounding the 2025 model is also bittersweet Subaru has officially announced that this will be the final year for the Legacy sedan. After 36 years on the market, the model will be discontinued, marking the end of an era for Subaru’s classic four-door. The 2025 version remains part of the seventh generation, which first debuted in 2020, and it serves as a polished farewell to one of Subaru’s most enduring nameplates.
Is the Subaru Legacy reliable?
Reliability has always been a key strength for Subaru vehicles, and the 2025 Legacy continues that legacy. To assess its dependability, Edmunds’ consumer reviews provide valuable insight from real owners who share long-term experiences. The average owner rating of 4 stars reflects satisfaction with build quality, comfort, and mechanical durability.
While a few owners mention issues with infotainment performance or occasional cabin noise, the majority report excellent long-term reliability and low maintenance costs. When compared with segment rivals, the Legacy ranks competitively in dependability, especially for a car equipped with standard all-wheel drive.
Is the 2025 Subaru Legacy a good car?
If you’re debating whether the 2025 Subaru Legacy is worth buying, there’s a lot to appreciate. Subaru’s attention to safety, balance, and everyday usability stands out. Expert reviews from Edmunds rate it a 6.6/10, and owners consistently rate it 4 out of 5 stars. Factors such as fuel economy, crash safety, cargo room, and standard tech features all make the Legacy a smart option for families, commuters, and anyone who values stability and all-weather confidence over flashy looks.
How much should I pay for a 2025 Subaru Legacy?
Pricing for the 2025 Subaru Legacy starts at a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $26,810, including destination fees. Each trim level brings a distinct balance of comfort and performance:
- Base 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4-cyl CVT) – from $26,810
- Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4-cyl CVT) – from $29,110
- Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4-cyl CVT) – from $35,920
- Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L Turbo CVT) – from $36,410
- Touring XT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L Turbo CVT) – from $40,110
Given its standard all-wheel-drive setup and excellent safety record, the Legacy remains competitively priced in the midsize sedan segment, especially when compared to similarly equipped front-wheel-drive rivals.
What are the different models of Subaru Legacy?
The 2025 Legacy lineup includes five well-defined trims, each catering to different driving needs and budgets. Variants include:
- Base 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4-cyl CVT)
- Premium 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4-cyl CVT)
- Limited 4dr Sedan AWD (2.5L 4-cyl CVT)
- Sport 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L Turbo CVT)
- Touring XT 4dr Sedan AWD (2.4L Turbo CVT)
Each model builds on the previous one with added features, from upgraded upholstery and advanced driver-assist systems to more powerful engines and premium finishes. Subaru’s focus on comfort, control, and year-round performance ensures that every version of the Legacy stays true to its core values of safety, practicality, and all-weather confidence.
