2020 Subaru Legacy - Review & Road Test

Tough crowd in the midsize sedan scene, but the seventh-generation Subaru Legacy has a lot of great features that keeps it a viable option in a mix of perennial all-stars. And don't forget, all Subarus come standard with AWD. What else does it have going for it? Kelley Blue Book's Lyn Woodward takes it for a spin.
For the latest Subaru Legacy pricing and information:
www.kbb.com/subaru/legacy/

[@davidwolf226]

I really have to give Subaru props for how nicely evolved this Legacy has become. Very impressive.

[@tomhoedt6467]

I just got a 2014 legacy and I already love it

[@mitch7850]

Just bought the 2022 Legacy Premium. Best car I’ve ever owned, handles like a dream, super comfortable, 2.5 is plenty for power. Subaru has a button on the main screen now to turn off auto stop start, but I just leave it on and don’t mind it. The screen makes this car amazing, and it’s very easy to use. With all the tech and updates it feels like I’m driving the USS Enterprise. Btw steering response headlights, amazing! Have owned Hondas and Toyotas, great vehicles but this Legacy blows the competition out of the water. They are years behind with the tech, design, and driving experience. Great job Subaru!

[@1beck2en3ham]

In the past , Subaru had one selling point . It's AWD system. Now, Subaru has everything while the others haven't got AWD system. The new Legacy has eyes sight,touch screen,better materials. Good job Subaru.

[@jayflowz714]

tarin theera still has shitty CVT

[@nosah8415]

Lyn is crushing these reviews. I always enjoy hearing her take. I can't wait to trade my 18 Legacy for this one!

[@barrygoldwasser5449]

Two things: 1. Liz is a bore. And she dresses like a 5 year old. 2. You're trading a 2018 or an 18 year old car? The first one would be kinda moronic..

[@nosah8415]

@@barrygoldwasser5449 1. Yikes. Imagine watching a car review and the reviewer's outfit is your only takeaway. Also, I doubt she cares about your opinion regarding her clothing. Grow up. 2. It's a lease. So, yeah. That's kind of how it works...

[@barrygoldwasser5449]

@@nosah8415 Funny thing, my first lease was a Subaru legacy in 1992. They wrote it out on paper, by hand. At the end of the lease, I bought it and sold the car to someone else. Made a few grand on it, which in 92 was a good chunk of change. Liz blows. Sorry. Lol!

[@hawkwind769]

@@barrygoldwasser5449 ok Boomer, LMAO ha ha!!

[@t6hp]

@@barrygoldwasser5449 Yeah I agree on the clothing part.

[@ericm3991]

Lyn, your reviews are wonderful. Concise and objective, I can't wait to see more of them!

[@67tomcat]

Even though there are better choices available, I still like the Legacy because it's NOT a crossover.

[@chiper16e]

Great review! Thx Lyn. Ps every review gets better... keep it up.

[@barrygoldwasser5449]

Umm... No. She's terrible. Boring. Tries too hard. Fake. Micah rules. She should not be allowed out of the back office

[@jeffbrue1576]

Great review..Have a touring xt on order.Love the interior and the awd and the turbo engine.My wife has a 19 touring forester and it is really nice.I have a 17 Corolla S,need more hp getting onto on ramps.This will easily do the trick!👍

[@menorcaventura3442]

I’ve driven tons of cars all over te US and Southern Europe, including Mercs, BMWs and Audis, and nothing tops my Subaru Legacy Touring XT for comfort, safety and value-for-money. Performance and handling are comparable to the best German autos, without the inflated sticker price and high maintenance costs. And I look forward to passing stranded RWD “muscle cars” on snowy and icy roads this winter.

[@bobgsearch]

why aren't front passenger seats evaluated for adjustability, lumbar support etc?

[@MrMomo0529]

This lady is unbiased and always tell it how it is. I think the legacy XT TOURING is a good alternative to an entry level luxury brand. What do you think?

[@KT-ht5qj]

Acura sedan

[@alwaysiyi272]

I've also noticed y'all show the accord or Camry y'all always show the base trim of both cars that don't look as good as let us say the Camry xse or accord sport, I'm just asking?? Thanks.

[@alwaysiyi272]

Nice car it looks good, but I just love the camry's design and v6, and now it has cooled seats, AA and awd. But the legacy sure holds it own

[@ArtbyAtlas]

That interior is clean

[@jordanestes7132]

love seeing my neighborhood in these videos

[@Clam73]

They should’ve have went with a wider screen on top with knob/button controls for radio just underneath and physical button hvac controls underneath that.

[@michaelsparks461]

Went to check this car out and it’s by far top in its class. Price and the fact that this engine has power with a interior that beautiful. Subaru’s known for running forever.. I couldn’t stop from parking one in the garage.

[@gene978]

all I know is I want to move to where it is 73 degrees in the middle of November!

[@jacobreed47]

My Mom lives down there, its unbearable in the summer and they have horrible natural disasters year round. Don't forget wild fires year round as well. With 21% homeless rate and poverty is out of control. Libtards run the city, and if you are a white male, everyone hates you there. So, I moved to Texas. Much better now.

[@adrianrivera7723]

Acuravigor47 ok boomer

[@m.j.w.2876]

@@jacobreed47 Texas, where they hate black males

[@jamespeterson7100]

Great review!

[@grahamsteen7984]

Good Afternoon Lyn! The following question is not specific to this review. However, it is related to Subaru. To your [or KBB's] knowledge is there any weight to the rumour that Subaru will produce a truck in the near future? I will understand if you folks are unable comment. In any event, I Love the reviews you have been providing [Informative AND Hilarious]! Both you & Micah often have me in stitches! Keep up the Terrific Work! With Kind Regards, Graham

[@eduardotoledano]

Sweet review! 👏👏👏

[@carldeithloff9412]

I would add one item to this excellent review, & that is that buyers spend some time in their driveway setting their preferences in that center screen.

[@anthonyto2627]

Is this after every single start up?

[@shaneh734]

This model definitely looks at first glance like the last generation Honda Accord sedan! This new generation definitely looks a lot better. However, I would love to see Subaru come out with more Sport 4 door sedans and Sport crossover models like other manufacturers are doing to get more buyers in and to just offer vehicles that look more exciting to look at and driving perform.

[@pipermaru9487]

awesome review

[@Buc_Stops_Here]

It seems the regularly used tablet functions are relatively easy to use (changing stations, volume, temperature, etc.) It is the rarely used functions (turning off the safety features) is where you get more involved. I guess that is an okay trade-off. The interior does look better than my 2013 Legacy. However will drive that older car into the ground before replacing it (has 97,000 miles).

[@DESTRIAZ]

The fact that their turbo charged version is also awd is awesome. Its one thing i wished we got from toyota or nissan. Where the sports version was awd. The trd camry is only fwd and so is the turbo altima.

[@abdelalsweiti9872]

The ending gave me so much anxiety

[@shawnhall5322]

Why?

[@ryanfrisby7389]

Howdy, great review as always! While this is a nice car, I wish they would have a regular touch screen and buttons for climate. Even BMW and Porche do that for goodness sakes.😸😸

[@leechap3]

There are buttons for climate along side the touchscreen.

[@levigato125]

Were do you find these empty roads in Socal? The exterior is still white bread bland. You will see hard buttons in 2021 or 2022. To many older people buy these and the Outback and they don’t like tech.

[@Zen2Motion]

Best review I've seen. Thank you! Also, enjoyed you going over the mid trim instead of the top which isn't as popular /affordable.

[@dsugioaga]

A shame it comes only with the transmission that shall not be named.

[@john-danielmartin8753]

CVT 😂

[@sanjaywilson8232]

@@john-danielmartin8753 ⛈️⚡🌩️

[@BeesonsCars]

Honestly CVTs usually drive pretty good. I’ve had a few nissan loaners (2 Altimas and a Maxima) and found the transmissions to be really good in every day use and downright funny in the Maxima. Sure it’s not the best, and most of the time a traditional 8 speed auto is better, but they can be pretty fun.

[@sowelltrain7342]

We call it the $9200.00 time bomb that will start to go off around 90k, and the service manager will say 'that's normal 'or 'we can not reproduce the problem'. And just over 100k , BOOOOM ! $ ! $ ! $ !

[@mark_r49]

Sowell Train Who keeps a car for 100k? Living on borrowed time with most cars

[@BruceTheSillyGoose]

i would have preferred to see a demonstration of its ride quality over uneven/broken pavement. a lot of us live in rural places with poor roads.

[@newsmedia-one9756]

Great review Lynn!

[@jena.5629]

I love this type of Subaru there the perfect size for me

[@tomfaz4193]

Nice car but I can due without the engine stop/start drive system.

[@DonaldHendleyBklynvexRecords]

I have an 17 Legacy And The Cvt In It Has Kick To It,The Trick Is Foot Pressure or using paddles ,the acceleration in it pins me and riders to there seat everytime

[@DJM626]

I am in total agreement with everything you stated. Just picked up my 2022 XT touring today and it has been a real hoot driving! The sales person I test drove the vehicle with told me to take it easy during the first 700 miles or so as the CVT learns and adapts to your driving style and he also told me about the amount of pressure applied when accelerating and breaking etc. CVT or not, I feel you can still have fun to some extent in this car. Driving it around for some time today and I have already had a lot of fun driving this. Man does this thing take off after stops and lights. Would never think so by looking at it

[@DonaldHendleyBklynvexRecords]

@@DJM626 Yesssssss!! its all about the foot pressure,that salesman deserve a raise !!! mines didnt know about subarus truly ,but its something you can feel,and it learns ones habits and adjusts itself ,and your so right,at lights its a launcher ,congrats on the legacy aswell

[@joeyGalileoHotto]

in the sea of Accord's and Camry's, I have only seen two Subaru Legacy's in the past year.

[@bommareddybrijendrareddy9301]

Such an elegant looking vehicle 😍 👌🏻

[@kerripendragon4888]

This is better than a beamer.

[@jinyongoh]

Legacy is a really good car having comfortable seats and acceptable power and amazing safety features incompatible to poor Camry

[@hsvcommodore4111]

5:12 you can‘t even tell the difference

[@Redmaile25]

No heads up display?

[@kzilla3]

God that thing is awesome Subaru did a great job!

[@classikz]

Paddle shifters in a cvt... might as well pump fake engine noise into the cabin too while you’re at it.

[@Fadic4]

What’s wrong with being able to control the ratio of the CVT?

[@barsaf9989]

Anyone else see some similarities between Subaru and volvo interiors now?

[@ejohnson3131]

Barsa F yes, vertical tablet with vents along the sides

[@joypeaceandhappiness1501]

Yes it's the main reason I'm considering Subaru and both are SafetyPick+... I'm leaning towards the Subaru because they have better reliability

[@barsaf9989]

@@joypeaceandhappiness1501 and they are WAY cheaper.

[@bbbt8090]

Once you reel out the cvt its all over

[@HSMiyamoto]

The Camry 2.5 L I4 is much more powerful and get better mileage, plus it uses a real 8 speed automatic transmission. That's the price of carrying the AWD hardware. Where I live, in SoCal, AWD is basically a waste.

[@shawnhall5322]

I'm on record as saying I like her, too, for whatever that's worth. I don't get why so many hate on her. Those with a mancrush on Micah can look for his reviews.

[@jetscreamer1]

I’m sold!

[@mikezerker6925]

Thank goodness they didn’t go nuts with the grill like every other car manufacturer!!

[@leechap3]

Yes, I like the understated look too.

[@rizwanullah3255]

Do a list of cars for college students 👍👍👍🤞🤞🤞

[@pttthhh]

2011 corrolla

[@middler5212]

Prius 2010 or newer Mazda3 2015 or newer Civic 2013 or newer Corolla 2014 or newer or Corolla/Scion IM Yaris/Scion IA 2016 Hyundai Accent 2014 or newer Hyundai Elantra 2015 or newer Kia Soul any year These are all reliable and affordable vehicles under 100k miles if you do your research and don’t buy a lemon. You don’t need a crossover or awd if you drive smart in snow. It kills mpg and adds cost to buy/maintain/repair. Hope this helps! 😊

[@middler5212]

Whatever you buy, check carcomplaints.com for the specific model and year.

[@FlyGuy457]

@@middler5212 The one you can afford to buy on your own. It's a fantastic concept and the rest is all subjective depending on a long list of possibilities.

[@georgezhu9532]

Mazda 3/6 2014 or later

[@craigmerkey8518]

awesome review... when I see these sedans trying to be loaded with mixes of technology I feel like the 2000's are over and these cars are too

[@josephreyes7610]

What’s the ground clearance???

[@leechap3]

Normal sedan,, 5-6 inches

[@mark_r49]

He must be going off-road with his sedan!

[@simonwei92]

I'm curious, if you guys hate CVT so much, what words would you use to describe the even more inferior dual clutch?

[@ichor20]

Subaru just needs to put a proper 6spd in this and it'll sell in droves

[@smokestack9795]

ichor20 ..:Or a manual.

[@mmorales508]

Is Subaru allergic to LED orange turn signals???? 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@nickster102559]

I remember watching the kbb e class review with this background sound track and it seemed far more suited for the e class than this legacy. idk why tho

[@stevewise1656]

You can’t change the temperature within the cabin without going into the digital menu. That’s dangerously distracting.

[@chadpurser]

I see hard temp buttons at 1:10

[@leechap3]

Not true, there are large physical UP/DOWN temperature buttons on each side of the screen.

[@stevewise1656]

Lee C listen to the review and she shows the sub menus. Other reviews have show the same issues. I’ll take a look, because I’m considering one for my teen son.

[@leechap3]

@@stevewise1656 I own this car and there are physical temperature control buttons, as well as the controls within the touchscreen. LUCKY SON!

[@DJM626]

When you purchase the auto start app which cost me 75.00 today for 3 years, it has all the climate controls and more included. You can then adjust the settings to your liking before you even set foot into the vehicle. These would be the only settings I would need to change more so than any of the others. Very easy and has not been an issue for me so far, but to each their own

[@HS99876]

At least they should have offer the Xt with an automatic transmission and not Cvt. I think it is the Cvt that is killing the sales of Sedan. They built Cvt to save on Gas but now they use it with every engine, who wants a turbo 2.4 L with a Cvt? Crazy!

[@carlosr7723]

How’s reliability in the 2.4 engine ?

[@leechap3]

Nobody knows yet, it's a new engine. Good I predict.

[@MetalMann-de3xi]

It's the same engine they've put in the WRX the past few years.

[@ryanlittleton5615]

@@MetalMann-de3xi No it's not.

[@Molego2011]

I just bought a used legacy at only 7,000 miles.

[@marlenpimentel2635]

What model is this legacy?

[@tjstrong3607]

Premium Trim-- looks like-- they are nice inside, I checked one out at a dealer--

[@sweetsweet8715]

سيارة من الأخر ما عليها كلام لكن وكيلها عليه الكلام

[@aljackson7828]

One more month and my XT arrives.

[@TalismanPHX]

CVT FAILURES!! Lease if you must, do not buy. Also, have Subaru solved its excessive oil consumption issues yet??

[@jayflowz714]

Daniel Gross thank god i leased mines. 2019 subaru legacy! shitty CVT compared to standard automatic

[@ryanlittleton5615]

Supposedly they solved the oil consumption problems years ago.

[@Mogsy28uk]

just wish they would bring it back to UK/EU, especially with a turbo option. still prefer manual buttons for climate control, way too much to do this while driving, and i like my 2019 Gen 5 Outback controls.

[@leechap3]

Ther ARE manual controls for temperature for driver and passenger.

[@thatcarguy2002]

6:04 I love how a steering wheel is an option 😂😂😂

[@joestuff8]

"Heated steering wheel"

[@thatcarguy2002]

eatitjoe I heard “heated seats and a steering wheel” and my first thought was that the steering wheel was optional 😅

[@SuperFranko19]

Is subaru reliable like Honda?

[@ryanlittleton5615]

They are but maybe not quite. It's debatable.

[@scottanders5333]

Sport model doesn’t come with the turbo.

[@DONVITO223]

Terribly slow infotainment system. That is a deal breaker right away. I’d take the Accord

[@selewachm]

How hard can it be to throw in a manual transmission?

[@leechap3]

Everybody complains but nobody was buying them when they were available.

[@selewachm]

@@leechap3 Both of mine were manual. But it is a minority. But still, the tooling is done, there's parts available. Heck, raise the price!

[@lorderik237]

Is it worth trading in my 2017 Legacy for this?

[@MrMomo0529]

I’m glad that Subaru keeps the traditional gear shift, not that garbage push button you find in the Accord.

[@TinoMiller]

Lol .. You can tell the hate for the Altima is soo real !! Didn't even mention the design language for the Altima has changed too !!

[@hotrodmercury3941]

As a sedan person..I'm happy they still make sedans..wish they brought back the Lancer! Then I would really have some trouble picking!!

[@chocolatemilk912]

I’d be curious just to test drive one.

[@FlyGuy457]

I'll bet you can.

[@mark_r49]

chocolate milk Short but succinct comment. Most commenters downgrade a vehicle without stepping foot in one.

[@FlyGuy457]

Lyn, Do they make the Legacy in the same facility as the Camry?

[@natewinchester7545]

Jon McCargar no they use too. But that stopped in 2016.

[@FlyGuy457]

@@natewinchester7545 Then it's interesting that Toyota owns 17 percent of Subies, saying that they will share tech including AWD.

[@miguelircontar]

I feel with a full redesign it will be 🔥

[@VetteMaro86]

This is a full redesign using an all new platform

[@pablo-gi6wi]

You are lucky to have this car sedan subaru in europe no 👎

[@ammarns]

I don't usually leave comments like this.. I disliked this car review video because the videographer did not bother to show the full back side in one shot with the tail lights!!!

[@spencz-]

They just need to get rid of the cvt

[@WRAND2208]

Legacy is looking good | Lyn is looking good.

[@Sebster96Gaming]

6:06 OMG GUYS THE SUBARU COMES WITH A STEERING WHEEL

[@EricFortuneJr.]

Sebster 96 Gaming Heated steering wheel

[@_httpantwon]

Why is nobody buying the Legacy??

[@americanparser]

4:36 --- "Aaannd, all of the Legacys have paddle shifters, so if you need to pretend that you have gears to shift, you can!" To evaluate Subaru (or Nissan) CVTs, without even a quick disclaimer about their extensive, ongoing history of early failure and related service issues, is a disservice to your viewers. That said, if that was the level of honesty KBB provided, it wouldn't get the models from Subaru to test for free, either, I guess, and then KBB wouldn't be able to tell its viewers anything about Subarus. Of course, if all reviewers would get together on this, then manufacturers would have to relent because they can't do without all of that free advertising, so maybe they'd just have to stop vetting their latest technology through their consumer base, and the public would just get better product in the showrooms. But I digress.

[@Estoooopid]

No hybrid

[@aequitas8749]

Subaru recalls a year later*

[@jeredb54]

As opposed to hiding half of their issues for years on end like GM and Ford?

[@aequitas8749]

@@jeredb54 , still trash just like GM and Ford.

[@FlyGuy457]

@@aequitas8749 Name a brand with no recalls.

[@aequitas8749]

@@FlyGuy457 , Corolla and Civic.

[@FlyGuy457]

@@aequitas8749 Toyota is recalling about 191,000 Corolla ,,,owners.honda.com/service- maintenance/recalls,,and neither of these are "Brands".

[@tHeWasTeDYouTh]

I think it is insane American companies have abandoned these type of sedans. IF they Japanese and Volkswagen begin to abandon them as well then you know the traditional car is as good as dead.

[@MotorTorq_ZA]

Hmm I don’t really see the difference

[@1beck2en3ham]

I prefer this host than Micah. Because she use simple words and sentences. It's easy for foreigner. And I don't understand Micah's joke.

[@msmith2654]

Living in MI I’d love the all wheel drive of a Subaru but their legendary reliability issues scare me

[@noneofyourbuisnessseriousl6623]

Their Boxer's engine gotten better but their electronics are just horrible and it's not getting better and their going Jacto CVT which I have to admit it's comfortable to drive and it pick up merging in highways with ease, but it's unreliable. Lease the car save your self the headache, if you truly want one get a manual stay at base model. If you can't drive a stick The F-150 will be your next option.

[@snowmanwithahat]

Michigan native here with 97,000 on my 6 cylinder 2016 Legacy. I've had no electronic issues other than just the fact that the old infotainment system was slow. I've also had no mechanical or CVT issues, so maybe I'm just lucky? Regardless of the CVT, I drive this thing like it's a rental, hitting full throttle every time I drive it at one time or another. Likewise, I had very few issues with my 2004 STI with 140k miles. Both of these are shining examples of what I want in a car, and sadly my 2019 Ram 2500 has had far more issues in just 4 months time and 13k miles. I almost sold my Legacy when I got the Ram but decided to keep it around to soak work miles in the winter with snow tires. It's far safer and convenient to drive this in brutal Michigan winters than it is a big truck like the Ram.

[@noneofyourbuisnessseriousl6623]

@@snowmanwithahat fortune smiles upon you on 97k CVT that haven't crap on you yet but that ram you have lol its expected from a Chrysler company. I'm curious what drove you to get that vehicle other than hauling half your garage and family?

[@jayflowz714]

Matt France how often do you change CVT fluid?

[@snowmanwithahat]

@@jayflowz714 every 30k miles. I just follow the maintenance schedule Subaru has in their manual. Basically oil every 6k, with all fluids except for differentials every 30k, differentials at 60k. I just hit 100k a week ago, which puts me out of the extended warranty period for the CVT. It'll be interesting to see what happens now.

[@0zone247]

Alot of these generic economy cars are looking much better in 2020. Good start to a new decade?

[@naveenthemachine]

The 2020 Camry is now coming with AWD.

[@FlyGuy457]

Guess where they are getting that AWD system from?

[@naveenthemachine]

RAV4.

[@FlyGuy457]

@@naveenthemachine Not after 20 mph its front wheel only. They have all the tools, but they have a Subaru link as well.

[@igeekone]

@@FlyGuy457 Still, Camry AWD isn't going to use a CVT.

[@FlyGuy457]

@@igeekone Excellent, then I can stop my engineering.

[@schmo7777]

Imagine buying the new Passat over this lol.

[@user-rm7px9yc5w]

My dream!

[@expsterm1]

I have a 2015 Forester. It's a very nice SUV until I heard from my uncle Foresters are known as a lesbian car. Never heard that one before.

[@princedarkness8029]

@thebaldog1 actually subary did market to lesbians in the early 80s and 90s i believe

[@timlisha4516]

The interior looks like a Ram🤔 “The Ram Legacy”

[@ejohnson3131]

TimothTheTinman Ram copied Volvo

[@mingyuhuang8944]

This is really great practically, but I think the looks on the exterior are a little outdated and too normy

[@leechap3]

It's quiet elegance and traditional styling with subtle lines, a sleeper.

[@DJM626]

Personally I think conservative will age much better than fads. Clean always has a nicer appearance. Many of the new vehicles today all have fake vents etc which definitely cheapens the look to me.

[@ssamcobalt4956]

Manual transmission please

[@joelpphillips]

Every time she makes one of her signature cringe jokes I lose a little bit of my ability to smile