2022 Subaru Legacy | Review & Road Test

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This is the 7th-generation Subaru Legacy. It comes with all-wheel drive standard, and it is a midsize sedan. See sedans do still exist. But is all-weather traction enough to justify buying this versus, let’s say, a Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, or Hyundai Sonata. Let’s dig in.


Starting off, Subaru has done a nice job inside keeping noise at bay. In most spots, the materials convey a sense of quality, and the general arrangement looks handsome. I also like the little passenger side storage slot carved into the dash plus another nook next to the front passenger’s left leg.

One wish though, it’d be nice if these rear vents weren’t reserved for the premium trim and higher.

In terms of occupant space, the Legacy excels. Sure I, a completely average 5’ 10” American dude, fit fine in front but how do I fit in back?


As for cargo space, the Legacy provides 15.1 cu-ft (text 15.1 cu-ft); a respectable number among midsize sedans. There are also conveniently located rear seat releases and a wide passthrough to the cabin if you’re lugging bulky gear.

If your rugged active lifestyle demands even more room, consider the Subaru Outback. It delivers a very Legacy-like experience but in a wagon form factor that affords a big bump for cargo haulin’. (32.5 cu-ft)

Of course, the centerpiece for any modern vehicle is the infotainment display. Dual 7-inch screens come standard on the base trim, but all other versions include this 11.6-inch screen.

Not only does it control navigation and entertainment, but the 11.6-inch screen is also where you’ll manage HVAC controls.

The layout is smartly arranged with clear icons. Deep menu structures make some infotainment displays a distraction while driving…this isn’t one of them.

Moving outside, I’m not one to tell you how to think about a car’s exterior styling.

For normal daily driving the suspension does a stellar job delivering a comfortable ride. But just for fun, how bout I drive through that corner too quickly?

I’ll also note that while all-wheel drive provides invaluable traction in slippery conditions, it also helps you rocket out of corners even in dry conditions. Overall, there is a lot to like about driving the Subaru Legacy.

In the case of the Legacy, provided you’re driving at modest speeds, the CVT feels fine.

Subaru has worked to make their CVT drive like a normal automatic but astute drivers might notice occasional peculiarities.
What I would say is that every technology has its quirks. Try before you buy.


Most Legacy trims feature a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder (182-hp, 176 lb-ft). Our test car has that engine, and it feels acceptably eager for the category. For more intense accelerative thrills the XT Limited and XT Touring trims offer up a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine (260-hp, 277 lb-ft).

Both engines utilize a horizontally opposed layout, which helps lower the Legacy’s center of gravity, a good thing in any vehicle. Each engine is also teamed with a CVT. Yes, that’s your only transmission choice.

Comprising their suite are full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking.

The Legacy can also detect when the rear seats are occupied, emitting a chime if the seatbelt isn’t fastened.

One area of unambiguous praise is price. The base Legacy’s MSRP lands right about $23-grand not including destination charges. That price scores you Apple CarPlay & Android auto smartphone connectivity, all-wheel drive as frequently mentioned, and adaptive LED lighting, which is a cool surprise at that price.

Compared to the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Kia K5 and Hyundai Sonata, the Subaru Legacy’s entry price is lower…in some cases by thousands of dollars; a doubly surprising fact, considering the Legacy is the only midsize sedan to offer standard all-wheel drive. Incidentally, you can also get all-wheel drive in the Altima, Camry, and K5, but it’ll cost you extra.

The Legacy’s value is further bolstered by Subaru’s traditionally strong resale values.

If you want a bit more indulgence in your Legacy, higher trims add things like heated seats, smart key access, and leather. Spring for the highest Touring XT trim and those front seats are heated and ventilated units clad in Nappa leather. Swanky.


Despite the dominance of SUVs, the midsize sedan category is still rich with choices. There are certainly more emotive choices…

But the Legacy has strong safety, similarly strong value, and mostly satisfying road manners on its side. All of that makes it worth a look. (long pause) Also, it has all-wheel drive.

00:00 2022 Subaru Legacy
0:16 Competitors
0:20 Interior
2:49 Exterior
3:00 Driving Impressions
4:30 Engine Options

[williamlopez]

2022 limited. I love this car. Very smooth, AWD makes a difference when roads are shitty, in Texas, it'll cruise on toll roads at 90 while sipping gasoline. It seems like an average car, but once you start driving it, it's very responsive, and fun to drive. It's exceptionally average.

[andrewliu]

Not sure why people are so quick to point out Subaru's flaws as if other car brands are flawless. Omg CVT. So what?? Other car brands are implementing cvt, hybrid or electric. If you own a car for let's say 7 to 10 years straight, you're going to run into mechanical and electrical issues. Regardless of brand and model. But you mitigate it by doing the required maintenance on time. Furthermore, because Subaru are AWD vehicles they're maintenance is completely different from other brands. Therefore you can't treat it as such.

I've been driving my 15' Legacy 3.6r. With the usual parts replacements like belts pcv valves. But that's part of the scheduled maintenance you're supposed to do. No problems like how some people are claiming. And I am at like 100k miles.

[paulhenry]

Have a 20 limited. Very comfortable and quiet with a soft yet compliant ride. Styling is classic sedan without being overcome. Reminds me of a early 5 series

[Paul-lmgv]

What I like about the Legacy (and I have never owned a Subaru before): For someone like myself whose 6'1" height is mostly from the waist up there is plenty of head room even with the moonroof. And plenty of leg room too. Visibility is excellent. I like the fact that the instrument cluster is built into the dash instead of a tablet sticking out from the dash like on other sedans. I like AWD! What I don't like: Lackluster styling and the gas tank on the passenger side!

[modmatt]

For me, it would make for a perfect daily commuter and weekend family vehicle with the standard AWD for improved confidence in bad North East weather BUT with a manual 6 speed transmission. Excellent review Micah - definitely up to high standards!

[Kiss__Kiss]

Well Done Micah. Glad you pointed out the CVT factor when shopping.

[nosah]

I have a 2020 Legacy and a 2021 Camry for my work car. Both nice cars, but I'll pick the Legacy every time. Much more comfortable, quiet, and doesn't feel tinny like the Toyota.

[thynnus]

I got a 2017 Legacy new and have really enjoyed it over the last few years. I think the Legacy has to be one of the most underrated and overlooked sedan models. The understated styling is a plus in my opinion. For the price, it is great quality and comes with great technology and safety features. I hope my 2017 lasts a long time but when it is inventively time to replace it, my first look will be at another Legacy.

[diegomontoya]

I have a 2020 Subaru Outback XT Touring and it's been almost 2 years with it, with 25000 miles on the odometer. Here are a couple of thoughts, also applicable here:
1. CVT is a buzzkill for sporty driving, but in the snow, in manual mode, 1st and 2nd actually hold low gears for downhill stability, not having to ride the brakes.
2. Front seats are very firm with leather, haven't felt that problem in my buddy's legacy with cloth seats.
3. The turbo engine has gobs of torque. Passed a bunch of semis on a Nevada two lane highway and 65 to 95 happens a lot quicker than you'd imagine.
4. The touring trim interior is nicer than most average BMW 3 series or Audi A4 interiors. I get compliments on it whenever I give someone a ride.
5. The LED headlights really light up the road at night, but because they are a single large element, everyone flashes their lights at me, thinking I have my high beams on.

[RellupNorth]

Subaru has definitely stepped up quality. It’s the best in class besides the accord to me in fit finish and materials quality/ construction. Toyota is def on the lower end of the spectrum for quality/ construction of the interior

[rvca_kmc]

I bought a 2018 Legacy Sport back in 2020 and honestly has been the best car I’ve ever known. I went to a Toyota dealership thinking about getting a preowned Camry but I couldn’t pass up the legacy. The price was 18k with only 15k miles on it, 1 owner (leased), and practically had every option besides the eyesight feature. Meanwhile, the Camry was 22k and was one of the lower trims… Toyota believes that they can sell basically anything based simply on their name, but when you’re comparing it to another reputable brand like Subaru, the option is clear. (Note: I previous owned a 2018 Toyota Corolla Sport)

[stephengerard]

I bought a brand new Legacy in 2017 and I have had many new cars over the years and the Legacy is my favorite car of all time. It has a wonderful balance and that so important to me. I will be buying a 2023 unless I go with the outback!

[czierwo]

Nice car. Saw one in the showroom few months ago (no clue what trim), and was quite frankly blown away how nice it is for its price. I myself own a Jdm Hawkeye legacy estate propelled by an H6 engine, and it ticks all the boxes. Could easily imagine myself driving one of these, but preferably with a turbo and a boot, so outback my only option.

[tahsin]

The design is actually timeless. didnt notice it before.

[shadowrogue]

I had a 2022 new Subaru I ended up trading in for a 2020 Audi s3 premium plus. I had buyers remorse for about 2 weeks, as much as I love Audi since I also have an 06 S4. The Subaru is just a reliable and luxury looking AWD vehicle with no head aches. It’s a solid vehicle with ample space and great for long trips

[solowrider]

Im not a subaru fan but im so glad to see a new car without a weird shape and funny headlights its descent good job subaru

[cancel.lgbtq.]

I own a 2015 Legacy 3.6R. While its spacious and ride smooth, it has some electrical issues and now the AC doesn't work. For sure my next car would be either Toyota or Honda. I own 2 Hondas for 20 years and they both been in the shop less times than Subaru.

[ingenunis]

I love the SUBARU LEGACY👍🏼 & very nice color your reviewing.

[agentcelsius]

I drive the '21 Touring XT. Buttery smooth commuter driving, TownCar level comfort and quietness. Clunky/jerky/laggy when driven hard with transmission left on automatic. some of it can be mitigated in manual mode. floaty suspension makes it feel squirmy past 85 mph, handling feels uninspiring but safe.

I've addressed the handling issues with much lighter enkei raijin 19" wheels (23lbs/wheel) and wider summer tires. replaced the front and rear anti-sway bars with the ones from outback wilderness. direct bolt-on replacements.

perfect balanced handling now.

[jazzjokesjalopies]

My 2015 legacy 3.6 with the 6 cylinder soldiers on flawlessly at 105k miles. The HP is about the same as the new model in top trim. Wonder how the driving experience compares.