2016 Subaru Legacy review
Subaru Legacy highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Advanced driver-assist features
- Spacious cabin
Cons
- Lackluster acceleration
- Stiff ride
- Small trunk
Mileage (EPA estimate)
20 city, 29 highway, 23 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
The 2016 Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan with standard all-wheel drive
Part of the Subaru lineup since its introduction in 1990, the Legacy was redesigned in 2015 as it came into its sixth generation. The Legacy is one of just two sedans in the Subaru lineup, slotting in above the compact Impreza. Yet, it remains one of the only models in the competitive midsize sedan market to come standard with full-time all-wheel drive. For the 2016 model year, the Subaru Legacy gets a revised steering system, better shock absorbers on the Limited trim, and the addition of lane departure intervention with the optional EyeSight® driver-assist system.
The 2016 Subaru Legacy is offered in three trim levels, topping out at the Limited. With standard leather trim, heated seats, a high-end Harman Kardon audio system, and 18-inch alloy wheels, the Limited is the most luxurious Legacy Subaru has ever offered. While the Legacy stands out with its standard all-wheel drive and advanced driver-assist features, it competes against formidable rivals like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry.
All Subaru Legacy years
What is new for the 2016 Subaru Legacy?
- The Legacy is available in a variety of new trims, including the 2.5I, 2.5I Limited, and 2.5I Premium.
- The Base, Limited, and Premium trims have been discontinued for 2016.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Subaru Legacy
What We Like
Driver-assist tech and crash test scores: With standard all-wheel drive as well as traction and stability control, the 2016 Subaru Legacy is a stable ride, even when the road conditions are less than ideal. The available EyeSight advanced driver-assist system adds lane departure intervention and automatic emergency braking with the ability to detect pedestrians.
Driving: The Subaru Legacy has a quiet and smooth ride, and the continuously variable transmission uses the available power well. The suspension is improved on the top-level Limited, which provides more comfort when the road is rough, but other models feel a bit less refined. Handling is good and steering is precise, making the Legacy easy to drive on a daily basis.
Interior: Like other Subaru models, the Legacy features a clear and simple cabin design. Materials are high quality, and there's nice cushioning for common touch points like armrests and the center console. There's a good amount of space inside for both front and rear passengers, and the seats are reasonably comfortable. It has less trunk space than many of its rivals, but the Legacy's 15 cubic feet of space will accommodate most needs.
What Needs Improvement
Acceleration: While the 2016 Subaru Legacy drives and handles well, the standard 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, which puts out just 175 horsepower, isn't up to the task of getting this midsize sedan moving quickly. During Edmunds' track testing, the Legacy took 9.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, considerably longer than others in its class. Opting for the more powerful six-cylinder engine improves acceleration but costs more.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.5 out of 5
10 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 6 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 3 |
| 3 Stars | 1 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
RepairPal gave the Subaru Legacy an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Subaru Legacy 12th out of 28 among Midsize Cars.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Subaru LegacySubaru Legacy features and specs
2.5I 4WD/AWD 4D Sedan
Standard Features
- 4WD/AWD
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- CD Audio
- Cloth Seats
- Cruise Control
- Overhead Airbags
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Side Airbags
- Traction Control
- Alloy Wheels
- Bluetooth Technology
- Cloth Seats
- Satellite Radio Ready
Drive Wheels
All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)
Engine size
2.5L
Horsepower
175
Torque (ft-lbs)
174
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
18.5
Wheelbase
108.3"
Overall length
188.8"
Width
72.4"
Height
59"
Leg room
F 42.9"/R 38.1"
Head room
F 40"/R 37"
Front tires
P225/55VR17
Rear tires
P225/55VR17
Seating capacity
5
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Subaru Legacy FAQ
The 2016 Subaru Legacy is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- 2.5I : 26 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Limited : 26 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- 2.5I Premium : 26 MPG City and 36 MPG Highway
- 3.6R Limited : 20 MPG City and 29 MPG Highway
The Subaru Legacy received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks the Subaru Legacy as 11 out of 28 among Midsize Car
The 2016 Subaru Legacy has received an average 4.5 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Subaru Legacy, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Subaru Legacy Reviews.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Subaru Legacy:
- 2.5I
- 2.5I Limited
- 2.5I Premium
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.