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2019 Subaru Legacy review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise
6 photos

Subaru Legacy highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability rating

Pros

  • Standard all-wheel drive for added traction
  • Long list of driver-assist features
  • Excellent outward visibility

Cons

  • Engines aren't as powerful as in rivals
  • Below-average fuel economy
  • Not as enjoyable to drive

Mileage (EPA estimate)

20 city, 28 highway, 23 combined

Pricing for current inventory

From $18,998*

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The 2019 Subaru Legacy is a standout for its stability and safety

SUVs typically provide more passenger and cargo space as well as offer more models with all-wheel drive than the typical family sedan. If you've been looking to downsize, your choices have been very limited if you desire the added traction of all-wheel drive. The 2019 Subaru Legacy is one of the rare sedans that not only offers all-wheel drive but includes it as standard equipment.

For 2019, the Legacy sweetened the deal by including Subaru's EyeSight® suite of driver-assist features on all models. Holding the Legacy back are its weak engines. The base four-cylinder is noticeably underpowered when compared to other sedans and even the six-cylinder upgrade falls short of expectations. The only all-wheel-drive competitor, the Nissan Altima, isn't particularly powerful either. For those who don't need all-wheel drive, the Honda Accord and Mazda6 are excellent alternatives.

All Subaru Legacy years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Subaru Legacy generation from 2012 to 2025

What is new for the 2019 Subaru Legacy?

  • Trim Added: Sport Edition for enhanced performance
  • Trim Discontinued: Base Model, replaced by updated Standard Model
  • Standard Equipment on all: Now includes advanced safety features such as lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control
  • New Equipment: Optional premium sound system available across all trims
  • Significant removal: Manual transmission option no longer available

2019 Subaru Legacy trims

Curious how Subaru Legacy trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

2.5I:

  • 175-hp, 174-lb-ft of torque 2.5L
  • Rear Defroster
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Cloth Seats
  • Power Mirrors
  • Traction Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Rear View Camera
  • View our Subaru Legacy 2.5I inventory

2.5I Premium:

2.5I Sport:

2.5I Limited:

3.6R Limited:

Subaru Legacy photos

What We Like

Standard all-wheel drive: Most midsize family sedans either offer all-wheel drive as an option or not at all. The 2019 Subaru Legacy bucks the trend by including it as standard equipment. That should be a strong incentive for shoppers in regions prone to inclement weather since all-wheel drive delivers higher levels of traction and stability than rear- or front-wheel drive.

Plenty of driver-assist features: All Legacy models come standard with Subaru's EyeSight® suite of advanced driver-assist features. These include frontal collision warning with automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assistance. The Sport trim adds a blind-spot warning system with rear cross-traffic warning, and automatic reverse braking and automatic high beams are available as options.

Great visibility: A lot of modern vehicles have thick roof pillars that compromise outward visibility. The Legacy's structure and components are designed in a way that greatly reduces those obstructions. As an added bonus, the cabin has a more open and airy feeling.

What Needs Improvement

Weak performance: The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine only produces 175 horsepower and is underpowered when compared to rivals. It takes 9.5 seconds to accelerate to 60 mph, which is slow for the class. Stepping up to the 3.6-liter V6 increases output to 256 hp, but even that is weak when compared to the competition's engine upgrades.

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.5 out of 5

8 customer reviews
The 2019 Subaru Legacy balances strong fuel economy, reliable performance, and smooth handling with limitations like cabin noise and average dashboard design. Customers appreciate the vehicle’s safety features and efficiency but note costly maintenance and occasional transmission issues. Overall, a solid mid-size sedan with minor flaws.

RepairPal reliability rating

4
Excellent

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 Legacy

Subaru Legacy features and specs

Curious how Subaru Legacy trims differ? Use our side-by-side vehicle comparison to see the differences and similarities

3.6R Limited 4D Sedan 4WD/AWD

Standard Features

  • Leather Seats
  • Air Conditioning
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Seat Heaters
  • Rear Defroster
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Traction Control
  • Blind Spot Monitor
  • Smart Key
  • Power Mirrors
  • Rear View Camera
  • ABS Brakes
  • Power Locks
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Automated Cruise Control
  • Side Airbags
  • Alloy Wheels
  • 4WD/AWD
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Harman Kardon Sound
  • Android Auto
  • Apple CarPlay
  • Bluetooth Technology

Optional Features

  • Remote Start
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Parking Sensors
  • Rear Spoiler
  • Navigation System
  • CD Audio

Drive Wheels

All Wheel Drive (4WD/AWD)

Engine size

3.6L

Horsepower

256

Torque (ft-lbs)

247

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 37.6"/R 37"

Front tires

P225/50HR18

Rear tires

P225/50HR18

Seating capacity

5

Transmission

Automatic

2019 Subaru Legacy FAQ

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