Subaru Legacy
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. Handsome, practical range of saloons and estates with four wheel drive and strong performance - but running costs are high.
Review
The Legacy has always been an acquired taste, most popular in rural communities where its combination of space, pace, practicality and four-wheel drive wins it fans among those who live off the beaten track.
The current generation combines handsome styling with generous levels of standard equipment, plus a far better-finished interior than large Subarus used to possess. It's spacious, too - especially as the commodious estate, which is sufficiently large and practical to remove most of the obvious point of the considerably more boring-looking saloon. Buyers can also opt for an "Outback" derivative - a raised and toughened-up version of the estate which is meant to take on cars like the Audi A6 Allroad and Volvo V70 XC.
On the road the Legacy drives with the same sort of dynamic composure as the rest of the Subaru range: grip levels are high and the permanent four-wheel drive system ensures traction in even the most slippery conditions. It's stable and composed at motorway cruising speeds too, although rather too much road and engine noise gets into the cabin.
The basic 2.0 litre petrol engine needs to be worked hard for rapid progress, but it's as close as the range gets to reasonable fuel economy. That said, despite 30 mpg plus that Subaru claims its capable of, few drivers will be able to better 25 mpg in everyday use. The more powerful 3.0 litre flat six engine which powers the "Spec B" version is very quick, but correspondingly thirsty. Other running costs are also on the high side. Until the Legacy gets a diesel engine it will remain a minority taste.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Estate is one of the best looking station wagons on the market, far more handsome and distinctive than its bland predecessor.
Handling
4 star
The Legacy drives like a big Impreza - lots of grip, a nicely balanced chassis and the reassurance of permanent four-wheel drive.four-wheel drive.
Comfort
3 star
Ride quality is reasonable, but the seating position isn't particularly good for longer journeys and lots of road and wind noise gets into the cabin at motorway cruising speeds.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Finished with far higher quality materials than lesser models in the Subaru range - with the rest being constructed to the brand's usual high standards.
Performance
3 star
The 2.0 litre petrol engine needs to be worked hard to turn in decent acceleration - while economy is still very poor compared to modern diesel-powered rivals. The 3.0 litre version is quick, but disastrous economy and Band "G" emissions mean it will be very much a minority taste.
Roominess
3 star
The rear seat room is less generous than the Subaru's big external dimensions lead you to believe. Estate gets a respectably sized boot.
Running Costs
1 star
A combination of very steep depreciation, expensive servicing, pricey insurance and a serious appetite for unleaded mean the Legacy is very expensive to run. Really needs a diesel engine to make any kind of sense.
Value for money
3 star
Decent standard equipment includes alloys, metallic paint and climate control. Basic versions offer strong value compared to more mainstream rivals.
