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2016 Subaru Legacy review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Subaru Legacy highlights

Customer rating

RepairPal reliability 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

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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.

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. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

4.5 out of 5

10 customer reviews
The 2016 Subaru Legacy is a car that customers like for its features and handling. Customers also like the heated seats and sun roof.

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

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

Optional Features

  • 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

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