2016 Subaru Legacy
New for 2016
For 2016, the Legacy gets retuned steering, lane-keep assist, added safety and security features for the Starlink™ system, and retuned dampers on Limited models.
More than Meets the Eye
On the outside, the 2016 Subaru Legacy looks just like any other midsize sedan, but it’s a Subaru, so it has a few tricks up its sleeve the competition doesn’t. That includes standard all-wheel drive, making the Legacy a perfect choice for snowy climates, and a boxer engine, which helps lower the car’s center of gravity and improve handling. In addition to those features, the Legacy has everything one can expect from a midsize sedan, including a spacious cabin, fuel-efficient powertrains, and the latest technology.
Powertrains and Performance
The Legacy returns for 2016 with two available engine options. Both are boxer engines, meaning the cylinders lay flat and oppose each other, like boxers in a ring. A configuration favored by Porsche and the designers of the original Volkswagen Beetle, it makes for a lower engine height, and allows the engine to be mounted lower in the chassis. All of this lowers the center of gravity, improving handling.
The standard engine is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, which produces 175 horsepower and 174 pound-feet of torque. All Legacy models use a continuously-variable transmission (CVT) to maximize fuel economy, with six “virtual” gears accessible through steering-wheel paddle shifters for greater driver involvement. Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is standard, of course.
Buyers looking for a little more power can opt for the 3.6-liter six-cylinder, which brings 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque to the table. The four-cylinder model gets an EPA-rated 30 mpg combined (26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway,* while the six-cylinder gets 23 mpg combined (20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway).* All-wheel drive makes the Legacy a viable, and more fuel-efficient, alternative to crossovers.
Features and Trims
The 2016 Subaru Legacy is available only as a four-door, five-seat midsize sedan, although Subaru also offers the mechanically-similar Outback in a wagon configuration. The Legacy comes in three distinct trim levels, with prices starting at $21,745.**
The base Legacy 2.5i comes remarkably well equipped, with features like a rear spoiler, Subaru Starlink™ multimedia system with 6.2-inch touchscreen, a three-spoke steering wheel with secondary controls, 60/40 split-folding rear seat back, auto on/off headlights with windshield wiper activation, and other features.
Next up from the base model is the Legacy 2.5i Premium, which incorporates all of the applicable standard features of the 2.5i, and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, the All Weather Package (heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors, windshield wiper de-icer), 10-way power driver’s seat, an upgraded Starlink™ system with 7.0-inch touchscreen and telematics service, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, and a stainless steel exhaust tip.
In addition to those standard features, the 2.5i Limited adds a memory system for the driver’s seat, power front passenger’s seat, harman/kardon® premium audio system, heated rear seats, foldable side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and perforated leather upholstery.
Optional features for the 2.5i Premium and 2.5i Limited include a power moonroof, navigation, and keyless access with push-button start and PIN code access on the Limited model only.
Design
The 2016 Subaru Legacy has a chiseled exterior that’s among the most handsome in its segment. It also contributes to the car’s efficiency, with a steeply-raked windshield that enhances aerodynamic performance, and active grille shutters. A high seating hip point, front partition windows, and door-mounted sideview mirrors help improve outward visibility too.
The interior has a more upscale look than previous Legacy models, thanks to greater use of soft-touch materials and details like blue accent lighting for the gauges. A 60/40 split-folding rear setback enhances utility, and even with the seats up there’s still a useful 15.0 cubic feet of trunk space. Subaru claims the 104.6 cubic feet of passenger volume is best in class.
Safety
Standard safety equipment on the 2016 Subaru Legacy includes anti-lock brakes, stability and traction controls, and a full suite of airbags. Subaru’s EyeSight® camera-based safety system is optional on the 2.5i Premium and Limited models; it includes adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning pre-collision warning, and lane-keep assist. The Rear Vehicle Detection System, with blind-spot detection, lane-change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert is optional on the 2.5i Premium, and standard on the 2.5i Limited.
In addition, Subaru is adding new emergency telematics services to its Starlink system for 2016, including SOS Emergency Assistance, Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Maintenance Notifications, Monthly Vehicle Health Report, and Diagnostic Alerts.
Bottom Line
The 2016 Subaru Legacy has everything the midsize sedan competition has, plus the all-weather confidence of all-wheel drive.
Be sure to contact us online or visit us at our dealership to schedule a test drive.
*EPA estimates. Your mileage will vary depending on driving habits and conditions.
**Prices listed are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price for the vehicle and options chosen by you. These prices do not include transportation, taxes, title, other options, dealer installation costs, or other dealer charges.
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