Chicago 2019: 2020 Subaru Legacy: Comments

[William Maley]

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The 2020 Subaru Legacy at first glance seems to be playing it a bit safe. There isn't much differentiation between this and the outgoing Legacy in terms of the design aside from a wider grille, new headlights, and updated wheels. But under the skin, there are some drastic changes.

It begins under the skin with the new Subaru Global Platform. This modular platform that underpins a number of recent Subaru models promises improved torsional rigidity due to more high-strength steel and improved structural adhesive. The suspension setup is comprised of MacPherson struts in the front and double-wishbone layout for the rear. Under the hood of most Legacys will be 2.5L Boxer four-cylinder with 182 horsepower and 176 pound-feet of torque. For those wanting a bit more power, a turbocharged 2.4L Boxer four-cylinder producing 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque will be optional. Both engines come paired with a CVT and all-wheel drive.

Fuel economy is rated at 27 City/35 Highway for the 2.5 and 24/32 for the turbo-four.

The interior looks to be a massive improvement in terms of design and materials. Stealing the show is an optional 11.6-inch touchscreen housing the Starlink infotainment system. A seven-inch touchscreen is standard on the base model.

Other changes for the 2020 Legacy include improved sound isolation, Subaru's EyeSight active safety system being standard on all models, and higher trims getting the driver monitoring system that uses facial recognition.

No word on pricing, but the Legacy will arrive at Subaru dealers this fall.

Gallery: 2020 Subaru Legacy

Source: Subaru

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Subaru Storms Into Windy City With All-New Seventh-Generation 2020 Legacy

• Debuts at 2019 Chicago Auto Show
• Subaru Global Platform: quietness, stability, agility
• New XT models with 260-horsepower 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine
• Upgraded 182-horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine
• New tablet-style high-definition STARLINK 11.6-inch Multimedia infotainment system
• Refined, cavernous interior featuring high-grade materials
• New Touring trim with genuine Nappa leather
• Available new segment-exclusive DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System
• Advanced, dynamic look with wider fenders and higher trunk surface

CHICAGO, Feb. 7, 2019 -- Subaru of America today introduced the all-new seventh-generation 2020 Legacy sedan – the most advanced Legacy in the model’s 30-year history. With standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive and EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology as well as available tablet-style high-definition 11.6-inch SUBARU STARLINK™ multimedia screen, DriverFocus™ Distraction Mitigation System and new XT models with 260 horsepower, the 2020 Legacy offers greater technology, performance, safety and refinement than ever before.

Built on the Subaru Global Platform, which offers increased safety, dynamics and quietness not to mention reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), the Legacy will be available in Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT models when it goes on sale at Subaru retailers this fall. New XT designations mark the return of a turbocharged engine to the Legacy lineup, thanks to a 260-horsepower 2.4-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine, while other models sport an enhanced 182-horsepower 2.5-liter direct-injection BOXER engine. Every 2020 Legacy features a Lineartronic® Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), auto stop/start and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with Active Torque Vectoring.

STOUT STRUCTURE AND SAFETY
Introduced for 2017, the Subaru Global Platform has been optimized for the midsize Legacy, boasting a structure that is 70-percent stiffer in both torsional and front-suspension rigidity and 100-percent stiffer in both front lateral flexural and rear subframe rigidity compared to the previous Legacy’s platform. Notable contributors to the increased stiffness include a 13-percent jump in ultra-high-tensile-strength steel, a 371-percent increase in structural adhesive (compared to initial iteration of the Subaru Global Platform) and, for the first time in a Subaru, a floor crossmember that is filled with a highly rigid and lightweight two-part foam material. In another Subaru first, the Legacy utilizes a full inner frame construction in which only the outer panels are welded to the structure after the entire body framework is assembled, unlike a conventional manufacturing process in which the upper and under bodies are assembled separately and then joined. This new inner frame construction is significantly stiffer and lighter than the previous Legacy’s conventional structure.

The Legacy’s stiffened platform pays multiple dividends in the real world. Along with a strengthened suspension and lowered center of gravity, the Legacy’s improved body rigidity provides more responsive steering and handling, smoother and quieter ride, and heightened hazard avoidance in emergency situations. Crash protection, too, is markedly improved, as the new body absorbs over 40-percent more energy in front/side crashes than the current model. When a crash is unavoidable, the Legacy protects with eight standard airbags, including a driver knee airbag. Subaru expects the Legacy to achieve top safety scores when it is tested later this year, including a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Passive safety is only part of the protection equation, and the Legacy once again leads its segment in active safety technology. Standard on all trims is EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, now equipped for the first time in the U.S. with Lane Centering Function. When using EyeSight’s Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control feature, Lane Centering Function provides steering assist when the vehicle veers outside its lane, helping the driver maintain a direct path. DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System, optional on Limited and standard on both XT trims, uses a dedicated camera and facial recognition software to identify signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction. If the system detects the driver is distracted or dozing off, a warning will display on both the combination meter and 11.6-inch screen to alert driver and passengers.

In another Legacy first, the 2020 model offers a Front View Monitor. Standard on the Touring XT, the Front View Monitor captures images within the driver’s blind spots in front of the vehicle and displays a 180-degree view on the 11.6-inch display, providing safety and assistance when checking road conditions ahead or parking. Additional available driver-assist technologies include LED Steering Responsive Headlamps (Limited, Touring), Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.

DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE
For the first time since 2012, the Legacy lineup will feature a turbocharged engine. Standard on XT models, the 2.4-liter turbocharged BOXER engine delivers brisk acceleration and robust all-around performance, with 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque from 2,000-4,800 rpm. Mated to a high-torque Lineartronic CVT with manual mode and steering wheel paddle control switches, the 2.4-liter BOXER launches Legacy XT from 0-60 mph in an estimated 6.1 seconds. Fuel economy for the turbo is equally impressive, with a manufacturer’s estimation of 24/32 mpg city/highway. For 2020, the Legacy’s CVT hydraulic system features a lower viscosity oil that reduces horsepower loss by 32 percent compared to the previous model’s CVT, helping the new model achieve both higher fuel economy and greater driving performance.

Opting for a non-turbo Legacy doesn’t mean sacrificing rewarding performance. The standard naturally aspirated engine is the thoroughly revised 2.5-liter BOXER that debuted in the 2019 Forester. With direct injection and nearly 90 percent of its parts new, the 2.5-liter puts out 182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm. Paired with a Lineartronic CVT, the 2.5-liter BOXER delivers estimated 0-60-mph acceleration of 8.4 seconds and, with the assistance of standard Active Grille Shutters, manufacturer’s estimated fuel economy of 27/35 mpg city/highway.

Complementing the more powerful and refined powertrains is an all-new suspension that is lighter, stronger and more responsive. The front suspension utilizes MacPherson struts with new internal rebound spring, aluminum lower L-arms and new 23mm hollow stabilizer bar. In back, the rear suspension features a double-wishbone layout with subframe, coil springs and new 19mm hollow stabilizer bar. Combined with grippy V-rated all-season tires on 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel ventilated disc brakes, the 2020 Legacy has achieved the highest levels of dynamic performance and ride comfort in its history.

UPSCALE, TECH-LADEN INTERIOR
Front and center, and highlighting Legacy’s upscale interior, is an all-new tablet-style 11.6-inch Full HD multimedia display, the largest, most advanced infotainment screen ever in a Subaru. Standard on Premium, Sport and Limited, the 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus offers direct touch controls for multimedia, HVAC and vehicle settings, and includes Near Field Communication to its list of features. Like with a smartphone, app icons can be moved and configured based on personal preference. The top-of-the-line 11.6-inch Multimedia with Navigation adds navigation powered by TomTom® (3-year free map updates) and voice activated navigation, and is optional for Premium, Sport and Limited and standard for Touring. A Subaru-first split-screen display can simultaneously show two types of information – e.g., navigation and audio – for improved user interaction. Both the Multimedia Plus and Multimedia with Navigation feature two rotary dial knobs, including one for audio volume. The Base model also gets an all-new multimedia system, with dual 7.0-inch Wide Video Graphics Array (WVGA) displays that split multimedia and HVAC controls.

SUBARU STARLINK In-Vehicle Technology offers an integrated cockpit experience by allowing the driver to control entertainment and vehicle settings through a large touchscreen display. All STARLINK multimedia systems for the 2020 Legacy offer a high-resolution touchscreen; new on-screen controls for audio, HVAC and vehicle features; combination meter integration; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay™, Android™ Auto and new STARLINK SmartDeviceLink™ apps; Bluetooth® hands-free phone and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; Rear Vision Camera; SiriusXM® All Access Radio (4-month free subscription) and SiriusXM Travel Link® (3-year free subscription); HD Radio® and over-the-air updates as standard.

For the first time in Legacy, available in-car Wi-Fi connectivity provides smooth internet access via high-speed LTE™ communications, broadening the range of entertainment options available to rear-seat occupants using smart devices. For safety, security and convenience, SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services offers three packages that are among the most affordable in the industry. The STARLINK Safety Plus package includes SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance, automatic collision notification, maintenance notifications, monthly vehicle health report and diagnostic alerts (3-year free subscription). For even greater peace of mind, the STARLINK Safety Plus & Security Plus package adds remote engine start with climate control and heated seats (on models equipped with Keyless Access and push-button start), stolen vehicle recovery service, vehicle security alarm notification, remote lock/unlock, remote horn and lights, remote vehicle locator and parenting features including boundary, speed and curfew alerts (6-month free trial). The STARLINK Concierge package adds the convenience of in-vehicle assistance with restaurant and hotel reservations, purchasing tickets for sporting/theater events and scheduling service appointments.
Framing the large multimedia screen is a new multilayer instrument panel featuring a soft-touch wrapped surface with available real double-stitching for a high-quality appearance. The wrapped surface material and stitching employ the same color combination as the seats and door trim for a uniform look and feel. Limited and Touring models feature 10-way power front seats with lumbar support, adjustable cushion length (driver only) and heated front/rear seats. For 2020, seat heaters come with three levels of temperature adjustment as well as extended coverage up to the shoulders for improved comfort. Touring models add ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with the latter optional on Limited. An available 12-speaker Harman Kardon® audio system, with Clari-Fi™ compressed audio restoration technology and GreenEdge™ high-efficiency speakers and amplifier, delivers premium sound.

Enjoying the high-end audio can be fully realized thanks to a serene cabin that is almost 3 dB quieter at highway speeds. Subaru engineers worked extensively to find ways to reduce unwanted noise coming into the cabin, fitting the Legacy with new door weather strips that feature a baffle in the mid-section and dual lips on the roof side for improved quietness. Even the weather strip mounting structure was modified to reduce mounting variation and improve sound insulation. Sound-insulated glass, which uses a sound-insulating inner film for the windshield and front-door glass, has been adopted, while glass thickness all around has been increased for class-leading quietness.

Comfort and convenience in the Legacy have been optimized, with increases in front shoulder room, front/rear hip room and rear legroom. For powering and pairing personal devices, passengers can utilize four USB ports (two front, two rear) plus one auxiliary input jack in front. Further, all Legacy models except for the Base receive two 12-volt DC power sockets (one in center console, one in glove box).

BOLD DESIGN
Following a “Dynamic x Solid” philosophy, Subaru designers incorporated a “Bold in Movement” concept when penning the new Legacy. The result is an expressive, sleek silhouette that appears to be in motion, even when stopped. With larger thickness in profile panel surfaces and a thicker appearance from the raised trunk surface, which has a smooth connection to the C-pillar, the Legacy embodies solid toughness and a dynamic active image. Wider fenders emphasize tire and wheel presence, while a frameless hexagonal grille and a lower grille intake that is molded to evoke the image of an aircraft add width and sportiness to the Legacy’s aggressive stance. A reworked side-mirror design improves not only appearance but also aerodynamics and quietness. The side mirrors can also be interlocked with seat position memory, reducing the time required to adjust mirrors before driving. In addition, the Touring trim offers power folding and reverse interlocked tilt-down functions for the side mirrors.

Epitomizing Legacy’s “Bold in Movement” concept are new Touring and updated Sport models. The Touring, standard with the 2.4-liter turbo BOXER, leverages luxurious appointments inside and out, including genuine Nappa leather (a Subaru first), high-gloss black molding for the pillars, chrome plating decorated door handles and satin tone plated side mirrors. The Sport, standard with the 2.5-liter BOXER, boasts a performance-oriented exterior that features an exclusive rear bumper, front grille with high-gloss black bar, high-gloss black side mirrors, trunk lid spoiler and dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the Sport comes with aluminum pedals as well as red stitching on the instrument panel, door trim, seats, shift lever boot and leather-wrapped steering wheel. The Sport also adopts an SI-DRIVE switch for varying engine output characteristics between I (Intelligent) and S# (Sport Sharp) modes, with S# offering increased acceleration response.

GO-ANYWHERE USABILITY
The Legacy wouldn’t be a Subaru if it didn’t offer the go-anywhere usability that has long been a brand hallmark. With 15.1 cu ft of cargo capacity and 1.4 inches of additional cargo floor length, the trunk in the 2020 Legacy can comfortably hold four full-size roller bags, giving it the functionality to match that of many small crossovers. For additional cargo versatility, the Legacy offers standard mounting brackets on the roof for quick installation of a rack, box or tray, making it easy to load surfboards, canoes and other equipment.

The 2020 Legacy will arrive at Subaru retailers this fall, with pricing announced closer to the on-sale date.

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[Drew Dowdell]

It's a subtle, but good looking update. Another 6-cylinder mid-size sedan goes away.

[A Horse With No Name]

6 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

It's a subtle, but good looking update. Another 6-cylinder mid-size sedan goes away.

It is a decent looking car. Not set the world on fire....but very decent for what it is.

[Robert Hall]

I like the interior...esp. the two tones..

[ykX]

The interior looks really good.  They integrated the display very nicely, unlike Ford.

With 2.4 turbo from Ascent it probably will move pretty good.  
I just hope all these turbo engines in all the new cars will last longer than 100k  miles.

[ccap41]

The interior looks great but they have never struck me as attractive cars and this is no different. 

[Drew Dowdell]

Only 2 mid-size family sedans with a 6-cylinder left. Camry and Regal

[ccap41]

Cool..?

[ykX]

6 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Only 2 mid-size family sedans with a 6-cylinder left. Camry and Regal

I think Regal will be gone soon and Camry most likely will switch to turbo-four in the next generation

[Drew Dowdell]

Just now, ykX said:

I think Regal will be gone soon and Camry most likely will switch to turbo-four in the next generation

Yup... and then there were none. 

[regfootball]

nice to have that turbo option.  is the car physically smaller than the current one?  Subaru really upsized the Legacy the last few generations, i hope they are not reverting to making it smaller (like it sort of looks to be here)

[smk4565]

The outside badly looks different but Subaru has a pretty loyal following so they probably don’t want to make any big changes.  The interior almost looks Cadillac XT5 like which I think will be very competitive in this segment.  I like the turbo option too out of the gate.  Mazda dragged their feet on that.

[frogger]

Pretty good for a Legacy.  Bodes well for the next Outback.

 

[oldshurst442]

bland exterior. Interior looks to be a great place to spend daily in. 

Bottom line: Id rather the Camry over this. 

[frogger]

22 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Only 2 mid-size family sedans with a 6-cylinder left. Camry and Regal

I would probably throw the Maxima in there too.

 

[ccap41]

Good call, Nissan still has their 3.5 V6 in the Maxima. 

[Drew Dowdell]

I thought about it, but didn't include it, because it generally competes in a higher price range.  Technically, the Ford Fusion Sport is still in production too, but as it is dead man walking, I didn't count it. 

[frogger]

2 hours ago, Drew Dowdell said:

I thought about it, but didn't include it, because it generally competes in a higher price range.  Technically, the Ford Fusion Sport is still in production too, but as it is dead man walking, I didn't count it. 

I think you have to get a GS to get the V6 in the Regal which is probably more expensive than some Maxima, Avalon trims.  I forgot about the Cadenza too.

 

 

Edited February 8, 2019 by frogger

[Drew Dowdell]

5 minutes ago, frogger said:

I think you have to get a GS to get the V6 in the Regal which is probably more expensive than some Maxima, Avalon trims.  I forgot about the Cadenza too.

 

 

Cadenza is considered large car like the Impala and Avalon according to the EPA.

[Drew Dowdell]

Lacrosse is a midsize now... 

And then there's the Stinger.

[ccap41]

33 minutes ago, Drew Dowdell said:

Cadenza is considered large car like the Impala and Avalon according to the EPA.

Oh yeah the Maxima is a full size car, isn't it? 

[G. David Felt]

2 hours ago, ccap41 said:

Oh yeah the Maxima is a full size car, isn't it? 

In someones dream it is, but not mine, that is a mid size car if I ever saw one. Not full size.

[Frisky Dingo]

Better. Still not good.

[frogger]

 

[ccap41]

On 2/8/2019 at 5:45 PM, dfelt said:

In someones dream it is, but not mine, that is a mid size car if I ever saw one. Not full size.

Nothing is a full size car to you. Your opinion on size of vehicles means absolutely nothing after how you speak about fitting and not fitting in vehicles that, conveniently, aren't Cadillac branded. 

[G. David Felt]

3 minutes ago, ccap41 said:

Nothing is a full size car to you. Your opinion on size of vehicles means absolutely nothing after how you speak about fitting and not fitting in vehicles that, conveniently, aren't Cadillac branded. 

LOL, I know full size cars, grew up with my parents having Delta 98's. That is a full size car, same with your 70's Lincolns and Cadillac's. Those were full size cars. Today's full size cars are the 70's and 80's mid size lets be honest here, for young pups like you, they are full size.

[Robert Hall]

31 minutes ago, dfelt said:

LOL, I know full size cars, grew up with my parents having Delta 98's. That is a full size car, same with your 70's Lincolns and Cadillac's. Those were full size cars. Today's full size cars are the 70's and 80's mid size lets be honest here, for young pups like you, they are full size.

The late 70s downsizing wave and the mid 80s downsizing wave reset the parameters for what a 'full size' car is.   My parents had full size Mercurys and Lincolns when I was growing up, and remember the downsizing from the 79 Continental to the 80s Town Car.       The dimensions of what is a full size car today is smaller than it was 40 years ago. 

Edited February 11, 2019 by Robert Hall

[A Horse With No Name]

28 minutes ago, dfelt said:

LOL, I know full size cars, grew up with my parents having Delta 98's. That is a full size car, same with your 70's Lincolns and Cadillac's. Those were full size cars. Today's full size cars are the 70's and 80's mid size lets be honest here, for young pups like you, they are full size.

I miss the old 70's full size cars. My Grandfather always drove Olds 98's...now that was a car!

14 minutes ago, Robert Hall said:

The late 70s downsizing wave and the mid 80s downsizing wave reset the parameters for what a 'full size' car is.   My parents had full size Mercurys and Lincolns when I was growing up, and remember the downsizing from the 79 Continental to the 80s Town Car.       The dimensions of a what a full size car today is smaller than it was 40 years ago. 

Downsizing was the beginning of the end of the American auto industry as I knew it as a kid.

[Robert Hall]

I remember there were a lot of reality paradoxes at the time of the downsizing...like the carryover '77 midsize GM A-bodies were actually slightly longer than some of the downsized for '77 B-bodies.  Or the downsized '78 A-bodies were the about the size of the compact X-bodies.   Or the downsized '85-86 GM full sizers that were barely larger than the downsize A-body midsizers.     Or with Chrysler, their full size mid 80s M-body was really a compact mid 70s F-body underneath. 

[A Horse With No Name]

There are advantages to full size cars.

[balthazar]

"Full-size" is merely a label; what constitutes such today still isn't. At some point what still is called 'full-size' now will be gone, and cars like an accord will be branded 'full-size'. Self-delude at your own risk.

I weigh vehicle physical size much higher than interior cubic volume- which I've never had the occasion to use in it's entirety.

[lengnert]

I respect Subaru's for what they are; that being reliable, capable and so on.

They just aren't my 'cup of tea'. 

The styling of this new Legacy solidifies that opinion.

[A Horse With No Name]

30 minutes ago, lengnert said:

I respect Subaru's for what they are; that being reliable, capable and so on.

They just aren't my 'cup of tea'. 

The styling of this new Legacy solidifies that opinion.

The CVT would do it for me.

[Drew Dowdell]

Subarus are a "safe" choice for people who don't care about cars. They're a Japanese Volvo. 

[lengnert]

On ‎2‎/‎15‎/‎2019 at 7:04 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

Subarus are a "safe" choice for people who don't care about cars. They're a Japanese Volvo. 

I have to say, though, that I am really digging the Volvo designs of the last 10 years or so!

[A Horse With No Name]

On 2/15/2019 at 7:04 PM, Drew Dowdell said:

Subarus are a "safe" choice for people who don't care about cars. They're a Japanese Volvo. 

Those would be fighting words for a bunch of SCCA guys as well as my daughter who love the BRZ and WRX/STI.

22 minutes ago, lengnert said:

I have to say, though, that I am really digging the Volvo designs of the last 10 years or so!

I am also.

[G. David Felt]

2 minutes ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Those would be fighting words for a bunch of SCCA guys as well as my daughter who love the BRZ and WRX/STI.

Yet @Drew Dowdell is spot on here, Subaru is the Japanese safe Volvo equal.

[A Horse With No Name]

1 minute ago, dfelt said:

Yet @Drew Dowdell is spot on here, Subaru is the Japanese safe Volvo equal.

Without the expensive Euro car repairs.

[Drew Dowdell]

1 hour ago, lengnert said:

I have to say, though, that I am really digging the Volvo designs of the last 10 years or so!

I am too.  Especially their interiors. 

1 hour ago, A Horse With No Name said:

Those would be fighting words for a bunch of SCCA guys as well as my daughter who love the BRZ and WRX/STI..

SCCA cars can be safe too.