2025 Subaru Legacy Review: Discover the Surprising Upgrades!
Welcome back, car enthusiasts! If you’re new here, I’m Gold Pony, your go-to source for new car, truck, and SUV reviews on YouTube. Today, we’re diving deep into the brand new 2025 Subaru Legacy, courtesy of Sioka Subaru in York, PA. For more details on their inventory, check out the link in the description box below.
The 2025 Subaru Legacy comes with several impressive upgrades, continuing its legacy as a reliable and versatile vehicle. With the best all-wheel-drive system in existence, great resale value, and a competitive edge against rivals like the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Hyundai Sonata, the Legacy is a solid choice in the mid-size sedan market. In this detailed review, we’ll explore everything from acceleration to braking, steering feel, ride quality, sound system, and more. Let’s jump right in!
Pricing and Trim Levels
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is available in several trim levels, each offering unique features and price points:
- Base: $24,895
- Premium: $27,195
- Limited: $30,495
- Sport: $34,495
- Touring XT: $38,195
Each trim level caters to different needs and preferences, providing a range of options for potential buyers. Whether you’re looking for basic functionality or luxurious features, the Legacy has you covered. Here’s a closer look at what each trim level offers:
- Base: The entry-level trim offers a solid set of standard features, including Subaru’s renowned symmetrical all-wheel drive, EyeSight driver assist technology, and a 7-inch infotainment system. It’s perfect for those who want a reliable and safe vehicle without breaking the bank.
- Premium: This trim adds a bit more comfort and technology with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. It’s ideal for those who want a bit more convenience and connectivity in their daily drive.
- Limited: The Limited trim steps up the luxury with leather-trimmed upholstery, a Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system, and additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. It’s great for drivers who want a more premium experience.
- Sport: As the name suggests, the Sport trim focuses on a more dynamic driving experience. It includes the 2.4L turbocharged engine, sport-tuned suspension, and unique exterior styling elements. This trim is perfect for those who want a bit more performance and a sportier look.
- Touring XT: At the top of the range, the Touring XT offers the best of everything. It includes Nappa leather-trimmed seats, ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and the turbocharged engine. This trim is for those who want the ultimate in luxury and performance.
Engine Options and Performance
The Legacy offers two main engine configurations:
- 2.5L 4-Cylinder Boxer Engine (Base, Premium, Limited)
- Horsepower: 182 hp @ 5800 RPM
- Torque: 176 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM
- Transmission: Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters
- 0-60 Time: Approximately 8 seconds
- Top Speed: 130 mph
- Fuel Economy: 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway
- 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Boxer Engine (Sport, Touring XT)
- Horsepower: 260 hp @ 5600 RPM
- Torque: 277 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM
- Transmission: Lineartronic CVT with paddle shifters
- 0-60 Time: 5.7 seconds
- Fuel Economy: 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway
The turbocharged engine, especially in the Touring XT trim, offers a significant performance boost, making the Legacy a thrilling ride with its quick acceleration and powerful output. This engine configuration transforms the Legacy from a dependable family sedan into a vehicle that can hold its own against more performance-oriented competitors.
Acceleration and Braking
During our test drive, the acceleration of the Touring XT was notably impressive. The turbocharged engine allowed the Legacy to reach 0-60 mph in just 5.7 seconds. While there was a slight turbo lag initially, the car quickly picked up speed, making highway merges and overtaking effortless.
When it comes to braking, the Legacy features:
- Front Brakes: 12.4-inch ventilated discs
- Rear Brakes: 11.8-inch solid discs
- Stopping Distance (60-0 mph): 127 feet
The braking feel is on the softer side, reminiscent of a luxury vehicle rather than a sports car. This provides a smooth and controlled stop, enhancing the overall driving experience. For daily driving, the braking system offers plenty of confidence, ensuring you can bring the car to a stop safely and predictably in various conditions.
Ride Quality and Handling
Subaru has outdone itself with the ride quality of the 2025 Legacy. The car effortlessly absorbs road imperfections, offering a smooth and comfortable ride. This is largely due to its well-engineered suspension system:
- Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson strut
- Rear Suspension: Double wishbone
- Stabilizer Bars: Front and rear
The steering feel, however, is on the looser side. While some may prefer a firmer feel for better control, the Legacy’s steering is adequate for most driving scenarios. Subaru could consider adding a steering feel firm driving mode in future models, similar to what Volvo offers, to cater to those who prefer a more controlled driving experience.
The combination of the supple suspension and the all-wheel-drive system ensures that the Legacy feels planted and composed, even on twisty roads or in adverse weather conditions. Whether you’re navigating pothole-ridden city streets or cruising down the highway, the Legacy’s ride quality remains impressive.
Interior Comfort and Features
The interior of the 2025 Legacy is a blend of comfort and luxury, especially in the higher trim levels. Here’s a breakdown of the seating and comfort features across different trims:
- Base: Manually adjustable cloth seats
- Premium: Power-adjustable driver seat, heated front seats
- Limited: Leather seats, heated front and rear seats, power-adjustable passenger seat
- Sport: Sport cloth seats
- Touring XT: Nappa leather seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats
The Touring XT trim, in particular, offers exceptional comfort with its Nappa leather seats and extensive lumbar support. The seats are incredibly adjustable, ensuring a perfect fit for drivers of all sizes.
The interior materials are top-notch, with soft-touch surfaces and high-quality finishes throughout the cabin. The layout is user-friendly, with all controls easily accessible and intuitive to use. The spaciousness of the cabin is another strong point, providing ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers.
Technology and Infotainment
The Legacy is equipped with an impressive infotainment system, especially in the premium and higher trims. The centerpiece is the 11.6-inch vertical tablet-style touchscreen display (7-inch in the base trim), which includes:
- Bluetooth and Audio Streaming
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (Wireless in Premium and above)
- Factory Navigation System (Limited and Touring)
- Driving Statistics Display
- Climate Control Settings
- Heated and Ventilated Seat Controls
Sound systems vary by trim level:
- Base: 4 speakers
- Premium: 6 speakers
- Limited and Above: 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with 576 watts
The 12-speaker Harman Kardon system provides a rich audio experience, though there are even more premium systems available in the market, such as the ELS Studio from Acura and the Mark Levinson system from Lexus.
The infotainment system is not just about entertainment; it also plays a crucial role in driver assistance and safety. Features like the navigation system and real-time traffic updates make long trips more manageable, while the integration with smartphones ensures you stay connected without taking your hands off the wheel.
Safety Features
Safety is a top priority for Subaru, and the 2025 Legacy is no exception. It is an IIHS Top Safety Pick, and comes with a comprehensive suite of safety features:
- Standard Safety Features:
- Front, side, and side curtain airbags
- Driver’s knee airbag
- LATCH system for child seats
- Rear child door locks
- Tire pressure monitoring system
- Subaru EyeSight (Standard):
- Adaptive cruise control with lane centering
- Pre-collision braking
- Lane departure and sway warning
- Lane keep assist
- Automatic emergency steering
- Additional Safety Features (Limited and above):
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Reverse automatic braking
Subaru’s EyeSight technology is one of the most advanced driver assistance systems available, providing an extra layer of safety by monitoring traffic movement, optimizing cruise control, and warning you when you’re swaying outside your lane. The addition of features like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert further enhance the safety profile of the Legacy, making it one of the safest cars in its class.
Exterior Design and Practicality
The 2025 Subaru Legacy sports a modern and sleek exterior design, highlighted by several key features:
- LED Steering Responsive Headlights: Standard across all trim levels, these headlights swivel based on the steering angle, enhancing visibility around bends.
- LED Daytime Running Lights and Tail Lights: Standard on all trims, providing better visibility and a stylish look.
- Dual Exhaust Outlets with Stainless Steel Tips: Available on the Sport and Touring XT trims, adding a sporty touch to the rear design.
The Legacy’s exterior design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The clean lines and balanced proportions give it a sophisticated look, while features like the roof rails (available on certain trims) add a layer of practicality for those who need to carry extra cargo.
The trunk offers a generous 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, with a 60/40 split rear seat for additional storage. Practical features like grocery bag hooks and cargo lighting enhance the usability of the trunk space. The wide trunk opening and low liftover height make loading and unloading items easy, whether you’re packing for a road trip or just doing your weekly shopping.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is a well-rounded mid-size sedan that excels in several key areas. Here’s a quick summary of the highlights:
- Best-in-Class All-Wheel Drive: Subaru’s symmetrical all-wheel-drive system provides unmatched performance in various driving conditions.
- Impressive Ride Quality: The suspension system ensures a smooth and comfortable ride, absorbing road imperfections effortlessly.
- Luxurious Interior: High-quality materials and thoughtful design make the Legacy’s interior a pleasant place to be, especially in higher trims.
- Comprehensive Safety Features: The extensive suite of safety features, including Subaru EyeSight, ensures peace of mind for drivers and passengers.
- Modern Technology: The infotainment system, with its large touchscreen and advanced connectivity options, keeps you entertained and informed on the go.
Room for Improvement
While the 2025 Legacy is an excellent vehicle, there are a couple of areas where Subaru could make enhancements:
- Paddle Shifters: The paddle shifters in the CVT transmission are somewhat gimmicky and don’t provide a true shifting experience. Removing them could save on costs and simplify the driving experience.
- Gauge Cluster Design: The traditional gauge cluster is a bit plain. Introducing a more dynamic design or a full digital gauge cluster would add a modern touch and enhance the driving experience.
Overall, the 2025 Subaru Legacy is a standout option in the mid-size sedan market, offering a perfect blend of performance, comfort, safety, and technology. Whether you’re navigating snowy roads or cruising on the highway, the Legacy is a reliable and enjoyable companion.
Thank you for joining me in this detailed review of the 2025 Subaru Legacy. If you enjoyed this content, be sure to subscribe and hit the bell notification button for more new car reviews. Stay tuned for more exciting content, and as always, stay gold!