We finally got to see what Subaru’s been cooking up: its 2015 Legacy. The handsome sedan is sleeker than the outgoing model and available in three flavors: Standard, Premium, and Limited. Yet, but while the Legacy stayed true to some of the Concept’s elements, and you can see the Impreza’s resemblance, something about the Legacy looks neutered.
That’s certainly not to say the Legacy’s a bad car. Far from it. Its heart is pure Subaru, and that’s what’ll help move machines. Subaru’s Boxer engines will be alive and well when the Legacy hits dealers this summer. You’ll be able to choose from two engines: a four-cylinder 2.5-liter with a slightly higher output than before at 175-hp or the 3.6-liter V6 that generates 256-hp, both with a standard CVT and all-wheel drive. Legacy’s more fuel efficient than last year’s model, too. Fuel estimates for the four-cylinder are 26 mpg city/36 mpg highway and 30 mpg combined, and 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway/23 mpg combined for the V6.
Safety plays an important role with the Legacy. Features like Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system, optional for Premium and Limited, combines Pre-Collision Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning to help make sure you stay on the road. A new rear radar system that’s standard on Limited and available on Premium helps drivers with blind spots and is basically an additional rear shield.
With dimensions roughly the same size as last year’s model, Subaru managed to increase Legacy’s interior space to 104.6 cubic feet. Inside, the dash is angular and clean, but from a design standpoint, it won’t set hearts afire. Legacy infotainment system has been upgraded with features like AM/FM/HD Radio, CD player, 6.2-inch touch screen, which also doubles as rear vision camera. Opt for a Premium or Limited and you get a 7-inch display and additional goodies, such as 12 Harman/Kardon speakers and rear subwoofer, Sirius XM radio, and navigation.
Perhaps I’m being too hard on this car. I admit it looks much better in person than in the leaked online photos. The Legacy’s conventional fog lights and tail lamps erase much of what made the Legacy Concept so visually intriguing. It seems Subaru took ingredients from various cars and put them in a blender. Take one part Taurus, one part last-gen Malibu, a splash of an Acura RLX, a hint of a VV CC, maybe a Lexus for good measure, shake well, and BOOM, you’ve got yourself a 2015 Subaru Legacy. See for yourself in the gallery below.
That being said, I wouldn’t bet against the Legacy given that Subaru is setting sales record after sales record. Ford and Nissan don’t have anything to worry about. Subaru diehard loyalists will eat this up, and in the end, it’s their happiness that’ll determine whether this Legacy succeeds or fails.
Additional photos courtesy of Subaru
