Are Subaru Legacy good on gas?
Yes. For a midsize sedan with standard all-wheel drive, the Subaru Legacy offers competitive fuel efficiency, typically in the high 20s to low 30s mpg combined depending on engine choice and model year.
Like any car, its real-world efficiency depends on how you drive, where you drive, and which configuration you pick. The following breakdown covers current and recent Legacy options, how they affect mpg, and tips to maximize efficiency.
How the Legacy achieves efficiency
The current-generation Legacy relies on a 2.5-liter flat-4 engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and all-wheel drive as standard. This setup prioritizes steady efficiency and capable all-season traction, which can impact highway and city mpg differently than front-wheel-drive rivals.
Below is a concise overview of typical fuel-economy figures for common Legacy configurations. The figures are EPA estimates for the official ratings and may vary with tires, driving conditions, and options.
- 2.5-liter flat-4 with CVT (AWD standard): roughly 27–28 mpg in the city, 34–36 mpg on the highway, with a combined figure around 30–31 mpg.
- Older turbocharged 2.4-liter XT variants (no longer standard in new models): generally lower mpg, often in the mid-20s combined due to higher power output.
- Real-world driving: many owners report about 26–30 mpg in daily urban-to-suburban use, and 32–36+ mpg on long highway trips with light loads and gentle driving.
The figures show that today’s Legacy is reasonably efficient for an all-wheel-drive midsize sedan, offering solid highway efficiency for long trips and respectable city mileage. Actual results vary with tire type, climate control use, and cargo weight.
Real-world driving tips to maximize mpg
Adopting a few practical habits can help you approach or exceed EPA estimates in everyday use.
- Keep tires inflated to the recommended pressure to reduce rolling resistance and maintain efficiency.
- Limit weight and remove roof racks when not needed, as extra load and wind resistance can lower mpg.
- Use cruise control on highways and drive at steady speeds to minimize fluctuations in fuel consumption.
- Minimize aggressive acceleration and heavy braking; smooth driving improves efficiency.
- Schedule regular maintenance: air filters, spark plugs, and proper CVT service can improve efficiency and performance.
By following these practices, you can often approach the upper end of the Legacy’s mpg range in real-world driving.
How the Legacy compares with rivals
Within the midsize AWD segment, the Legacy’s fuel economy is competitive for a non-hybrid vehicle. Some rivals offer higher highway efficiency, but the Legacy’s standard AWD and solid overall mpg make it a practical choice for buyers who want all-weather capability without sacrificing efficiency.
Note that AWD adds weight and drivetrain losses compared with front-wheel-drive siblings, which is a key reason mpg isn’t higher across the board. Tire choice and winter driving conditions can also impact mileage noticeably.
Summary
The Subaru Legacy delivers a balanced blend of practicality and efficiency for an all-wheel-drive midsize sedan. With the standard 2.5-liter engine and CVT, most drivers can expect roughly 30 mpg combined, with highway trips often in the mid-to-upper 30s and city driving in the upper 20s to low 30s. Turbo variants from earlier generations provided more power at the expense of efficiency. For buyers prioritizing fuel economy and AWD capability, the Legacy remains a solid, well-rounded option in its class.
Summary: For those seeking dependable gas mileage in a capable, all-wheel-drive sedan, the Subaru Legacy offers competitive efficiency with real-world performance that typically lands in the low 30s mpg combined for current models, while older turbo versions delivered stronger performance but lower fuel economy.
