Is a Subaru Legacy worth it?

Yes — for buyers who prioritize standard all-wheel drive, strong safety features, and a roomy interior at a reasonable price, the Legacy remains a solid value in 2025. If you want sportier handling or the latest cabin tech, you may prefer rivals.

This article weighs the Legacy’s strengths and trade-offs for the 2025 model year, exploring ownership costs, practicality, safety, and how it stacks up against key competitors in the midsize sedan segment. It also offers practical buying tips and what to check when shopping used or new.

Core strengths for 2025

Here is a concise look at what makes the Legacy stand out in today’s market.

• All-wheel drive is standard on every trim, a rare feature in the midsize sedan class that appeals to winter climates and outdoor lifestyles.


• Strong safety offerings, including Subaru’s EyeSight driver assist system with features like automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control (availability varies by trim).


• Spacious, comfortable interior with a practical trunk and ample legroom for rear passengers.


• Calm, refined ride quality that handles road imperfections well without being noisy at highway speeds.


• Competitive pricing for the features, offering good value relative to other AWD sedans in the segment.


• Resale value and long-term ownership appeal among Subaru buyers, aided by the brand’s reputation for AWD and safety.

Taken together, these strengths position the Legacy as a sensible, family-friendly choice for buyers who want AWD without stepping up to an SUV.

Trade-offs to keep in mind

Every car has compromises. Here are the main caveats to consider with the Legacy in 2025.

• Fuel economy and performance aren’t class-leading. The 2.5-liter engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) prioritizes smoothness and traction over brisk acceleration.


• Driving dynamics lean toward comfort rather than sportiness; enthusiasts may prefer the more engaging feel of some rivals.


• Interior materials are durable and functional but not upscale; some rivals offer more premium cabin detailing and more tactile tech.


• Turbo options that exist in some Subaru lines aren’t widely available in the Legacy lineup for U.S. markets, limiting high-performance choices.


• As sedans compete with SUVs for consumer attention, resale depreciation can be steeper in markets with SUV dominance or weak sedan demand.

For buyers who prize practicality and AWD, these trade-offs are often acceptable; for those chasing high performance or top-tier interiors, rivals may be a better fit.

Ownership costs and reliability in practice

Understanding the total cost of ownership helps gauge long-term value. The following factors commonly shape a Legacy purchase.

• Typical new-price range: base models start in the low-to-mid twenties, with higher trims pushing toward the upper thirties, depending on year and options.


• Fuel economy: around 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 30 mpg combined for the current 2.5-liter setup with AWD; actual results vary with driving style and conditions.


• Maintenance and repairs: routine maintenance is straightforward, but some owners report higher CVT service costs than traditional automatic transmissions when issues arise.


• Warranty basics: Subaru generally offers a 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, with rust and other terms varying by year; verify current coverage at purchase.


• Reliability considerations: past generations saw issues common to some Subarus (oil consumption, CVT hesitations, head gasket concerns in older models); newer model years have improvements, but inspection and maintenance history matter, especially for used purchases.

Overall, the Legacy can offer predictable ownership costs for families and AWD seekers, particularly when the vehicle is well-maintained and bought in the appropriate year/trim.

How the Legacy stacks up against rivals

When compared with popular midsize sedans, the Legacy’s AWD and safety features are distinctive advantages, while other rivals may lead in refinement, technology, or driving dynamics.

• Honda Accord: typically offers a more engaging drive and higher-grade interior, but AWD is not standard (except in some markets) and at a higher price. The Legacy wins on standard AWD and family practicality.


• Toyota Camry: renowned for reliability and resale, with strong highway manners. Camry may edge the Legacy in interior quality and long-term dependability, though AWD is not standard across all trims.


• Hyundai Sonata / Kia K5: often deliver strong value, bold styling, and strong warranty coverage; they are usually front-wheel drive, which can be a drawback in winter regions compared to the Legacy’s standard AWD.


• Other AWD-focused rivals (where applicable): if you prioritize all-wheel drive in a sedan, the Legacy often stands out as one of the few mainstream options offering that feature as standard.

In markets where AWD capability is a primary criterion, the Legacy frequently holds a compelling position. If you value the latest cabin tech, premiere materials, or sportier handling, you may prefer a rival and weigh AWD separately.

Summary

The Subaru Legacy remains a solid value for buyers who want standard all-wheel drive, practical space, and strong safety features in a midsize sedan. It offers a comfortable ride and competitive pricing, making it a practical, family-friendly option—especially in regions with winter weather. Its main drawbacks are a trade-off between fuel economy and performance, interior materials that are durable but not premium, and the shifting sedan market that has spurred more SUV purchases. If AWD and safety are your priorities, the Legacy deserves serious consideration; if you’re chasing sportier dynamics or the latest interior tech, explore rivals as well, and compare total ownership costs over your expected time horizon.

Bottom line: for the right buyer, the Legacy remains worth it in 2025, especially as part of a balanced family-car plan that values all-season capability and solid safety without stepping into an SUV.

Which is better, Toyota Camry or Subaru Legacy?

The Subaru Legacy is a better choice for drivers prioritizing standard all-wheel drive and a more spacious, refined interior with superior sound insulation. The Toyota Camry offers a sportier design, a more budget-friendly starting price (for its base model), and a wider array of standard safety features on some trims, like Road Sign Assist. The best choice depends on your needs for performance, space, and specific features.
 
This video compares the features and performance of the Subaru Legacy and Toyota Camry: 55sMorrie's Brooklyn Park NissanYouTube · Jul 21, 2014
Subaru Legacy advantages

• Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD): AWD is standard on all Legacy trims, providing better traction and grip in various conditions. 
• More interior space: The Legacy has more passenger volume, legroom, and shoulder room than the Camry. 
• Quieter cabin: The Legacy is designed for a quieter ride with features like sound-damping windshields and thick side windows on certain trims. 
• Larger infotainment screen option: Higher trims offer an available 11.6-inch touchscreen, which is larger than the Camry's maximum 9-inch display. 
• More cargo space: The Legacy provides a slightly larger trunk. 
• Lower starting price: The base model Legacy may have a lower starting price compared to the base Camry. 

Toyota Camry advantages

• Sportier design: The Camry is known for a more dynamic and sporty exterior appearance. 
• More standard safety features: Some Camry trims come standard with features not always available on the Legacy, like the Road Sign Assist system. 
• Potentially lower cost for optional features: It can be more affordable to add some optional features like heated steering wheels or ventilated front seats. 
• Wider availability of AWD: While standard on the Legacy, AWD can be optioned on more Camry trims, and it is available on the base engine. 

Which one should you choose?

• Choose the Subaru Legacy if: You need standard AWD, want more interior space, a quieter ride, and prefer a more luxurious feel, especially on higher trims. 
• Choose the Toyota Camry if: You prefer a sportier design, need access to a wider variety of optional features at a lower cost, or want specific standard safety features like Road Sign Assist. 

What are the cons of a Subaru Legacy?

6) CVT Transmission can be a bit jerky at times. 7) Quality issues in the engine, it had a rattle from day-1 when started cold after sitting for a day or more. 8) Subaru constantly sends driving data from the car and there's no options to participate. Was this review helpful?

What is the life expectancy of a Subaru Legacy?

The Subaru Legacy has excellent longevity, with studies showing it's among the most likely midsize sedans to reach 200,000 miles, and many can exceed 250,000 miles with proper care. Its reputation for longevity is due to its durable design, featuring the unique Boxer engine and standard all-wheel drive. To ensure a long lifespan, consistent and regular maintenance, particularly with the all-wheel drive system and routine oil changes, is crucial.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the worst years for every Subaru model: 1mMrSubaru1387YouTube · Jul 6, 2025
Factors contributing to the Subaru Legacy's longevity

• Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD) and Boxer Engine: The Legacy's unique design is built for durability, with standard AWD and the Boxer engine contributing to its reputation for longevity. 
• High Mileage Potential: With proper maintenance, Legacy models can easily surpass 200,000 miles, and some have reached over 250,000 miles. 
• Strong Resale Value: The Legacy retains its value better than many competitors, which is a testament to its long-term reliability and durability. 

How to maximize your Subaru Legacy's lifespan

• Perform regular maintenance: Stick to the manufacturer's service schedule for essential maintenance like oil changes, transmission services, and tire rotations. 
• Pay attention to the AWD system: Due to the unique system, be diligent with the differential and transfer case fluids. Follow the maintenance schedule, and consider more frequent changes if you drive in severe conditions. 
• Rotate tires frequently: Rotating tires every 4,000 miles can prevent uneven wear and maximize tire life, which is especially important for the AWD system. 
• Avoid abuse and neglect: Good longevity is heavily dependent on how the vehicle is cared for. Poor maintenance, accidents, and aggressive driving can shorten its lifespan. 

Is the Subaru Legacy a reliable car?

Yes, the Subaru Legacy is considered a reliable car, with many sources rating it highly for its durability and longevity, often lasting well over 200,000 miles with proper maintenance. Its reliability is supported by factors like its robust engineering, the strong Subaru Global Platform, and its durable Lineartronic CVT transmission. While it has an average annual repair cost, major issues are less frequent than average for its class.
 
Strengths that contribute to its reliability

• Long-term durability: With regular maintenance, many models can last beyond 200,000 miles.
• Strong platform: The Subaru Global Platform provides a rigid and stable chassis, which reduces premature wear and enhances durability.
• Durable engines: The available engines, particularly the naturally aspirated 2.5L and the turbocharged 2.4L in newer models, are known for their solid engineering, especially with direct injection and timing chains.
• Reliable CVT: The Lineartronic CVT is a chain-driven unit with a torque converter, which performs well and has a good lifespan if the fluid is changed at recommended intervals. 

Important considerations for maintenance

• Regular fluid changes: Adhering to the recommended service intervals for oil and CVT fluid is crucial for long-term reliability. 
• Proactive maintenance: Keeping the PCV system clean and addressing any potential issues as they arise will help prevent future problems. 
• Average ownership costs: The annual repair and maintenance cost is average for a midsize car, at around $563 per year. 
• Potential for specific issues: While overall reliability is high, some past models have had specific issues, such as problems with the O2 sensor and head gaskets in earlier engines. Newer models have improved upon some of these issues.