Is the Subaru Legacy 4 wheel drive?
Yes, the Subaru Legacy is available with a 4-wheel drive (4WD) system. The Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan that has been known for its standard all-wheel drive (AWD) capability across most of its model lineup.
Subaru Legacy 4WD Overview
The Subaru Legacy has been offered with a 4WD system since its introduction in 1989. Subaru's symmetrical all-wheel drive (AWD) system is a standard feature on the Legacy, providing enhanced traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions. The 4WD system in the Legacy continuously distributes power to all four wheels, giving the vehicle improved grip and control compared to a traditional front-wheel or rear-wheel drive setup.
Key Features of the Subaru Legacy 4WD
- Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: The Legacy's AWD system automatically adjusts power distribution to the wheels that need it most, providing enhanced traction and stability on wet, snowy, or uneven surfaces.
- X-MODE: Available on higher trim levels, X-MODE optimizes the AWD system, engine, transmission, and brakes for improved off-road and poor-weather performance.
- Active Torque Vectoring: This system can brake the inside wheels during cornering to help the Legacy turn more precisely and reduce understeer.
- Hill Descent Control: This feature automatically controls the vehicle's speed when driving down steep inclines, allowing the driver to focus on steering.li>
The Subaru Legacy's 4WD capabilities make it a popular choice for drivers who need a midsize sedan with all-weather and all-road capabilities.
Why is Subaru discontinuing the Legacy?
Subaru is discontinuing the Legacy sedan because of a market shift from passenger cars to SUVs and crossovers, combined with the company's own strategic pivot to developing more electrified and electric vehicles. Lower sales for the midsize sedan, especially compared to Subaru's popular SUVs like the Outback and Crosstrek, also played a major role in the decision.
Market shifts and sales performance
- Declining sedan popularity: The overall midsize sedan market has shrunk significantly, and the Legacy's sales figures have been dwarfed by Subaru's own SUV sales. For example, in 2023, Subaru sold about 25,500 Legacies compared to over 161,000 Outbacks and 159,000 Crosstreks.
- Consumer preference: Shoppers are increasingly opting for SUVs and crossovers, a trend reflected in sales numbers across the industry.
Strategic shift to EVs
- Focus on electrification: Subaru is transitioning its lineup towards electrified and fully electric vehicles, with a goal of having eight EV models by 2028.
- Resource allocation: Discontinuing the Legacy frees up resources and production line space at the Indiana plant for more in-demand and strategically important models, such as the next-generation Forester, notes Torque News.
Is a Subaru Legacy 4 wheel drive?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy features a standard 2.5-liter SUBARU BOXER® 4-cylinder engine or available 2.4-liter turbocharged engine. It can deliver up to 260 horsepower, 277 lb-ft of torque, and up to 27 city and 35 highway MPG. Does the new 2025 Subaru Legacy come with all-wheel drive? Yes!
Which subarus are 4 wheel drive?
Almost all Subaru models are 4-wheel drive (or all-wheel drive, AWD), with the Subaru BRZ sports car being the only exception. This includes the Forester, Outback, Crosstrek, Impreza, Legacy, WRX, and Solterra, all of which come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
- Subaru BRZ: The only Subaru model that is not equipped with AWD.
- All other models: Every other Subaru in the lineup comes standard with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This includes:
- Forester
- Outback
- Crosstrek
- Impreza
- Legacy
- WRX
- Solterra (electric SUV)
- Outback Wilderness
- Forester Wilderness
- Crosstrek Wilderness
Can a Subaru Legacy drive in snow?
While many think of SUVs when it comes to winter driving the Subaru Legacy proves that sedans can handle snow too. The Legacy has Symmetrical AWD so you have great traction and stability when the weather gets harsh.
