Is the Subaru Legacy good for tall drivers?
Yes. The Legacy typically offers a roomy front cabin, extensive seat and steering-wheel adjustment, and a comfortable driving position that suits many tall drivers.
This article examines how the Legacy’s interior space, seating adjustability, and ergonomic design work for people around 6 feet tall and taller, what practical limits to expect, and how it compares with peers in the midsize segment and with Subaru’s Outback.
Interior space and ergonomic design
Tall drivers need a seat that slides far enough forward and back, a steering wheel that reaches comfortably, and enough headroom under a relatively high roof. The Legacy provides a broad cockpit with a long seat cushion and a steering column that moves through a wide arc, making it easier to achieve a natural driving stance.
Seat adjustability and reach
The driver seat typically offers multi-way adjustment (height, fore-aft, tilt, and lumbar support) and, on most trims, a power-adjustable option. The steering wheel both tilts and telescopes, letting taller drivers fine-tune the distance to pedals and the instrument cluster.
Headroom, legroom, and visibility
Front headroom is generally ample for most tall drivers, and front legroom is forgiving thanks to a generous seat cushion length and a roomy footwell. A panoramic sunroof, if equipped, can slightly reduce headroom, so testing with the sunroof closed is wise for the tallest drivers.
Ingress/egress and overall comfort
Wide door openings and a relatively high seat base simplify getting in and out, which matters for taller drivers who may have longer legs or a higher knee lift.
Key interior features that directly impact tall-driver comfort include adjustable driver’s seat with lumbar support, a fully adjustable steering column, and a roomy cockpit that keeps controls within easy reach.
- Generous front legroom and a long seat cushion to accommodate longer legs
- Teleescoping and tilt-adjustable steering wheel for personal reach
- Height-adjustable driver seat with lumbar support for posture
- Clear, upright instrument cluster and good overall visibility
- Wide door openings and a higher seating position for easier ingress and egress
In practice, these features typically provide a comfortable driving setup for most tall drivers, though individuals taller than about 6'4" should still test seating in person, especially with any roof features like a sunroof.
How it compares to peers
Compared with rivals in the midsize sedan class, the Legacy is competitive on interior space and comfort for tall drivers. The Honda Accord and Toyota Camry offer generous legroom and slightly different seat shapes; some taller drivers prefer Subaru’s seating feel and the brand’s well-regarded driver-adjustability. The Subaru Outback, with its higher ride height, can feel even more accommodating for very tall drivers who value a taller seating position and broader visibility, though it trades some sedan-based handling for that higher stance.
Bottom line: the Legacy generally satisfies tall drivers, especially when equipped with the power driver's seat and a full range of steering-wheel adjustment. For extreme tallness or broader shoulder width, trying both the Legacy and its closest peers in person is recommended.
Practical tips for maximizing comfort
To optimize the driving position, follow these steps:
- Set the driver seat to the furthest comfortable fore-aft position that still allows full pedal control.
- Adjust seat height and lumbar support to maintain an upright posture with relaxed shoulders.
- Telescopes and tilts the steering wheel to place the instrument cluster at eye level and the pedals within easy reach.
- Test with and without the optional panoramic sunroof to understand its impact on headroom.
- Consider a seat cushion or cushion extender if you find thigh support lacking for long drives.
These adjustments typically yield an optimal balance between legroom, headroom, and visibility for most tall drivers, enhancing comfort on longer trips.
Summary
The Subaru Legacy is well-regarded for its roomy front cabin and flexible seating adjustments, making it a solid choice for tall drivers. While individual fit depends on height and torso length, the combination of a long seat cushion, adjustable steering column, and easy ingress/egress usually yields a comfortable driving position. For the tallest drivers or those who want an even higher seating position, consider the Outback as an alternative. Always test drive with your typical gear and posture to confirm comfort over time.
Summary of key takeaways: roomy front seating, broad adjustability, and everyday practicality make the Legacy a strong option for tall drivers; check headroom with a sunroof option and compare to peers for the best personal fit.
