Is the Subaru Legacy good on gas?
Yes. For a midsize sedan with standard all-wheel drive, the Legacy offers solid fuel economy, typically in the upper 20s in city driving and the mid-30s on the highway with the current 2.5-liter engine and CVT.
Fuel efficiency for the Legacy depends on model year, powertrain, and driving conditions. The U.S. lineup centers on a 2.5-liter flat-four paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a combination that favors balanced performance and traction over extreme efficiency. While not a hybrid, the Legacy remains a practical choice for buyers who want year-round capability without sacrificing too much fuel economy. Below, you’ll find a snapshot of mpg expectations, how it stacks up against rivals, and tips to squeeze more miles per gallon from your daily drive.
Engine options and fuel economy
Current and historical powertrains shape the Legacy’s mpg numbers. The latest generation relies on a 2.5-liter boxer engine with a CVT, with AWD standard. In older configurations, there were larger or turbocharged options, but these are not part of the current US lineup. The following figures give a sense of what to expect.
Representative EPA estimates for the Legacy’s main configurations:
- Current generation (2.5L engine, CVT, AWD): about 27 mpg city / 35 mpg highway / 29–30 mpg combined.
- Older 3.6L flat-6 option (not in current US lineup): roughly 20–22 mpg city / 28–30 mpg highway / about 24–25 mpg combined.
In everyday use, most drivers will experience mpg in the upper 20s to around 30 mpg combined, with highway runs tending to be stronger than urban trips. AWD adds confidence in poor weather but can shave a few mpg off the city/highway average compared with front-wheel-drive rivals.
How it compares with rivals
Compared with typical non-hybrid midsize sedans, the Legacy’s mpg is competitive on the highway, thanks to a refined engine and efficient CVT, but its overall efficiency can lag behind front-wheel-drive rivals and hybrid options. For buyers who prioritize maximum fuel economy, hybrid alternatives may offer a clearer edge, especially in urban driving. The choice often comes down to balance: fuel economy versus all-wheel-drive capability and interior practicality.
- Honda Accord (non-hybrid, typically FWD): commonly in the low 30s mpg combined.
- Toyota Camry (non-hybrid, typically 2.5L): generally in the low-to-mid 30s mpg combined.
- Hyundai Sonata (non-hybrid, typically 2.5L): usually in the low 30s mpg combined.
- Kia K5 (1.6L turbo, typically FWD): often around high 20s to low 30s mpg combined.
Note that these values vary by year, drivetrain, and option packages. The Legacy’s standard AWD is a differentiator in its class, contributing to traction and all-season capability at the expense of a few mpg on average compared with some front-drive rivals.
Practical tips to maximize mpg
To help you get the most mileage out of a Legacy, consider the following guidance. These strategies apply across model years and trim levels with the standard 2.5L engine and CVT.
- Keep tires inflated to the manufacturer-recommended pressure; underinflated tires reduce efficiency and handling.
- Perform regular maintenance: timely oil changes, air-filter replacement, and spark-plug service can sustain fuel economy.
- Limit extra weight and avoid roof racks or cargo boxes when not in use, as additional drag lowers mpg.
- Drive smoothly: gradual acceleration, steady speeds, and using cruise control on highways can improve efficiency.
- Plan trips to minimize idling and optimize routing for shorter city segments and longer highway stretches.
With attentive maintenance and considerate driving, the Legacy’s mpg can approach its rated numbers more consistently, especially on highway trips.
Is a hybrid Legacy available?
Current availability
There is no hybrid version of the Subaru Legacy sold in the United States as of 2024. Subaru has explored mild-hybrid technology in some markets and models, but a dedicated hybrid or plug-in variant of the Legacy has not been offered in the U.S. lineup.
For buyers whose primary goal is maximum mpg, hybrid competitors such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid or Honda Accord Hybrid can offer substantially higher fuel economy, especially in city driving. The Legacy remains attractive for its standard AWD, roomy interior, and balanced performance, even if it isn’t the top choice for best-in-class fuel economy.
Summary
The Subaru Legacy strikes a practical balance: solid fuel economy for an all-wheel-drive midsize sedan, especially on highways, with the 2.5L engine/CVT setup typical of the current generation. While it isn’t a hybrid, its efficiency is competitive within its class, and real-world mpg will vary with driving style, road conditions, and maintenance. If you prioritize maximum mpg and are open to non-AWD options or hybrids, the market offers compelling alternatives; if you want AWD and a spacious, comfortable ride with respectable fuel economy, the Legacy remains a strong, well-rounded choice.
