The 2020 Subaru Legacy Sport might not scream for attention with its exterior design, but beneath its subtle shell lies a wealth of improvements and features that make it a compelling option in the midsize sedan segment. This brand-new Legacy, while retaining a familiar silhouette, boasts a more spacious interior loaded with modern technology and a significantly enhanced chassis, promising a more refined driving experience. For those willing to look beyond surface-level aesthetics, the 2020 Legacy Sport offers a substantial package.
Solid Foundation: The Subaru Global Platform
The 2020 Legacy’s improvements begin with its foundation. It’s built upon Subaru’s global platform, a rigid architecture shared with other models like the Ascent, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and Outback. This new platform provides a stiffer and stronger base for the sedan, which maintains roughly the same dimensions as its predecessor, including a 108.3-inch wheelbase.
While the robust platform might suggest sportier handling, the 2020 Legacy Sport prioritizes comfort over outright performance. Throwing it into corners reveals noticeable dive under braking and some body roll during turn-in. Road-holding is adequate for everyday driving, but pushing harder elicits protests from the 18-inch Yokohama Avid GT BluEarth tires. Even in the most aggressive Sport Sharp drive mode, the steering feels disconnected at the center, although it does gain weight as you steer further. The brakes, however, are commendable, offering strong initial bite and easy modulation.
Where the 2020 Legacy Sport truly excels is in ride comfort. The softly tuned suspension and tires with deeper sidewalls effectively absorb road imperfections, making for a smooth and pleasant ride around town and over rough surfaces.
Engine Choices: Updated Base and Turbocharged Option
For 2020, the Legacy offers a new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, replacing the previous six-cylinder option. This turbo flat-four delivers 260 horsepower and 277 pound-feet of torque, mirroring the powertrain found in the Ascent and Outback.
The Sport trim, however, features an enhanced version of Subaru’s 2.5-liter naturally aspirated boxer-four, producing 182 hp and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru’s signature standard all-wheel drive. In Sport Sharp mode, the engine provides sufficient power for highway merging and general driving. However, in the default Intelligent mode, acceleration can feel somewhat sluggish.
The CVT in the Legacy operates smoothly, minimizing the typical droning noise often associated with CVTs during hard acceleration. While steering wheel-mounted paddles allow for manual ratio changes, the delayed response makes it more practical to leave shifting to the automatic system.
Fuel economy for the base engine configuration is EPA-estimated at 27 mpg city and 35 mpg highway, a respectable figure considering the standard all-wheel-drive system.
Interior and Technology: Modern and Spacious
Compared to more visually striking midsize sedans like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Sonata, Mazda6, and Nissan Altima, the 2020 Legacy’s styling is decidedly understated. Even with Sport trim-specific elements like a unique grille, black mirror caps, wheels, and trunk spoiler, it blends into the background. For buyers who prefer a low-profile aesthetic, this might be an advantage.
Inside, the Legacy presents a more compelling story. The cabin feels airy and open, with ample glass providing excellent natural light. Passenger space is generous both in the front and rear, with rear passengers benefiting from an additional 1.4 inches of legroom compared to the previous generation. The interior design is straightforward and functional, constructed with high-quality materials throughout, including leather-wrapped, soft-touch, and stitched surfaces. Even harder plastic elements feel durable and well-finished. The seats are comfortable and supportive, storage cubbies are plentiful, and the 15.1 cubic-foot trunk offers substantial cargo capacity.
The centerpiece of the dashboard is a massive 11.6-inch touchscreen display housing the Subaru Multimedia Plus infotainment system. This system includes features like TomTom navigation, a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, and Bluetooth. The lower portion of the screen houses climate controls, including fan speed, vent settings, and controls for the three-stage heated front seats. The infotainment interface is generally user-friendly, with large, clear icons and quick transitions between menus. Importantly, Subaru retains physical knobs and buttons for essential functions like radio volume, tuning, and temperature adjustment, avoiding complete reliance on the touchscreen.
In terms of driver-assistance technology, every 2020 Legacy comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight suite, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist with lane-centering, and pedestrian detection. Optional features available on the test car include blind-spot monitoring, reverse automatic braking, and lane-change assist, all functioning effectively as expected.
Value and All-Wheel Drive Advantage
While all-wheel drive is becoming more common in the midsize sedan class with offerings like the Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry, the 2020 Subaru Legacy remains unique in offering it as standard equipment across all trims. With a starting price of $23,645, the Legacy is the most affordable midsize sedan with standard all-wheel drive. The Altima and Camry require stepping up to higher trims and paying more for AWD.
Conclusion: A Well-Rounded and Practical Sedan
The 2020 Subaru Legacy Sport may not be the most visually exciting or thrilling to drive sedan in its class. However, it presents a compelling package as a comfortable, well-equipped, and spacious midsize sedan with the added security of standard all-wheel drive at a competitive price point. While it might not ignite passion, its practical strengths and value proposition make it a worthy contender for buyers prioritizing substance and all-weather capability in their sedan.
