WASHINGTON — Subaru gave the Legacy sedan a makeover for 2015. I drove the four-cylinder version last year and was frankly surprised what a better car it was, though I really wanted a few more ponies under the hood. This time, I drove the six-cylinder Legacy, which Subaru still offers — a rarity lately in this segment. So what better way to find out whether the bigger engine improves the experience than with a nice 750-mile trek to Western New York and back?
On the first leg of the trip, I drove solo, and the extra power from the six cylinders was evident — it really helped when passing on two-lane roads. The 256 hp makes the sedan more fun to drive and, the All Wheel Drive system keeps the car steady in the turns with great grip. The standard AWD also separates the Legacy from others in this class.
The only transmission available is CVT. While I’m not usually a huge fan of this type of transmission, it does a pretty good job of pretending to be a normal automatic, with fake shifts to trick you. It helps get the car into the power when needed, with a just a hint of that rubber-band effect when moving slow and then accelerating. On the return trip, I packed the car and trunk full, and I never wished for more power. I don’t think I would be able to say the same of the four-cylinder version.
When you choose the six-cylinder you pay with a drop in fuel economy: 20 mpg city, 29 mpg highway, 23 mpg combined. I did 28 mpg over the week, mostly on highway and country roads, with about 150 of the 750 miles in stop-and-go traffic. I only needed gas once.
I was pleased with the ride during the six-hour trip over all types of road surfaces, but it is a bit more firm than some others. There is some body roll or lean in tighter turns, so it will never be confused for some of the sportier models in the segment. It’s definitely more engaging than some others I have tested recently.
The interior is straightforward and clean, with easy-to-read gauges. The materials are a step up from previous Legacys. The leather seats where comfortable enough for six hours at a time, and the space in the cabin was good for five people; even the trunk is a decent size for the class, though sometimes it wouldn’t pop open with remote.
It has some nifty safety technology, called Eyesight, that uses cameras to look ahead and helps with the adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and lane departure warning. The system works well. The voice-activated NAV works better than trying to go through different screens to get the correct menu.
The exterior is also cleaned up. It’s not going to wow you, but it’s a handsome design — only a small spoiler and dual tail pipes hint that a larger engine lies inside.
With an upgraded interior and new transmission, the Legacy is a nicer place to be, and with better fuel economy. This Subaru feels solid and safe and boasts a five-star crash rating — an important factor when you want a car to haul the family around. The $33,000 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited is a go-anywhere AWD sedan that’s ready to tackle the daily commute or the long haul with the family.
