Is the 2026 Subaru Legacy a Good Buy? Full Review & Test
Is the 2026 Subaru Legacy a Good Buy? Full Review & Test
The automotive world is buzzing with anticipation for the 2026 Subaru Legacy. As one of the longest-running midsize sedans in Subaru’s lineup, the Legacy has built a reputation for reliability, all-wheel drive capability, and practicality. But as the 2026 model year approaches, many buyers are asking: Is the 2026 Subaru Legacy a good buy? To answer that question thoroughly, we’ve conducted an in-depth review and test drive of the upcoming model, evaluating everything from performance and fuel economy to safety features, interior comfort, and value for money.
In this comprehensive analysis, we’ll explore what’s new for 2026, compare the Legacy to top competitors in its class, and help you determine whether this Subaru sedan deserves a spot on your shortlist. Whether you're a daily commuter, a family driver, or an outdoor enthusiast, the 2026 Legacy aims to deliver a balanced package. Let's dive into the details.
What’s New for the 2026 Subaru Legacy?
Subaru has continued to refine the Legacy with each passing year, and the 2026 model brings meaningful updates that enhance its appeal. While it may not feature a complete redesign, the incremental improvements are significant.
- Exterior Styling Updates: The 2026 Subaru Legacy receives a refreshed front fascia with a more aggressive grille, updated LED headlights, and redesigned bumper. Subaru’s signature hexagonal grille is now wider and more pronounced, giving the sedan a bolder road presence. New alloy wheel designs are available across trims, including a 19-inch option on the Limited and Touring XT models.
- Interior Upgrades: Inside, Subaru has focused on improving material quality and technology integration. Higher-grade soft-touch surfaces, available leather-trimmed upholstery, and improved sound insulation make the cabin quieter and more upscale. The most notable change is the upgraded 11.6-inch touchscreen—larger than the previous 11.6-inch vertical display—which now runs on Subaru’s latest Starlink 9.0 infotainment system with over-the-air (OTA) update capability.
- New Powertrain Option: For 2026, Subaru introduces a new turbocharged 2.4-liter flat-four engine as standard on the XT trims, while the base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine continues on lower trims. The turbo engine now produces 280 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque—up from 260 hp in previous years—thanks to revised turbo tuning and enhanced cooling.
- Enhanced Safety Suite: The 2026 Legacy comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight 5.0 driver assistance system, which includes expanded functionality like lane change support, improved adaptive cruise control with lane centering, and a new intersection assist feature that helps prevent T-bone collisions.
Performance and Driving Experience
One of the standout features of the 2026 Subaru Legacy is its well-rounded performance. While it’s not a sports sedan, it offers smooth handling, responsive acceleration, and exceptional all-weather confidence thanks to standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
Engine and Powertrain
The base 2.5-liter Boxer engine produces 182 horsepower and 178 lb-ft of torque, paired with a Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). It delivers adequate power for city driving and highway cruising, with respectable fuel economy of 27 mpg city and 36 mpg highway. The CVT is tuned to minimize the “rubber band” effect often associated with such transmissions, and paddle shifters on higher trims allow for simulated gear changes.
The real star of the lineup is the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine in the Legacy XT. With 280 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque, it provides strong acceleration—0 to 60 mph in just 5.8 seconds—making it one of the quickest midsize sedans in its class. The turbo engine is especially effective on mountain roads and during highway passing maneuvers. Power delivery is smooth and linear, and the CVT handles the extra torque with greater refinement than in past models.
Handling and Ride Quality
The Legacy’s suspension has been tuned for comfort and stability. It features MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone rear setup, which provides a balanced ride—firm enough to handle corners confidently but soft enough to absorb bumps on rough roads.
During our test drive across varied terrain—including urban streets, winding mountain roads, and long highway stretches—the Legacy impressed with its composed ride. Road noise is well-suppressed, especially in higher trims with available acoustic glass and additional sound-dampening materials. Steering is light but precise, making the Legacy easy to maneuver in parking lots while remaining stable at high speeds.
Subaru’s symmetrical AWD system continues to be a major selling point. It distributes power evenly between all four wheels, enhancing traction in snow, rain, and gravel. Unlike many competitors that offer front-wheel drive as standard, the Legacy’s standard AWD gives it a distinct advantage in inclement weather and on slick roads.
Fuel Efficiency
Fuel economy remains competitive. The base 2.5i model achieves an EPA-estimated 27 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined. The turbocharged XT model is slightly less efficient at 24 mpg city, 32 mpg highway, and 27 mpg combined—still respectable for a turbocharged AWD sedan.
With a 16.6-gallon fuel tank, the 2026 Legacy can travel over 500 miles on a single tank under highway conditions, making it ideal for road trips. Subaru has also improved idle stop-start efficiency, reducing the jarring restarts that were present in earlier models.
Interior Comfort and Technology
The interior of the 2026 Subaru Legacy strikes a balance between comfort, functionality, and modern design. It may not have the luxury feel of a Lexus ES or the sporty flair of an Audi A4, but it’s practical, well-built, and packed with useful features.
Cabin Space and Seating
The Legacy offers 105.8 cubic feet of passenger volume, providing ample space for five adults. Front seats are supportive with 8-way power adjustment (10-way on higher trims), and available ventilated and heated front and rear seats add comfort in extreme climates.
Rear legroom measures 38.6 inches—more than the 2026 Honda Accord and Toyota Camry—making it a strong contender for families or those who frequently carry passengers. The flat floor (thanks to the boxer engine layout) improves middle-seat comfort, allowing three adults to sit comfortably on longer drives.
The trunk capacity is 15.1 cubic feet—slightly less than the Camry’s 15.1 but more than the Mazda6’s 14.2. While not the largest in class, it’s still practical for groceries, luggage, or outdoor gear. The trunk opening is wide, and the low liftover height makes loading easier.
Infotainment and Connectivity
The centerpiece of the 2026 Legacy’s cockpit is the 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen, which runs Subaru’s updated Starlink 9.0 system. The interface is faster and more responsive than before, with crisp graphics and intuitive menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard and wireless connectivity is now available across all trims.
Other tech highlights include:
- Available 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster
- Wi-Fi hotspot capability
- USB-C charging ports (four total: two front, two rear)
- Wireless charging pad
- Harman Kardon 10-speaker premium audio system (optional on Limited trim)
Voice recognition has improved significantly, now supporting natural language commands. For instance, saying “Hey Subaru, find the nearest gas station” triggers accurate results via the built-in navigation system. The system also learns driver preferences over time, automatically adjusting climate settings and favorite radio stations.
Safety and Driver Assistance Features
Safety has always been a cornerstone of Subaru’s philosophy, and the 2026 Legacy continues that tradition with a comprehensive suite of standard and available features.
Subaru EyeSight 5.0
EyeSight 5.0 is now standard on all Legacy trims and includes:
- Pre-Collision Braking
- Adaptive Cruise Control with Lane Centering
- Lead Vehicle Departure Notification
- Lane Departure and Sway Warning
- Automatic Lane Change Support (on Touring XT trim)
- Intersection Assist (detects cross-traffic when turning left at intersections)
In real-world testing, EyeSight performed admirably. The adaptive cruise control maintained a safe distance in stop-and-go traffic, and lane centering kept the vehicle centered in its lane with minimal driver input. The system’s cameras and radar have been upgraded for 2026, allowing it to function more effectively in heavy rain or fog.
NHTSA and IIHS Ratings
While official crash test results for the 2026 model are pending, Subaru expects the Legacy to earn top marks. The 2025 Legacy received a 5-star overall rating from the NHTSA and a Top Safety Pick+ from the IIHS. Given the enhanced safety tech and structural improvements, the 2026 model is likely to match or exceed those results.
Additional Safety Features
Beyond EyeSight, the 2026 Legacy offers:
- Blind-spot detection with rear cross-traffic alert
- Reverse automatic braking
- High beam assist
- Drowsy driver detection
- 360-degree camera system (available on Touring XT)
These features not only enhance safety but also reduce driver fatigue on long journeys. The 360-degree camera, in particular, is invaluable when parking in tight urban spaces.
Trim Levels and Pricing
The 2026 Subaru Legacy is available in five trim levels: Base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring XT. Pricing starts at $26,995 for the Base model and tops out at $39,895 for the fully loaded Touring XT.
Trim Breakdown
- Base ($26,995): Includes 17-inch wheels, cloth upholstery, 11.6-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, and full EyeSight suite.
- Premium ($29,195): Adds 18-inch wheels, power driver’s seat, upgraded Starlink audio, and fog lights.
- Sport ($31,695): Features sport-tuned suspension, black exterior accents, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and unique interior trim.
- Limited ($33,995): Offers leather upholstery, heated front and rear seats, power moonroof, and Harman Kardon audio.
- Touring XT ($39,895): Comes with the turbocharged engine, 19-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, and advanced driver aids including automatic lane change support.
With standard AWD and a long list of safety features, even the base model feels well-equipped. The Limited trim offers the best value for most buyers, combining luxury features with a reasonable price point. The Touring XT is ideal for those who want extra performance and the latest tech.
How the 2026 Subaru Legacy Compares to Competitors
To determine if the 2026 Legacy is a good buy, it’s essential to compare it with key rivals in the midsize sedan segment.
vs. 2026 Honda Accord
The Honda Accord remains a top seller, known for its efficient hybrid powertrain and sharp styling. However, the Accord now only offers front-wheel drive, putting it at a disadvantage in snowy climates. The Legacy’s standard AWD and superior safety tech give it an edge in all-weather capability and driver confidence.
While the Accord’s hybrid models achieve up to 48 mpg, the Legacy’s fuel economy is still competitive. The Legacy also offers more standard safety features and a roomier back seat.
vs. 2026 Toyota Camry
The Camry offers a wide range of engines