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2016 Subaru Legacy

Subaru Legacy OEM Exterior Photo
OEM Interior Primary
OEM Exterior Standard
OEM Exterior
OEM Interior
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Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

Select a Trim
Select a Trim
2016 2.5i 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan
most popular
Price:   -  From $21,745
2016 2.5i Premium 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $23,845
2016 2.5i Limited 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $26,845
2016 3.6R Limited 4dr All-Wheel Drive Sedan Price:   -  From $29,945

Overview

Totally redesigned for 2015, Legacy is one of the few passenger cars with standard all-wheel drive, like nearly every Subaru. Closely related to the Outback wagon, the midsize sedan has long provided excellent all-around value. Ranking among the most sensible and practical cars on the market, Legacy has plenty of safety features and a reputation for fuel efficiency. For any sedan shopper seeking a lot of car for the money, the Legacy needs to be on the shopping list.

What's New for 2016

Two versions of the Subaru Starlink Safety and Security group are new for 2016: Safety Plus, and Safety Plus & Security Plus. Subaru’s available EyeSight driver-assist technology adds Lane Keep Assist. Electric power steering has been retuned for a more linear feel. A new auto on/off mode operates wipers with the headlights.

Subaru Legacy

Choosing Your Subaru Legacy

In its current form, Legacy styling is more enticing than in the past, with a slippery profile that helps boost fuel economy. Most Legacy sedans hold a 2.5-liter four-cylinder “Boxer” (flat) engine that sends 175 horsepower to a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which has manual mode and paddle shifters. An Active Grille Shutter system aims to improve fuel economy by reducing wind resistance. The top-rung Legacy 3.6R Limited gets a 3.6-liter V6 that develops 256 horsepower, with a high-torque CVT.

Subaru’s available EyeSight system includes adaptive cruise control, automatic pre-collision braking, and Lane Departure and Sway Warning, as well as the new Lane Keep Assist. If the EyeSight camera detects drifting, Lane Keep directs the vehicle back into its correct lane.

Fuel economy is estimated at 26 mpg city/36 mpg highway with the four-cylinder engine, but only 20/29 mpg (city/highway) with the six-cylinder.

Four trim levels are offered:

Subaru Legacy

2.5i

Starting at $22,540 (including destination charge), the entry-level Legacy has the 2.5-liter engine and a selection of powered components. The 6.2-inch touchscreen radio includes a CD player, Bluetooth with audio streaming, iPod control with USB and auxiliary inputs, and HD radio. A rearview backup camera is standard. So are split-folding rear seats and automatic headlights.

Subaru Legacy

2.5i Premium

Adding $2,100 to the 2.5i price, the Premium edition features heated front seats and mirrors, a 10-way power driver’s seat, windshield de-icer, and 17-inch alloy wheels. Also standard are a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift handle, electro-luminescent instrument panel, and dual-zone automatic climate control. Options include navigation, a moonroof, and Subaru’s EyeSight driver-assistance package.

Subaru Legacy

2.5i Limited

For $3,000 more than Premium, the top four-cylinder Legacy adds perforated leather-trimmed seat upholstery, a driver’s seat memory, heated rear seats, foglights, woodgrain trim, and 18-inch alloy wheels. The 575-watt Harman Kardon Surround audio system plays through a dozen speakers. Blind-spot detection and cross traffic alert also are standard. Navigation, EyeSight, and a moonroof are optional, as is pushbutton start with PIN code access.

Subaru Legacy

3.6R Limited

Topping the chart, the 3.6R is priced $3,100 higher than the 2.5i Limited. Stepping up to the 256-horsepower six-cylinder engine, it adds paddle shifters, high-intensity-discharge headlights, and stainless steel exhaust tips. Here too, options include navigation, EyeSight, and a moonroof.

CarsDirect Tip

Although the six-cylinder 3.6R may be tempting, even that version doesn’t qualify as a sport sedan. Most drivers will be fully satisfied with an energetic, and more fuel-efficient, 2.5i model. Picking a 2.5i Premium provides most of the equipment that buyers in this class typically want, including advanced safety features, for less than $25,000.

Get your price on a Subaru Legacy »

Read our review on the Subaru Legacy »

Subaru Legacy
author image
Contributing Editor
Read Less

Expert Review

Expert Rating
Unavailable

Our expert ratings are based on seven comprehensive criteria: quality, safety, comfort, performance, fuel economy, reliability history and value.

You can interpret our ratings in the following way:

: Outstanding vehicle. Only the most exceptional vehicles achieve this rating.

: Very Good vehicle. Very good and close to being the best vehicle in its class.

: Good vehicle. Decent, but not quite the best. Often affordable, but lacking key features found in vehicles of the same class.

: Below average vehicle. Not recommended, and lacking attributes a car buyer would come to expect for the price.

: Poor vehicle. Simply does not deserve to be on the road.

author image
Automotive Editor

For more than two decades, Subaru has been refining its Legacy, and each year it gets better. Following a redesign in 2015, the Legacy became one of our favorite sedans. This love for the Legacy continues into the 2016 model year.

Pricing and Equipment

Subaru Legacy

With a starting price of just $21,745, the 2016 Subaru Legacy 2.5i is one of the lowest-priced all-wheel drive sedans available today. What’s more, even in base form it comes surprisingly well-equipped with features like:

  • Projector-beam headlights
  • Cruise Control
  • Four-speaker audio system with a 6.2-inch touchscreen
  • Bluetooth audio streaming

For even more standard features, move up to the $23,845 2.5i Premium or $26,845 2.5i Limited. For added performance and luxury, opt for the 3.6R Limited trim, which runs $29,945.

Performance Pros

The Legacy presents buyers with a great value, especially with its standard all-wheel drive system. But that’s not all this sedan has going for it. We also find its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine competent, while the 3.6-liter six-cylinder delivers smooth and refined performance.

  • Standard all-wheel drive at this price is amazing.
  • 175-horsepower base engine delivers plenty of off-the-line pop.
  • Six-pot engine gives the Legacy a more premium feel.

Performance Cons

The continuously variable transmission (CVT), while a fuel saver, robs a lot of fun and provokes an awkward groan from the engine. This is particularly pronounced in the four-cylinder engine, which also struggles when going uphill.

Interior Pros

Subaru Legacy

The latest-generation Legacy’s revised cabin is much larger than before, with increased front and rear legroom, and up to 15 cubic feet of cargo room in the trunk.

  • One of the roomiest cabins in the segment.
  • Acoustic glass and liquid-filled engine mounts keep noise to a minimum.

Interior Cons

As comfortable as the Legacy’s interior is, its seats are a sore spot for us. It takes a lot of adjustment to find a comfortable position, and the lack of side bolstering makes for a lot of sliding on twisty roads.

The Most Pleasant Surprise

The 2016 Legacy is one of the safest sedans on the road today, thanks to its solid construction and advanced safety features like EyeSight. These combine to result in a Top Safety Pick+ designation from the IIHS and five stars from the NHTSA.

The Least Pleasant Surprise

While the 3.6-liter six-cylinder is a wonderful engine, it feels dated to us, and isn't as good as turbocharged four-cylinder engines Subaru offers in other cars. We think it is time to drop this engine and move to a strictly four-cylinder lineup.

The Bottom Line

Subaru Legacy

In our opinion, the 2016 Legacy is one of the best family sedans available today. It has plenty of premium features, a well-laid-out cabin, decent powertrains, standard all-wheel drive, outrageous safety ratings, and a low price. You simply cannot get much better for the money.

Read Less

Specs & Features

Highlights
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L H-4 / 175 HP / 174 ft.lbs.
Transmission
Lineartronic 6-spd sequential shift control CVT w/OD
Drive Type
Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Highway/Combined
26 / 36 / 31 Mpg
Passenger Capacity
5
Bumper to Bumper Warranty
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Mechanical Specs
Engine - Cylinders/Horsepower/Torque
2.5L H-4 / 175 HP / 174 ft.lbs.
Drive Type
Full-time All Wheel
Fuel Economy - City/Hwy/Combined
26 / 36 / 31 Mpg
Brakes
4-wheel Disc
Front Suspension
Strut
Rear Suspension
Independent Double Wishbone
Spare Tire And Wheel
Compact Steel
Fuel Tank
18.5 Gal.
Recommended Fuel Type
Regular Unleaded
Average Cost To Fill Tank
$71
Dimensions & Capabilities
Maximum Cargo Volume
15.0 Cu.ft.
Passenger Volume
105 Cu.ft.
Exterior Length
188.8 "
Exterior Width
72.4 "
Exterior Height
59.0 "
Front Headroom
40.0 "
Rear Headroom
37.0 "
Front Legroom
42.9 "
Rear Legroom
38.1 "
Front Shoulder Room
58.1 "
Rear Shoulder Room
57.3 "
Front Hip Room
Rear Hip Room
Curb Weight
3,468 Lbs.
Wheel Base
108 "
Turning Radius
18.4 '
Exterior Features
Door Count
4 Doors
Wheels
17.0 " Steel / 17.0 " Silver Aluminum
Paint
Clearcoat Monotone
Exterior Mirrors
Dual Power Remote
Bumpers
Body-colored
Grille Moldings
Chrome
Rear Spoiler
Exhaust
Stainless Steel / Stainless Steel With Polished Tailpipe Finish
Interior Features
Seating
Passenger Capacity
5
Seat Trim
Cloth
Front Seat Type
Bucket
Heated Front Seats
Front Driver Seat Direction Controls
6-way
Front Passenger Seat Direction Controls
4-way
Front Armrests
6-way
Rear Armrests
Center
Rear Seats
60-40 Bench
Radio & Infotainment
Radio
Am/fm/hd, Seek-scan
Speakers
4 / 6
Radio Steering Wheel Controls
Apple Car Play
Android Auto
Bluetooth w/ Hands-Free Connectivity
Convenience Features
Steering Wheel Type
Telescopic Tilt
Climate Control
Cruise Control
With Steering Wheel Controls
Sun Roof
Rearview Mirror
Day-night / Auto-dimming Day-night
One Touch Open Window
Driver
Tinted Windows
Light
Vanity Mirrors
Dual Illuminated
Remote Keyless Entry
Keyfob (all Doors)
Power Outlets
1
Safety Features
Overall Crash Safety Rating
Overall Front Crash Safety Rating
Overall Side Crash Safety Rating
Rollover Crash Safety Rating
Front Impact Airbags
Driver And Passenger
Driver Side Impact Airbags
Seat Mounted
Knee Airbag
Passenger Side Impact Airbag
Seat Mounted
Rear Side Airbag
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front
Anti-Lock Brakes
4-wheel Anti-lock Brakes (abs)
Forward Collision Warning
Blind Spot Sensor
Lane Departure Warning
Autonomous Cruise Control
Pedestrian Detection
Driver Attention Alert
Daytime Running Lights
Auto High Beams
Adaptive Headlights
Parking Sensors
Security Systems
Security System
Panic Alarm
Ignition Disable
Immobilizer
Warranty
Bumper To Bumper Months Miles
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Major Components Months
60 Months / 60,000 Miles
Included Maintenance Months
Roadside Assistance Months
36 Months / 36,000 Miles
Corrosion Perforation
60 Months / Unlimited Miles
Accessories Months

Used 2016 Subaru Legacy for Sale

1 vehicles found within 100 miles of your area
Subaru
3.6R Limited
Color: Ice Silver Metallic
Price

$18,699

Mileage

48,829 mi

Map location icon

Puente Hills Subaru (29 mi)

Phone: (626) 626-4800

Other Subaru Legacy Listings

We have expanded the search to include other Subaru Legacy years that you might be interested in.

Subaru
Touring XT
Color: Crystal White Pearl
Price

$26,995

Mileage

37,090 mi

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Nissan of Mission Hills (24 mi)

Phone: (747) 600-2312
Subaru
Premium
Color: Crystal Black Silica
Price

$23,664

Mileage

27,910 mi

Map location icon

Kirby Subaru of Ventura (51 mi)

Phone: (805) 666-1001
Subaru
Limited
Color: Ay2
Price

$22,000

Mileage

39,888 mi

Map location icon

Subaru Pacific (3 mi)

Phone: (310) 896-2100
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