The Subaru Legacy only has one things going for it in the family sedan class, and that is the all-wheel drive system that comes standard. Other than this, the fuel economy is about average, and the performance is lackluster. While the design inside and out is attractive, the materials aren't especially impressive, and overall, this is just an alright vehicle. If all-wheel drive isn't important, drivers are likely to shop elsewhere.
New For 2013
Subaru’s optional EyeSight is the biggest change for the 2013 Legacy. EyeSight is an active camera-based system that scans the area in front of the Legacy to let the car know if there are pedestrians in the path, a collision is imminent, or the car is about to depart its lane. The system can automatically apply the brakes in some situations if the driver does not respond to the initial audio warning.
Exterior
The 2013 Subaru Legacy is a midsize sedan. The base 2.5i model comes with 16-inch steel wheels, automated headlights, a rear spoiler, and all-season tires. The 2.5i Premium trim adds 17-inch alloy wheels and body colored mirrors. Also available for the 2.5i Premium is an all-weather package, which adds a deicer to the windshield wipers. A sunroof can be ordered as a standalone option. The 2.5i Limited trim comes with all the standard features of cheaper models plus fog lights, the all-weather package, and options like the sunroof and rearview camera. The 3.6R models closely resemble the 2.5i.
The front and rear bumpers are colored the same as the body. The body color comes in eight options, which includes the unique caramel bronze pearl and deep indigo pearl paint jobs. Headlights are halogen, and all models come with privacy glass. The 3.6R comes with chrome trim, and the outside mirrors are heated.
There is a long list of exterior options, especially for the base model. These include bike racks, body side molding kits, tail pipe cover, and puddle lights. There are also body side molding kits, spoiler kits, and lip spoiler kits for each color option. Rear and front bumper appliques can be added, and so can a kayak or canoe storage system. Overall, the Subaru Legacy is both practical and beautiful, and with the options it allows for the outdoorsmen type to get around without a big truck or SUV.
Interior & Cargo
The interior design for the 2013 Subaru Legacy is extremely attractive and sleek. Some of the materials aren't luxurious or soft to the touch, which may make it look a little underdeveloped when stacked next to competitors. Still the cloth seating is comforting, and the rear legroom is adequate. For front seats, there is bucket seating, and the rear features a split folding bench. All windows, locks, and mirrors are powered and easy to control.
Standard convenience includes cruise control, air conditioning, and interior air filtration. The base receives a four-speaker, AM/FM/CD radio system with an auxiliary jack and USB connection. The 2.5i Premium trim adds eight-way adjustable power seats, leather trim on the steering wheel, and an upgraded six-speaker audio system. The 2.5i Limited receives dual-zone automatic climate control, rear ventilation ducts, and wood trim. Also for the 2.5i Limited, the passenger seat gains four-way powered adjustments. The Limited comes with options for a navigation system, which includes a rearview camera and a touchscreen display. Unfortunately, the touchscreen is a bit unattractive and wonky to use.
Cargo space is only 14.7 cubic feet in the trunk, which is about normal for this size of vehicle. Interior options include sunshade, ashtrays, and auto-dimming mirrors. Also available is XM satellite radio, but this requires a subscription as well. The interior isn't overtly impressive, but it is more than adequate and rather comfortable.
Safety
The 2013 Subaru Legacy comes standard with the usual fare. This includes anti-lock brakes, braking assist, and stability and traction control systems. Additionally, tire pressure monitoring is included. The airbags include front side airbags and side curtain airbags, and the passenger seat has a sensor that deactivates the airbag if no one is present at the time of a collision.
The Limited trim gets some additional safety technology, which includes the optional EyeSight system. This EyeSight system includes adaptive cruise control, sway warning, lane departure warning, and pre-collision braking. It features two cameras placed in the edge of the front and rear windshields, and it can automatically apply the brakes in the event that a pedestrian is present and the driver doesn't take evasive action.
During crash testing conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, the Legacy received an overall score of ""Good,"" which is perfect. These tests concluded that roof strength, side impact strength, and frontal impact strength are excellent. Overall, the Subaru Legacy provides plenty of safety even on base models, and with the option of safety gadgets, the higher trim levels are even better.
Driving Experience
The 2013 Subaru Legacy comes with two engine sizes. The base engine is a 2.5-liter, horizontally opposed, four-cylinder that produces 173 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission is a six-speed, manual that includes the hill-holder feature that keeps it from rolling backwards. A continuously variable transmission is also available, and this comes standard on the Premium and Limited trims.
Unfortunately, testing on acceleration shows that the Legacy is rather slow for a four-cylinder sedan. The vehicle reaches zero to 60 miles per hour in a pitiful 9.4 seconds. Regardless, it is the only family sedan that features all-wheel drive, and the continuously variable transmission receives an estimated fuel economy of 24/32 mpg city/highway.
For the 3.6R models, there is a 3.6-liter, six-cylinder engine that produces 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. This comes with a five-speed, automatic transmission. Still, the performance is a bit slow, and with a reduced fuel economy of 18/25 mpg city/highway, the 3.6R is barely a better choice than the other trims. Overall, the Legacy's performance is only adequate. While the all-wheel drive makes rough terrain and weather more bearable, other cars in this class are much better under the hood.
Key Competitors For The 2013 Subaru Legacy
- Ford Fusion
- Honda Accord
- Toyota Camry
- Volkswagen Passat