2022 Subaru Legacy Overview
The 2022 Subaru Legacy continues its legacy as a reliable, comfortable, and safe mid-size sedan, offering standard all-wheel drive and a refined driving experience. It's a practical choice for those seeking a capable and well-equipped vehicle that excels in a variety of weather conditions.
Highlights
- Standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive: A hallmark of Subaru, the 2022 Legacy comes standard with AWD on all trims. This system provides exceptional traction and stability in rain, snow, and on slippery roads, enhancing driver confidence and control.
- Engine Options:
- 2.5-liter BOXER Engine: This naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine produces 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. It's efficient and provides adequate power for daily driving and commuting.
- 2.4-liter Turbocharged BOXER Engine: Available on Sport, Limited GT, and Touring XT trims, this engine delivers a more spirited performance with 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. It offers quicker acceleration and a more engaging driving experience.
- EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Subaru's advanced suite of safety features is standard on most trims (and available on some). Key features include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically braking and accelerating as needed.
- Lane Keep Assist: Helps to keep the vehicle centered in its lane by providing gentle steering inputs.
- Pre-Collision Braking: Detects potential frontal collisions and can automatically apply the brakes to mitigate or avoid an accident.
- Pre-Collision Throttle Management: Can reduce engine power if a frontal collision is detected and the accelerator is still engaged.
- Trim Level Summary:
- BASE: Offers a solid foundation with standard AWD, a 7-inch touchscreen, and key safety features.
- PREMIUM: Adds features like heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and an 11.6-inch infotainment touchscreen.
- SPORT: Distinguishes itself with sportier styling elements like unique wheels and badging, a sunroof, and the more powerful turbocharged engine.
- LIMITED: Further enhances comfort and technology with leather-trimmed upholstery, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and a premium audio system.
- TOURING XT: The top-tier trim, boasting the turbocharged engine, luxury features like ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic sunroof.
- Comfortable and Spacious Interior: The Legacy offers a well-appointed and roomy cabin for its class, with comfortable seating for five adults. Rear-seat legroom is particularly generous.
- Excellent Visibility: The Legacy's design offers good outward visibility, making it easy to maneuver and park.
What to Expect
Owning a 2022 Subaru Legacy typically translates to a smooth and predictable ownership experience. Subaru vehicles are generally known for their reliability and longevity.
- Maintenance: Routine maintenance, such as oil changes, tire rotations, and fluid checks, will follow the typical schedule for a mid-size sedan. Subaru's AWD system is generally robust and doesn't typically require specialized maintenance beyond regular inspections. The BOXER engines are also known for their durability.
- Insurance: Insurance costs can vary significantly based on your location, driving record, chosen coverage levels, and the specific trim of the Legacy you select. However, as a mainstream sedan with strong safety ratings, it's unlikely to be prohibitively expensive to insure. It's always recommended to get quotes from multiple insurance providers.
- Driving Experience: The Legacy provides a comfortable and composed ride, absorbing road imperfections well. While not a performance-oriented car (except perhaps the XT models), the handling is predictable and confidence-inspiring, especially with the standard AWD. The cabin is generally quiet, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere.
Potential Considerations
While the 2022 Subaru Legacy is a strong contender, there are a few aspects buyers might want to consider:
- Infotainment System Responsiveness: While the larger 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen is visually appealing and offers many features, some users have reported occasional lag or a slight learning curve for certain functions compared to more intuitive systems.
- CVT Transmission: All Legacy models utilize a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While Subaru's CVT has improved over the years and is designed for efficiency and smooth acceleration, some drivers prefer the engagement of a traditional automatic transmission with distinct gear shifts.
- Base Engine Performance: The 2.5-liter BOXER engine, while adequate, might feel a bit underpowered for those who frequently drive with heavy loads or in situations demanding quick acceleration. The turbocharged engine addresses this concern.
- Interior Styling: While functional and well-built, the interior design of the Legacy is generally more conservative and less visually striking than some competitors in the segment.
Overall Summary
The 2022 Subaru Legacy remains a sensible and competent choice in the mid-size sedan market. Its standard all-wheel drive, impressive suite of safety features, comfortable ride, and spacious interior make it an excellent all-around vehicle, particularly for those who prioritize capability and peace of mind in various driving conditions. For those seeking a bit more pep, the available turbocharged engine adds a welcome dose of performance. It's a well-rounded sedan that consistently delivers on Subaru's reputation for reliability and practicality.