Hello, car enthusiasts around the world! Welcome to our review of the 2025 Subaru Legacy, a car that marks the final year of this iconic model. Sadly, this year signals the end of the Subaru Legacy’s legacy (pun intended), so let’s take a moment to properly send off this staple of Subaru’s lineup.
The 2025 Subaru Legacy XT Touring, in this gorgeous color, brings us back to the roots of the RS Turbo Legacy. It’s a fitting tribute with dual stainless steel mufflers and real metal tips—just like the original Legacy. The exhaust system transitions into a single pipe, keeping in line with Subaru’s signature design, especially in the Outback range.
2025 Subaru Legacy Specifications
Specification | 2.5L Models | Sport and Touring XT |
---|---|---|
Engine | 2.5L 4-cylinder BOXER | 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder BOXER |
Horsepower | 182 hp @ 5,800 rpm | 260 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
Torque | 176 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm | 277 lb-ft @ 2,000-4,800 rpm |
Transmission | Lineartronic CVT, 8-speed manual | High-torque Lineartronic CVT, 8-speed |
Drivetrain | AWD with Active Torque Split | AWD with Active Torque Split |
Fuel Economy (City/Hwy) | 27/35 mpg | 23/31 mpg |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.5 gal | 18.5 gal |
Brakes (Front/Rear) | Dual-piston caliper / single-piston | Dual-piston caliper / single-piston |
Wheels | 17-inch alloy (base); 18-inch (Sport) | 18-inch alloy |
Dimensions (L/W/H) | 191.1 x 72.4 x 59.1 in | Same |
Passenger Volume | 105.5 cu ft (w/o moonroof) | 102.6 cu ft (w/ moonroof) |
Trunk Capacity | 15.1 cu ft | Same |
2025 Subaru Legacy XT Touring: A Look at the Suspension and Rear Components
One of the standout features of the 2025 Subaru Legacy XT is its rear suspension. The Legacy XT uses a double-wishbone configuration, with stamped steel for the two lower links, a tubular front, and aluminum for the upper components.
Even the rear knuckle is made from aluminum, ensuring both performance and weight savings. The Legacy XT is equipped with KYB coilover rear dampers, and you’ll find gold paint markers on all the welds—evidence of meticulous quality control.
The rear anti-sway bar is directly mounted to the rear subframe, measuring 19 mm in diameter. Inside the steel rear subframe, the R160 open-type rear differential offers a 3.9 final drive ratio, complete with brake-based torque vectoring.
This is a well-thought-out package, with the differential featuring a steel casing and a finned aluminum diff cover, along with an aluminum diff brace. Manufactured in Japan, the components are engineered to withstand Subaru’s demanding performance standards.
Built on Subaru’s SGP Platform: Legacy XT Touring Performance and Weight
The 2025 Subaru Legacy is built on Subaru’s Subaru Global Platform (SGP), which offers a solid foundation for both comfort and performance. This seventh-generation Legacy (chassis code BW) is one of the last to carry the torch for this beloved model. The top-tier XT Touring trim weighs in at 3,787 lbs and is designed for long-distance cruising and tackling tough conditions.
This Subaru is ready for winter with features that ensure it can handle the harshest weather. The vehicle is equipped with wool pants—figuratively speaking—with dual resonators in the exhaust mid-pipe.
The mid-pipe itself measures about 60 mm (or 2.4 inches), offering a robust, efficient design. The 18 1/2-gallon fuel tank provides a solid 570-mile range on the turbocharged model, and non-turbo versions can reach up to 640 miles on a single tank.
Exterior Dimensions & Cargo Space
2025 Subaru Legacy, a midsize sedan, offers a solid blend of size and spaciousness. The exterior dimensions include a length of 191.1 inches, a width of 72.4 inches (extending to 81.8 inches with mirrors), and a height of 59.1 inches.
It also has a wheelbase of 108.3 inches, contributing to a stable and comfortable ride. The Legacy has a curb weight varying by trim, from 3,492 pounds for the base model to 3,787 pounds for the Touring XT trim, due to additional features and materials.
The cargo space in the Legacy’s trunk measures 15.1 cubic feet, offering ample room for a sedan, suitable for luggage and daily storage needs. Additionally, the trunk’s liftover height is 26.8 inches, making loading items relatively easy for a sedan of its class
Transmission and Powertrain in the 2025 Subaru Legacy XT
Under the hood, the 2025 Subaru Legacy XT comes with Subaru’s Lineartronic TR690 high-torque chain-based CVT transmission. This system can handle a maximum torque input of 400 Nm (or 295 lb-ft).
While there is no manual transmission option from the factory, it’s worth noting that the Subaru WRX shares the same FA24F engine and offers a six-speed manual transmission, making it possible to swap the transmission if you’re familiar with Subaru’s modular setup. This design remains true to Subaru’s dedication to performance and longevity, making the Legacy a standout in its class.
Competitors of 2025 Subaru Legacy
As we head into 2025, the Subaru Legacy is gearing up to compete in a pretty stacked field of midsize sedans. Let’s take a look at how it measures up against some of its biggest rivals: the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, and Hyundai Sonata.
Toyota Camry: Going All-In on Hybrid
Toyota’s taken a big leap with the 2025 Camry, which is now only offered as a hybrid. Its 2.5L engine and electric motor put out 225 horsepower, and fuel efficiency is a major perk—up to 51 MPG combined in front-wheel drive.
While the Camry’s not a performance powerhouse, it makes up for it with techy touches, like a 12.3-inch display screen in the higher trims. If gas mileage and modern convenience are high on your list, the Camry is tough to ignore.
Honda Accord: The Smooth and Spacious Choice
Honda keeps things classy with the Accord. The 2025 model blends a well-tuned hybrid system, generating 204 horsepower and achieving around 48 MPG combined, making it efficient yet quick on its feet.
The Accord’s interior is designed with comfort and tech in mind, featuring a roomy cabin and a stylish 12.3-inch infotainment system. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a balance of performance, efficiency, and comfort.
Hyundai Sonata: Sleek and High-Tech
Hyundai’s Sonata, with both gas and hybrid options, keeps things interesting. The hybrid trim clocks in at 192 horsepower and up to 50 MPG combined.
Hyundai has also gone all-in on tech; the Sonata’s high-end trim boasts a large 12.3-inch digital display and a cutting-edge cabin layout that feels futuristic. If you love a bold design with high-tech features, the Sonata is definitely worth a look.
Subaru Legacy: The AWD Underdog
The Subaru Legacy brings its own set of strengths to the mix. AWD comes standard, giving it an edge in handling, especially for drivers who face tougher weather. Its 2.4L turbo option in higher trims brings an impressive 260 horsepower to the table, making it one of the speedier options among these rivals.
However, without a hybrid option, its fuel efficiency lags behind competitors—coming in around 27 MPG combined on lower trims and 23 MPG with the turbo. But Subaru fans know they’re getting a comfortable ride and solid safety features at a relatively affordable price point.
2025 Subaru Legacy Expected 0-60 Time
2025 Subaru Legacy is expected to achieve a 0-60 mph time of about 8.3 seconds with its standard 2.5-liter engine. The turbocharged 2.4-liter engine, available in higher trims like the Touring XT, is estimated to reach 0-60 mph in approximately 6.1 seconds, matching recent models.
Warranty
2025 Subaru Legacy comes with a standard warranty package offering a 3-year/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, covering essential components like the engine and transmission.
This coverage aligns with industry standards for midsize sedans. Subaru also offers optional extended warranties, like the Subaru Added Security Plans, which can extend coverage up to 8 years or 120,000 miles for those looking for additional protection. This adds value, especially for Subaru’s unique all-wheel-drive capabilities and safety features
Final Thoughts on the 2025 Subaru Legacy
The 2025 Subaru Legacy marks the end of an era for this model, but it also cements its place in Subaru history. With its carefully engineered suspension, well-built platform, and impressive powertrain, the Legacy XT Touring offers a fitting farewell.
Whether you’ve been a fan of the Legacy since the early days or are just discovering what it has to offer, the 2025 Subaru Legacy is a testament to Subaru’s commitment to creating vehicles that blend performance, reliability, and practicality. This may be the last year for the Legacy, but it’s certainly going out with a bang.