2017 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Sport /HAE Review
Overview:
This is the 2017 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Sport. The last time I looked at the Legacy was the 2015 model year. Very little change in design. Pricing very similar and more competition in this Midsize market segment.
Subaru remains on the top of my list of quality cars over the few decades I’ve been involved in evaluating cars. But let’s face it, in America, we have been at the forefront of the auto industry from our very early years. Cars have been, for the guys, the second loves of our lives right after girls. For some that order would be reversed.
General Information:
Parts – US/Canadian 45%, Japan 40%; Engine and transmission – Japan
It is Assembled in – Lafayette, Indiana, USA. Class – Midsize – Cars from Subaru – BRZ, Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, Legacy, Outback, WRX, WRX STI.
Handling & Performance:
A continuously variable transmission (CVT), (also known as single-speed or gearless transmission, a one-speed automatic, variable pulley transmission,) is a transmission that can change seamlessly through an infinite number of effective gear ratios between maximum and minimum values. This contrasts with other mechanical transmissions that offer a fixed number of gear ratios. The flexibility of a CVT allows the input shaft to maintain a constant angular velocity.
Active Torque Vectoring (ATV) applies light brake pressure to the inside front wheel as your Subaru car carves a corner, which pushes more power to the outside front wheel, reducing wheel spin and sharpening handling.
Quick ratio steering boxes will require as low as 2-3 full turns in contrast to the early 1960s power steering gearboxes were originally manufactured with a wide turn ratio. Depending on the manufacturer, most were in the area of 16:1 to as high as 24:1, requiring a full four to five turns of the steering wheel to complete their range from lock to lock (wheels locked from the extreme right to the extreme left).
Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) systems use various sensors to monitor driver inputs and vehicle motion. Under certain driving conditions, it controls brake pressure and engine output to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle.
Styling:
They must have figured they had reached perfection and thus it looks and feels much like the 2015 I reviewed back then, and for me that is a good thing. You may remember in the early days mid-way through the 20th Century it was common to change styling and design every two year models. That was especially true with American made cars. I think they figured that was the best way to appeal to the customer. Well, it may have worked.
Fit and Finish:
Subaru is known for quality among my colleagues. This Legacy is a good example.
Cost:
Those listed are competitively priced, of course, since money is the most important motivating factor for most of us.
Conveniences and comfort:
All good standard equipment, but for my money the options make the car special even at the price.
Consumer Recommendations:
They are all nice cars but my favorites in this lineup are Hyundai Sonata and this Subaru Legacy.
Recognized Competition:
Subaru Legacy $27,000, Ford Fusion $27,000, Honda Accord $27,000, Toyota Camry $27,000, Volkswagen Passat $25,000, Nissan Altima $22,000, Hyundai Sonata $23,000, Mazda 6 $24,000, Chevrolet Malibu $24,000.
Good News:
Nice ride, comfy, roomy, – with options package you get great safety features, for me a must.
Bad News:
n/a
Standard Equipment:
2.5 liter 4-cylinder boxer engine, CVT 6-speed automatic with manual mode transmission, Active Torque Vectoring with quick ratio steering, symetrical all wheel drive, dynamic control, rear vision camera, front, side seat curtain airbags, LATCH system for Child safety seats, 4-wheel ABS disc brakes, anti theft alarm and immobilizer system, infotainment system with CD, HD radio, Sirius XM radio, Sports, Weather with 4-months free, Bluetooth hands free phone connectivity, Smartphone connectivity with Apps, heated front seats, cirrors, wiper de-icer, dual zone climate control with filtration, 10-way power adjustable driver seat, power windows and door locks, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter, 60/40 split fold down rear seatback.
Options: $4,000 add ons buys you moonroof, keyless entry with push button start, 18” sport alloy wheels, fog lights, Multimedia nav system, EyeSight driver assist system, pre-collision braking system, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, high beam assist.
Gas Stats:
$2.85 / Gal avg. February 26, 2017
www.fueleconomy.gov
for more information.
*An interesting note is that two years ago gas price average was a $buck a gallon more.
25 City and 34 Highway MPG
Pricing:
MSRP $23,995 – $28,000 with options noted.