The Legacy-Outback is built on Subaru’s Global Platform that debuted on the current Impreza. Subaru notes that the platform of the new cars is 70 percent stronger than its predecessor. The Legacy and Outback are powered by a 2.5L flat-four, but Subaru says that 90 percent of the engine internals are new and it gains direct fuel injection this year as well as a stop-start system. The 2.5L engine produces 182 horsepower. Those keen on greater power can opt for a 260 horsepower, 2.4L turbo flat-four. Power reaches all wheels via a CVT transmission regardless of engine choice.
Like the exterior, the design of the cabin of the new Legacy and Outback is one of gentle evolution rather than significant change. The biggest departure from the past is the 11.6 inch touchscreen that dominates the dash centre stack on higher-end models. The cars are roomy and comfortable and the cabins are nicely finished. The new cars have very roomy cabins, with a commanding driving position and big windows to aid outward vision. The trunk on the sedan is commodious, and while the cargo bay on the Outback is long and quite wide, it is shallower below the windows than some other competitors.
Subaru’s Eyesight active safety suite is standard on all trims. Added for this new-generation car is a Driver Mitigation system that uses facial recognition software to detect driver drowsiness or distraction. Adaptive cruise control, long an Eyesight feature, now includes a new lane centring device.

With blind spot and rear cross traffic monitors, fog lights, heated front seats, active L.E.D. headlights, a sunroof and a leather covered heated steering wheel, the base Touring trim is very well equipped. The Limited model upgrade adds navigation, 11.6 inch infotainment screen, enhanced soft-touch cabin surfaces, a 12-way power driver’s seat, an eight-way front passenger seat, leather upholstery, heated rear seat and a Harman-Kardon branded audio system, and is a fantastic bargain. The GT range-topper includes the turbo engine (a $3000 option on the Outback), the wide-angle Mono camera, alloy pedals, ventilated front seat, a single CD player and power-fold door mirrors, and is priced to reflect the value of its content. Comparing the Legacy Limited to an Outback Limited, the only place where the two body styles cross over, the Legacy is $4000 cheaper than the station wagon, making it a bargain if you don’t need the versatile cargo bed of the Outback.

Predicted reliability is above average up to around 100,000, after which engine durability problems with the mainstream 2.5L four could become a factor. Subaru claims the oil leaks and expensive head gasket failures have been addressed, but only time will tell whether they have been fixed.