Built on the Subaru Global Platform, which offers increased safety,
dynamics and quietness not to mention reduced noise, vibration and
harshness (NVH), the Legacy will be available in Base, Premium, Sport,
Limited, Limited XT and Touring XT models when it goes on sale at Subaru
retailers this fall. New XT designations mark the return of a
turbocharged engine to the Legacy lineup, thanks to a 260-horsepower
2.4-liter direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine, while other models
sport an enhanced 182-horsepower 2.5-liter direct-injection BOXER
engine. Every 2020 Legacy features a Lineartronic® Continuously Variable
Transmission (CVT), auto stop/start and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel
Drive with Active Torque Vectoring.
STOUT STRUCTURE AND SAFETY
Introduced for 2017, the Subaru Global Platform has been optimized for
the midsize Legacy, boasting a structure that is 70-percent stiffer in
both torsional and front-suspension rigidity and 100-percent stiffer in
both front lateral flexural and rear subframe rigidity compared to the
previous Legacy's platform. Notable contributors to the increased
stiffness include a 13-percent jump in ultra-high-tensile-strength
steel, a 371-percent increase in structural adhesive (compared to
initial iteration of the Subaru Global Platform) and, for the first time
in a Subaru, a floor crossmember that is filled with a highly rigid and
lightweight two-part foam material. In another Subaru first, the Legacy
utilizes a full inner frame construction in which only the outer panels
are welded to the structure after the entire body framework is
assembled, unlike a conventional manufacturing process in which the
upper and under bodies are assembled separately and then joined. This
new inner frame construction is significantly stiffer and lighter than
the previous Legacy's conventional structure.
The Legacy's stiffened platform pays multiple dividends in the real
world. Along with a strengthened suspension and lowered center of
gravity, the Legacy's improved body rigidity provides more responsive
steering and handling, smoother and quieter ride, and heightened hazard
avoidance in emergency situations. Crash protection, too, is markedly
improved, as the new body absorbs over 40-percent more energy in
front/side crashes than the current model. When a crash is unavoidable,
the Legacy protects with eight standard airbags, including a driver knee
airbag. Subaru expects the Legacy to achieve top safety scores when it
is tested later this year, including a Top Safety Pick+ rating from the
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Passive safety is only part of the protection equation, and the Legacy
once again leads its segment in active safety technology. Standard on
all trims is EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, now equipped for the
first time in the U.S. with Lane Centering Function. When using
EyeSight's Advanced Adaptive Cruise Control feature, Lane Centering
Function provides steering assist when the vehicle veers outside its
lane, helping the driver maintain a direct path. DriverFocus Distraction
Mitigation System, optional on Limited and standard on both XT trims,
uses a dedicated camera and facial recognition software to identify
signs of driver fatigue or driver distraction. If the system detects the
driver is distracted or dozing off, a warning will display on both the
combination meter and 11.6-inch screen to alert driver and passengers.
In another Legacy first, the 2020 model offers a Front View Monitor.
Standard on the Touring XT, the Front View Monitor captures images
within the driver's blind spots in front of the vehicle and displays a
180-degree view on the 11.6-inch display, providing safety and
assistance when checking road conditions ahead or parking. Additional
available driver-assist technologies include LED Steering Responsive
Headlamps (Limited, Touring), Reverse Automatic Braking and Blind Spot
Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
DYNAMIC PERFORMANCE
For the first time since 2012, the Legacy lineup will feature a
turbocharged engine. Standard on XT models, the 2.4-liter turbocharged
BOXER engine delivers brisk acceleration and robust all-around
performance, with 260 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque
from 2,000-4,800 rpm. Mated to a high-torque Lineartronic CVT with
manual mode and steering wheel paddle control switches, the 2.4-liter
BOXER launches Legacy XT from 0-60 mph in an estimated 6.1 seconds. Fuel
economy for the turbo is equally impressive, with a manufacturer's
estimation of 24/32 mpg city/highway. For 2020, the Legacy's CVT
hydraulic system features a lower viscosity oil that reduces horsepower
loss by 32 percent compared to the previous model's CVT, helping the new
model achieve both higher fuel economy and greater driving performance.
Opting for a non-turbo Legacy doesn't mean sacrificing rewarding
performance. The standard naturally aspirated engine is the thoroughly
revised 2.5-liter BOXER that debuted in the 2019 Forester. With direct
injection and nearly 90 percent of its parts new, the 2.5-liter puts out
182 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 176 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.
Paired with a Lineartronic CVT, the 2.5-liter BOXER delivers estimated
0-60-mph acceleration of 8.4 seconds and, with the assistance of
standard Active Grille Shutters, manufacturer's estimated fuel economy
of 27/35 mpg city/highway.
Complementing the more powerful and refined powertrains is an all-new
suspension that is lighter, stronger and more responsive. The front
suspension utilizes MacPherson struts with new internal rebound spring,
aluminum lower L-arms and new 23mm hollow stabilizer bar. In back, the
rear suspension features a double-wishbone layout with subframe, coil
springs and new 19mm hollow stabilizer bar. Combined with grippy V-rated
all-season tires on 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels and four-wheel
ventilated disc brakes, the 2020 Legacy has achieved the highest levels
of dynamic performance and ride comfort in its history.
UPSCALE, TECH-LADEN INTERIOR
Front and center, and highlighting Legacy's upscale interior, is an
all-new tablet-style 11.6-inch Full HD multimedia display, the largest,
most advanced infotainment screen ever in a Subaru. Standard on Premium,
Sport and Limited, the 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus offers direct touch
controls for multimedia, HVAC and vehicle settings, and includes Near
Field Communication to its list of features. Like with a smartphone, app
icons can be moved and configured based on personal preference. The
top-of-the-line 11.6-inch Multimedia with Navigation adds navigation
powered by TomTom® (3-year free map updates) and voice activated
navigation, and is optional for Premium, Sport and Limited and standard
for Touring. A Subaru-first split-screen display can simultaneously show
two types of information - e.g., navigation and audio - for improved
user interaction. Both the Multimedia Plus and Multimedia with
Navigation feature two rotary dial knobs, including one for audio
volume. The Base model also gets an all-new multimedia system, with dual
7.0-inch Wide Video Graphics Array (WVGA) displays that split
multimedia and HVAC controls.
SUBARU STARLINK In-Vehicle Technology offers an integrated cockpit
experience by allowing the driver to control entertainment and vehicle
settings through a large touchscreen display. All STARLINK multimedia
systems for the 2020 Legacy offer a high-resolution touchscreen; new
on-screen controls for audio, HVAC and vehicle features; combination
meter integration; smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay™, Android™
Auto and new STARLINK SmartDeviceLink™ apps; Bluetooth® hands-free phone
and audio streaming connectivity; AM/FM stereo; Rear Vision Camera;
SiriusXM® All Access Radio (4-month free subscription) and SiriusXM
Travel Link® (3-year free subscription); HD Radio® and over-the-air
updates as standard.
For the first time in Legacy, available in-car Wi-Fi connectivity
provides smooth internet access via high-speed LTE™ communications,
broadening the range of entertainment options available to rear-seat
occupants using smart devices. For safety, security and convenience,
SUBARU STARLINK Connected Services offers three packages that are among
the most affordable in the industry. The STARLINK Safety Plus package
includes SOS emergency assistance, enhanced roadside assistance,
automatic collision notification, maintenance notifications, monthly
vehicle health report and diagnostic alerts (3-year free subscription).
For even greater peace of mind, the STARLINK Safety Plus & Security
Plus package adds remote engine start with climate control and heated
seats (on models equipped with Keyless Access and push-button start),
stolen vehicle recovery service, vehicle security alarm notification,
remote lock/unlock, remote horn and lights, remote vehicle locator and
parenting features including boundary, speed and curfew alerts (6-month
free trial). The STARLINK Concierge package adds the convenience of
in-vehicle assistance with restaurant and hotel reservations, purchasing
tickets for sporting/theater events and scheduling service
appointments.
Framing the large multimedia screen is a new multilayer instrument panel
featuring a soft-touch wrapped surface with available real
double-stitching for a high-quality appearance. The wrapped surface
material and stitching employ the same color combination as the seats
and door trim for a uniform look and feel. Limited and Touring models
feature 10-way power front seats with lumbar support, adjustable cushion
length (driver only) and heated front/rear seats. For 2020, seat
heaters come with three levels of temperature adjustment as well as
extended coverage up to the shoulders for improved comfort. Touring
models add ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel, with the
latter optional on Limited. An available 12-speaker Harman Kardon® audio
system, with Clari-Fi™ compressed audio restoration technology and
GreenEdge™ high-efficiency speakers and amplifier, delivers premium
sound.
Enjoying the high-end audio can be fully realized thanks to a serene
cabin that is almost 3 dB quieter at highway speeds. Subaru engineers
worked extensively to find ways to reduce unwanted noise coming into the
cabin, fitting the Legacy with new door weather strips that feature a
baffle in the mid-section and dual lips on the roof side for improved
quietness. Even the weather strip mounting structure was modified to
reduce mounting variation and improve sound insulation. Sound-insulated
glass, which uses a sound-insulating inner film for the windshield and
front-door glass, has been adopted, while glass thickness all around has
been increased for class-leading quietness.
Comfort and convenience in the Legacy have been optimized, with
increases in front shoulder room, front/rear hip room and rear legroom.
For powering and pairing personal devices, passengers can utilize four
USB ports (two front, two rear) plus one auxiliary input jack in front.
Further, all Legacy models except for the Base receive two 12-volt DC
power sockets (one in center console, one in glove box).
BOLD DESIGN
Following a "Dynamic x Solid" philosophy, Subaru designers incorporated a
"Bold in Movement" concept when penning the new Legacy. The result is
an expressive, sleek silhouette that appears to be in motion, even when
stopped. With larger thickness in profile panel surfaces and a thicker
appearance from the raised trunk surface, which has a smooth connection
to the C-pillar, the Legacy embodies solid toughness and a dynamic
active image. Wider fenders emphasize tire and wheel presence, while a
frameless hexagonal grille and a lower grille intake that is molded to
evoke the image of an aircraft add width and sportiness to the Legacy's
aggressive stance. A reworked side-mirror design improves not only
appearance but also aerodynamics and quietness. The side mirrors can
also be interlocked with seat position memory, reducing the time
required to adjust mirrors before driving. In addition, the Touring trim
offers power folding and reverse interlocked tilt-down functions for
the side mirrors.
Epitomizing Legacy's "Bold in Movement" concept are new Touring and
updated Sport models. The Touring, standard with the 2.4-liter turbo
BOXER, leverages luxurious appointments inside and out, including
genuine Nappa leather (a Subaru first), high-gloss black molding for the
pillars, chrome plating decorated door handles and satin tone plated
side mirrors. The Sport, standard with the 2.5-liter BOXER, boasts a
performance-oriented exterior that features an exclusive rear bumper,
front grille with high-gloss black bar, high-gloss black side mirrors,
trunk lid spoiler and dark metallic 18-inch alloy wheels. Inside, the
Sport comes with aluminum pedals as well as red stitching on the
instrument panel, door trim, seats, shift lever boot and leather-wrapped
steering wheel. The Sport also adopts an SI-DRIVE switch for varying
engine output characteristics between I (Intelligent) and S# (Sport
Sharp) modes, with S# offering increased acceleration response.
GO-ANYWHERE USABILITY
The Legacy wouldn't be a Subaru if it didn't offer the go-anywhere
usability that has long been a brand hallmark. With 15.1 cu ft of cargo
capacity and 1.4 inches of additional cargo floor length, the trunk in
the 2020 Legacy can comfortably hold four full-size roller bags, giving
it the functionality to match that of many small crossovers. For
additional cargo versatility, the Legacy offers standard mounting
brackets on the roof for quick installation of a rack, box or tray,
making it easy to load surfboards, canoes and other equipment.