Subaru's Legacy sedan got a thorough re-do for 2015, which makes this 2016 model the second iteration of the sixth generation of the car. (It was born in 1989.) If you're scratching your head and wondering, "Legacy? Have I seen one of those?" the answer is yes, but it may have failed to stand out in the teeming legions of midsize four-doors. Its sheet metal is inconspicuous, especially for Subaru, which makes cult cars for some demographics. (Lots of "Feel the Bern!" bumper stickers.) But, in a way, that's the point. The Legacy is meant to be a mainstream sedan, not something seen slithering down sand dunes in Baja California with surfboards on its roof. It's a car that the parents of other Subaru drivers might consider buying. (Look for Hillary stickers.)
The plan isn't working all that brilliantly. Every other Subie in America -- except the BRZ, a sports-coupe outlier -- outsells the Legacy; and Toyota can move as many Camrys here in a month as Subaru does Legacies in an entire year. This is a shame, because, first, the Legacy is a fine if unexciting car; and second, it has Subaru's secret weapon: Full-time four-wheel drive with torque vectoring.
Not all 4WD systems are equal. Most are part-time, rely on sensors, microprocessors and clutches, and are engaged manually (by the driver) or automatically, when a wheel starts to slip. Otherwise, only the front or the rear wheels are pulling or pushing. In Subarus, however, all four wheels are powered all the time. Torque flows straight back from the in-line engine to the front and rear axles simultaneously, and each axle half-shaft is the same length. Everything is so simple, proportional and balanced that Subaru calls it Symmetrical All Wheel Drive. It works exceedingly well.
I used to get in trouble with my ancient Power Wagon and Blazer because I wouldn't stop to lock the front wheel hubs, for 4WD, until it was too late. The amateur engineer in me wanted to keep mechanical friction to a minimum, to reduce wear and gas guzzling. (The only thing dumber than not having 4WD in dicey conditions is having it and not using it.) When Subaru created its full-time system, it took the decision out of my hands: It's always on. Then Subaru went a step further: Every model, no matter the trim, engine or price, has this straightforward drive system baked in. (Except that oddball BRZ.) So no dithering about whether to spend the money on AWD, either.
As the weather gets crazier, more and more drivers, even in places like Florida, will appreciate power at all four corners. And Subaru has everything so figured out that, even driving four wheels, this biggish, comfortable four-cylinder Legacy can achieve 35 or more miles per gallon on the highway and 30 mpg overall.
The Legacy comes in four trim levels at starting prices from $21,745 to $29,945 (plus $795 for delivery). A 2.5-liter, 175-horsepower four-cylinder engine is standard except in the top Legacy, the 3.6R Limited, which gets a 256HP Six. The only transmission is a continuously variable automatic with a six-speed manual mode and shift paddles. Our sample car, a $27,145 2.5i Limited, sits one rung below the 3.6R and was optioned up to $31,030 with Package 23. This includes navigation and other apps, Subaru's excellent EyeSight driver-assistance warning and emergency braking system, and two new features for 2016: Active lane-keeping and rear cross-traffic alert.
The 2.5i Limited is a sophisticated sedan, with a handsome cabin done in dark wood, brushed satin, cream and black, and crisp graphics on its flat touchscreen panel. It has everything we expect from a value-packed car, from driver's seat memory and auto up and down front windows to a power sunroof and lots of room.
As a Subaru, the Legacy upholds the corporate tradition of 24/7 traction; as a mid-price midsize family car, it deserves much more attention than it gets. But if this car were a super-seller, Legacy drivers wouldn't wave or flash their lights at each other, as one did here. If a Camry or Accord driver signaled to me, I'd wonder if I left my cup of Starbucks on the roof.
-- Silvio Calabi reviews the latest from Detroit, Munich, Yokohama, Gothenburg, Crewe, Seoul and wherever else interesting cars are born. Silvio is a member of the International Motor Press Association whose automotive reviews date back to the Reagan administration. He is the former publisher of Speedway Illustrated magazine and an author. Contact him at calabi.silvio@gmail.com.
Plus
-- Business-class Limited cabin
-- 24/7 all-wheel-drive
-- Fuel economy, especially for AWD
-- EyeSight safety system's binocular vision
Minus
-- Why does the radio quit when the ignition shuts off?
-- Driving rewards come mostly when the weather turns bad
