2015 Subaru Legacy
Changes for the 2015 Subaru Legacy:
Completely redesigned, the 2015 Legacy is larger and more comfortable with a more refined interior and a bigger trunk. Revised suspension, steering, and braking systems improve driving dynamics, while a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT) improves fuel economy.
Subaru has also added new Active Torque Vectoring and infotainment features to the 2015 Legacy, and the car’s optional EyeSight safety system is upgraded this year, now complemented by a new Rear Vehicle Detection system.
Model Lineup:
Subaru Legacy models with a 2.5i designation have a 4-cylinder engine combined with standard, Premium, or Limited trim. A 6-cylinder engine is offered in the Legacy 3.6R, available only with Limited trim.
Highlights of the 2.5i Premium model include aluminum wheels, a wiper de-icer system, heated side mirrors, heated front seats, a 10-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a more sophisticated infotainment system.
Limited models add keyless access with push-button start and unique PIN code access, the new Rear Vehicle Detection suite of safety technologies, perforated leather upholstery, heated rear seats, a premium surround sound audio system, and more.
Engines and Transmissions:
Lighter and more fuel-efficient than before, a 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine is standard for the Legacy 2.5i model and includes standard active grille shutters to improve mileage. The Legacy 3.6R model’s 3.6-liter 6-cylinder engine generates 256 horsepower.
Both engines are paired with a standard CVT with paddle shifters, Incline Start Assist, and a Hill Holder System. Subaru’s Active Torque Split all-wheel-drive system is also standard, along with new Active Torque Vectoring technology that brakes the car’s inside front wheel to help tighten a cornering line.
Fuel Economy Ratings:
According to the EPA, the Legacy 2.5i models are expected to get 30 mpg in combined driving. The Legacy 3.6R is not as fuel efficient, rated at 23 mpg.
Safety Ratings:
As this summary is written, neither the NHTSA nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) have crash-tested the 2015 Legacy. The previous-generation model was very safe, and the new Legacy offers additional safety technologies in addition to Subaru’s ring-shaped reinforcement frame construction.
Technology Highlights:
Every 2015 Legacy includes a reversing camera, rollover-sensing side-impact airbags, front seat cushion airbags in addition to side-impact airbags, and a Brake Assist feature that applies maximum braking force in emergencies.
Subaru’s upgraded EyeSight technology employs new stereo camera technology for the adaptive cruise control, Lane Departure Warning, and Pre-Collision Braking systems. The Legacy’s Rear Vehicle Detection system is new, adding Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Lane Change Assist systems for 2015.
A 6.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard, equipped with HD Radio, Starlink Bluetooth smartphone integration with music streaming, a USB port, and more. Upgrades include a larger touchscreen with scroll and swipe gesture recognition, voice recognition, text messaging, satellite radio, iTunes tagging, and dual USB posts. A navigation system with natural language voice control is also available.
The Legacy’s new PIN code keyless access system allows the owner to lock the keys in car, go exercise, and then get back into the car using the PIN code.
Written by Christian Wardlaw
July 31, 2014
