2020 Subaru Legacy Touring XT Turbo and 2.5i Sport Reviewed 

Who’s idea was it to not have the XT available for the SPORT trim? Sport should mean performance enhancements on the car. The touring model has the more powerful engine, TOURING.

Superb comprehensive review of both turbo and non turbo. Thank you

More than a decade ago I could've gotten one of the most badass, underated family sedans in the Legacy GT. Now we get 0-60 in 8 or 11 seconds. This is a crime

I'm glad to see Subaru is offering a turbo, but I would rather have one in my 2019 Crosstrek. I need the ground clearance in the winter where I am driving in 6 to 12 plus inches of snow here in the "Snow Belt" south of Buffalo,NY.

You can't just go WOT with the CVT, doing so is SLOWER than a nice smooth push downward, when starting from a stop. Go back and retry your 0-60 runs, with a nice controlled push down, as opposed to stomping it to the floor. It makes a world of difference.

I use the shifters for engine braking during road trips to the mountains... They are very useful for regulating engine braking on the long and steep hill descents. Subaru might be able to fit both a battery and a spare tire into a Legacy & Outback PHEV. This would make a selling point for me. I wish there was a Subaru with sliding doors for the Japanese market. I need more usability for camping and would like to avoid buying Honda StepWGN AWD. ;)

Very nice review, I have a 2017 Sport, looking to upgrade to the Xt

Just picked up my 21 Xt I love it!

I can live without the turbo anyway. It’s strains the engine and transmission. I would love to a legacy. They are nice looking cars!

Great review. Really wish they would add a menu option to turn OFF the fake shifting of the CVT. So far on my 2018 Touring Outback I have only used my paddle shifters to downshift when going down hill, engine braking. Seems like this should be a simple software update.

Love my 2018 3.6R

5:18 great to point out that auto on/off start is reset and default to “on” every time you turn on the car even if you disable it. Very good review to point out such a major detail!!

Great review guys!! I was under the impression that the new 2020 turbo (XT) would be more exciting though! Kind of like the legacy version of the WRX and STI. I have an Impreza now and was looking to upgrade to this; perhaps I'll get the 2019 legacy.

Looks great and so glad you guys drove the XT in gray. Definitely the one I'm looking at. Now just add 2017 STi BBS wheels with some great tires and this would be perfect! Great review and can't wait to drive it:)

Such a great car. I'm in love with my 2015 but this is a nice upgrade. I love every sport trim Subaru puts out. Next time I'm going for the forester

I like this one very much. Too bad I'm stuck with a Camry for now

I like that car. I currently have a 2.5 legacy station wagon which I love, but must acknowledge the subsequent development to 2020 seems to have advanced this vehicle considerably.

Great review! Love the detail! I’m looking to upgrade my car and I am wondering if it is worth it to get the legacy touring Xt or wait to see if they refresh the wrx this year to see what that has to offer.

My family has had 5 subarus. I don't get why people act confused at the inclusion of the paddle shifters. It's actually fun and useful to be able to switch to "paddle manual" on the fly while driving, if you want to keep your rpms high (to get up a hill, to pass a bicyclist or slow car on backroads, to launch out of a stoplight, etc). You simply cannot do this well in automatic mode, as the CVT computer is singularly focused on trying to keep rpms under 1.5 to 2K for fuel efficiency. I would recommend actually trying them before you trash talk them!

Tablets are a terrible idea for the reason that you have to look away from driving, to do anything. They might be fine on a Tesla that's driving itself, but for other cars it's distracted drivers.

Have a 2019 Liberty (Oz) and the first thing I always do is fit Pilot Sport 4s - can't wait for the turbo 2020 to come down under.

I'd rather take an OutbackXT Onyx it's the same vehicle essentially but I get Wagon space and practicality.

I ordered mine and should ship by late March. My only gripe is also the tablet touch screen. I would prefer smaller screen and analog type controls for heat/AC. Also would have preferred to have manual transmission. Still stoked to put it on the road and in my garage.

I think we can all agree that the interior is miles better than any GM vehicle!!

I've had a 2020 legacy touring xt since Aug of 2021 . I had a sweet 2015 3.6 tuned with lots of after market suspension upgrades .

Another great review ! the beeping is kinda annoying in this car

I have a 2016 legacy premium and use the paddle shifters in the snow to get into a theoretical lower gear to help engine braking and it does work. CVTs tend to coast more than a traditional automatic so in the snow those paddles do help quite a bit. That is the only thing they are good for in my opinion.

Maybe I wasn’t paying enough attention but where was this test drive done? I love the roads

The wheels!!!...come on Subaru gotta do better with the wheels

Auto stop start needs to die, Make it an option to perm turn it off.

the 2.5 engine is actually amazing. ya its not fast but I have gone almost 700 miles on one tank doing highway driving.

I would have been a Subaru Forester buyer, I just wish Subaru had waited a year and put the XT Turbo Touring option and this updated interior in the Forester. I hate the fact that Subaru had the regular gas XT engine already in the Ascent, but everyone says that they choose to skip the Forester and put it in the Legacy and Outback only. For us, this lack of engine option and the shuttering start/stop system were real deal-stoppers.

Haven't seen a review yet that talks about how the engine auto start/stop feature works.

I recently traded in my 2016 Legacy 2.5i limited for a new car. I loved that car except it was drinking oil like I drink soda. The only thing that really bugged me was the process of lowering the rear seats. Pulling a trigger in the trunk, then reaching in to push the seats down is fine when there is no rain or no snow on the rear bumper. Just put the seatback releases on the top of the rear seats and redundant releases in the trunk.

My next car for sure

I guest I’ll get the STI Thank you for your help and information

...want want want want.....must get it in dark blue, beige interior with a sunroof....RIP and much love to my old 2005 Leggy GT

Subaru is kikin butt again...and I luv the safety features, and big screen..the seats and leather all around looks awesome. I am glad the Legacy sedan is now on par in looks and space with te other top dogs.

I personally am not a subaru fan boy or anything. I will say after doing PDIs on many Outback XT and Legacy XT they are nice little cars. Especially for being still extremely practical for the family. Also the extra few inches of leg room that has been added makes a huge difference from sitting in the 2019 to 2020 models. I'm interested to see what issues and quirks they have as time goes on since this is a new generation for the legacy.

Love my 2013 model

Yeah, my toyota Im has piano black, found a plastc anti scratch adhesive on ebay to put on it.

People in mountainous areas love the paddle shifters for going down long grades. I'm guessing that's the main purpose.

Thank you for the video & reviewing this new model. I’m kind of skeptical on the Legacy as a new car. I was waiting for the new 2020 Legacy, to see if it’s comfortable and safe with new look. Not sure about if it’s comfortable because my experience with 2017 Legacy seats has been very bad. The look is no new and still looking outdated and not sporty or aggressive. The new infotainment system still new, looks interesting to me but again, not sure what kind of problems and/or issues will be expecting from this.

I finally got the black wheels and turbo on the 23 sports trim. But I only got the 24 ish MPG on combined driving situations.

Is the 2020 Outback XT just as quite at highway speeds as the 2020 Legacy XT?

at least they fixed the apple car play its now in portrait mode and covers most of the screen they updated it as firmware this past july

Is the XT out yet? I have looked on local Subaru dealers websites and they are non existent! I want to test drive one to make sure its the one! I am totally sold at all its features and looks but still need to get behind the wheel for a final deciding factor.

A set of Cooper tires would go great for this set up as well.

Awesome looking car but the first thing I would do after buying it would be to get rid of those hideous rims.

Yes, I'm waiting for one. I ordered it in June.

Which one would you choose - the Legacy or the Outback ? I know its an open- ended question, but that is the dilemma I am facing. Help !!!!

Yay The Turbo is Back woo hoo :). Just waiting on the 6 speed now ;)

You weren't wrong on the nomenclature. In Canada it is the Legacy GT still and it is badged that way. :)

I feel like the legacy this generation looks better than the outback imo.

When people say this or that one thing in an otherwise great car is a "deal-breaker", you can be pretty confident they would never have bought the car anyway.

How is its turbo engine’s powerfulness compared to what accord 2.0T engineer?

The Sport model has the look the XT should have 🤷

I think Android Auto is sending out an update that will fully utilize the available screen size.

I’m curious to see what COBB will do in regards to power for the 2.4T

C'mon, Ryan. No manual transmission available "yet"? Didn't you just tell us that Subaru sold five (!) MT's the last time they offered it in the Legacy? That's not just a minuscule five percent take rate; it's an astounding five vehicles. If true, any Subaru product planner who suggested an MT would justifiably be clearing out his desk by the end of the week and probably headed to the funny farm with the bill paid by Subaru. And yes, there's the obligatory negative comments about the CVT. I'm no fan either but it's worth noting that all CVT's aren't created equal and some manufacturers have significantly improved their their CVT's behavior in the last decade. So much so that reviewers who want to punch their tickets as "enthusiasts" routinely couple their complaints about a CVT with grudging qualifications to the effect that this particular CVT ain't so bad. So what are the benefits of the CVT? An AWD vehicle a 260 HP/277 ft lbs of torque that gets 24/32/27 mpgs! That's one mpg better on each of the three metrics than the Mazda6 with a 2.5L turbo with FWD. And the Subaru, unlike the Mazda, recommends regular gas to obtain its power numbers. The Subaru enjoys a similar advantage over both the FWD Accord 2.0L turbo and the Camry V6. Pretty damn impressive. Is the Legacy a sport sedan? Of course not. Those looking for a $30K sport sedan would be better off considering a smaller, lighter VW GLI. The Legacy is a midsize family sedan. In its XT trim it's as quick or quicker than three major rivals (Accord 2.0L turbo, Mazda 6 turbo, and Camry V6) with interior appointments that compare favorably to those of the top others' top trims and AWD. Legacy owners no longer have to make excuses for its cheap interior or sluggish performance, or mediocre fuel efficiency. Last year I looked seriously at the Accord, Mazda6, and the Camry. I didn't even bother considering the Legacy. If I were shopping again, the Legacy would definitely be in the mix.

like the legacy but we haven't got any on our country.

Now..If I can remove that front clip off of this Legacy model and put that front end on the Outback and I'd buy that! BYW...This new legacy may very well be my favorite new sedan for 2020 M.Y. The touring XT of course!

What tires would you recommend for all season tires on this Legacy XT

Great review but I think you misstated the maximum torque split front and rear. The default split is 55/45 but I’m pretty sure (as has been the case in Subaru’s AWD for years) that much more can shift front to rear depending on where the system is detecting slippage.

Audi: creates a redesigned car that doesn’t look any different then the previous model People: “very well done!! beautiful!! very modern!!” Subaru: creates a redesigned car that doesn’t look any different then the previous model People: “wow plain. terrible. could’ve used a new design.” Not directed at this channel but I’ve seen this happen around the internet.

You should do all your 0-60 test the same, so we can compare against other makes. You pre- loaded the turbo legacy but not the Toyota awd Camry. We want consistency in testing.

Not sure if anyone has asked this BUT is the XT worth the extra 10K from the non turbo models?

What’s with these automakers putting piano black everywhere? They collect scratches, dust, and finger prints so easily!

My dream!

I like the Legacy, but where we live, we have to have the ground clearance. Our Outback is awesome in our yearly snow pack and I’ll be needing to replace my Rav 4WD Limited in a year or so. If the Legacy had more ground clearance, I would buy it. But I’ll replace my Rav with a Forester Touring when the time comes.

On off engine start should not reset to on. That sucks .

CVT is the worst transmission possible , my wife has a new impreza with it .. Never again.

Auto start stop is a deal breaker for me it's a royal pain in the rear end..

I don't get why they went back to a hood prop, when the 2015 hood didn't need to be propped

I guess my next subaru will be a WRX. That's what my 90 yrs old father said. He only drives a stick shift.

Paddle shifters are not useless in a CVT! You can use them to brake quicker, and when you want to pass someone you can "downshift" which will give you more power, instead of the CVT hesitating. Like some other's said, you cant floor a car with a CVT it will hesitate. You have to ease the accelerator at first. CVT's were designed and programmed for fuel economy, would be nice if Subaru offered other options for transmissions.

Forester deserves a turbo engine too.

I have a 2015 Legacy & 2021 Outback. The physical buttons in the ‘15 are superior. I can jump in the ‘15 and instantly set the temp, fan and heated seats. I can’t in the 2021. Super frustrating. Super annoying. I won’t replace the ‘15 with this unless they change it.

How does the 2.4l turbo get away with only requiring 87 octane?

Mooi model de Legacy, jammer genoeg niet in Nederland verkrijgbaar

ماهي مميزات مكائن بوكسر فلات. وماهي عيوبها

Did someone say 6spd Sti swap and tune?

you really need to stall it up against the torque converter to build boost(at least 8psi), I can do AWD burnouts in my 2010 Forester XT with this technique

Bradley looks like a member of the Hells Angels

I'd love to see this put up against a 2 liter awd Kia Stinger similar price range the 3.3 ltr Stinger is competing with other cars but the 2.0 what a match up!

4:45 Subaru didn't address that. This has been the #1 complaint with this infotainment system in every Subaru it has been installed in since 2020.

Did GM patent/copyright Cowl Induction? A reverse hood scoop would bring back some bit of Subaru quirkiness.

The limited has de acústic glases?

Is the turbo compatible with 3.6R in real performance

I hear that the automatic engine start/stop on this car is the worst. Lots of harsh vibration and lag at restart. And the disable function is buried in the on-screen menu. No thanks.

It corners better than the sport model maybe because the high torque CVT produces more engine breaking and also more down force.

I wonder what the hit is on regular fuel? You pay for it dearly sometimes in acceleration and/or gas mileage. No one talks about that. Also, to do simple things sweeping around that massive screen is going to be a huge pain while driving - why they do all those things while stopped. Basically, you set things and you go - no changing while driving (maybe the temperature and the station, that is about it). That 0-60 is painfully slow on the non-turbo engine, it won't work in CT with the short ramps onto the Merritt Parkway. The turbo is acceptable.

Only needs 87?! Fuck yeah! That's great

I see lag in the 11 inch touchscreen.

Eh. I’m not sold on the xt. Was gonna get rid of my 2015 2.5 for the xt but this looks way slower than my GT. Was hoping it would be quick and comfortable. Love the interior but the lack of performance might be a deal breaker. 0-60 in 8 secs. That’s pretty bad. My gt does it in under 5 and that isn’t quick enough.

What they should do with CVTs is, instead of them fake gear pedals, have a lever of some sort. More granularity in torque control, but nooooo we can't have the full capabilities of CVTs.

No manual = No deal!

Isn't that Everyday Driver's intro song?

ryan great review but that 11 seconds for 0-60 on the 2.5i is horrendous, i don’t believe it. why don’t you introduce a more accurate way of measurement 0-60, i.e. use a gps app or some other gadget? it will make your estimates more reliable (i don’t think many YT channels do it, so beat them to it)

You really need paddle shifts in a mountain road, up and certainly down!!