Subaru legacy: premium or sport? the ultimate guide to choosing your perfect ride

When it comes to midsize sedans, the Subaru Legacy has long been a popular choice for drivers seeking a blend of practicality, performance, and value. With two distinct trim levels available—the Premium and Sport—the Legacy offers buyers the opportunity to tailor their vehicle to their specific needs and preferences. In this comprehensive comparison, we will delve into the key differences between the Subaru Legacy Premium and Sport, empowering you to make an informed decision based on your unique driving requirements.

Exterior Design: Subtle Differences, Striking Impact

The Subaru Legacy Premium and Sport share a sleek and aerodynamic exterior design, but closer inspection reveals subtle yet impactful differences. The Premium trim features a more conservative look, with a black grille and standard 17-inch alloy wheels. In contrast, the Sport trim exudes a more aggressive stance, sporting a black mesh grille, 18-inch alloy wheels, and a rear spoiler for enhanced aerodynamics.

Interior Comfort and Convenience: Premium Amenities, Sporty Enhancements

Stepping inside the Legacy Premium, drivers are greeted by a spacious and well-appointed cabin. Standard features include cloth upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The Sport trim takes the interior experience to a higher level with leather-trimmed upholstery, a heated steering wheel, and an upgraded 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation and SiriusXM radio.

Performance and Handling: Balanced vs. Sporty

Under the hood, the Subaru Legacy Premium and Sport share the same 2.5-liter four-cylinder Boxer engine, producing 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. However, the Sport trim benefits from a sport-tuned suspension and steering system, which enhance handling and provide a more responsive driving experience. Both trims come standard with all-wheel drive for confident traction in all weather conditions.

Safety Features: Standard Protection, Enhanced Monitoring

The Subaru Legacy Premium and Sport come equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Sport trim adds Blind Spot Detection with Lane Change Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert for increased peace of mind while driving.

Technology and Connectivity: Infotainment and Convenience

The Subaru Legacy Premium offers a range of standard technology and connectivity features, including a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Bluetooth connectivity, and a four-speaker audio system. The Sport trim upgrades to an 11.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with navigation, SiriusXM radio, and an eight-speaker Harmon Kardon premium audio system for an enhanced entertainment experience.

Pricing and Value: Premium Comfort vs. Sporty Performance

The Subaru Legacy Premium has a starting price of $24,995, while the Sport trim starts at $29,395. The price difference reflects the additional features and performance enhancements offered by the Sport trim. However, the Premium trim provides excellent value for buyers seeking a well-equipped and practical midsize sedan.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Legacy for Your Needs

Ultimately, the choice between the Subaru Legacy Premium and Sport depends on your individual priorities and driving preferences. If you value comfort, convenience, and a lower price point, the Premium trim is an excellent choice. Alternatively, if you seek a sportier driving experience, enhanced performance, and premium interior amenities, the Sport trim is the ideal option. Regardless of your choice, the Subaru Legacy delivers a compelling combination of safety, reliability, and value.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: What are the key differences between the Subaru Legacy Premium and Sport trims?
A: The Sport trim offers a more aggressive exterior design, a sport-tuned suspension and steering system, leather-trimmed upholstery, a heated steering wheel, an upgraded infotainment system, and additional safety features.

Q: Which trim is better for fuel economy?
A: Both the Premium and Sport trims have similar fuel economy ratings, with the Premium slightly edging out the Sport due to its lower curb weight.

Q: Does the Legacy Sport have a sunroof?
A: No, a sunroof is not available on the Legacy Sport trim. It is only available as an optional feature on the Limited and Touring trims.

Q: Can the Legacy Sport be equipped with a manual transmission?
A: No, the Legacy Sport is only available with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Q: Does the Legacy Premium come with all-wheel drive?
A: Yes, all-wheel drive is standard on both the Premium and Sport trims of the Subaru Legacy.