In the Big picture, Asian automaker Subaru utilizes a 'think small and conquer' approach; a wise strategy as the diminutive, lean player battles better financed and beefier goliaths.
Stop by any Chicagoland Subaru dealer and take note of what's not dotting the lot. No full-size pickup trucks or seven-passenger minivans. Pop open a hood and fuel greedy V-8 engines remain noticeably absent. What should potential buyers expect? A pleasant array of fuel-friendly midsize or smaller sedans and crossovers along with a sporty coupe.
For decades, Subaru enjoyed an effective and easily digestible marketing moto: 'all-wheel drive in all vehicles,' a strategy resonating here in the Midwest snow belt. When the low-volume rear-drive BRZ compact coupe arrived in 2013, the Subaru family tree found itself with a quirky but spirited outlier. Still, when considering an economical (both cost and fuel usage) off-road capable vehicle, Subaru is a great place to start. In 2015, all-wheel drive accounted for 98 percent of global Subaru sales.
Speaking of 2015, Subaru enjoyed its best U.S. sales numbers ever, racking up 513,693 units, outpacing 2014 (it's previous best year) by some 13 percent.
Since September 1972, Subaru has sold 15 million all-wheel drive vehicles in the U.S., outlasting Japanese rival Suzuki, which quietly pulled out of the ultra-competitive U.S. car market in 2013.
This week's tester, a four-door Legacy has its work cut out as the mid-size sedan finds itself awash with a bevy of high-volume competitors such as Toyota Camry, Ford Fusion and Honda Accord. However, Legacy's advanced all-wheel drive is priced competitively with conventional front-wheel drive rivals.
Legacy 2015 sales totaled 60,447, a 15.6 percent increase from a year earlier. Representing one of Subaru's most durable and longest-lasting nameplates, the first-generation arrived at the tail end of 1980s.
The 2016 Legacy is based upon a sixth-generation platform introduced during the 2015 model year. Much of this 2016 effort carries over from last year's redesign, which introduced increased interior and trunk volume. Also, the front windshield's base moved forward 2.0 inches, improving visibility.
Currently, Legacy measures in as Subaru's largest sedan. The fuel tank holds a rather generous 18.5 gallons of regular, 87-octane fuel. Historically, all-wheel drive negatively affects fuel economy readings. Subaru's extensive all-wheel drive tenure cracks that code, with four-cylinder engines registering a respectable 26 miles per gallon city and 36 mpg highway.
While many mid-size competitors arrive solely with four-cylinder engines, Legacy continues offering a choice of four or six-cylinder power. The larger, six-cylinder engine cranks out 256 horses and is comes solely in the top-shelf trim.
Legacy boasts Subaru's most notable engine differentiator; a longitudinally-mounted Boxer engine. Differing from conventional V-shaped designs, pistons are laid flat at 180 degrees (instead of 90), riding shallower in the engine compartment, lowering the center of gravity for improved handling and agility. Subaru and pricier Porsche branded vehicles employee boxer designs.
Both engines mate with smooth-operating continuously variable transmission (CVT) operating with the same ease as a conventional automatic transmission. The difference lies in CVT's infinite number of forward gear ratios rather than a set number of planetary forward gears (five or six speeds). Historically, CVT's prioritize fuel economy over high performance nuances and Legacy follows forward with this trend.
Subaru assembles Legacy near Chicagoland, a couple hours south along Interstate 65 in Lafayette, Indiana along with the platform sharing Outback crossover. It's Subaru's sole assembly home in the States.
Three trims include Base, Premium and Limited. A base, four-cylinder starts at a tantalizing competitive $21,745. The 2.5-liter inline four cylinder, available in all three trims, generates 175 horses.
Our V-6-powered Limited tester checked in at $29,945 ending at $33,830 with $795 destination charge and $3,090 option package specific to the Limited trim.
For, $3,090, expect a moon roof, push-button start and EyeSight, Legacy's top step of advanced electronic safety technology. Radar cruise control (seamlessly increasing and decreasing vehicle speed when in highway cruise mode), lane departure warning and new-for 2016, Lane Keep Assist round out EyeSight.
Lane Keep Assist activates above 40 miles per hour. If tiny cameras sense lane drifting, steering assist controls engage to direct Legacy back to the proper lane. It's the next step up from lane departure warning which emits audio chimes if drifting.
Top-line Limited trims come standard with other electronic safety features including rear cross traffic alert, blind-spot detection and lane change assist. These remain optional in four-cylinder Premium trims. Moon roofs come optional in all trims sans base. EyeSight is also optional in four-cylinder Premium trims.
Limited trims add retuned suspension dampers, reducing vibrations during patchy on-pavement experiences in 2016, greatly appreciated and noticeable. All trims retune their electric power-assist steering providing drivers with predictable feedback.
Handling remains impressive thanks in part to Symmetrical all-wheel drive, with a 50-50 front to rear torque split during conventional driving conditions. If slippage occurs, the system automatically transfers more torque to wheels with the best traction. Also assisting handling: active torque vectoring enhancing cornering characteristics. On the highway, expect some wind noise seeping into the cabin.
Limited trims enjoy leatherette, perforated upholstery and upgraded sound system. Legacy's ample mid-size dimensions allow comfort for three adult-sized passengers in row two. Front buckets reside a bit higher than many mid-size rivals, easing ingress and egress while providing a commanding view of surroundings. Rear seat backs fold down with a 60/40 split after a gentle tug of trunk-located pull-tabs.
Overall, Legacy's interior design is pleasant and easy to interpret despite our Limited trim's generous array of added electronic safety nuances (most activated from the three-spoke, manually-tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel). The straight-across dashboard posture includes a center region with seven-inch multi-function touch screen crowning near the top. The instrument panel employees two deep set analog gauges with patriotic red, white and blue hues. The right-side speedometer circle includes a fuel gauge indicator residing along the bottom.
Portable electronics enjoy a cozy cove beneath easy-to-operate and interpret ventilation functions. A 12-volt power outlet, two plug-in ports along with ample storage may be hidden from view via a retracting, flip-down door. All Legacy trims include Starlink, Subaru's in-vehicle hands-free connectivity service allowing integration with Smartphones and downloadable applications.
Dual exhaust tips come standard with the six-cylinder engine, a visual distinction from the single exhaust on four-cylinder Legacys. Another unseen V-6 upgrade: larger disc brake rotors contributing to a short foot throw and immediate grip when tapping the brake pedal. Exterior styling, as with the interior design, tends towards the conservative end of the spectrum; more of a uniting rather than dividing effort.
2016 Subaru LegacyPrice as tested: $33,830
Engine: 3.6-liter V-6
Horsepower: 256
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches
Overall length: 188.8 inches
Overall width: 72.4 inches
Overall height: 59.0 inches
Curb weight: 3,666 pounds
Fuel economy: 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway
Assembly: Japan