Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2020 Subaru Legacy 2.4 Turbo, a car that brings a blend of comfort, technology, and a surprising amount of power to the table. If you're in the market for a mid-size sedan that's a little different from the usual suspects, the Legacy deserves a spot on your shortlist. Let's break down what makes this car a compelling choice, covering everything from its performance and features to its overall value.

Engine and Performance: The Heart of the Turbo

The defining feature of the 2020 Subaru Legacy 2.4 Turbo is, of course, its engine. Under the hood lies a 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer four-cylinder engine that churns out an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. This is a significant upgrade over the base 2.5-liter naturally aspirated engine, which, while adequate, doesn't offer the same level of excitement. The turbocharger transforms the Legacy from a competent family sedan into a genuinely fun-to-drive machine.

The boxer engine configuration is unique to Subaru, and it provides a low center of gravity, which contributes to the car's stable and planted feel on the road. This is especially noticeable when cornering, where the Legacy exhibits minimal body roll and a confident demeanor. The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which, while not the most engaging transmission type, is well-tuned to the engine's characteristics. Subaru has done a commendable job of programming the CVT to simulate gear changes, reducing the droning sensation that can plague some CVTs. In Sport mode, the transmission becomes even more responsive, holding simulated gears longer and allowing you to extract the most performance from the engine.

Acceleration is brisk, with the Legacy 2.4 Turbo capable of reaching 60 mph from a standstill in around 6.1 seconds. That's quick enough to keep things interesting, and it makes merging onto the highway or overtaking other vehicles a breeze. The engine also provides plenty of low-end torque, so you don't have to rev it to the moon to get moving. This makes the Legacy feel effortless in everyday driving situations. The symmetrical all-wheel-drive system, a standard feature on all Subaru Legacy models, provides excellent traction in all weather conditions. This is a major selling point for those who live in areas with snow or rain, as it gives you added confidence and control. Whether you're navigating slick city streets or tackling a winding mountain road, the Legacy's AWD system ensures that you always have a firm grip on the road.

Real-World Driving Experience

Behind the wheel, the 2020 Subaru Legacy 2.4 Turbo is a comfortable and refined cruiser. The ride quality is smooth and composed, soaking up bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The cabin is well-insulated from noise, creating a peaceful and relaxing environment for both the driver and passengers. The seats are supportive and comfortable, even on long drives, and there's plenty of legroom and headroom for adults in both the front and rear seats. The Legacy also comes standard with a suite of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. These features help to reduce driver fatigue and make the driving experience safer and more enjoyable.

Interior and Technology: A Step Up in Luxury

Moving inside, the 2020 Subaru Legacy boasts a significantly improved interior compared to its predecessor. The materials are of higher quality, and the design is more modern and sophisticated. The centerpiece of the dashboard is a large 11.6-inch touchscreen display that controls the infotainment system. This screen is vertically oriented, similar to what you find in a Tesla, and it gives the Legacy a high-tech feel. The infotainment system is relatively easy to use, with large icons and a logical menu structure. However, some users may find the lack of physical buttons and knobs for certain functions to be a bit frustrating. The screen can be slow to respond at times.

The Legacy comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's infotainment system. Other available features include a premium Harman Kardon audio system, a sunroof, and heated and ventilated front seats. The Harman Kardon system delivers crisp and clear sound quality, making it a worthwhile upgrade for audiophiles. The sunroof adds an extra touch of luxury and allows you to let in more natural light. The heated and ventilated front seats are a welcome addition on hot or cold days, keeping you comfortable no matter the weather.

Interior Design and Comfort

The interior design of the 2020 Legacy is clean and uncluttered, with a focus on functionality and ease of use. The seats are well-bolstered and provide good support, making them comfortable for long journeys. There's plenty of room for passengers in both the front and rear seats, and the trunk is also quite spacious. The Legacy offers 15.1 cubic feet of cargo space, which is enough to accommodate luggage for a family vacation or a weekend getaway. The rear seats can also be folded down to create even more space for larger items. Overall, the interior of the 2020 Subaru Legacy is a pleasant and inviting place to spend time.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features: Peace of Mind on the Road

Subaru has always prioritized safety, and the 2020 Legacy is no exception. The car comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. This system includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features work together to help prevent accidents and make driving safer and more enjoyable. The Legacy has also earned top safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), further attesting to its commitment to safety.

The adaptive cruise control system is particularly useful on long highway drives. It automatically maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead, accelerating and decelerating as needed. The lane departure warning system alerts you if you start to drift out of your lane, and the lane keeping assist system can gently steer the car back into the lane. The automatic emergency braking system can detect potential collisions and automatically apply the brakes if you don't react in time. In addition to these features, the Legacy also comes standard with a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert.

Advanced Safety Technology

The 2020 Legacy also offers a number of other advanced safety features, such as driver attention monitoring. This system uses a camera to monitor the driver's eyes and face, and it can detect signs of fatigue or distraction. If the system detects that the driver is not paying attention to the road, it will issue a warning. This feature can be especially helpful on long drives, as it can help to prevent accidents caused by drowsy driving. The Legacy also comes standard with a tire pressure monitoring system, which alerts you if any of your tires are low on pressure. This can help to improve fuel efficiency and prevent tire damage.

Overall Value and Conclusion: Is the Legacy 2.4 Turbo Right for You?

The 2020 Subaru Legacy 2.4 Turbo offers a compelling combination of performance, comfort, technology, and safety. It's a well-rounded sedan that's perfect for families or anyone who wants a car that's both practical and fun to drive. The turbocharged engine provides plenty of power for everyday driving, and the symmetrical all-wheel-drive system ensures excellent traction in all weather conditions. The interior is spacious and comfortable, and the technology is up-to-date and easy to use. The Legacy also comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, giving you added peace of mind on the road.

However, the Legacy is not without its drawbacks. The CVT transmission may not appeal to everyone, and the infotainment system can be a bit slow to respond at times. Additionally, the Legacy's styling is somewhat conservative, and it may not turn heads like some of its competitors. But overall, the 2020 Subaru Legacy 2.4 Turbo is a solid choice in the mid-size sedan segment. It offers a lot of value for the money, and it's a car that you can enjoy driving every day. If you're looking for a sedan that's a little different from the norm, the Legacy is definitely worth considering.

Ultimately, whether or not the 2020 Subaru Legacy 2.4 Turbo is the right car for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. But if you value performance, safety, and practicality, the Legacy is definitely worth a look. So go ahead and take one for a test drive – you might be surprised at how much you like it!