UPDATE: We included 3 new videos including one that celebrates the 25 years of the Legacy.

Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru has used the 2014 Chicago Auto Show to unveil the latest Legacy mid-sized sedan, the sixth-generation model that bares that name. And 25 years since the “Legacy” nameplate’s debut, Subaru is ready to steer its flagship sedan into a new direction—a direction without a single mention of “turbocharger”.

The latest Subaru Legacy relies on the concept of “The Fusion of Design and Engineering at a High Level” and aims to polish the qualities essential to Legacy owners: ride quality, safety, and packaging while sharpening its sporty driving excitement.



The design is more sculpted than ever before with a body-integrated hexagonal grille, a front “nose cone design”, the trademark hawk-eye headlights, and dynamic creases found throughout the rest of the car. Fitted with 225/55R17 on the base models or 225/50R18 tires on the higher models, the Legacy gains a turbine-like design for the wheels and finally adopts a 5x114.3 bolt pattern. At the back, the rear combination lamps use LED bulbs for higher visibility. Though it doesn’t look as sportier than the model it replaces, the all-new Legacy does look tighter and much more muscular than before.

Underneath the 2015 Legacy is a choice between two engines: a 2.5-liter DOHC horizontally-opposed 4-cylinder engine (FB25) or a 3.6-liter DOHC horizontally-opposed 6-cylinder engine (EZ36). Both engines are carried over from the current North American Legacy and there’s no mention of any sort of turbocharger version (at least for the time being). The FB25 features a new intake manifold that improves higher speed power and better low speed fuel efficiency. The change is also said to produce a better engine sound. Meanwhile, the EZ36 is largely carried over but with a new ECU module. Both engines are mated to different versions of Subaru’ Lineartronic CVT transmission with the 6-cylinder model using a High-Torque CVT. Both models offer a steering wheel paddle shifter with 6 virtual gears. Thanks to the various drivetrain changes, the 2015 Legacy 2.5i can achieve up to 15.30 km/L on the highway and up to 11.05 km/L in the city, figures comparable to that of the front-wheel drive Honda Accord.



The 2015 Legacy rides on a more rigid body and increased suspension mounting positions for better ride quality without sacrificing suspension smoothness. The basic layout has been retained but thanks to new front struts and rear shock absorbers, the ride is supposed to be “on a whole new level” and “a rank above its class”. Subaru has also employs STABLEX-Ride on higher-end models. This system uses new valves and larger front diameter strut cylinders to improve damping response at low speeds and permit damping suppression at higher speeds. Of course, all-wheel drive remains as standard.

Completing the changes is an improved Electric Steering System (EPS). A new Active Torque Vectoring system, which debuted on the WRX and WRX STI also makes it way to the Legacy. Finally, the brakes have also been improved for better control and responsiveness. The quirky Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) continues on.



Inside, Subaru employed a horizontal motif to give a sense of openness and security. Two color motifs are available: black or ivory, both offering quality interior trims and finishes. The center console features a wide, flat center display that operates the touch screen audio and navigation system. The Harman/Kardon speaker system also has a exclusively designed audio setting, even for the base models. For the instrument cluster, the Legacy has a dual-dial layout with a large central color LCD nestled between the dials. The higher-end models have blue-ring illumination.

Key Dimensions:

Length x Width x Height (mm, vs Current Model): 4,796 (+51) x 1,840 (+60) x 1,500 (+5)
Wheelbase (mm): 2,750 (Current Model: 2,750)
Engine (1): 2.5 DOHC F4 (175 horsepower @ 5,600 rpm, 235 Nm @ 4,100 rpm)
Engine (2): 3.6 DOHC F6 (256 horsepower @ 6,000 rpm, 335 Nm @ 4,400 rpm)
Transmission (1): Lineartronic CVT, (2): High-Torque Lineartronic CVT
Tire Size: 225/55R17 or 225/50R18