2020 Subaru Legacy trim levels with configurations and comparison (2023)

No matter how many SUVs there are, some people will always prefer a sedan. They generally get better gas mileage, are easier to maneuver and are usually big enough for the average family. While there aren't as many options in this segment as there used to be, you still have a few strong contenders to choose from.

Subaru offers the Legacy as a contribution to the midsize sedan market. Like all Subarus, it comes standard with all-wheel drive. There are also many standard and available safety features, making this car attractive as a commuter vehicle as well as a family car.

The Legacy has remained popular thanks to its comfortable and spacious cabin. Rear passengers get 39.5 inches of legroom, which is a pretty impressive number for this kind of vehicle. The trunk is roomy at 15.1 cubic feet. Overall, there is plenty of room for five passengers and all their everyday items.

This year the Legacy starts with a brand new generation. The exterior styling has been updated and more refined. There's even a new turbocharged engine available on some of the higher trim levels. This, coupled with the infotainment options, is likely to increase its appeal. In 2020 you also get a new top trim level.

You have a total of six versions to consider when looking at the 2020 Subaru Legacy. Below is a detailed overview of the different features that you can find on each device. Ideally, this guide will help you determine which model is right for you.

Compare the 2020 Subaru Legacy Base with Premium trims. What is the difference?

The entry-level Legacy model is very well equipped compared to other vehicles. It is powered by a 2.5-four-cylinder engine that produces 182 hp and 176 Nm of torque. Subaru paired this engine with a continuously variable transmission. It uses symmetrical four-wheel drive for superior traction. The Legacy comes with an 18.5-gallon tank, which Subaru claims can go nearly 650 miles on the highway before needing to fill up.

All versions of the Legacy have vehicle dynamics control. This is a system that can monitor your intended course in relation to where the car is actually going. It steps in to correct the path and possibly avoid a collision. All models also offer you a traction control system and active torque vectoring. The mechanical features are completed by four-wheel independent suspension and electric power steering.

Your base Legacy sits on 17" steel rims. It has black folding side mirrors, a single exhaust, LED daytime running lights and LED fog lights. The headlights have an automatic on/off function linked to the wipers. Inside this trim you will find a 6-way manually adjustable driver's seat, the rear seat folds 60/40 and the wrap-around cloth upholstery, and there are a total of eight cup holders, which is a great feature for families.

There are many high-tech features for the Legacy. They include steering wheel-mounted audio controls, two USB ports for the front seats and a dual 7-inch infotainment system. This system runs on Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth. This is the only version that gives you a four speaker sound system.

Like almost all Subarus these days, you get the EyeSight driver assistance package. This adds Lane Keep Assist, Pre-Collision Braking, Lane Departure with Sway Warning and Adaptive Cruise Control. Subaru's version of adaptive cruise control includes a lane centering feature. Also standard for this equipment are high beam assist and brake assist. There is a rear view camera and a tire pressure monitoring system.

Only one package is available for the entry level Legacy. It's called the Alloy Wheel Package and adds 17" black alloy wheels. Accessories available for this trim level include a cargo net, cargo hook in the trunk and a Rockford Fosgate audio upgrade that gives you higher quality speakers. You can also get some Subaru calls the Entertainment Anywhere package, which gets you two 32GB iPads, two Bluetooth headphones, and two OtterBox cases.

Going with the Premium trim level unlocks a few upgrades for the Legacy. It gives you the option to add LED fog lights. The side mirrors are body-colored, heated and equipped with indicators. This trim level also adds a wiper defrost function. The Premium is the first model to offer an electric sunroof as an option.

In the interior, this upholstery provides a more comfortable, 10-way electrically adjustable driver's seat. The front seats also get warmer and your gear knob and steering wheel get leather. Keyless entry and start button are available for this version. Keeping cool is made easier with dual-zone automatic climate control.

Your infotainment system will have an 11.6-inch screen. Navigation is not standard, but is an available upgrade. You get two more speakers if you opt for the Premium trim level. Safety features are similar between these two trims, although you can add blind spot monitoring with the rear cross traffic and lane change assist for the Premium. This allows the Legacy to let you know if any traffic is approaching from the side while reversing. This edition adds built-in Wi-Fi capabilities and supports up to eight devices simultaneously, which can be a life saver for families with older children.

With the Premium trim level and above you get access to the STARLINK® Safety and Security features. This gives you automatic notification of a collision and advanced roadside assistance. The system can help you find your vehicle if it is stolen. It also adds diagnostic and remote functions to your Legacy. These features allow you to start your car and adjust your climate control using your compatible smartphone.

The only accessory available that is unlocked by going up to this trim level is a wireless charger. Interestingly, this feature never becomes standard and is only available on all other loadouts. Due to all standard upgrades, the Premium version is definitely worth considering.

Compare the 2020 Subaru Legacy Premium and Sport trims. What's the difference?

The Sport has the same engine as the previous two models. What it does deliver, however, is what Subaru calls SI-DRIVE technology. This gives you selectable modes that can emphasize performance or fuel economy. It also gets larger 18" black aluminum wheels. It has LED fog lights as standard. Your side mirrors get a crystal black finish and a boot spoiler.

Entering the interior, you will find unique sports seats with red stitching. Keyless entry and push-button start become standard features, as does an auto-dimming rear-view mirror. This trim adds automatic reverse braking as an available option. This feature allows the Legacy to stop itself if it detects an obstacle behind it while backing out of a parking space.

Unless your top priority is sporting performance, you may not find this gear worth the price jump.

Compare the 2020 Subaru Legacy Sport to the Limited. What is the difference?

The Limited trim adds quite a bit of luxury to the 2020 Legacy. It gives you LED steering sensitive headlights. These lights follow the curve of your vehicle to better illuminate the road ahead. You return to body-colored side mirrors, rather than the black ones found on the Sport trim. This trim also loses the trunk spoiler.

The front passenger seat is electrically adjustable in eight positions. The driver's seat gets lumbar support and you get the option to memorize the seat settings. Your rear seat is heated for the Limited trim. All seats have leather upholstery. A heated steering wheel is available with this model.

The Limited model offers you an upgraded Harmon Kardon audio system. This system has both an amplifier and 12 well-placed speakers. Safety upgrades include automatic reverse braking and blind spot monitoring features as standard.

The DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System will be an option for the Limited. This system uses facial recognition software to monitor your level of fatigue and distraction. It can remember up to five faces, which is useful for multi-driver families. This system adds even more convenience to your life by remembering the seat and mirror positions preferred by each driver who learns it.

Your Legacy Limited Edition costs quite a bit more, but has the luxury features that some have come to need.

Compare the 2020 Subaru Legacy Limited to the Limited XT trims. What is the difference?

The "XT" in Limited XT is a reference to the engine that powers it. Standard on this model is a 2.4 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine. It will produce 260 hp and 277 Nm of torque. It is mated to the same continuously variable transmission. This engine slightly reduces your fuel consumption. With a full tank, Subaru estimates you can travel nearly 900 miles on the highway before you have to stop. Nevertheless, this turbo engine has lower fuel consumption than the six-cylinder in-line it replaced last year.

Standard with this version is the electrically tiltable moonroof. It has striking dual stainless steel exhaust vents. The heated steering wheel becomes standard on this trim level, as does the DriverFocus Distraction Mitigation System. Your infotainment system has standard navigation.

There is a significant price jump between the Limited and Limited XT trim levels. However, after a test drive of both, some drivers may find it worthwhile for the more powerful engine.

Compare the 2020 Subaru Legacy Limited XT to the Touring XT trims. What is the difference?

Finally, you can opt for the Touring XT model of the 2020 Legacy. This is a brand new trim option for this year. It has the same engine as the Limited XT. The trim uses power folding side mirrors with a satin chrome finish. There is also chrome on the door handles. The electrically operated sunroof remains standard.

Inside, special nappa leather has been applied to the seat upholstery. The front seats get ventilation, along with the heat function. This is the only version that gives you a CD player mounted in the console.

The only safety feature added by the Touring XT is the 180-degree front view mirror. This gives you a wide view of your car's surroundings on the large infotainment screen. It is designed to help eliminate blind spots when trying to park your Legacy.

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Which upholstery should you choose?

When it comes to the new Legacy, you really can't go wrong whichever trim level you choose. The entry-level version has four-wheel drive as standard and a long list of safety features, making it a smart purchase. Each trim level up seems to add a fair amount of upgrades.

While the Touring XL is attractive for its added comfort, it comes with a lot of things most people don't need. If you're interested in the turbo engine, the Limited XL is probably a better bet, unless you've got your heart set on a CD player.

The Limited trim level is a good compromise with its leather enhanced audio system and added safety features.