Which are the most reliable, affordable, fuel-efficient five-year-old midsize sedans you can buy? Check out this list before you make your decision. There is one compelling choice.
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What's the smartest choice?
Which 5-year-old midsize sedans are the best for used car shoppers? Here is an updated ranking from Consumer Reports (by subscription), a trusted source for car evaluations, that says there are seven they recommend. They include the 2019 Subaru Legacy again. I will explain why it's your best choice now. First, not all models are a wise choice.
These reliable, reasonably priced 5-year-old cars are smart choices because they have achieved specific criteria such as high fuel efficiency, good safety ratings, and low maintenance costs.
How did Consumer Reports assemble the list?
CR picked the most affordable fuel-efficient 5-year-old non-hybrid midsized sedans. All performed well enough in their tests to be recommended when new. And all have average or better reliability, according to CR's Annual Auto Surveys.
Consumer Reports says, "Buying a well-maintained used vehicle can be a smart move because used cars have gone through the most significant part of their depreciation cycle by the time they're five years old. That means you'll get many modern convenience and entertainment features found in brand-new models but at a significantly lower price."
I've listed CR's 2019 model year best midsize sedans in order of fuel efficiency. However, it's important to note that the top model in terms of fuel efficiency may not necessarily be the best choice for you, as other factors like reliability and safety should also be considered.
- Toyota Camry - 31 mpg
- Honda Accord - 30 mpg
- Nissan Altima - 30 mpg
- Subaru Legacy - 28 mpg
- Kia Optima - 28 mpg
- Mazda 6 - 25 mpg
- Ford Fusion - 25 mpg
What does CR say about the 2019 Legacy?
- 2019 Subaru Legacy
- Price Range: $15,525 - $21,525
- The owner reported MPG is 28 mpg
CR says, "The Legacy is unique on this list because of its standard all-wheel drive. Despite the added weight of the drivetrain components, the sedan performed well in our fuel-economy tests, returning 26 mpg overall and 39 mpg on the highway."
"Overall, it's a car with very few compromises, effectively blending an excellent ride, responsive handling, a roomy and quiet interior, great visibility, simple controls, and easy cabin access front and rear. This all adds up to a package that put it among the top performers in our ratings of midsized family sedans at the time. Try to find a Premium trim or above built with Subaru's EyeSight system of active safety features."
Read my 2019 Subaru Legacy report here for more information.
Why should you choose the Legacy over the other sedans on the list?
The Legacy midsize sedan comes standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive system for all-weather and severe weather performance. It's a significant advantage for customers who live in cold weather states. If you want to get through deep snow, ice, and severe weather safely, pick the Legacy.
Legacy's excellent all-wheel-drive technology sets the Legacy apart from its competitors, making it a compelling choice for used car shoppers.
Ranked # 2 of 7 in reliability
In addition, Consumer Reports says the Legacy demonstrated average or better reliability in its owner surveys. Legacy is ranked # 2 of 7 in reliability among 2019 Sedans and Hatchbacks.
What is the Legacy fuel mileage?
In Consumer Reports owner surveys, they get a reported overall 28 mpg. The EPA says the 2019 Legacy gets 25/34 city/highway mpg and 29 combined mpg with the 2.5-liter engine and automatic transmission.
Legacy gets the highest crash scores.
The 2019 Subaru Legacy earned the highest Top Safety Pick+ award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Legacy also received a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These high safety ratings should give you peace of mind when considering the Legacy as your next car.
The Legacy's stability and driving dynamics
Something very few people know about is the Legacy's Boxer engine. The flat four-cylinder engine sits lower in the chassis than the other sedans, which lowers the center of gravity.
This significantly improves stability and driving dynamics. Owners tell me the Legacy "hugs the road" better than the Camry and Accord. Ultimately, you'll be safer in the Legacy.
Should you buy a new 2025 Legacy?
The 2025 Legacy gets upgrades over the 2019 model worth noting.
The 2025 Legacy Base and Sport trim upgrades
The Base Subaru Legacy dome light has been upgraded to LED. The 2025 Subaru Legacy Sport trim level now comes standard with the Subaru Starlink 11.6-inch Multimedia Plus system featuring a Harman Kardon speaker system with a 576-watt equivalent amplifier.
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Premium and Limited trim levels are where many buyers will land and offer the best value. Unless you need the Sport and Touring XT's 2.4-liter turbocharged engine's extra power, you will pay about $7,000-$11,000 less for a comparably equipped 2.5i trim level.
Read my 2025 Legacy model guide here.
What is the price of the 2025 Subaru Legacy?
The good news is there's little price increase on 2025 models. For the 2025 model year, the Legacy sedan comes in five trim levels. The base is priced at $26,040 Premium ($28,340), Limited ($35,150), Sport ($35,640), and Touring XT ($39,340). Destination and delivery fees are included in the price above ($1,145).
Not for long.
The Subaru Legacy, a long-standing favorite in the U.S., is reaching its final chapter. Subaru Corporation has decided to discontinue the Legacy sedan. However, it's important to note that the Legacy will still be available for purchase until the last 2025 Model leaves the assembly line later this year or early next year.
I am Denis Flierl, a top Torque News reporter since 2012. I’ve invested over 13 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role, working with every major car brand. I am an experienced Rocky Mountain Automotive Press member. You'll find my expert Subaru analysis here. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Subaru USA
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