Which is the best midsize car you can buy for under $30,000? Consumer Reports says it's the 2025 Subaru Legacy. See why it's the top performer now for new model shoppers.
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The Subaru Legacy is going away, but it's still the best.
I wrote recently that Subaru calls code red on the 2025 Subaru Legacy. Subaru has discontinued its longest-running nameplate, and it's going away forever after the 2025 model year. But before it goes, it's ranked the best by Consumer Reports (by subscription). Here's why.
The new ranking from Consumer Reports says the Subaru Legacy is the best midsize car you can buy for under $30,000.
Consumer Reports says, "The Subaru Legacy provides a very comfortable ride that outshines some luxury cars."
CR says they picked the Subaru sedan as the best midsize car because of its attractive pricing and overall score, which factored in road-test performance, owner satisfaction, predicted reliability, and safety.
I've included the list of CR's best midsize car picks, starting with the top performer.
Consumer Reports has ranked The Subaru Legacy as the best midsize car, beating out other popular models.
- CR's #1 pick: Subaru Legacy
CR's next tier of top Models:
- Honda Accord
- Hyundai Sonata
- Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
- Nissan Altima
What does Consumer Reports say about the Subaru Legacy?
- Price Range: $24,895 - $38,195
- CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 19 / Hwy 39 mpg
- #4 of 12 Midsized cars
CR says, "Handling is responsive but not sporty. This all-wheel-drive midsized sedan can be fitted with one of two four-cylinder engines: an 182-hp, 2.5-liter or a 260-hp, turbocharged 2.4-liter. The 2.5-liter has just enough power for most situations and gets a decent 28 mpg overall, but it makes an unpleasant roar when pushed."
"The turbo engine delivers strong acceleration and is quieter. We like that the well-tuned continuously variable transmission mimics the shift patterns of conventional automatics. The large infotainment touchscreen hides common tasks deep in menus, and the system can be slow to respond to inputs. Blind spot and rear cross-traffic warning are optional, but the Legacy comes to just over $29,000 even after adding them. The 2025 model year will be the final one for the sedan."
What is the 2025 Legacy pricing?
The 2025 Legacy sedan remains affordable, with little price increase on the 2025 models. Legacy has five trim levels to choose from, including the base at $26,040, Premium at $28,340, Limited at $35,150, Sport at $35,640, and Touring XT at $39,340. The price includes destination and delivery fees ($1,145).
Who should check out the Legacy?
First, all Legacy trim levels come standard with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical all-wheel-drive for all-weather performance. The Legacy also gets the highest safety scores from the IIHS.
All Subaru Legacy trim levels come standard with Subaru's excellent EyeSight driver assist safety technology.
Which Legacy trim is the best value?
The 2025 Subaru Legacy Premium and Limited trim levels are where many buyers will land and offer the best value with minor price increases. 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.
What is the 2025 Subaru Legacy's fuel mileage?
The EPA says the Sport and Touring XT trims return an estimated 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway and 26 combined mpg. The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-4 engine gets an EPA-estimated 27/35 mpg city/highway and 30 combined mpg.
Legacy is quiet.
Consumers who buy a midsize sedan are looking for a comfortable, quiet cabin, and you don't have to buy a luxury car. So, which automaker makes the quietest new sedans? A recent study from Consumer Reports (by subscription) identifies the six quietest mainstream sedans you can buy today.
The 2024 Subaru Legacy now scores the fourth-highest in its class, joining the Subaru Ascent 3-Row SUV, which is also best at keeping noise out. Check my report here for more details.
If the Legacy is so great, why did Subaru discontinue the model?
Subaru of America said, "Discontinuation (of the Legacy) reflects market shifts from passenger cars to SUVs and crossovers and Subaru's transition to electrified and fully electric vehicles."
However, Subaru has assured customers that they will continue to provide support and parts for the Legacy for the foreseeable future.
Subaru Legacy's discontinuance will make room for the next-generation Subaru Forester compact SUV that will be built in Lafayette, Indiana. Check out my report here for more information on the real reason why Subaru dropped the sedan.
It's not here much longer.
The U.S.-built Subaru Legacy era is ending. Production will end in the spring of 2025 after the 2025 model year. If you want to buy one, you still have time.
The 2025 Subaru Legacy, with its all-weather performance, excellent fuel mileage, and the highest safety scores, continues to offer the best value for sedan enthusiasts. Consumer Reports says it's the best midsize car under $30,000.
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Writer 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: Competition Subaru
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