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CR’s Best Midsize Cars Under $30K And Why Subaru Legacy Needs A Hybrid Trim

What are the best midsize cars you can buy now? Consumer Reports released an updated ranking. Check the eight best models here.
2024 Subaru Legacy

I cover the best midsize cars monthly, and Consumer Reports (by subscription) released its updated ranking. What are the best new 2024 model year midsize cars you can buy now? CR says the 2024 Subaru Legacy is a top-recommended midsize car model. 

CR says they assembled the list of the best new cars under $30,000 based on their Overall Score, factoring in road-test performance, owner satisfaction, predicted reliability, and safety. The Legacy checks all the right boxes except for one. 

2024 Subaru Legacy driving in the city

According to Consumer Reports, the 2024 Toyota Camry Hybrid is the Best Midsized Car. 

Other Top Models in the midsize car category that CR recommends in alphabetical order are: 

  • Hyundai Sonata
  • Hyundai Sonata Hybrid
  • Kia K5
  • Honda Accord
  • Nissan Altima
  • Subaru Legacy
  • Toyota Camry

What does CR say about the 2024 Subaru Legacy?

"The Legacy provides a super-comfortable ride that outshines some luxury cars. Handling is responsive but not sporty. This AWD sedan is fitted with two four-cylinder engines: an 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter, and a 260-horsepower, turbocharged 2.4-liter. The 2.5 liter has just enough power for most situations and got a decent 28 mpg overall, but it makes an unpleasant roar when pushed." 

2024 Subaru Legacy rear view

"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 screen hides common tasks deep in menus, and the system can respond slowly to inputs. AEB with pedestrian detection and AEB highway are standard, but BSW and RCTW are optional."

I have covered the Legacy's best attributes before. All Legacy trim levels come standard with Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel-drive for all-weather performance. The Legacy also gets the highest safety scores from the IIHS and is fuel efficient.

I have also written about the Legacy needing a hybrid trim level.

Legacy has the all-weather capability, gets the top safety scores, is fuel efficient, and even has a sporty Legacy XT trim level. But my question is, can the Legacy survive without a hybrid trim level? 

To answer the question, Subaru should offer the next-generation Legacy sedan with a hybrid powertrain. It would have all the family traits of a Subaru vehicle but would be more eco-friendly and then be able to compete with CR's top pick, the Toyota Camry Hybrid. 

Consumer Reports says the 2024 Subaru Legacy is one of the best midsize cars under $30,000. Will an all-new Legacy hybrid come forward with the next-generation model changes in 2025? Stay tuned.

Thanks for reading, everyone. I hope you enjoyed this Subaru Legacy story. See you tomorrow for my latest Subaru Report.

For additional articles related to new Subaru models, here are a few of my top stories you may enjoy. 

My Must-Read Top Picks

Watch the 2024 Subaru Legacy Limited Review - An Overlooked Sedan For $35,000!

I am Denis Flierl, a 12-year Torque News senior writer with 20+ years of Subaru and automotive journalism experience. I enjoy bringing you, the Subaru fans and customers, the most up-to-date Subaru news, reviews, and new model information. You'll find the latest Subaru stories on the Subaru page. Follow me on my The Dirty Subaru website, Dirty Subaru blog, SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

I’ve got you covered! - I cover all Subaru all the time - It’s called the “Subaru Report.” Check back daily for my expert Subaru analysis!

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photo credit: Subaru USA

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Comments

Gene Bobrow (not verified)    December 19, 2023 - 6:17AM

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I own a Legacy XT, well first of all its closer to 40k, than 30. For those that don't know Subaru specific models, mine has the 260hp turbo engine. It has sports seats with Napa leather. Previously had a 328 BMW. When I test drove an new BMW, an Audi, with identical equipment. They both cost 18k more than the Legacy. Oh and the Subaru uses regular gas, not premium, like the other 2. Is the Legacy as good, maybe 95%, as good, so yes those German cars are better, but not as much as you expect, at 35% more cost.

John (not verified)    December 29, 2023 - 8:24PM

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I also have the XT Legacy. I love the car and I think the handling is really good for a mid size sedan. Power is really good out of a 4 cylinder turbo engine. Interior is quiet and the ride is pretty smooth. Looking forward to seeing what the '25 model will look like. Like most of my friends, no interest in the EVs.