Follow us today...
Stay away from one new midsize sedan.
What are the best midsize sedans for new car shoppers this summer? An updated Consumer Reports (by subscription) ranking of midsize sedans says you should avoid buying the 2024 Chevrolet Malibu and buy the 2025 Subaru Legacy instead.
CR now says the Subaru Legacy is the best under-the-radar pick for sedan shoppers.
What does CR say about the Chevrolet Malibu?
- Price Range: $24,700 - $31,500
- CR MPG: Overall 29 / City 19 / Hwy 41 mpg
- #11 of 12 Midsized cars
"In a market where the remaining midsized sedans are all pretty good, the Malibu doesn't score high enough for us to recommend it."
"Its sleek body lines affect the driver's outward visibility and passenger access. Inside, the car's interior feels cheap in the widely sold midgrade trim, although an upgrade to leather seats can improve that, if only in terms of seat comfort. Cargo space is generous, but the fold-down rear seatback leaves little of a pass-through for longer items."
"Reliability is average, but owner satisfaction is below average. Among the Malibu's high points are attractive styling, a comfortable ride, and a quiet cabin. If you need further convincing that the Malibu isn't that competitive, Chevrolet has announced that it will stop building the car in the fall, with 2025 being the final model year."
What does CR say about the 2025 Subaru Legacy?
- Price Range: $24,895 - $38,195
- CR MPG: Overall 28 / City 19 / Hwy 39 mpg
- #4 of 12 Midsized cars
"The Legacy sells in lower numbers than the Accord, but it's a great car. It provides a comfortable ride that outshines some luxury cars."
"Handling is responsive but not sporty. This AWD midsized sedan offers the choice of an 182-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder or a 260-hp, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder, both mated to a CVT. 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 large infotainment touchscreen hides common tasks deep in menus, and the system can be slow to respond to inputs. BSW and RCTW are optional. 2025 is the final year for the Legacy."
CR also says the Honda Accord Hybrid is a best choice for midsize sedan shoppers. However, the 2025 Subaru Legacy offers unique features that set it apart from the Accord Hybrid. Find out more in my report here.
What sets the Subaru Legacy apart?
For those wanting a 2025 Subaru Legacy, you have another year to buy one, and it's still an excellent all-wheel-drive sedan.
The 2025 Subaru Legacy arrives now at U.S. retailers and is an excellent car for some people. Its outstanding features include:
- Subaru's Symmetrical all-wheel drive offers superior all-weather performance.
- The 2025 Subaru Legacy offers a spacious and comfortable interior, making every journey a relaxing and enjoyable experience.
- Legacy offers advanced safety with Subaru's excellent EyeSight driver assist safety tech.
Do you want a smooth ride, a quiet interior, supportive seats, comfortable seats, a driving position, and easy access? An updated Consumer Reports (by subscription) scoring of the most comfortable midsize cars says they can all increase the pleasure of driving and keep you safer.
Read my report here on why Consumer Reports ranks the Legacy as the most comfortable new midsize sedan you can buy. The Legacy's spacious and comfortable interior, supportive seats, and advanced safety technology all contribute to its high comfort rating.
If you're in the market for a sedan with all-weather performance, the 2025 Legacy is a compelling choice that will keep you confident and safe in any driving conditions.
What is the price of the 2025 Subaru Legacy?
For the 2025 model year, the Legacy sedan is still available in five trim levels: base ($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).
Each trim level offers unique features, so you can choose the one that best fits your needs and budget. Read my 2025 Legacy model guide here for more information.
Subaru calls code red on the Legacy Sedan.
Subaru Legacy sales continue to decline, and it looks like a good decision by Subaru to drop the sedan after the 2025 model year. Here is what's coming next that could replace it on the assembly line. Read my report here.
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. Consumer Reports says it's your best under-the-radar pick now.
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: Competition Subaru
Follow us today...
