2025 Subaru Legacy XT/SAL: Its Final Farewell

We take a final test drive in the 2025 Subaru Legacy. Once regarded as a practical family car, this classic sedan is now seen as somewhat impractical.

The 2025 Subaru Legacy Touring XT stands out as a refined and practical sedan, marking the end of an era for Subaru’s midsize four-door models. This top-spec trim combines the traditional strengths of Subaru—such as standard all-wheel drive, advanced safety features, and a solid reputation for reliability—with an unexpected level of luxury and comfort.

Performance and Ride Quality

The Touring XT is equipped with a robust 2.4-liter turbocharged boxer engine that delivers an impressive 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque, seamlessly paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). This combination enables brisk acceleration, ensuring a satisfying surge of power when you need it most. However, the CVT can sometimes detract from the experience, making acceleration feel less immediate and more drone-like compared to the responsiveness of a traditional automatic transmission.

One of the most remarkable attributes of the Legacy is its exceptional ride quality, which I truly enjoyed. The suspension system masterfully absorbs the jarring effects of rough roads, providing a level of comfort that surpasses many competitors, including the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. The steering is light and effortlessly easy to maneuver, although it doesn’t exude a sporty edge, reinforcing the Legacy’s focus on delivering a comfortable and serene driving experience over nimbleness in tight corners.

Interior and Features

The cabin of the Touring XT is a delightful surprise, showcasing elegant Nappa leather upholstery that envelops the seats for a truly luxurious feel. It features both heated and ventilated seating in the front and rear, ensuring maximum comfort in a range of weather conditions. The heated steering wheel adds an extra touch of warmth on chilly days, while the ventilation in the front seats allows for refreshing airflow during warmer months.

The interior’s materials and craftsmanship are impressive, rivaling those typically found in entry-level luxury vehicles. Soft-touch surfaces throughout the cabin, combined with glossy black accents, create an inviting and sophisticated atmosphere. 

The front seats are designed for long journeys, providing excellent lumbar support and cushioning, making them ideal for extended drives. In the rear, the spacious seating comfortably accommodates adults and easily fits child safety seats, making it a practical choice for families. 

Large windows and slender pillars enhance outward visibility, providing the driver with a commanding view of the road and surroundings. Additionally, the wide-opening doors facilitate easy entry and exit for both passengers and pets, enhancing the overall convenience and user-friendly design of the Touring XT.

Technology and Safety

Subaru equips the Touring XT with advanced technology, including an extensive touchscreen infotainment system, adaptive front lighting, a front-view camera for parking, and a comprehensive suite of driver-assist features. These include lane departure warning, lane centering, blind spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and Subaru’s DriverFocus distraction mitigation system. The Legacy consistently earns top safety ratings, making it a reassuring choice for families.

Fuel Economy

Official EPA estimates for the turbo engine are 23 mpg city / 31 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined, though real-world numbers may be a bit lower if you drive enthusiastically. This is slightly behind some rivals but not by a margin likely to sway most buyers.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Legacy Touring XT is a sedan that perfectly embodies Subaru’s core strengths: unwavering safety, exceptional comfort, and remarkable all-weather capability. While it may not deliver the most exhilarating driving experience, it compensates with a serene and inviting cabin, packed with high-quality features. Long-time Subaru enthusiasts may be delighted to find a level of luxury that exceeds expectations. As the Legacy gracefully concludes its journey, this final Touring XT serves as a fitting tribute—both practical and plush, it is undeniably a quintessential representation of Subaru’s unique spirit.