2022 Subaru Legacy Sport: Review, Specs, & More

by Alex Braham 48 views

Let's dive into the 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport, guys! If you're hunting for a reliable, comfortable, and sporty sedan, this car might just be your perfect match. We'll break down everything you need to know, from its performance and features to its pros and cons. Buckle up!

Overview of the 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport

The 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport is a mid-size sedan that stands out with its standard all-wheel drive (AWD), a feature that gives it an edge over many of its competitors. It's designed for those who want a blend of practicality and a bit of fun behind the wheel. The Legacy Sport trim adds a touch of sportiness with unique styling elements and enhanced features, making it a compelling option in the crowded sedan market.

Why should you care about the 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport? Well, it offers a balanced package. You get Subaru's renowned reliability, a comfortable ride, and the added confidence of AWD, which is especially useful if you live in an area with unpredictable weather. Plus, the Sport trim gives it a more aggressive look and feel compared to the base models.

Subaru has built a reputation for producing vehicles that are safe, dependable, and capable. The Legacy Sport continues this tradition, offering a suite of advanced safety features and a well-appointed interior. It's not the flashiest or the most powerful sedan out there, but it delivers a solid, all-around performance that makes it a smart choice for many drivers. Whether you're commuting to work, running errands, or taking a road trip, the Legacy Sport is designed to handle it all with ease and comfort. Its combination of practicality, safety, and sporty styling makes it a standout option in its class.

Key Features and Specs

When you're checking out the 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport, the key features and specs are what really make it shine. Let's get into the nitty-gritty details that set this sedan apart.

Engine and Performance

Under the hood, the Legacy Sport typically houses a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This engine cranks out around 260 horsepower and 277 lb-ft of torque. What does this mean for you? It means you've got enough power for confident acceleration and smooth highway cruising. The turbocharged engine provides a noticeable boost in performance compared to the base engine, making the Sport trim a more engaging drive.

The engine is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which prioritizes fuel efficiency. While some enthusiasts might prefer a traditional automatic transmission, Subaru's CVT is well-tuned and simulates gear changes to provide a more natural driving experience. Plus, it contributes to the Legacy Sport's impressive fuel economy.

Interior and Technology

Inside, the 2022 Legacy Sport boasts a well-equipped cabin with comfortable seating and a user-friendly layout. You'll find a large touchscreen infotainment system, typically around 11.6 inches, which dominates the center console. This screen integrates Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Subaru's Starlink services, keeping you connected on the go. The Sport trim often includes unique interior accents, such as red stitching and sporty upholstery, to enhance the overall aesthetic.

Other notable tech features include a Harman Kardon premium audio system, which delivers crisp and clear sound quality, and a suite of advanced safety technologies. Subaru's EyeSight system, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking, comes standard, providing an extra layer of safety and convenience.

Exterior Design

On the outside, the Legacy Sport stands out with its distinctive styling cues. You'll notice a unique front grille, sporty side skirts, and a rear spoiler that add to its aggressive appearance. The dark gray finish on the alloy wheels and exterior mirrors further enhances its sporty vibe. LED headlights and fog lights provide excellent visibility, while also adding a touch of modern flair.

Overall, the 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport combines a powerful engine, a well-appointed interior, and sporty exterior styling to create a compelling package. Whether you're looking for a comfortable daily driver or a fun weekend cruiser, this sedan has a lot to offer.

Pros and Cons

Alright, let's get real about the 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport. No car is perfect, so let's break down the pros and cons to give you a balanced view.

Pros

  • Standard All-Wheel Drive (AWD): This is a huge selling point. AWD provides superior traction and stability, especially in adverse weather conditions. It gives you confidence on slippery roads and enhances overall handling. For those living in areas with snow or rain, AWD is a must-have.
  • Turbocharged Engine: The 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers plenty of power for confident acceleration and smooth highway cruising. It makes the Sport trim more engaging to drive compared to the base models with the non-turbo engine.
  • Advanced Safety Features: Subaru's EyeSight system is standard, offering a comprehensive suite of safety technologies like adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and automatic emergency braking. These features can help prevent accidents and make driving safer and more relaxed.
  • Comfortable and Spacious Interior: The Legacy Sport offers a comfortable and spacious cabin with plenty of room for passengers and cargo. The seats are supportive, making it ideal for long drives, and the user-friendly infotainment system is easy to use.
  • Sporty Styling: The unique exterior and interior styling cues of the Sport trim give it a more aggressive and appealing look compared to the standard Legacy models. The sporty accents and design elements make it stand out from the crowd.

Cons

  • CVT Transmission: While Subaru's CVT is well-tuned, some drivers may miss the feel of a traditional automatic transmission. The CVT prioritizes fuel efficiency, which can sometimes come at the expense of driving engagement.
  • Infotainment System: While the large touchscreen is visually impressive, some users may find the interface a bit clunky or slow to respond at times. The reliance on touchscreen controls can also be distracting while driving.
  • Fuel Economy: While the Legacy Sport offers decent fuel economy, it's not the most fuel-efficient sedan in its class. The turbocharged engine and AWD system can impact fuel consumption, especially during spirited driving.
  • Ride Quality: While the Legacy Sport is generally comfortable, some drivers may find the ride a bit firm, especially on rough roads. The sporty suspension tuning can make it less forgiving than some of its competitors.

In summary, the 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport offers a compelling package with its standard AWD, turbocharged engine, and advanced safety features. However, the CVT transmission, infotainment system, and ride quality may not appeal to everyone. Weighing these pros and cons will help you decide if it's the right car for you.

Comparisons with Competitors

When you're shopping for a mid-size sedan like the 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport, it's essential to see how it stacks up against its competitors. Let's take a look at some key rivals and how the Legacy Sport compares.

Subaru Legacy Sport vs. Toyota Camry

The Toyota Camry is one of the best-selling sedans in the market, known for its reliability and fuel efficiency. Compared to the Legacy Sport, the Camry offers a wider range of engine options, including a hybrid variant. However, the Legacy Sport has a significant advantage with its standard AWD, which the Camry lacks (unless you opt for the AWD version, which is less common).

In terms of performance, the Camry's V6 engine can rival the Legacy Sport's turbocharged engine, but the Subaru's AWD provides better traction and control in all weather conditions. The Camry's interior is generally more conservative, while the Legacy Sport offers a more modern and sporty design. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your priorities: reliability and fuel efficiency versus AWD and sporty styling.

Subaru Legacy Sport vs. Honda Accord

The Honda Accord is another popular choice in the mid-size sedan segment, praised for its refined driving dynamics and spacious interior. Like the Camry, the Accord doesn't offer standard AWD, putting the Legacy Sport ahead in terms of all-weather capability. The Accord's turbocharged engines are competitive with the Legacy Sport's, but the Subaru's AWD gives it an edge in handling and stability.

The Accord's interior is known for its quality materials and user-friendly technology, while the Legacy Sport offers a larger touchscreen infotainment system. Both sedans offer a comfortable ride, but the Accord is generally considered to be more engaging to drive. If you prioritize driving dynamics and interior refinement, the Accord might be a better choice, but if you need AWD and prefer a sporty design, the Legacy Sport is the way to go.

Subaru Legacy Sport vs. Mazda 6

The Mazda 6 is often praised for its stylish design and sporty handling, making it a direct competitor to the Legacy Sport. However, the Mazda 6 doesn't offer AWD, which is a significant disadvantage compared to the Subaru. The Mazda 6's turbocharged engine is similar in performance to the Legacy Sport's, but the Subaru's AWD provides better traction and control.

The Mazda 6's interior is known for its premium materials and elegant design, while the Legacy Sport offers a more modern and tech-focused cabin. Both sedans offer a comfortable ride, but the Mazda 6 is generally considered to be more fun to drive. If you prioritize style and driving dynamics, the Mazda 6 might be a better choice, but if you need AWD and prefer a larger infotainment screen, the Legacy Sport is the better option.

Is the 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport Right for You?

So, is the 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport the right car for you? Let's break it down. If you value safety, reliability, and all-weather capability, this sedan is definitely worth considering.

Here's who the 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport is perfect for:

  • Drivers in Cold Climates: If you live in an area with snow, ice, or frequent rain, the standard all-wheel drive (AWD) is a game-changer. It provides superior traction and stability, giving you confidence in challenging driving conditions.
  • Those Prioritizing Safety: Subaru has a strong reputation for safety, and the Legacy Sport is no exception. With its standard EyeSight system and other advanced safety features, you can feel secure knowing you're driving a car designed to protect you and your passengers.
  • People Who Want a Bit of Sportiness: The Sport trim adds a touch of flair with its unique styling elements and turbocharged engine. It's not a full-blown sports car, but it offers a more engaging driving experience compared to the base Legacy models.
  • Commuters and Road Trippers: The Legacy Sport offers a comfortable and spacious interior, making it ideal for long drives. The supportive seats and user-friendly infotainment system will keep you comfortable and entertained on your journey.

However, it might not be the best fit if:

  • You're a Performance Enthusiast: While the turbocharged engine provides decent power, the Legacy Sport isn't the most thrilling car to drive. If you're looking for a true sports sedan, you might want to consider other options.
  • You Prefer a Traditional Automatic Transmission: The CVT transmission prioritizes fuel efficiency, but some drivers may miss the feel of a traditional automatic. If you prefer a more engaging driving experience, the CVT might not be your cup of tea.
  • You Need the Absolute Best Fuel Economy: While the Legacy Sport offers decent fuel economy, it's not the most fuel-efficient sedan in its class. If fuel efficiency is your top priority, you might want to consider a hybrid or a smaller sedan.

Ultimately, the best way to decide if the 2022 Subaru Legacy Sport is right for you is to take it for a test drive. Experience the AWD system, evaluate the comfort and features, and see if it fits your needs and preferences. Happy driving!