Hey everyone, let's dive into the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan, a car that’s been a solid contender in the midsize sedan market for a while now. If you're looking for a reliable, comfortable, and safe ride, this might just be the one for you, guys. Subaru has a reputation for building cars that can handle a bit of everything, and the Legacy is no exception, especially in its Premium trim. We're going to break down what makes this car stand out, from its standard all-wheel-drive system to its comfortable interior and smart tech features. It’s not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about doing it with confidence and a touch of refinement. So, buckle up as we explore what the 2022 Legacy Premium has to offer and why it continues to be a smart choice for many drivers out there.

Standard All-Wheel Drive: A Subaru Staple

One of the most significant selling points of the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan is its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Unlike many competitors in its class that offer AWD as an optional upgrade, Subaru includes it on every single Legacy model, including the Premium trim. This isn't just a marketing gimmick; it's a fundamental part of the car's design that enhances traction, stability, and confidence in virtually any driving condition. Whether you're navigating slick city streets during a downpour, tackling snowy backroads in the winter, or simply enjoying a more secure grip on dry pavement, the Subaru AWD system works seamlessly to distribute power to the wheels that have the most grip. This proactive approach to traction control means less wheel slip and a more stable, predictable driving experience. For those living in areas with challenging weather or who simply appreciate the added security of enhanced grip, this standard AWD is a massive advantage. It’s a feature that truly sets the Legacy apart and reinforces Subaru's reputation for building capable vehicles.

Powertrain and Performance

The heart of the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan is its dependable powertrain. Under the hood, you’ll find a 2.5-liter BOXER engine that delivers a respectable 182 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with Subaru’s Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Now, CVTs sometimes get a bad rap, but Subaru has refined theirs over the years to provide a smooth and efficient driving experience. It’s designed to keep the engine in its optimal power band, maximizing fuel economy while providing responsive acceleration when you need it. While it might not offer the thrilling acceleration of some sportier sedans, the Legacy Premium’s powertrain is perfectly suited for daily commuting, highway cruising, and general driving. It strikes a great balance between performance and efficiency, ensuring that your trips are both comfortable and economical. Plus, the AWD system, working in harmony with the engine and transmission, ensures that power is delivered effectively, no matter the road conditions. This makes the Legacy Premium a capable performer in a variety of scenarios, offering drivers a sense of control and capability that’s hard to beat in its segment. It’s this combination of a solid engine, smooth transmission, and standard AWD that makes the driving experience in the Legacy Premium so well-rounded and satisfying for everyday use.

Interior Comfort and Features

Step inside the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan, and you’ll find an interior that prioritizes comfort, practicality, and thoughtful design. The Premium trim level offers a significant upgrade over the base model, bringing a host of features that enhance the driving and passenger experience. The seats are upholstered in a comfortable cloth material, and the driver’s seat boasts a 10-way power-adjustable function, allowing you to find that perfect driving position with ease. This attention to ergonomic detail is something Subaru is known for, and it really makes a difference on longer drives. You’ll also appreciate the dual-zone automatic climate control, which ensures that both the driver and front passenger can maintain their preferred temperature settings independently – no more fighting over the thermostat, guys! The infotainment system is centered around a large 11.6-inch touchscreen display, which is impressively large for this class. It comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, allowing you to seamlessly connect your smartphone for access to navigation, music, and hands-free calling. Physical buttons and knobs are still present for essential functions like volume and climate control, which many drivers prefer for their intuitive use. The cabin itself is quiet and well-insulated, making for a relaxed atmosphere even at highway speeds. There’s ample space for both front and rear passengers, with generous legroom and headroom, making it a comfortable choice for families or those who frequently carpool. Storage solutions are also well-thought-out, with plenty of cup holders and cubbies to stash your essentials. Overall, the interior of the 2022 Legacy Premium is a welcoming and functional space, designed to make every journey as pleasant as possible.

Advanced Safety Technologies

Safety is a cornerstone of the Subaru brand, and the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan is a shining example of this commitment. Equipped with Subaru's renowned EyeSight Driver Assist Technology, the Legacy Premium offers a suite of advanced safety features designed to help prevent accidents and protect occupants. The EyeSight system uses stereo cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor the road ahead, providing functions like Pre-Collision Braking, Pre-Collision Throttle Management, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Departure and Sway Warning. These systems act as an extra set of eyes, alerting the driver to potential hazards and even intervening to help avoid a collision. For instance, Adaptive Cruise Control can maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys. The Lane Departure Warning helps keep you centered in your lane, especially useful on highways. In addition to EyeSight, the Premium trim often includes Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, further enhancing situational awareness. These features are invaluable for navigating busy traffic and parking lots, alerting you to vehicles you might not otherwise see. The Legacy also boasts a robust structure with advanced airbag systems, contributing to its excellent safety ratings. Earning top marks in safety tests is a testament to Subaru's dedication to protecting its drivers and passengers. With the 2022 Legacy Premium, you can drive with a greater sense of peace of mind, knowing that it’s equipped with some of the most advanced safety technologies available on the market today. It's this focus on safety that makes the Legacy a truly compelling option for anyone who prioritizes security on the road.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Staying connected and entertained on the go is crucial, and the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan delivers with its user-friendly and capable infotainment system. The star of the show is the large 11.6-inch Subaru STARLINK touchscreen display. This vertically oriented screen is not only impressive in size but also quite intuitive to use. It serves as the central hub for most of the car's entertainment, communication, and vehicle settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are standard, meaning you can easily mirror your smartphone's interface onto the car's screen. This gives you seamless access to your favorite navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze, your music playlists, podcasts, and hands-free calling and messaging capabilities. The system is responsive to touch inputs, and Subaru has thoughtfully included physical controls for frequently used functions like temperature and volume, which we really appreciate for quick adjustments while driving. Beyond smartphone integration, the STARLINK system offers built-in navigation as an option on higher trims, but even without it, your phone’s navigation is usually superior. It also supports Bluetooth connectivity for audio streaming and hands-free calling, and there are USB ports conveniently located to keep your devices charged. The sound system, typically a 6-speaker setup in the Premium trim, provides clear audio for music and calls. While it might not satisfy hardcore audiophiles, it's more than adequate for the average listener. The system is also designed to be updated, ensuring that it can incorporate new features and improvements over time. Overall, the infotainment system in the 2022 Legacy Premium strikes a great balance between functionality, ease of use, and modern connectivity, ensuring that your drives are always enjoyable and connected.

Cargo Space and Practicality

When considering a sedan, cargo space and overall practicality are often high on the list of priorities, and the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan doesn't disappoint. The trunk offers a respectable 15.7 cubic feet of cargo space, which is competitive within its midsize sedan segment. This is ample room for everyday needs, such as grocery runs, luggage for a weekend getaway, or sports equipment. For larger or bulkier items, the rear seats can be folded down in a 60/40 split configuration. This significantly expands the cargo area, allowing you to transport items like bicycles, furniture boxes, or camping gear with relative ease. The trunk opening itself is wide, making it easier to load and unload heavier items. Inside the cabin, Subaru has also done a commendable job of providing practical storage solutions. You'll find a decent-sized glove box, a center console bin, door pockets, and multiple cup holders for both front and rear passengers. These spaces are perfect for stashing smaller essentials like phones, wallets, sunglasses, and water bottles, keeping the cabin organized and clutter-free. The overall design of the interior focuses on usability, ensuring that passengers have convenient places to store their belongings. For families, this means easy access to snacks and entertainment for the kids, and for commuters, it means keeping important items within easy reach. The Legacy Premium balances its comfortable passenger space with enough practical cargo capacity to handle a variety of lifestyle needs, making it a versatile choice for daily life and occasional adventures. It’s a car that’s designed to be used and to make your life just a little bit easier.

Driving Experience and Comfort

The 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan offers a driving experience that is best described as refined, comfortable, and confidence-inspiring. Thanks to the standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, you get a planted and stable feel on the road, regardless of the weather conditions. This system works subtly in the background, providing enhanced grip and reducing the chances of slipping, especially during turns or on slick surfaces. The suspension is tuned to absorb bumps and imperfections in the road effectively, providing a smooth and compliant ride. This means that even on rougher roads, occupants will experience minimal disturbance, making for a more relaxed journey. The steering is precise and well-weighted, offering good feedback without being overly heavy, which makes maneuvering in tight spaces or parking quite easy. While the 182-horsepower engine in the Premium trim provides adequate power for most situations, it’s not designed for spirited performance. Instead, it focuses on smooth, linear acceleration, which complements the car’s overall comfortable demeanor. The CVT, as mentioned before, is smooth and contributes to the quiet cabin environment. Road noise and wind noise are well-managed, allowing for easy conversation or enjoyment of the audio system, even at highway speeds. The seats are supportive, especially the power-adjustable driver's seat, which helps in finding a comfortable position for extended periods. This combination of a smooth ride, secure handling, and a quiet cabin makes the 2022 Legacy Premium an excellent choice for long commutes, road trips, or simply navigating the daily grind. It prioritizes comfort and a sense of security above all else, which is exactly what many drivers are looking for in a sedan.

Fuel Efficiency

For those keeping an eye on their wallets and the environment, the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan offers commendable fuel efficiency, especially considering its standard all-wheel-drive system. The 2.5-liter BOXER engine paired with the Lineartronic CVT is engineered to optimize fuel consumption. Subaru estimates that the Legacy Premium achieves an EPA-rated fuel economy of 27 MPG in the city and 35 MPG on the highway. These figures are quite impressive and place the Legacy among the more fuel-efficient vehicles in its class, particularly when you factor in the all-wheel-drive capability. Many front-wheel-drive competitors might offer slightly higher MPG ratings, but the Legacy’s ability to maintain strong fuel economy while providing the all-weather confidence of AWD is a significant advantage. This means you can enjoy the benefits of enhanced traction and stability without a substantial penalty at the gas pump. During real-world driving, these numbers can vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and weather, but the overall efficiency is consistently good. This makes the Legacy Premium an economical choice for daily commuting, reducing your running costs and your carbon footprint. It's a smart combination of performance, safety, and efficiency that makes the 2022 Legacy Premium a well-rounded package for the budget-conscious driver who doesn't want to compromise on capability or comfort.

Conclusion: A Solid All-Around Sedan

In summary, the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan stands out as a remarkably well-rounded and sensible choice in the competitive midsize sedan segment. Its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive is a standout feature, offering superior traction and stability year-round, a capability often reserved for optional upgrades in rival vehicles. Coupled with a comfortable and quiet ride, the Legacy Premium provides a driving experience that is both confidence-inspiring and relaxing. The interior is thoughtfully designed, offering supportive seats, a user-friendly infotainment system with a large touchscreen and smartphone integration, and ample space for passengers and cargo. Safety is paramount, with the advanced EyeSight Driver Assist Technology providing a suite of features to help protect you and your loved ones. Furthermore, the impressive fuel economy, especially for an AWD vehicle, makes it an economical option for daily driving. While it may not be the most exciting car in terms of raw power, its blend of practicality, safety, comfort, and all-weather capability makes it an exceptionally strong contender for anyone seeking a reliable and dependable sedan. The 2022 Legacy Premium truly delivers on Subaru's promise of building quality vehicles that offer great value and peace of mind. It’s a car that’s ready for whatever life throws your way, guys, making it a purchase you can feel genuinely good about.