2015 Subaru Legacy — Carivo review carivo.co
Sedan

2015 Subaru Legacy

Independent review & score by Carivo

Price Range $18,173–$21,120
Fuel Economy 21 MPG
Seating 5 passengers
Category Sedan
Est. Annual Fuel $2,500/yr

Key Specifications — 2015 Subaru Legacy

Seating Capacity5 passengers
Body StyleSedan
Base Price$18,173–$21,120

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.

About the 2015 Subaru Legacy

Our scoring places the 2015 Subaru Legacy at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 7.9/10, while Technology at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.

Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.8/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. The safety score of 7.9/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.

Performance at 6.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.1/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.

Priced from $18,173–$21,120, 21 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Legacy sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.4/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 11 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.

Our take: The 2015 Subaru Legacy is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in performance and technology hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.

Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →

How It Ranks Among Sedans

The 2015 Subaru Legacy ranks #896 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 32% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $18,173 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 34%.

Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →

Which Legacy Year Should You Buy?

Smart-money pick: the 2014 Subaru Legacy scores 7.1/10 — within striking distance of the 2015's 7.2 — and starts roughly $2,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.

YearScoreStarting price (MSRP when new)
2025 7.8/10$25,641 Read review →
2024 7.7/10$24,895 Read review →
2023 7.6/10$24,148 Read review →
2022 7.6/10$23,401 Read review →
2021 7.6/10$22,654 Read review →
2020 7.6/10$21,907 Read review →
2019 7.5/10$21,160 Read review →
2018 7.4/10$20,413 Read review →
2017 7.5/10$19,667 Read review →
2016 7.3/10$18,920 Read review →
2015 (this review) 7.2/10$18,173
2014 7.1/10$15,749 Read review →

Pros & Cons — 2015 Subaru Legacy

✓ What it does well

  • Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
  • Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
  • Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category

✗ Where it falls short

  • Driving dynamics are adequate but uninspiring; not the choice for enthusiast drivers
  • Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
  • Fuel economy at 21 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly

NHTSA Recalls — 2015 Subaru Legacy (3 on record)

The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Electronic stability control (esc)
27/04/2016 · 16V251000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the…
Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft
10/08/2015 · 15V502000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.
Forward collision avoidance / crash imminent braking
12/06/2015 · 15V366000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to…

Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.

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