The 2020 Subaru Legacy AWD 2.4L achieves a combined EPA rating of 27 MPG, an acceptable but not class-leading number for a mid-size sedan with standard all-wheel drive. Legacy buyers don’t typically prioritize fuel efficiency; practicality, longevity, and all-weather assurance are more important, and the Legacy delivers those. Fuel economy is simply a factor they consider.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates the Legacy gets 24 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects stop-and-go traffic where the Legacy’s weight and all-wheel drive system require more power to accelerate. The highway number is respectable, showing the 2.4L engine can operate efficiently at cruising speed. While 32 MPG is a good number, the Legacy’s heavy driveline means it lags behind lighter, front-wheel-drive competitors on longer trips.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Subaru Legacy AWD 2.4L at $1,600. This is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, using national average fuel prices. Your actual fuel costs will vary depending on your driving habits, the type of driving you do, and local gasoline prices. Expect to spend slightly more than the estimate if you primarily drive in the city. On the other hand, those who do mostly highway driving and drive conservatively should see a yearly fuel bill below $1,600.

Real-world expectations

EPA estimates are a good benchmark, but real-world fuel economy depends heavily on individual driving style and road conditions. Aggressive acceleration, frequent hard braking, and consistent high-speed driving will all negatively affect fuel economy. The Legacy’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) is programmed to prioritize fuel efficiency, but even it can’t compensate for poor driving habits.

Many owners report achieving numbers slightly below the EPA combined rating, typically in the 25-26 MPG range, suggesting that the EPA’s testing cycle might be optimistic for typical Legacy drivers. For more, consult LEGACY MPG across all years.

How it compares

Compared to other mid-size sedans, the 2020 Subaru Legacy’s 27 MPG combined figure is mid-pack. The Toyota Camry Hybrid, for example, achieves an EPA-estimated 52 MPG combined, while the non-hybrid Camry XLE gets 39 MPG highway with its 2.5-liter engine. However, neither includes all-wheel drive as standard equipment. If all-wheel drive is a must-have, the Nissan Altima AWD achieves around 34 MPG highway, a slightly better number than the Legacy. The Mazda 3 with AWD gets around 32 MPG combined, similar to the Legacy.

The Legacy offers all-wheel drive, a comfortable ride, and Subaru’s reputation for reliability. Understanding all Subaru fuel economy data puts the Legacy’s MPG into perspective when considering the brand’s overall commitment to AWD.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Gentle acceleration is key to maximizing fuel economy in the Legacy. Avoid abrupt starts and try to maintain a steady pace. The CVT transmission is designed to find the optimal gear ratio for efficiency; let it do its job without constantly demanding maximum power from the engine.

Regular maintenance, especially tire inflation, can significantly impact fuel economy. Ensure your tires are inflated to the pressure recommended on the doorjamb sticker. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reducing your MPG. Be sure to keep your car properly maintained with regular oil changes and tune-ups.

Reduce unnecessary weight in the vehicle. Carrying extra cargo increases the amount of energy required to move the car, negatively affecting fuel economy. Remove any items you don’t need, especially heavy objects like tools or sporting equipment, especially in a heavier car like the Legacy.

Minimize idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern cars are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and avoiding idling can save a surprising amount of fuel, especially with boxer engines like the one in the Legacy that burn a bit of gas at idle.

Plan your trips efficiently. Combine errands into a single trip to reduce cold starts. Cold starts are less fuel-efficient than driving a warm engine. Drive at a safe and reasonable speed. Higher speeds require more energy to overcome wind resistance, so keeping your speed down will improve your fuel economy on the highway.