The Subaru Legacy Outback is a popular vehicle that attracts many drivers with its spacious interior, powerful driving, and tough SUV appearance. However, when it comes to actually considering purchasing one, many people may be concerned about its size , wondering, “Is it too big? ” or ” Will it be inconvenient for driving around town ?”
In this article, we will thoroughly answer your questions about the size of the Legacy Outback for those of you who have such concerns.
“The Legacy Outback is too big and you’ll regret it.” Is this true?
We’ll examine the Legacy Outback from various angles, including its actual size, ease of driving, parking issues, and comparisons with rival cars, to get a true picture of what it is like. We’ll also cover all the benefits that come with its size and how to enjoy it to its full potential. After reading this article, you’ll be able to decide whether the size of the Legacy Outback suits your car lifestyle. Let’s embark on a journey together into the world of the Legacy Outback!
A thorough analysis of the size of the Legacy Outback!
2024-subaru-new-model-legacy-outback
First, let’s start by getting a concrete understanding of the size of the Legacy Outback. The body dimensions of the latest model Legacy Outback (as of December 2024) are as follows:
- Total length: 4,870mm
- Overall width: 1,875mm
- Overall height: 1,670mm
- Wheelbase: 2,745mm
- Minimum ground clearance: 213mm
Let’s compare these figures with a typical sedan or SUV. For example, the Toyota Corolla sedan is 4,495mm long and 1,745mm wide. On the other hand, the Toyota RAV4, a representative SUV, is 4,600mm long and 1,855mm wide.
Comparing these figures, we can see that the Legacy Outback is slightly larger than a sedan and roughly the same size as a mid-size SUV such as the RAV4. In particular, the overall width of 1,875mm may be a point of concern when considering the road conditions in Japan.
Parking issues: Is it really a problem?
The biggest concern about the size of the Legacy Outback is parking. We often hear concerns such as, “Will it not fit into a mechanical parking lot?” or “Will I have trouble finding a small parking lot?” It’s true that some mechanical parking lots are not suitable for the size of the Legacy Outback. In particular, there are often restrictions on overall height and width , so it’s important to check the size restrictions of the parking lot in advance.
Also, in multi-story parking garages and parking lots at commercial facilities, the distance between the pillars and walls is narrow, making parking difficult. However, that doesn’t mean that the Legacy Outback is an inconvenient car for city driving.
The latest Legacy Outback is equipped with advanced features to assist with parking, such as a 360° view monitor and smart rearview mirror . By utilizing these features, parking in tight spaces becomes a breeze. Furthermore, its maneuverability, with a minimum turning radius of 5.5m , will also assist with driving around town.
How easy is it to drive?
Some people may have the impression that large cars are difficult to drive, but the Legacy Outback has excellent driving performance that overturns that image.
The low center of gravity design of the horizontally opposed engine and the stable driving performance of the symmetrical AWD make for a smooth and comfortable driving experience. Advanced safety technologies such as EyeSight also enhance the sense of security while driving. Another attractive feature of the Legacy Outback is its excellent visibility .
The driver’s seat offers a good view and makes it easy to grasp the surroundings, allowing you to drive with confidence without being conscious of the size of the vehicle.
Compare it with rival cars!
To get a better understanding of the Legacy Outback’s size, let’s compare it with its rivals.
The main rivals include the following models:
- Toyota RAV4
- Mazda CX-5
- Honda CR-V
- Subaru Forester
- Nissan X-Trail
- Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
When comparing these models with the Legacy Outback, the following points can be noted as distinctive features.
| Manufacturer | Car model name | full length | Overall width | Overall height | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SUBARU | Outback | 4,870mm | 1,875mm | 1,675mm | 2,745mm |
| Toyota | RAV4 | 4,600mm | 1,855mm | 1,685mm | 2,690mm |
| Honda | CR-V | 4,605mm | 1,855mm | 1,680mm | 2,660mm |
| Mazda | CX-5 | 4,545mm | 1,840mm | 1,690mm | 2,700mm |
| Nissan | X-Trail | 4,640mm | 1,820mm | 1,730mm | 2,705mm |
| Mitsubishi | Outlander | 4,695mm | 1,810mm | 1,710mm | 2,670mm |
- RAV4 : It is shorter in length and slightly narrower than the Legacy Outback.
- CX-5 : Shorter and lower than the Legacy Outback. It features a sporty design.
- CR-V : Shorter than the Legacy Outback but taller. A three-row seating configuration is also available.
- Forester : It is shorter, wider, and taller than the Legacy Outback. It is more off-road oriented.
- X-Trail : It is shorter, wider, and taller than the Legacy Outback. It also comes with a three-row seating option.
- Outlander PHEV : A PHEV model that is shorter, wider, and taller than the Legacy Outback.
As you can see, the Legacy Outback is larger overall than its rivals.
What are the benefits of size?
The size of the Legacy Outback has many advantages as well as disadvantages.
Spacious interior space
The Legacy Outback’s appeal lies in its spacious interior , which takes advantage of its large body size . The front and rear seats are spacious enough to relax in, making it comfortable even on long drives. The luggage space is also large, at 561 liters, so you can carry a lot of luggage.
High driving stability
The large body and long wheelbase contribute to high driving stability , not only providing excellent straight-line stability on the highway but also excellent stability on curves.
Powerful running
The Legacy Outback is equipped with a 2.5L horizontally opposed 4-cylinder engine that combines powerful torque with smooth acceleration, allowing you to drive comfortably on any road.
Tough driving performance typical of an SUV
The Legacy Outback comes standard with Symmetrical AWD and X-MODE , which provide excellent off-road performance even on snowy or rough roads.
High safety performance
The latest safety technology, EyeSight, comes as standard, helping to avoid accidents and mitigate damage.
How to enjoy it by taking advantage of its size
By taking advantage of the Legacy Outback’s size, you can enjoy your car life even more.
Sleeping in a car
Taking advantage of the spacious interior and the flat-flat rear seats, you can enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep in the car. On the weekend, you can take the Legacy Outback to a place rich in nature and sleep under the stars… it would be a wonderful way to spend a luxurious time.
Outdoor leisure
The large luggage space is also ideal for outdoor activities such as camping and skiing. Load up with luggage and create fun memories with family and friends.
Long-distance driving
With its high driving stability and comfortable ride, the Legacy Outback is perfect for long-distance driving. It’s also a great way to travel to faraway places and enjoy new discoveries.
Summary: The Legacy Outback is just the right size
In this article, we have examined the size of the Legacy Outback from various angles. It is true that the Legacy Outback is larger than a compact car. However, it is also true that its size offers many benefits, making it a car that can be used in a variety of situations.
Even if you’re worried that it might be too big, we encourage you to take a test drive of the Legacy Outback .
You will surely find its charm. The Legacy Outback may become the perfect companion to enrich your car life.
Finally, for those considering purchasing a Legacy Outback
The price of the Legacy Outback varies depending on the grade and options. We recommend getting a detailed quote and considering your budget before purchasing. Dealers also have test drive vehicles available, so you can actually take a test drive to check out the size and ride comfort.
I hope this article will be helpful in your car life.
What is the Legacy Outback?
The Legacy Outback is Subaru’s signature crossover SUV. The first model was released in 1995, and since then, it has been popular with many users as Subaru’s unique crossover SUV, combining the comfort of a passenger car with the off-road capabilities of an SUV.
History of the Legacy Outback
The history of the Legacy Outback begins with the first-generation Legacy Grand Wagon, which was released in 1995. The Grand Wagon, which incorporated elements of SUVs that were popular in the United States at the time, quickly became a hit and grew into one of Subaru’s flagship models. In 1997, the Legacy Lancaster, based on the Grand Wagon and featuring a stronger SUV character, was released.
First generation BG series
A minor change was made in June 1996. The engine format remained the same, but it was updated to the “MASTER4.” In August 1997, the sub-name in Japan was changed to “Lancaster” and a minor change was made.
Second generation BH series
On June 17, 1998, it underwent a full model change at the same time as the Touring Wagon. Aiming to balance packaging and functionality, the overall height was reduced to 1,550 mm while maintaining a ground clearance of 200 mm, allowing it to be parked in mechanical multi-story parking garages. A minor change was made on May 22, 2001. The front end was given a three-dimensional shape, and the ornament on the front grille was changed to Subaru’s CI six-star emblem.
3rd generation BP series
The third-generation Legacy, which was released on October 22, 2003, was renamed the “Legacy Outback” in Japan. A minor change was made on May 24, 2006. The front grille was changed to a hexagonal shape, the turn signals on the rear combination lamps were made clear, and round reflectors were added to the inside of the tail lamps.
4th generation BR series
The fourth-generation Legacy Outback, which was released in 2009, adopted Subaru’s new design philosophy, “DYNAMIC × SOLID,” resulting in a more refined exterior design and a spacious interior.
It underwent a full model change on May 20, 2009, along with the Touring Wagon and B4. By increasing the interior length, width, and height, the overall width became 1,820 mm, the largest for a Subaru vehicle sold in Japan. A minor change was made on May 18, 2010, and a minor change was made on May 8, 2012. Like the Touring Wagon and B4, the front face was redesigned, and a special design was adopted for the grille and bumper, and large fog lamps were also installed.
5th generation BS series
The Japanese version of the fifth-generation Legacy discontinued the Touring Wagon and was made up of two body styles: the four-door sedan “Legacy B4” and the crossover SUV “Legacy Outback.”
The fifth-generation Legacy Outback, which was released in 2014, comes standard with Subaru’s EyeSight safety technology. This not only significantly improves safety performance, but also enhances driving performance and comfort.
6th generation BT series
Then, in 2019, the current sixth-generation Legacy Outback was released. It was officially announced in Japan on October 7, 2021. It adopts the new-generation platform “SGP (Subaru Global Platform),” further improving driving performance, safety, and comfort.
Legacy Outback
