Subaru Legacy

Fuel economy, running costs and specs by model year

The Subaru Legacy appears in this database in 3 model years, from 2018 to 2020, offered with gasoline power. Combined economy ranges from 23 to 30 MPG across those years, with annual fuel costs of $2,150 to $2,800 at 15,000 miles.

Fuel economy by year

How it compares

Against the average midsize cars in this dataset (about 32 MPG), the Legacy sits roughly 6 MPG below that mark on average, making it a thirstier-than-average choice for its class.

Five-year fuel cost

Fuelling a Legacy for five years at the EPA's 15,000-mile basis costs roughly $10,750 to $14,000, averaging about $12,375 across the versions here. That is the energy bill alone — it excludes insurance, maintenance and depreciation, which for most owners together exceed what goes into the tank.

The range within the range

Economy across the Legacy varies by about 7 MPG between its most and least frugal versions, which run on gasoline. Engine size, turbocharging, drivetrain and even wheel size explain most of that gap, so when you shop a used Legacy check which version you are looking at before comparing its running cost to another car.

How it changed over time

Between 2018 and 2020 the Legacy's average combined economy improved from about 26 to 28 MPG. Redesigns, new engines and added hybrid or electric versions are usually what move the number, so the year you choose can matter as much as the model.

Best year for fuel economy

The 2020 Legacy has the strongest average combined economy in this database at about 28 MPG, while the 2018 is the lowest at about 26 MPG. If running cost is your priority, that is the year to target on the used market; later years may add equipment or safety features instead.

2020 Legacy at a glance

Use the comparison tool to set the Legacy against a rival, or go back to all Subaru models.