In order to get the most out of their vehicles, senior drivers have a number of factors to take into consideration before choosing which one to purchase. While comfortable seats, good visibility, and modern safety features are important for everyone, older drivers, in particular, can benefit from opting for a car with these qualities. The 2020 Subaru Legacy is an excellent option for older drivers looking for a midsize car, U.S. News reports.

Why the Subaru Legacy is a great choice for senior drivers

With a high-quality comfortable cabin and roomy seats, the 2020 Subaru Legacy ranks in fifth place on the U.S. News list of 15 Best Cars for Older Drivers. This midsize car comes standard with all-wheel drive, a feature that sets it apart from similar vehicles in its class and makes it just a bit more dependable in all weather conditions. It also has excellent driver visibility that makes it easier and safer to operate.

U.S. News notes that the Legacy has a smooth, pleasant ride. Drivers with wheelchairs or walking canes can take advantage of the split-folding rear seats, which provide a fair amount of customizable cargo space to store larger items.

Safety features and other specs

The 2020 Subaru Legacy starts at approximately $22,745 and is ranked 7.6/10 on U.S. News. The base model features a four-cylinder engine that makes 182 hp, although there is a turbocharged 260 hp option available on higher trims. Its base engine gets 27 miles per gallon in the city and 35 miles per gallon on the highway, which is competitive mileage given the fact that the Legacy has all-wheel drive.

Older drivers will appreciate the many standard safety features that come with the Legacy, a few of which are included with Subaru’s driver assistance system, EyeSight. These features include sway warning, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, a rearview camera, and forward collision warning.

If desired, there are also quite a view optional safety features that can be added to the Legacy. These include blind spot monitoring, driver drowsiness monitoring, and reverse automatic braking.

A 7-inch touchscreen comes standard as part of the Legacy’s infotainment system. Other standard features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth. More advanced features, such as navigation and dual-zone automatic climate control, are optional.

What reviewers have to say about the Legacy

U.S. News praises the Subaru Legacy’s cabin, calling it a “home run.” It is filled with premium materials and roomy seats, and has plenty of legroom in both the front and back rows. 

The Legacy’s infotainment system is also very user-friendly, making it a great pick for senior drivers who may not want to deal with more temperamental touch screens. Many features can also be controlled via physical buttons. If visibility is a concern, you might consider upgrading to the larger 11.6-inch touch screen, which is highly responsive.

Additionally, U.S. News reports that the Legacy handles well, with an excellent suspension that creates a “cushioned feel” even while driving on bumpy roads. However, it is worth noting that the Legacy has a fairly low predicted reliability rating, and its cargo space is smaller than many of its rivals. The foldable rear seats provide some flexibility here, but the small trunk may be an issue for anyone who needs a little more space.

Overall, though, the Subaru Legacy is an excellent choice for older drivers who are looking for a comfortable midsize car. With its plethora of standard safety features, all-wheel drive, and spacious seats, the Legacy has almost everything you could ask for, and it’s definitely worth consideration.