Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited. If you're in the market for a reliable, comfortable, and subtly sporty sedan, this might just be the car for you. Let’s break down everything that makes this car a standout choice, from its performance and features to its overall value. Get ready for an in-depth look that covers all the bases!

Performance and Handling

When talking about the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited, one of the first things that grabs your attention is its engine. Under the hood lies a robust 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, which is where the "3.6R" designation comes from. This engine churns out a respectable 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. What does that mean for you? It means you get smooth acceleration, plenty of power for merging onto highways, and an overall confident feel behind the wheel. Unlike some of its competitors that rely on turbocharged four-cylinder engines, the 3.6R offers a naturally aspirated experience that many drivers appreciate for its linear power delivery and lack of turbo lag. The engine pairs with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), which Subaru has tuned to mimic the steps of a traditional automatic transmission. This helps to avoid the dreaded CVT drone that some drivers dislike, providing a more engaging driving experience. While a CVT might not be everyone's first choice, Subaru’s implementation is among the best in the business, offering a good balance of efficiency and performance.

Handling is another area where the Legacy shines. As with all Subaru vehicles (except the BRZ), the 3.6R Limited comes standard with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system. This system constantly distributes power to all four wheels, providing enhanced traction and stability in a variety of driving conditions. Whether you're dealing with rain, snow, or just want extra grip on dry pavement, the Legacy inspires confidence. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and road imperfections with ease. However, it’s not so soft that it feels floaty or disconnected. Instead, it strikes a nice balance, offering a comfortable ride without sacrificing too much in the way of handling precision. The steering is light and responsive, making it easy to maneuver in tight spaces and providing decent feedback on the open road. Overall, the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited offers a driving experience that is both enjoyable and confidence-inspiring, making it a great choice for daily commuting and weekend adventures alike.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited, you'll immediately notice the emphasis on comfort and convenience. The interior is well-appointed with high-quality materials, including leather upholstery, which comes standard on the Limited trim. The seats are supportive and comfortable, making them ideal for long drives. Both front seats are power-adjustable, and the driver's seat includes memory settings, allowing you to easily find your preferred driving position. The rear seats are also spacious, offering plenty of legroom and headroom for adult passengers. This makes the Legacy a great choice for families or anyone who frequently carries passengers in the back. In terms of technology, the 3.6R Limited comes packed with features. The infotainment system is centered around a 7-inch touchscreen display, which is easy to use and responsive. It includes features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone with the car's system. This means you can access your favorite apps, music, and navigation directly from the touchscreen. The car also comes with a premium Harman Kardon audio system, which delivers crisp and clear sound quality. Whether you're listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks, you'll appreciate the immersive audio experience.

Other notable tech features include a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. EyeSight includes features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking, all of which help to enhance safety and reduce the risk of accidents. The dashboard layout is clean and straightforward, with all controls within easy reach. The gauge cluster is easy to read, and the information display provides useful data about the car's performance and fuel economy. Overall, the interior of the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited is a comfortable and well-equipped space that makes driving and riding a pleasure. The combination of high-quality materials, comfortable seats, and advanced technology features makes it a standout in its class.

Exterior Design and Features

The 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited sports a sophisticated and understated exterior design that blends in well in both city and suburban settings. While it may not be the flashiest sedan on the market, its clean lines and balanced proportions give it a timeless appeal. The front of the car features a hexagonal grille with chrome accents, flanked by sleek headlights that incorporate LED daytime running lights. The overall look is modern and refined, without being overly aggressive. The Limited trim adds some extra touches that enhance its appearance, such as chrome door handles, body-color side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and 18-inch alloy wheels. These details give the car a more premium look compared to the lower trims. One of the standout features of the Legacy is its generous greenhouse, which provides excellent visibility in all directions. This makes it easier to maneuver in tight spaces and enhances overall safety. The large windows and relatively thin pillars create a bright and airy cabin, which is a welcome contrast to some of the more claustrophobic interiors found in other sedans.

In terms of practical features, the Legacy 3.6R Limited comes standard with a power moonroof, which allows you to let in some extra light and fresh air. It also has heated side mirrors, which are a great feature for those who live in colder climates. The trunk is spacious and offers plenty of room for luggage, groceries, or other cargo. It also has a wide opening, making it easy to load and unload items. Overall, the exterior design of the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited is both attractive and functional. It may not be the most eye-catching car on the road, but its clean lines, balanced proportions, and practical features make it a solid choice for those who value understated elegance and everyday usability. The Limited trim adds just enough extra flair to give it a more premium look, without being too flashy or ostentatious.

Safety and Reliability

When it comes to safety and reliability, the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited truly shines. Subaru has a long-standing reputation for building safe and dependable vehicles, and the Legacy is no exception. The Legacy comes standard with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including anti-lock brakes, stability control, traction control, and a full complement of airbags. It also has a rearview camera, which makes it easier to park and maneuver in tight spaces. One of the standout safety features of the Legacy is Subaru's EyeSight driver-assist system. This system uses two cameras mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor the road ahead and provide warnings and assistance to the driver. EyeSight includes features like adaptive cruise control, which automatically adjusts the car's speed to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front. It also has lane departure warning, which alerts the driver if the car starts to drift out of its lane. And perhaps most importantly, EyeSight includes automatic emergency braking, which can automatically apply the brakes to help prevent or mitigate a collision.

In terms of reliability, the Subaru Legacy has a solid track record. It consistently scores well in reliability surveys and owner reviews, indicating that it is a dependable and trouble-free car. Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system is also a factor in its reliability, as it is a robust and well-engineered system that is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use. The 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited has earned excellent safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). It received a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, and it was named a Top Safety Pick+ by IIHS. These ratings are a testament to the Legacy's strong safety performance in a variety of crash tests. Overall, the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited is a safe and reliable car that offers peace of mind to its owners. Its comprehensive suite of safety features, solid reliability record, and excellent safety ratings make it a top choice for those who prioritize safety and dependability.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is an important consideration for many car buyers, and the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited offers respectable fuel efficiency for a car with a six-cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. According to the EPA, the Legacy 3.6R Limited is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway, for a combined rating of 23 mpg. While these numbers may not be as high as some of the four-cylinder competitors, they are still quite respectable for a car with this level of performance and capability. It's important to keep in mind that fuel economy can vary depending on driving conditions and habits. If you do a lot of city driving or have a heavy foot, you may not achieve the EPA's ratings. However, if you do mostly highway driving and drive conservatively, you may be able to exceed them.

One of the factors that contributes to the Legacy's fuel efficiency is its Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). This transmission is designed to keep the engine operating at its most efficient RPM range, which helps to maximize fuel economy. The Legacy also has a number of other features that help to improve fuel efficiency, such as low-rolling-resistance tires and aerodynamic styling. Overall, the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited offers a good balance of performance and fuel economy. It may not be the most fuel-efficient car in its class, but it is still a reasonable choice for those who want a car with a powerful engine and all-wheel drive without sacrificing too much in the way of fuel efficiency. The EPA fuel economy ratings provide a good baseline for comparison, but it's important to keep in mind that your actual fuel economy may vary depending on your driving conditions and habits.

Pricing and Value

When evaluating the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited, it's essential to consider its pricing and overall value proposition. The original MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) for the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited was around $32,000 to $33,000. However, keep in mind that actual prices may have varied depending on options, incentives, and dealer markups. Today, you'll find these models on the used car market at significantly lower prices, typically ranging from the mid-teens to the low twenties, depending on condition, mileage, and location. At this price point, the Legacy 3.6R Limited offers excellent value for money. You're getting a well-equipped sedan with a powerful engine, all-wheel drive, and a host of safety and convenience features. Compared to its competitors, the Legacy often represents a more affordable option, especially when you factor in the standard all-wheel drive, which is often an optional extra on other brands. The Limited trim adds even more value with its leather upholstery, premium audio system, and additional safety features.

One of the key factors that contributes to the Legacy's value is its reliability and longevity. Subarus are known for being durable cars that can last for many years with proper maintenance. This means you can potentially save money on repairs and maintenance costs over the long term. Additionally, the Legacy's all-wheel drive system can be a valuable asset in areas with inclement weather, providing added safety and confidence on snowy or icy roads. Overall, the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited represents a compelling value proposition for those seeking a comfortable, reliable, and capable sedan. Its combination of performance, features, safety, and all-wheel drive, all at a reasonable price, makes it a standout choice in its class. Whether you're looking for a daily commuter or a family car, the Legacy 3.6R Limited is definitely worth considering.

Conclusion

The 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a reliable, comfortable, and capable mid-size sedan. Its powerful engine, standard all-wheel drive, and comprehensive suite of features make it a standout in its class. While it may not be the flashiest or most exciting car on the market, it offers a well-rounded package that is hard to beat, especially at its current price point on the used car market. Whether you prioritize safety, reliability, performance, or value, the Legacy 3.6R Limited delivers on all fronts. It's a car that you can depend on day in and day out, and it's sure to provide you with years of enjoyable driving. So, if you're in the market for a used sedan, be sure to give the 2017 Subaru Legacy 3.6R Limited a close look. You might just be surprised at how much it has to offer!