Hey guys, let's dive into the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan! If you're in the market for a reliable, comfortable, and surprisingly capable mid-size sedan, you've probably stumbled across the Legacy. Subaru has a knack for building cars that just work, and the Premium trim of the 2022 Legacy is a fantastic example of that philosophy. It hits that sweet spot between affordability and features, making it a really compelling option for a lot of different drivers. We're going to break down what makes this car tick, from its standard all-wheel-drive prowess to the cozy interior and the tech you actually want.

Standard All-Wheel Drive: Subaru's Signature Strength

One of the biggest selling points for any Subaru, and especially for the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan, is its standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Seriously, guys, this isn't an optional extra you have to shell out more cash for; it comes standard on every single trim level, including the Premium. In a segment where most competitors only offer AWD on their pricier, often higher-performance models, Subaru is giving you this incredible capability right out of the box. This means whether you're dealing with slick roads in the winter, navigating a gravel path to a campsite, or just want that extra bit of confidence on wet pavement, the Legacy Premium has your back. It's a serious advantage, particularly if you live in an area with challenging weather conditions. The system is designed to actively distribute power to the wheels with the most grip, ensuring optimal traction and stability. It’s not just about getting through snow; it’s about enhancing your driving experience year-round, providing a more secure and planted feel on every drive. This commitment to standard AWD is a huge part of Subaru's identity and a major reason why so many people trust the brand, especially when it comes to safety and reliability. You're getting a vehicle that's inherently more capable than many of its rivals without having to compromise on the trim level or budget you initially set out with. It’s a smart move by Subaru that truly sets them apart in the sedan market, offering peace of mind and enhanced performance for everyday driving scenarios and beyond.

Engine and Performance: Smooth and Capable Cruising

Under the hood, the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan comes standard with a 2.5-liter four-cylinder BOXER engine. Now, it's not going to win any drag races, producing a respectable 187 horsepower and 176 lb-ft of torque. But honestly, for this trim level and for the way most people drive their sedans, it's more than enough. The engine is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) that Subaru has refined over the years. It’s designed to feel more natural than some older CVTs, and it does a decent job of keeping the engine in its sweet spot for smooth acceleration and efficient cruising. The ride quality is a definite highlight. Subaru has tuned the suspension to provide a comfortable and compliant ride, soaking up road imperfections with ease. This makes the Legacy Premium a fantastic car for commuting, long road trips, or just navigating the daily grind. You won't feel every little bump, which is a big win for overall comfort. While the 187 horsepower is adequate for most situations, if you find yourself craving a bit more oomph, Subaru does offer a more potent 2.4-liter turbocharged engine on higher trims. However, for the Premium, the 2.5-liter is perfectly suited for its intended purpose: providing a smooth, stable, and efficient driving experience. The car feels well-balanced, and the steering is direct enough to give you confidence when taking corners, even with the added weight and complexity of the AWD system. It’s a testament to Subaru’s engineering that they can offer this level of refinement and capability in a mainstream sedan.

Interior Comfort and Space: A Cozy Cabin

Stepping inside the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan, you'll find a cabin that prioritizes comfort and practicality. Subaru isn't known for flashy, over-the-top luxury, but they excel at creating interiors that are well-built, intuitive, and genuinely pleasant to spend time in. The Premium trim gets some nice upgrades over the base model, including improved cloth upholstery that feels durable and comfortable. The seats themselves are supportive, offering good bolstering for both the driver and front passenger. You'll find plenty of headroom and legroom in the front, and even adults will be reasonably comfortable in the back seat for shorter trips. The overall design of the dashboard is clean and functional. Everything is logically laid out, and the materials, while not premium-level soft-touch plastics everywhere, are solid and don't feel cheap. The ergonomics are excellent; all the controls are within easy reach, and visibility is great thanks to the large windows and relatively slim pillars. This makes the Legacy Premium feel airy and open. There's ample storage space throughout the cabin, with decent-sized door pockets, a sizable glove box, and a center console bin. The trunk is also quite spacious, offering competitive cargo capacity for the class, easily swallowing luggage, groceries, or sports equipment. For families or anyone who needs to haul stuff, the generous trunk space is a big plus. The emphasis here is on usability and long-term comfort, making it a great choice for daily drivers and families alike. It’s a space designed for living, not just for driving.

Infotainment and Technology: User-Friendly and Functional

When it comes to tech, the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan strikes a good balance between modern features and ease of use. The Premium trim gets a significant upgrade with the addition of a large 11.6-inch vertically oriented touchscreen infotainment system. This is Subaru's latest infotainment setup, and it's a big step up from what you might find in older models. The screen is responsive, and the graphics are clear. It houses most of the car's audio, climate, and connectivity functions. While some might find the vertical layout a bit unusual at first, it works well for displaying navigation maps and offers a good amount of screen real estate. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, which is fantastic news for anyone who relies on their smartphone for navigation, music, and communication. These systems integrate seamlessly with the touchscreen, making it easy to access your favorite apps. Physical buttons are still present for essential functions like climate control, which many drivers will appreciate as it avoids digging through menus. The Premium trim also adds features like dual-zone automatic climate control and a more advanced multi-function display in the instrument cluster, providing drivers with more information at a glance. While the top-tier trims offer premium audio systems and even more advanced tech, the setup in the Premium is more than sufficient for most users. It’s intuitive enough that you won’t feel overwhelmed, and the inclusion of smartphone integration ensures you have access to the features you use most often. Subaru has managed to create a system that is both capable and easy to live with on a daily basis.

Safety Features: Subaru's EyeSight is a Game Changer

Safety is always a top priority for Subaru, and the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan is packed with advanced safety features, largely thanks to the standard EyeSight Driver Assist Technology. This suite of features is truly impressive and comes standard on the Premium trim and above. EyeSight uses a stereo camera system mounted near the rearview mirror to monitor the road ahead. It enables features like: Automatic Pre-Collision Braking, which can automatically apply the brakes if it detects an imminent frontal collision; Pre-Collision Throttle Management, which can reduce engine power if a frontal collision is detected; Adaptive Cruise Control, which can maintain a set speed and following distance from the car ahead, even in stop-and-go traffic; and Lane Keep Assist, which helps to center the vehicle within its lane. These systems are not just passive safety features; they are active technologies designed to help prevent accidents from happening in the first place. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) has consistently awarded the Subaru Legacy with top safety ratings, and the EyeSight system is a major contributor to this. Beyond EyeSight, the Legacy also comes with a robust structure, a good number of airbags, and excellent visibility, which further contributes to its safety credentials. For families or anyone who prioritizes peace of mind on the road, the standard safety suite in the 2022 Legacy Premium is a huge selling point. It’s reassuring to know that your vehicle is actively working to keep you and your passengers safe.

The Verdict: A Smart Choice for Practical Drivers

So, what's the final word on the 2022 Subaru Legacy Premium sedan? It’s a seriously compelling package, guys. You get Subaru's legendary all-wheel-drive capability as standard, a comfortable and practical interior, a user-friendly infotainment system with smartphone integration, and a comprehensive suite of advanced safety features. It might not have the sportiest driving dynamics or the most luxurious materials in its class, but it excels where it matters most for many buyers: reliability, safety, all-weather capability, and overall value. The Premium trim is particularly well-balanced, offering a significant step up in tech and comfort features without breaking the bank. If you're looking for a mid-size sedan that can handle pretty much anything the road throws at it, offers a smooth and comfortable ride, and comes loaded with features that enhance both convenience and safety, the 2022 Legacy Premium is definitely worth a close look. It’s a smart, sensible, and safe choice for anyone who wants a car that just gets the job done, reliably and comfortably, year after year. It truly embodies the Subaru ethos of building dependable vehicles for the real world.