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The 10 Best Sedans - CR Says Subaru Legacy Is Now Ahead Of Toyota Camry

Which new sedans are the best? Check out the top-10 best sedans for 2022. See why the 2022 Subaru Legacy is now ranked number two in the midsize category ahead of the Toyota Camry.

Which are the best new sedans for 2022? Consumer Reports updated ranking of the top-10 models now scores the 2022 Subaru Legacy number two best in the midsize category. CR says, "sedans are a smart choice for consumers because they offer fuel economy, passenger room, cargo space, and flexibility in a more enjoyable package to drive than the average SUV."

Consumer Reports (by subscription) ranks the 2022 Subaru Legacy number 2 overall midsize sedan of nine models. They now rank the Legacy just below the Honda Accord and ahead of the number-one-selling Toyota Camry.

2022 Subaru Legacy pricing, features, specs, fuel mileage

Why is the Legacy ranked so high? CR says, "The all-wheel-drive Legacy is one of the top midsized sedans. Its super-comfortable ride outshines that of some luxury cars. Handling is responsive but not sporty."

Subaru Legacy has two engine options; a 182-horsepower 2.5-liter or a new 260-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter engine. CR says, "The standard engine is adequate but makes an unpleasant roar when pushed. We like that the well-tuned continuously variable transmission doesn't let the engine get too loud." it provides a decent 28 mpg overall. The turbo version delivers strong acceleration and is quieter; it returned 24 mpg overall in the similar Outback SUV.

2022 Subaru Legacy pricing, features, specs, fuel mileage

What is the downside to the Legacy?

"Users must wade into infotainment menus to perform some common tasks. Standard equipment includes forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, but a blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic alert are optional", says the CR report.

Below are the ten best mainstream midsized and large sedans for 2022 ranked in order of Overall Score.

Toyota Avalon - Large cars 90
Honda Accord - Midsize 88
Subaru Legacy - Midsize 87
Toyota Camry - Midsize 86
Hyundai Sonata - Midsize 83
Chrysler 300 - Large 83
Dodge Charger - Large 80
Nissan Maxima - Large 79
Kia K5 - Midsize 76
Nissan Altima - Midsize 72

Why choose Legacy over an SUV?

Not everyone needs a bigger SUV. If you don't have a family to haul around and don't use your vehicle for weekend adventures, you don't need that extra space. The advantage of a sedan over an SUV is it's lighter, more aerodynamic, and offers better driving dynamics.

Ride quality for four passengers will be better than a higher-riding SUV. For the first time in any Subaru vehicle, Legacy gets a floor cross member filled with a highly rigid and lightweight two-part foam material and an all-new suspension that is lighter, stronger, and more responsive. Legacy's stiffened platform and strengthened suspension will lower the center of gravity, providing more responsive steering and handling and a smoother, quieter ride.

What is the Legacy fuel mileage?

With gas prices rising this spring, consumers are looking for fuel-efficiency. Being lighter contributes to better fuel economy over a bigger SUV.

The EPA says the Legacy XT returns EPA mileage figures estimated at 24 mpg city/32 mpg highway. The standard naturally aspirated 2.5-liter flat-4 engine gets an EPA estimated 27/35 mpg city/highway fuel economy.

Do all Legacy trim levels come with all-wheel-drive?

Legacy is still the only sedan in America that comes standard with all-wheel-drive, and all trim levels come with Subaru's excellent Symmetrical system for all-weather capability. The sedan will navigate safely through snow, ice, or muddy roads.

Capable cargo

If you don't need to throw a mountain bike in the back, Legacy offers capable cargo-carrying ability. The 2022 Legacy comes with 15.1 cu ft of cargo capacity and 1.4 inches of additional cargo floor length. The Legacy's trunk can comfortably hold four full-size luggage bags, giving it the functionality to match that of many small crossovers.

Legacy offers standard roof brackets to quickly install a rack, box, or tray if you need to carry additional cargo, making it easy to load surfboards, canoes, mountain bikes, and other sports equipment.

What is the price of the 2022 Subaru Legacy?

The 2022 Legacy sedan comes in six trim levels. We have included the price increase on each trim after Subaru of America's new pricing. The 2022 midsize sedan starts at $24,490 for the base trim, Premium ($26,740), Sport ($30,285), Limited ($31,440), Limited XT ($35,990), and Touring XT ($37,690). Destination and delivery fees are included in the pricing above ($995).

Is the 2022 Subaru Legacy a safe car? Check out the safety scores in the Torque News report here. Subaru Now Has 4 New Top Safety Pick+ Winners.

Consumer Reports' newly updated ranking of the ten best sedans for 2022 says the Subaru Legacy is now the number two best midsize sedan you can buy.

Should I wait for the 2023 Subaru Legacy?

Midsize sedan buyers might want to wait. The 2023 Legacy midsize sedan refreshes with new updates with a redesigned front fascia, the latest version of EyeSight safety technology, and a new wide-angle mono camera. Subaru also updated Legacy's multimedia system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Check out the complete refreshed 2023 Legacy model changes below.

You Might Also Like: The Newly-Refreshed 2023 Subaru Legacy Drops A Trim Level And Adds 7 New Upgrades

Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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