Some new safety features have been added for 2013, most notably the new EyeSight Driver-Assist system, which Subaru says is an affordable way to include a number of advanced crash-avoidance technologies. It works in conjunction with Adaptive Cruise Control, Pre-Collision Braking and Vehicle Lane Departure Warning.

The EyeSight crash-avoidance system uses a stereo-camera setup to detect nearby objects. (Photo: Subaru)

Using a stereo camera mounted at the top of the windshield, EyeSight can determine the proximity of other vehicles, pedestrians, obstacles and such, and either alert the driver or, if needed, take evasive action on its own. At low speeds, EyeSight can bring the vehicle to a complete stop to avoid a collision.

I didn’t try out any of the heavy-duty crash avoidance, fortunately, although the lane-departure warning certainly works, much to my annoyance. The only obvious fault with EyeSight is that the actual camera hardware mounted around the rear-view mirror looks clunky and tacked on.

Legacy’s styling falls in line with the run of midsize cars, although its sculpted shape helps distinguish it. Four years after its remake, Legacy is still a good-looking sedan, and the latest updates to its dramatically elongated headlights, grille and bumper add some flair.

The interior is pretty standard stuff, maybe a bit dated in design, though what most impressed this too-tall driver was the exceptional front-seat legroom. One of the few cars I’ve driven in which the driver-seat way-back position was actually too far back. It felt strange moving it up a notch so I could reach the pedals. Even Shaquille O’Neal could fit in here (although he’s been hawking Buicks lately).

Legacy's interior is roomy and comfortable, though it could use an updating. (Photo: Subaru)

Legacy pricing seems pretty reasonable, starting off around $20,000 for the base model and topping out at $29,000 for the six-cylinder Limited.

The test Legacy was the 2.5i Limited model, the top trim of three levels, and was outfitted with a wide range of premium features and trim, including leather. Base price was $25, 835, which is not bad for a fully equipped, all-wheel-drive sedan.

A $3,940 option package included an upgraded Harmon/Kardon audio system with 440 watts and nine speakers, voice-activated controls, rear-vision camera, Bluetooth and the EyeSight system. With shipping, the bottom line came out to a still-reasonable $30,605.

While the Legacy may not set a driving enthusiast’s heart racing, especially with that CVT, it is a good-driving car and a more-interesting alternative to the common run of Camrys, Accords and Fusions. Subaru also has a strong reputation for durability, and the standard AWD would be just the ticket on a snowy morning.

Details

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door sedan, all-wheel drive.
Engine: 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four, 173 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, 174 pound-feet of torque at 4,100 rpm.
Transmission: Continuously variable automatic with manual shifting.
Wheelbase: 108.3 inches.
Overall length: 197.2 inches.
Curb weight: 3,427 pounds.
EPA mileage rating: 24 city, 32 highway, 27 combined.

Bob Golfen, Automotive Editor for SPEED.com, is a veteran auto writer based in Phoenix, Arizona, with a passion for collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. SPEED.com fans can email Bob Golfen at