Buying a used car is usually a gamble. You're basically betting that the previous owner actually cared about oil changes as much as they claim they did. But then there’s the 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i. It’s not a car that’s going to make your heart race. It won't win any drag races against a Tesla, and it definitely won't turn heads at a valet stand. Honestly, it looks like a generic car from a Grand Theft Auto background.
But that's exactly why people love it.
When Subaru dropped the sixth-generation Legacy for the 2015 model year, they were at a crossroads. They needed to move away from the quirky, niche "granola" image and compete directly with the heavy hitters like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. They succeeded. The 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i became the sensible shoes of the midsize sedan world. It’s comfortable. It’s safe. It’s got that legendary Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) that makes it a beast in the snow.
If you're looking for a used one today, you're likely seeing prices that seem a bit high for a decade-old sedan. There's a reason for that.
Why the 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i Is Still a Smart Buy
Most midsize sedans from 2015 are front-wheel drive. If you wanted AWD back then, you were usually stuck buying a bulky SUV or a luxury German sedan with repair bills that would make you weep. Subaru changed the math. The 2015 Legacy 2.5i offered a massive interior—seriously, the rear legroom is cavernous—paired with a drivetrain that handles slush and rain better than almost anything in its class.
💡 You might also like: January 14, 2026: Why This Wednesday Actually Matters More Than You Think
The 2.5-liter FB25 Boxer engine is the heart of this thing. It's a flat-four layout, which helps lower the car's center of gravity. You've got about 175 horsepower to play with. Is it fast? No. Is it enough to merge onto the highway without a panic attack? Usually.
The real magic of the 2015 model year was the refinement. Subaru finally figured out how to make an interior that didn't feel like it was made of recycled milk jugs. Soft-touch plastics, a much-improved Starlink infotainment system (though it’s a bit dated now), and seats that actually support your lower back on a six-hour road trip.
One thing most people overlook is the visibility. Subaru engineers are obsessed with thin A-pillars and large glass areas. Sitting in a 2015 Legacy feels like sitting in a greenhouse compared to the slit-like windows of a Chevy Malibu or a Ford Fusion from the same era. You can actually see out of it. What a concept.
The CVT Conversation Nobody Wants to Have
We have to talk about the transmission. The Lineartronic Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is the only option you'll find in the 2.5i. If you’re a "car person," you probably just shuddered. CVTs have a reputation for being rubbery, loud, and prone to dying early.
📖 Related: Black Red Wing Shoes: Why the Heritage Flex Still Wins in 2026
Subaru's version in 2015 was actually pretty decent. They programmed in "stepped" shifts to make it feel more like a traditional automatic under hard acceleration. It keeps the revs right in the power band. It’s efficient, helping the car hit an EPA-rated 36 mpg on the highway. That was huge for an AWD car in 2015.
However, there is a catch. Subaru actually extended the warranty on these transmissions to 10 years or 100,000 miles because of some early shuddering issues. If you're looking at a high-mileage 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i now, check the service records. See if the CVT fluid was ever changed. Subaru technically calls it a "lifetime" fluid, but any mechanic worth their salt will tell you that’s nonsense. Change it every 60,000 miles if you want the car to last.
Real World Problems and What to Watch For
No car is perfect. The 2015 Legacy has its quirks.
- Oil Consumption: Some owners of the FB25 engine reported the car "burning" oil between changes. While Subaru settled a class-action lawsuit regarding this for earlier models, the 2015 version generally saw improvements. Still, check the dipstick every few weeks. It’s a Subaru thing.
- The Battery: The OEM battery was notoriously weak. If the car struggles to start on a cold morning, don't overthink it—just buy a high-quality aftermarket battery with more cold-cranking amps.
- Wind Noise: For some reason, the 2015 models had a bit of an issue with wind whistling around the side mirrors at high speeds. It’s annoying, but not a dealbreaker.
- Infotainment Glitches: The Starlink system can be moody. Sometimes it freezes or refuses to pair with your phone. A firmware update often fixes this, but don't expect it to feel as snappy as a modern iPad.
The EyeSight Driver Assist technology was a big selling point for the 2015 2.5i Limited and Premium trims. It uses two cameras near the rearview mirror to "see" the road. It gives you adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, and pre-collision braking. For 2015, this was space-age stuff. Even today, it holds up surprisingly well, though it can shut off in heavy rain or direct sunlight when the cameras get "blinded."
👉 See also: Finding the Right Word That Starts With AJ for Games and Everyday Writing
Maintenance is the Secret Sauce
If you find a 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i with 120,000 miles, don't be scared off immediately. These cars can easily go to 200,000 if you aren't lazy.
The head gasket issues that plagued Subarus in the early 2000s are largely gone here. The FB-series engine uses a timing chain, not a belt. That's a huge win for your wallet because you don't have to drop $1,200 every 90,000 miles to prevent the engine from exploding.
Keep an eye on the wheel bearings. They tend to go around the 80k to 100k mark. If you hear a low humming sound that gets louder as you speed up, that's your culprit. It’s a common Subaru tax.
Also, tires. Since it's an AWD system, you have to replace all four tires at the same time. If you blow one tire and the others are half-worn, you can’t just replace the one. If the circumference of the tires varies too much, it puts a massive strain on the center differential. You’ll end up with a very expensive repair bill for the sake of saving a few bucks on rubber.
Is the 2.5i Better Than the 3.6R?
The Legacy also came with a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine. People love the 3.6R because it’s smooth and powerful. But for a daily driver? The 2.5i is usually the smarter pick. It’s cheaper to maintain, uses less gas, and is lighter in the nose, which actually makes the steering feel a bit more responsive. Unless you’re constantly driving up mountain passes with a car full of lead bricks, the four-cylinder is plenty.
The 2015 Subaru Legacy 2.5i represents a peak of "sensible Subaru." It's before the screens got too big and distracting, and after they fixed the major mechanical nightmares of the previous decade. It’s a comfortable, safe, and somewhat boring sedan that will get you through a blizzard while everyone else is sliding into the ditch.
Actionable Steps for Potential Buyers
- Run a VIN Check: Specifically look for open recalls. There was one for the electronic parking brake and another for the ignition switch on certain VIN ranges.
- Test the CVT: During your test drive, pay attention to any "rubber band" feeling or shuddering when pulling away from a stop sign. It should be smooth.
- Inspect the Tires: Ensure all four tires are the same brand, model, and have roughly the same amount of tread wear.
- Check for Oil Leaks: Look around the timing chain cover. It’s a common spot for small seeps that can turn into expensive leaks later.
- Verify Service History: Prioritize cars that have documented oil changes every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Skip any car that lacks a clear maintenance trail.