Interior view of the 2015 Subaru Legacy.

Every now and then a test car comes along that leaves an instantly positive impression. I’d put the 2015 Subaru Legacy in that category, writes our automotive editor Sally Miller Wyatt.

Is it because the Subaru Legacy is family friendly and full of conveniences for passengers of all ages? Not necessarily. All the good vibes came within the first few minutes of being on the road. The driving experience was so instantly impressive that I forgot to wear my “mom” hat and pay attention to what I usually assess first when trying out a car for the first time, such as legroom for teens and safety features.

The seats were really comfortable and easy to climb into and out of, and visibility was great. Whether motoring around city streets or at highway speed, the car handles very well and responsively, the ride is smooth and the cabin is quiet.

The 2015 models represent the sixth generation of Legacys. This all-new version rides on an all-new platform with standard Symmetrical All-Wheel-Drive and Lineartronic CVT, or continuously variable transmission, and a new standard Active Torque Vectoring and electric power steering. That’s what is responsible for your smooth, responsive ride and agile driving experience right there. Add in a 2.5-liter BOXER four-cylinder engine with 175 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, and you’re moving quickly and effortlessly.

Exterior view of the 2015 Subaru Legacy.
Exterior view of the 2015 Subaru Legacy.

Within the mid-sized car segment, these 2015 Subaru Legacy models also have the roomiest cabins – at 104.6 cubic feet — and a fuel efficiency level at the top of the mid-sized segment, according to Subaru’s press materials. Okay, that works nicely for the family, too, when you have lots of good legroom and thrifty fuel economy.

The 2015 models have also received an exterior redesign that leans toward a more sporty look, with a raked windshield and aerodynamic lines.

New safety features on these models include such standard items as rear-view camera, Keyless Access and Start System, a Rear Vehicle Detection System and Blind Spot Detection. Lane Change Assist detects fast-approaching vehicles in nearby lanes, and Rear Traffic Cross Alert notifies you when cars are coming up behind when you are in reverse. That is very handy to have when trying to back out of a driveway or packed parking lots.

Subaru Legacys also have the Eye Sight driver assist program. It’s a front crash protection system that has been given high marks for its efficiency by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. The program uses cameras, along with the Adaptive Cruise Control feature, which is paired with pre-collision braking technology to provide top protection should you be involved in a crash.

Exterior view of the 2015 Subaru Legacy.
Exterior view of the 2015 Subaru Legacy.

The rear seat is good-sized and can comfortably fit two adults, but three adults may find the seating a bit cramped.

The trunk is wide and deep, and will easily accommodate a week’s worth of groceries.

Most of us parents spend so much time on the road, driving the children to all their school, sports and social events – in addition to ferrying ourselves to work – that we might as well have a chance to really enjoy the ride ourselves. The 2015 Subaru Legacy absolutely delivers in that respect.