The Subaru Legacy enters its sixth generation with the 2015 model year, and benefits from a redesign that should make it a more compelling mid-size-sedan choice in one of the most competitive automotive segments. New safety technologies provide the strongest evidence for its case, and let's explore that in greater detail shortly.

We tested the 2.5i Premium model that's one notch above the base model. Subaru has added enough worthwhile upgrades, including the now-standard back-up camera, updated infotainment system that feeds its data to a 6.2-inch touchscreen, torque vectoring, and power electric steering on all models.

Past Legacy models have found their way into commercial passenger car fleets in New England, the Denver area, and other parts of the country where standard all-wheel drive benefits drivers who see a variety of weather conditions. Increased traction improves safety, which can help reduce accident rates.

With the new 2015 model, Subaru has taken safety to a new level. Front and center in this mission is the vehicle's new radar system that's optional with the 2.5i Limited. The system adds blind spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross traffic alerts. Pairing the radar system with the revamped EyeSight driver assistance package provides a force multiplier to increase driver safety.

EyeSight, which is offered as a $1,195 option, helped the Legacy gain the highest crash test rating from IIHS with adaptive cruise control and pre-collision braking. EyeSight actively monitors the road via windshield-mounted cameras and responds to external conditions often times before the driver.

The Legacy's adaptive cruise control gives drivers the ability to set the following distance with the vehicle ahead of you at one, two, three, or four car lengths. The vehicle uses engine braking to slow the vehicle when you're heading toward more gridlocked traffic.

In the interior, the 2.5i Premium Legacy's infotainment system serves its data to a touch screen that's well-enough positioned on the dash, but at times can fall prey to excessive glare during summer drives in Southern California.

The vehicle we tested retails for $23,395 and arrived at dealerships in July.

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PHOTOS: Subaru's 2015 Legacy Sedan