We say
A brave effort from Honda but the Legend (asking for trouble or what?) doesn’t really stack up against established competitors in this market.
Performance
A 291bhp 3.5-litre petrol V6 is the only powertrain on the Legend. It needs working hard to get the best out of it and the awkward automatic gearbox is slow to reach revs through the lower range.
Emissions
All that size and extra weight from the four-wheel drive really tells: Combined fuel economy and CO2 emissions are cripplingly high at 23mpg and 282g/km respectively on the Legend.
Driving
4WD makes for clever handling, directing torque to relevant wheels when cornering, where it’s very impressive. The Legend’s ride is a little bumpy and the steering unresponsive, meaning the Legend feels safe but isn’t much fun to drive.
Feel
The Legend is, on the whole, a good cruiser, though the engine has to be revved hard to get the best out of it, which gets rather tiring. Poor road surfaces unsettle the large Honda but it’s great for cruising.
Space
The Legend has plenty of space for four, but a large transmission tunnel makes it difficult to get a third in the back. Poor boot space for the sector at 452 litres.
Equipment
The Honda Legend boasts some eye-catching standard kit such as a sunblind that protects rear passengers from sun glare; leather upholstery or dual-zone climate control are standard, along with all the other kit you'd expect in this segment. Intelligent cruise control an option.
Price
The Legend is expensive to buy and run – and will probably lose you lots of cash when it comes to resale. However, it’s brimming with kit and safety features, so the high asking prices are, to some extent, mitigated.
Quality
The Legend is sure to be reliable, and the interior is a classy affair. Buy one and you may not have to worry about resale – it should run and run.
Safety
Six airbags and head restraints; pop-up bonnet which senses a pedestrian impact and raises the bonnet to provide some cushioning. The four-wheel drive and a raft of active controls provide very safe handling and the Legend managed a maximum five Euro NCAP stars for safety testing.
Pros
Looks good and brimming with kit.
Cons
Doesn't provide driving experience demanded of the price tag.
Alternatives
Mercedes E-Class Saloon, BMW 5-Series, Audi A6, Volvo S80