The Legacy is a midsize sedan that appeals to both spirited drivers and those who seek the utility of Subaru's iconic all-wheel drive. The Legacy is a sporty and capable car, albeit in a slightly larger package than the smaller Impreza. The latest Legacy has received substantial improvements inside and out -- and across the line.
Despite being an all-wheel-drive midsize sedan, Legacy still manages to obtain strong fuel economy ratings of 23 city, 31 highway in 2.5i, 2.5i Premium or 2.5i Limited trim. Adding a turbocharger into the mix will yield 18 city, 25 highway for the GT Limited, which used the same 2.5-liter Boxer engine with the addition of forced induction.
Finally, there is the 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited models, all of which utilize a 3.6-liter Boxer six-cylinder engine and share the same fuel economy rating at the GT at 18/25.
Outside, the Legacy looks like a muscular sibling to its trim predecessor since it shares many design cues, including the front grille and c-pillar designs.
Inside, Subaru says it focused on quality materials. A new electronic parking brake eliminated the need for a traditional lever and added more space to the center console area for new cup holders and a storage bin. A three-spoke sport steering wheel with audio controls and paddle shifters for automatic-transmission models is standard and 10-way power driver's and 4-way power passenger's seats are optional on the base model but standard otherwise.
Subaru will continue to offer three engine choices and three basic models.
At the bottom of the lineup, the 2.5i continues with a mostly carryover 2.5-liter, 170-horsepower four-cylinder. Subaru says that a new resin-based intake manifold lowers the engine's weight and improves low-end torque, which stands at 170 lb-ft. -- now at 4,000 rpm versus 4,400 rpm before. Subaru also says that improved cooling and a revised catalyst will boost fuel economy figures above the 20/27 (manual) and 18/25 (automatic) before. The 2.5i will now come standard with a six-speed manual (versus a five-speed in 2009) and it will offer a CVT automatic rather than the four-speed conventional automatic from before.
The 2.5GT features a revised 2.5-liter turbocharged boxer four with 265-horsepower and 258 lb-ft (a 22 horse and 17 lb-ft. improved over the old model). A modified turbocharger and a reduction in rpms required for peak torque -- the torque curve is flat from 2,000 rpm to 5,600 rpm, Subaru says -- make it both faster and more efficient than before. A six-speed manual and five-speed automatic remain available.
At the top of the range, the 3.6R model gets an uprated version of the 3.0-liter flat-six previously offered. Subaru says that the 3.6-liter six, which now uses regular fuel, puts out 256-horsepower and 247 lb-ft. of torque (compared to 245/215 from the outgoing engine). It is paired to a five-speed automatic exclusively.
The CVT in the 2.5i, which is expected to make up the bulk of sales if historical figures are to be considered, is the first longitudinally-mounted CVT system in an all-wheel-drive car.
Underneath, all-wheel-drive is again standard and the suspension is significantly modified both front and rear. MacPherson struts up front and a double-wishbone rear suspension mate up with 16-inch steel or alloy wheels on base 2.5i models, while "premium" 2.5i models and 3.6Rs get 17-inch wheels. The 2.5GT receives 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. Stability control is standard across the line.
Externally, the Legacy remains about the same length, growing just over an inch, while adding over three inches to its width (now about 71.7 inches wide). Legacy adds about three inches to its height, as well.
Subaru says that rear seat room and trunk space are up, as well. The trunk will now hold four golf bags.
Key Competitors
Those considering the Subaru Legacy are probably looking for the four season capability of all-wheel-drive, which is offered on rivals like the smooth-handling Ford Fusion and the unique Suzuki Kizashi. Front-wheel-drive competitors worth a look include the Mazda Mazda6 and Honda Accord.