There are no more Legacy wagons (they're all badged as Legacy Outbacks now, and feature the associated jacked-up suspension, etc.) Likewise, there are no more Outback sedans. The range does get a new flagship model, the 3.0 R Limited, though it is not the most expensive Legacy.

Other changes for 2008 to the new Legacy line-up include revised front and rear fasicas and lights, upgraded interiors and paddle shifters for the automatics. There is more standard equipment too, including a remote keyless entry with integrated ignition key, a tilt/telescopic steering column and a tire-pressure-monitoring system.

Five trims of the Legacy sedan exist, powered by three engines. The first two, named simply 2.5i Special Edition and 2.5i Limited, are powered by Subaru's naturally-aspirated flat-four engine. It makes 170 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 170 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm. Regardless of the transmission, either consumes regular unleaded at the rate of 20 mpg in the EPA's city cycle and 27 mpg on the highway. The Limited only comes with the four-speed automatic.

The next trim up, the 2.5 GT Limited, gets a turbocharged 2.5 liter flat-four engine, good for 243 hp at 6,000 rpm and 241 lb-ft at 3,600 rpm. Fuel economy, with 91-octane gasoline in the tank, is rated at 19 mpg city and 25 mpg highway, with the five-speed manual or 18 / 24 mpg, respectively, with a five speed automatic optional. The auto is bundled with Subaru's electronic stability system. This engine comes with Subaru's SI-DRIVE engine management system.

A Legacy 2.5 GT spec.B is the ultimate Legacy in terms of performance and cost, with the same turbo engine as the 2.5 GT Limited. It is paired exclusively to a six-speed manual transmission, however, closely related to that from the outgoing STI. Fuel economy is slighty worse, at 17 mpg city / 24 mpg highway. Stability control is standard fare, as are 18-inch wheels shod in high-performance rubber. The B in spec.B stands for Bilstein shocks, which are aggressively tuned. The car also gets a moonroof and a navigation system as standard equipment, among other goodies.

The 3.0 R Limited is the newcomer, and is powered by Subaru's 3.0 liter flat-six engine, rated at 245 hp at 6,600 rpm and 215 lb-ft at 4,200 rpm and 91-octane gasoline is recommended. The only transmission offered is a five-speed automatic, and the combo returns 17 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. It's equipped with unique Bilstein sport-tuned suspension, a navigation system, SI-DRIVE, leather interior and moonroof as the main features.

Dealer-installed options are numerous and can be added to any Outback.