The 2010 Legacy's advancements are game-changing. It's midsize big, fun to drive, comfortable and reliable, and gets revolutionary fuel efficiency for an AWD vehicle.
Subaru was one of the few automakers to show growth this year, and actually captured market share in the U.S. If the all-new 2010 Legacy is any indication, the company will continue its winning ways well into next year.
Subaru ushers in the fifth generation of its midsize sedan with some truly transformational improvements.
The Legacy is bigger inside and out, has more power and can be outfitted with an impressive continuously variable transmission. It also offers prospective buyers a relaxed, calming interior, lots of useful standard features and a significant improvement in fuel efficiency.
Model Lineup
The 2010 Legacy is bigger than the outgoing model in every important exterior measurement. The most notable include its wheelbase (108.3 inches, 3.2 inches bigger than the '09 model), width (71.7 inches, 3.6 inches wider) and height (3.2 inches taller). These exterior-dimension improvements open the door to a roomier cabin. In fact, rear legroom, an Achilles' heel of the previous car, grows by a sizable four inches. Rear-seat room is further enhanced by the scalloped design of the front seatbacks.
Subaru has always been on its own wavelength from a styling standpoint, but having said that the Legacy is a tame pussycat compared to the likes of the Tribeca. In some ways it's too sedate. We are not overly enamored with the wheel arches, which Subaru says project the car's all-wheel-drive status. Their proportion tends to make the wheels look small, even 17-inch alloys struggle for recognition.
The Legacy is offered in three trim levels (2.5i, 3.6R, 2.5GT) that produce distinctly different driving experiences. The Legacy 2.5i, which is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four banger, starts at $19,995. Not a stripped-down model in any way, shape or form, the 2.5i includes a 6-speed manual transmission, air conditioning, 4-wheel disc brakes, 16-inch rolling stock, power windows and locks, cruise control, remote keyless entry and a number of other tasty features.
The 2.5i Premium adds $1,000 to the bottom line and delivers a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather steering wheel, auto up/down driver's window and dual chrome exhaust tips. It also opens the door to options such as an upgraded Harman Kardon audio system with Bluetooth connectivity ($995), a power moonroof ($995) and an all-weather package ($500).
The 2.5i Limited bumps the bottom line to $24,995 and adds a power-adjustable passenger seat, 17-inch alloys, the all-weather package, Subaru's Lineartronic continuously variable transmission, climate control, the Harman Kardon stereo and a leather-trimmed interior.
The Legacy 3.6R is motivated by a 6-cylinder engine and is priced at $24,995. It has the same standard equipment as the 2.5i but adds 17-inch alloys, auto up/down driver's window and dual chrome exhaust tips. Opting for the Premium version of the 3.6R at a cost of $25,995 adds a 10-way power-adjustable driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an all-weather package.
View Pictures: 2010 Subaru Legacy
At $27,995 the 3.6R Limited adds climate control, the Harman Kardon stereo and a leather-trimmed interior, and allows access to an optional power moonroof and a voice-activated GPS navigation system with backup camera.
Those who walk on the wild side will appreciate the sporty nature of the Legacy 2.5GT and its turbocharged WRX engine. The Premium version sports 18-inch alloys, dual chrome exhaust tips and an all-weather package for $27,995. The Limited adds climate control, the Harman Kardon system and a leather-trimmed interior and pushes the price to $29,995.
Compare: 2010 Subaru Legacy vs. Honda Accord vs. Toyota Camry
Under the Hood
Choosing a Legacy is all about the powertrain, since each version has its own engine and different transmissions. The 2.5i runs a 2.5-liter boxer four rated at 170 horsepower at 5600 rpm and 170 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. The 2.5i comes with a new 6-speed manual as standard fare, but Subaru's Lineartronic CVT can be swapped in for $1,000.
Traditionally, all-wheel-drive systems compromise fuel efficiency because turning all four wheels requires more effort from under the hood, thereby using more fuel. But the 2010 Legacy bucks that trend and combines the security and confidence of all-wheel drive with more than 30 mpg. Subaru's clever Lineartronic CVT is the secret to its success. Where a conventional automatic transmission selects from fixed gear ratios, a CVT can select any ratio between its highest and lowest available ratios at any time. This allows the transmission to take any opportunity to provide high-mileage performance but still be ready to lay down acceleration when asked. As a result, the CVT-equipped Legacy 2.5i delivers 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway, which bests segment kingpins Honda Accord and Toyota Camry around town and equals the Accord on the highway. The six-speed manual 2.5i posts 19/27 mileage.
In the 3.6R, a 3.6-liter boxer six runs the show, replacing the outgoing 245-horse 3.0-liter six. The new plant bumps output to 256 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 247 lb-ft of torque at 4400 rpm. The 3.6R offers only a 5-speed automatic.
The Legacy 2.5GT is more enthusiastic in its power delivery, with a turbocharged and intercooled WRX boxer four providing the thrills. While the '09 Legacy also received WRX-inspired power, it was the older 243-horse version. The 2010 Legacy 2.5GT gets the current 265-horsepower engine, which also produces a hearty 258 lb-ft of torque. Gear selection is limited to a 6-speed manual. Both the 3.6R and 2.5GT check in with fuel efficiency of 18/25 mpg.
