By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National September 7, 2010Vehicle Overview
The Legacy was redesigned for 2010, its first complete makeover since 2005. A sister of the Outback wagon, the Legacy comes only as a sedan. It grew for 2010, adding much-needed space to the backseat, yet its mileage improved. It competes with cars like the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.
Choices abound with the Legacy, which comes in many trim levels and offers three engine types and three transmissions. Distinguished first by the engine type — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged version of the same and a new 3.6-liter six-cylinder — each comes with Premium and Limited trim levels. The 2.5i and 3.6R are base versions of the non-turbo trim levels.
New for 2011
Following last year's redesign, Legacy receives minor changes for 2011. All models now have standard folding side mirrors. The 2.5 GT Premium model is gone, leaving the 2.5 GT Limited as the lone turbocharged model.
Exterior
The Legacy's headlight shape strays into Nissan/Infiniti territory, but the grille has Subaru's familiar wing-shaped crossbar and constellation symbol. Exterior features include:
- Standard 16-inch wheels
- Available 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels
- Functional hood scoop on 2.5 GT
- Projector beam headlights
Interior
In addition to a nearly 4-inch increase in backseat legroom, last year's redesign made the Legacy a couple of inches wider, which helps hip and shoulder room in the front and back. The interior materials were upgraded and include metallic-looking trim on the steering wheel and other surfaces. Upholstery choices include cloth and leather. Interior features include:
- Standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel with audio and cruise-control buttons
- Standard keyless entry
- Standard 60/40-split folding rear seats
- Available Bluetooth audio streaming capability
- Available dual-zone climate control
- Available navigation system with backup camera
Under the Hood
Three engines — a 2.5-liter four-cylinder, a turbocharged 2.5-liter and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder — make 170 horsepower, 265 hp and 256 hp, respectively. The GT has higher output across the board, but it requires premium gasoline. Mechanical features include:
- 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder
- 265-hp, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder
- 256-hp, 3.6-liter six-cylinder
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Continuously variable automatic transmission with manual mode
- Five-speed automatic (3.6-liter six-cylinder)
- Standard all-wheel drive
Safety
Standard safety features include:
- Four-wheel antilock brakes with brake assist
- Electronic stability system
- Side-impact airbags
- Side curtain airbags for front and rear seats
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Kelsey Mays | Cars.com National | August 23, 2011 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | September 7, 2010 |
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