2007 Subaru Legacy: What's New

Vehicle Overview
Changes for the 2007 Subaru Legacy include an enhanced GT Limited Spec B performance edition, as well as modified interior controls and upgraded safety options.

Slightly larger and more powerful than its predecessor, the redesigned 2005 Legacy gained safety features and an available turbocharged engine. Offered in sedan and wagon body styles, Legacy is Subaru’s larger series — closely related to the sport utility vehicle-styled Outback. Changes for 2006 included a bump in power for the base engine, as well as upgraded wheels and a newly optional navigation system. The Legacy 2.5 GT Limited Spec B also joined the group; it features a 243-horsepower turbocharged engine, a Bilstein sport suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, a navigation system, aerodynamic side ground-effects moldings, aluminum pedal covers and a three-spoke Momo steering wheel.

Other trim levels include the 175-hp 2.5i Special Edition and Limited sedans and wagons, the turbocharged 2.5 GT Limited sedan and wagon, and the 2.5 GT Limited Spec B sedan.

As with all Subarus, all-wheel drive is standard. Subaru offers three transmission and all-wheel-drive combinations: models with the five-speed automatic use Variable Torque Distribution all-wheel drive; models with the four-speed automatic have active all-wheel drive; and manual-shift models use continuous all-wheel drive.

Exterior
The Legacy looks sleeker than previous models, and its dimensions are slightly larger than past editions. Using aluminum for the hood, bumper beams and rear liftgate on wagons helped reduce weight by as much as 180 pounds.

Turbocharged models have a functional hood scoop and a dual exhaust system. Alloy wheels hold 17-inch tires on the 2.5 GT, but other models have 16-inch tires. The Spec B includes 18-inchers.

Interior
The Legacy seats five occupants. A four-dial electroluminescent instrument display is installed in 2.5 GT Limited models, which include leather-trimmed upholstery, an in-dash six-CD changer, an eight-way power driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, and heated front seats and mirrors.

For 2007, the center audio and climate controls have been redesigned for a cleaner look. A navigation system is standard on the Spec B and optional on automatic-equipped 2.5 GT Limited sedans. All Legacy sedans include a 60/40-split, folding rear seat with a center pass-through.

Under the Hood
In regular form, the 2.5-liter horizontally opposed four-cylinder now produces 175 hp. A turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder in the 2.5 GT Limited develops 243 hp and 241 pounds-feet of torque.

A new SI-Drive system maps accelerator response to three modes: Intelligent, which maximizes fuel economy, Sport, which allows for moderately sporty driving, and Sport Sharp, which maximizes throttle response.

A five-speed manual gearbox is standard. A four-speed automatic is optional in the 2.5i while the turbocharged 2.5 GT can have a five-speed automatic. The five-speed automatic incorporates Sportshift for manual gear changes, either at the gearshift or by using buttons on the Momo-designed steering wheel. When a quick burst of acceleration is needed, tapping a button causes the transmission to drop down one gear temporarily. The 2.5 GT Limited wagon is available only with an automatic transmission. All Subarus have all-wheel drive.

The Spec B includes a six-speed manual, among other performance features. It replaces the five-speed manual in last year’s Spec B.

Safety
Seat-mounted side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags and antilock brakes are standard. Active front-seat head restraints are included.

An electronic stability system has been added for 2007. It’s standard on the Spec B and available on the 2.5 GT Limited.

Driving Impressions
Ride comfort is a foremost virtue of the 2.5 GT. Despite a basic tautness, its suspension is absorbent and neatly compliant. Some body lean is noticeable through quick curves, but it’s largely well-controlled and imparts an average confidence level.

The Legacy usually runs quietly, but occupants can hear tire noise on pavement separators and other imperfections. Acceleration in turbocharged models is energetic from a standstill and when passing and merging, though it’s short of record-setting. Automatic-transmission shifts are particularly smooth.

The interior is small but not claustrophobic. Entry and exit is easy. The seats are supportive and generously cushioned. Illuminated gauges are easy to read.