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2009 Subaru Legacy

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$20,795

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Sedan

Body style

22

Combined MPG

5

Seating capacity

188.7” x 59.1”

Dimensions

All-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

The good:

  • Exceptional handling with turbo engine
  • Well-executed manual transmission
  • Turbocharged four-cylinder
  • Seat comfort
  • Automatic-transmission operation

The bad:

  • Not as roomy as some competitors
  • Some cheap interior elements
  • Premium gasoline recommended
  • Stability system not available on all trims

7 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2009 Subaru Legacy trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Sedans for 2024

Notable features

  • Standard AWD
  • Manual or automatic transmission
  • Available electronic stability system
  • New 3.0R model

2009 Subaru Legacy review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
The Legacy has an extensive lineup of powertrains, including a naturally aspirated or turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine. It is sold only as a sedan for 2009.

The Legacy has a varied model lineup; trim levels include the 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Limited, 2.5GT spec.B, 3.0R and 3.0R Limited.

The Legacy competes against the Ford Fusion, Mazda6 and Volkswagen Passat.

New for 2009
The Subaru Legacy gets a standard electronic stability system for 2009. The Legacy also gets a new trim level, called 3.0R, which features the 3.0R Limited’s six-cylinder engine but is less expensive. Subaru has stopped selling the Legacy Wagon for 2009.

Exterior
All Legacy models get an aluminum hood, aerodynamic side ground effects and an in-glass antenna. Turbocharged models have a functional hood scoop and underbody aerodynamic cover.

At 185 inches long and 68.1 inches wide, the Legacy is noticeably smaller than most midsize sedans.

  • Available 17- or 18-inch alloy wheels
  • Standard power side mirrors
  • Standard dual exhaust
  • Power moonroof (on all except 2.5i)
  • Functional hood scoop on 2.5GT and 2.5GT spec.B

Interior
The Legacy can seat five people. There’s 93.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is noticeably smaller than its competition. Every Legacy gets a revised integrated key fob, which has been reduced in size.

All Legacy models include a 60/40-split folding rear seat with a center pass-thru. The trunk has grocery bag hooks to keep items secure and 11.4 cubic feet of available cargo room.

  • Available cloth, leather or perforated leather upholstery
  • Standard power windows, locks and remote keyless entry
  • Standard air conditioning
  • Standard cruise control
  • 385-watt premium stereo system (on all except 2.5i)
  • Performance-designed seats (2.5GT, 2.5GT spec.B, 3.0R Limited)
  • Available dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Optional touch-screen GPS system (standard on 2.5GT spec.B)

Under the Hood
Like all Subarus, the Legacy has standard all-wheel drive. The 2.5GT, 2.5GT spec.B and 3.0R get large front and rear ventilated brake rotors.

Subaru’s SI-Drive system allows drivers to program accelerator response and is included on the 2.5 GT Limited, 2.5GT spec.B, 3.0R and 3.0R Limited. With the automatic transmission, the 2.5 GT Limited, 3.0R and 3.0R Limited have paddle shifters for manual operation.

  • 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine makes 170 pounds-feet of torque (standard on 2.5i, 2.5i Special Edition and 2.5i Limited)
  • 243-hp, 2.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine makes 241 pounds-feet of torque (standard on 2.5GT and 2.5GT spec.B)
  • 245-hp, 3.0-liter six-cylinder makes 215 pounds-feet of torque (standard on 3.0R and 3.0R Limited)
  • Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive
  • Five-speed manual transmission
  • Four-speed automatic transmission (optional on 2.5i and 2.5i Special Edition, standard on 2.5i Limited)
  • Five-speed automatic transmission (optional on 2.5GT, standard on 3.0R and 3.0R Limited)
  • Six-speed manual transmission (2.5GT spec.B)
  • Sport-tuned suspension with inverted front struts standard on 2.5GT spec.B and 3.0R Limited
  • Limited-slip rear differential standard on 2.5GT, 2.5GT spec.B and 3.0R Limited

Safety
Safety features include:

  • Standard side-impact airbags
  • Standard side curtain airbags
  • Standard active front head restraints
  • Standard daytime running lights
  • Standard antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution
  • Standard traction control (except on manual 2.5GT)
  • Standard electronic stability system, (except on manual 2.5GT)

Consumer reviews

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.2
  • Interior 4.4
  • Performance 4.2
  • Value 4.5
  • Exterior 4.4
  • Reliability 4.6
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Most recent consumer reviews

Really good car !!

Purchased it in 2020. As been an absolute warrior. Handles snow and all rough terrain superbly. Only complaints is the radio is not easily modifiable(aux to lightning cable fixes this), the woodgrain trim is ugly looking (easy swap/ vinyl wrap). Really good car overall good for teens and older folk. (If you want more speed get better tires and 17 inch tires)

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Great car - comfortable & reliable

So happy I got this car. I love everything about it! Comfortable, fully loaded, drives great in the winter months and great on gas!! I love Subaru and for not a new car, this takes the cake!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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First AWD Car For Me

The car deducts some points but in exchange for it's amazing AWD. Interior is not the spaciest but it's not "cramped" either. Great for heavy snowfall.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 46 consumer reviews

Safety

Based on the 2009 Subaru Legacy base trim.
Frontal driver
5
Frontal passenger
5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4
Side driver
5
Side rear passenger
5

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Subaru
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
36 months/36,000 miles
Corrosion
60 months/unlimited distance
Powertrain
60 months/60,000 miles
Roadside assistance
36 months/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
5 years/80,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
Coverage available for purchase
Powertrain
7 years/100,000
Dealer certification required
152-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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