

Sedan
|
5 Seats
|
21-27 MPG
(Combined)
|
Key specs of the base trim
—
Compare 7 trims
|
Overview
The Good
- Responsive steering
- Roomy backseat
- Good gas mileage for an AWD car
- Available turbocharged drivetrain
- Well-equipped base model
- Wintry-weather suitability
The Bad
- Middling cabin materials
- Tiny stereo controls
- Overly restrictive USB/iPod integration
- Significant body roll in base model
- Road noise
- Crosswind susceptibility

What to Know
-
Larger, restyled interior
-
Three engine choices
-
Standard AWD
-
Manual or automatic
-
Standard electronic stability system
We’re looking for the best deals on a Subaru near you…
Are you looking for more listings?
— OR —
See all local inventory
2011 Subaru Legacy Review
from the Cars.com expert editorial team
Vehicle 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 w...
Vehicle 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
Consumer Reviews
What drivers are saying
Read reviews that mention:
I felt lied to
While the car runs well for now, it had a hidden problem that wasn’t found until it started to get bad. My transmission is going out, and when I had asked the dealership about it, the told me they ... Read full review
Quickness,handling ,breaking are elite.
This has been a great car.After driving 7 Sufis of all types I can say with a straight face that I like this cat better....It's easy to drive very safe and there's nothing better then all wheel drive ... Read full review
Safety
Recalls and crash tests