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Subaru has always marched to a slightly different beat, and its cars are popular not only because they have all-wheel drive and a horizontally opposed engine configuration but also because they were just a little different.

The 2010 Legacy is built on a new platform that increases room and comfort while preserving the agility and fun-to-drive spirit of the previous model. The new styling is lean and angular but now the Legacy looks more like other cars in the segment than the previous model did. All-wheel drive and the flat engine layout have been retained.

Having a more mainstream design is not bad, especially in this case because the new Legacy’s lines are quite nice. Fender flares accentuate the wheels and provide a counterpoint to the flat body sides.

Subaru’s all-wheel drive system has long separated the brand from the competition and given it a distinct market niche. All-wheel drive is rare in the midsize segment, and it is standard on all Legacy models and trim lines.

All-wheel drive is not only popular in the winter, but it also provides balanced handling on dry roads. Subaru offers three different all-wheel-drive modes, each tailored to the engine and type of transmission. All cars equipped with the six-speed manual have power split 50/50 front to rear.

The 3.6R has an automatic transmission and variable torque distribution, which means that the system is slightly biased toward the rear wheels for handling agility.

The Legacy is available with a 170-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder; a 265-horsepower, turbocharged 2.5-liter four-cylinder; or a 256-horsepower, 3.6-liter six-cylinder.

Last year, Subaru’s six-cylinder was a 3.0-liter. This year, the 3.6 delivers more torque, from 2,000 rpm to 6,000 rpm, than the old engine did at its maximum. The result is smooth power delivery across a wide powerband.

Subaru uses a continuously variable automatic transmission for the four-cylinder engines and a five-speed automatic for the six.

Prices begin at $19,995 for the Legacy 2.5i, an $800 reduction from the 2009 model. The 2.5GT starts at $27,995. The 3.6R begins at $24,995, which is $1,600 less than the 2009 3.0R model. I drove a 3.6R.

The Legacy is also available in Premium and Limited models. The Limited has leather upholstery, dual zone automatic climate control, a Harman Kardon audio system, navigation system, backup camera and Bluetooth connectivity.

Each Legacy has standard vehicle stability control, traction control, anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution.

The new Legacy has a 3.2-inch longer wheelbase that results in 3.9 extra inches of rear-seat legroom. Overall length is up 1.4 inches and height has been increased by 3.2 inches. The car is 3.6 inches wider.

The extra space results in a bigger cabin and one of the largest trunks in the midsize segment.

The sporty four-dial instrument panel also has a trip computer located in the center of the dashboard. Richer looking appointments and details abound, including a sporty three-spoke steering wheel. A new electronic parking brake, with an electronic hill holder system, eliminates the traditional parking brake handle and that frees up space in the center console.

Price

The base price of the test car was $24,995. Options included a remote engine starter, auto-dimming mirror with compass and a Homelink universal garage-door opener. The sticker price was $26,385

Warranty

Three years or 36,000 miles, with a five-year, 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

2010 Subaru Legacy 3.6R

Engine: 3.6-liter, 256-hp V-6

Transmission: automatic

All-wheel drive

Wheelbase: 108.3 inches

Curb weight: 3,481 lbs.

Base price: $24,995

As driven: $26,385

MPG rating: 18 city, 25 hwy.

To reach Tom Strongman, send e-mail to tom@tomstrongman.com.