Likes - Much larger interior
- Symmetrical all-wheel drive system
- Vastly improved ride
Dislikes - Appearance
- Steering feel
- Less of the traditional feisty Subaru character
Tech Specs - 170 hp 170 lbs feet of torque 2.5 liter, boxer 4-cylinder
- 265 hp 258 lbs feet of torque 2.5 turbocharged boxer 4-cylinder
- 256 horsepower, 247 lbs feet of torque 3.6 liter 6-cylinder
- CVT 23 mpg city and 31 mpg highway (2.5i)
- 6-speed manual 19 mpg city and 27 mpg highway (2.5i)
- 6-speed manual and 5-speed auto, 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway (2.5GT and 3.6R)
What's New/Changed - Love it or hate it exterior design
- More spacious interior
- Ride characteristics
The Vehix View - Subaru’s new Legacy is an entirely new machine with all-weather capability and family friendly goodness.
First Impressions
It's difficult to gauge what the designers at Subaru had in mind when recreating the 2010 Subaru Legacy. The previous generation's skin was smooth, sleek and uncluttered. Now, the 2010 Subaru Legacy is a larger, more complicated looking machine.
Although my knee-jerk reaction was severe and not entirely positive upon first glance of the new Legacy, I’ve grown to appreciate the new creases and curves. In fact, it is nearly impossible to find a panel (other than the roof) without more than two bends.
Part of the change in design philosophy came by necessity as the roof of the new vehicle is much higher. Also, the wheelbase is noticeably expanded. Despite these changes, the new Subaru Legacy is slightly shorter overall than its predecessor.
One thing is for sure: no one will mistake the 2010 Subaru Legacy for any other car. One passerby commented that the darker color makes them look sinister, which I believe is a compliment of sorts.
Pricing, Trims and Options
Starting prices are a hair under $20,000 for the base model with the manual transmission and rise to nearly $37,000 for a fully loaded 2.5GT Limited.
Trims start with the 2.5i Premium and2.5i Limited, which use the normally aspirated 2.5 liter boxer engine. The 2.5 GT Premium and 2.5 GT Limited use the turbocharged 2.5 liter boxer engine and constitute the highest performance. 6-cylinder boxer engines are used in the 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited, which represent the luxury end of the Legacy line.
One of the main options on the 2.5i is the (new for 2010) $1,000 ‘Lineatronic’ continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Interior Features
The new interior is far more spacious than previous models. Subaru listened to the main consumer gripe about the previously tight interior and opted to expand in nearly every conceivable direction. This is one of the strongest selling points of the new model as the new interior is easily as roomy as a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord.
A 14.7 cubic foot trunk is very competitive in size and Subaru equipped it with a lid that uses a hinge that does not impede on cargo space when shut.
Interior materials are good, with minimal fuss and a few sharp angles that maintain and support the sportier theme of the exterior. The base model’s stereo sound is monumentally poor, although the higher end (Harman Kardon) audio system is quite good.
There is a new gauge on the left of the interment cluster that gives a vague idea as to gas consumption. Essentially, the gauge tells you that you should lay off the throttle to get better mpg. Some consumers will like this feature. If used correctly, it may save a few bucks at the pump.
Subaru opted to remove the parking handbrake and replace it with an electronic parking brake. This is all the rage among car-makers and in many cases helps save space. The placement is to the left of the steering wheel and out of site, which proved to be counterintuitive.
I miss the simple handbrake.
Safety, Quality and Reliability
I have to own up to my bias of Subaru products in an effort to maintain transparency. I have owned other Subarus (I live in Colorado – one of the larger markets for Subarus).They are built tough and account for themselves well into their product run. For the past decade, all Subaru products have scored at or near the top of every collision test offered worldwide.