2010 Subaru Legacy

Subaru crams considerable variety into its midsize Legacy lineup, continuing that practice in the new generation. Buyers can select a modest four-cylinder, a hot turbo, or a heftier six-cylinder engine—each with standard all-wheel drive. Manual shift is available with four-cylinder engines, but the non-turbo edition can have a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) instead.

2010 Updates

Initially launched as a 1990 model, the Legacy is Subaru's larger passenger car, now redesigned for 2010. Claimed to be as "nimble as ever," the latest Legacy is bigger in every dimension: 1.4 inches longer, 3.5 inches wider and 3.3 inches taller, on a wheelbase that's gained 3.2 inches. Weight has increased only modestly. Rear occupants get four inches of additional legroom, and 1.8-inch greater toe space. Trunk volume is up 29 percent, to 14.7 cubic feet.


Doors open wider than before. Front seats have hollowed-out backs and greater adjustment range. A telescoping steering wheel is standard. The new electronic parking brake can activate itself on a 5-percent grade.

Power Sources

As before, three horizontally opposed ("boxer") engines are available. Installed in the 2.5i base model, the normally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder develops 170 horsepower. A turbocharged version goes into the 2.5GT, developing 265 horsepower at 6000 rpm, and 258 pound-feet of torque through a range of 2000-5200 rpm. That's sufficient to yield 0-60 mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds (1.6 seconds faster than last year's Turbo). Beneath the 3.6R hood sits a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine, rated 256 hp and 247 pound-feet, running on regular-grade gasoline.


Base 2.5i models may have either a six-speed manual gearbox or a chain-based Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT). With manual shift, the 2.5i sedan gets a fuel-economy estimate of 19 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway. Subaru's CVT boosts those estimates to 23/31 mpg. Paddle shifters in manual mode let the CVT's driver select from six virtual "gear" ratios (dubbed "shift points").