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2010 Legacy: No more excuses
Posted on 11. Jul, 2009 by ryan in Features
The Subaru Legacy sedan has long been the black sheep of the boxer-bred family. Whereas the WRX clearly appeals to rally fans and the Outback to hiking enthusiasts, the Legacy isn’t so well defined: The plucky sedan has been trying to find its voice ever since Subaru split the Outback and Legacy product lines.
It was way back in 2005 that Subaru last had a distinct marketing strategy for the Legacy lineup. It was a mostly forgettable series of ads that featured vaguely-lit hood lines and taglines reminiscent of Infiniti or Lexus. Problem was, even then, other cars in the mid-sized segment offered more complete packages.
The "Flagship" 2010 Legacy 3.6R with H6.
The 2005 Legacy suffered from back-seat legroom only appropriate for small children, an unacceptable amount of road noise and (though it was greatly improved over the previous Legacy) an interior that was far from best in class. Remember, they were targeting Lexus, BMW and other aspirational mid-size sedans in their ads. As great a car as the 2005 Legacy was, it didn’t stand a chance when positioned in a class where owners worried less about expense and more about prestige, comfort and having a modicum of legroom.
Fast forward to 2009. It’s a different world than the heady days of 2005. Prestige is on the outs, and frugality is the new excess. That said, even though car buyers are no longer looking for as much outward flash, the basic requirements of a mid-sized sedan are unchanged. That brings us to the all-new 2010 Subaru Legacy lineup. Not one, but three core models. Each level of the new line has been tweaked to meet a particular set of demands in one of the most competitive markets. Has Subaru succeeded? Let’s take a look.
Subaru Legacy 2.5i CVT
31mpg on the highway. That’s the big news. We don’t know of a more fuel-efficient full-time all-wheel drive sedan. (If you can name one which scores better, feel free to comment below, we’d really like to know!) The stellar economy is thanks to modest improvements in the naturally-aspirated 2.5 boxer and, even more so, a new Lineartronic continuously variable transmission (CVT).
The 2.5i only has a single exhaust
Subaru pioneered the CVTs in the Clinton era with the good ol’ Justy sub-compact. Though it hasn’t recently shipped any CVTs to the North American market, it continued to develop and sell these fancy transmissions in other world markets. The CVT in the new Legacy is a chain-driven, zero maintenance unit that transforms the driving experience.
What’s so special about a CVT? No gears. None. Instead of the traditional winding of the tach through each cog, a CVT winds up to optimal load and stays there. 10mph to 80mph, the motor sits (to borrow a sports metaphor) “in the zone” at all times. As is the style, even the Subaru CVT is available with paddle-shifters, so you can mimic the old-fashioned past-time of running through the tach as you carve through your favorite set of corners, but it’s technically no longer required.
Dynolicious Performance Graph for 2010 Legacy 2.5i CVT
On the road, “fake shifting” the paddles is brisk and enjoyable. A voice in the back of my head kept reminding me that it was nothing more than masturbatory motoring. Empty pleasure. Still, it was a good drive, even with the smallest motor Subaru offers on any Legacy, the 2.5-liter 170-hp unit, pulling duty (note: the CVT is currently only available with the N/A 2.5 H4.)
With the optional CVT the 2010 2.5i Legacy is priced at a very appealing $21,690 (inc. destination). Though you can spend 1G less and get it with a 6-speed transmission, in this range we’d recommend at least trying the CVT before committing to cogs.
Subaru Legacy 2.5GT
Targeting enthusiasts who have outgrown the WRX and are ready for something more sophisticated and spacious, Subaru’s lone Legacy turbo option carries on similar power figures from the outgoing model, 265-hp and 258 ft-lbs of torque. But that’s not to say Subaru rested on its laurels. The top-mounted intercooler is larger by 25-percent and the turbo placement is now under the car, resulting in more power, sooner than ever. The stock performance is noticeably better off the line and the trick puts the Subaru turbo more in line with the very likable VW 2.0 turbo’s performance curve.
Turbo moved under the motor, but the I/C is still top-fed
If you want an automatic or a wagon version, you’re out of luck. The 2.5GT is only available as a sedan and with a new 6-speed manual transmission. The new 6MT is a variation on the previous 5MT and not the stout STI stick. (Tuners: we don’t know how much power the new Legacy 6MT can take, pump your power at your own peril.) Subaru claims that the performance customers shopping for the GT wouldn’t pull their wallets out for either the wagon or an automatic. Based on past sales performance, we’d have to agree with this logic.
Subaru’s GT is only available in Premium ($28,690) and Limited ($30,690) trims. This is a point on which we disagree with Subaru: they claim that enthusiasts wouldn’t be interested in a Base trim GT. It would only save about $1000 (based on 2.5i price differences between Base and Premium,) but that would be an extra $1000 to use for a re-flash and a tune, or whatever other tuning options come down the pike. But, alas, no dice for now.
Regardless of which option you pick, every GT comes with 18-inch alloy wheels (with wider 225/45R18 rubber), Subaru’s standard Symmetrical all-wheel drive (of course) and disc brakes on all corners. We’ll need more time with the car to give the shoes a real workout, but on roads befitting a country drive, they seemed both capable and compliant.
Subaru Legacy 3.6R
Considered to be the flagship Legacy, this is one model we were less impressed with. The problem is the H6 motor. It’s a lovely motor, but side-by-side to the turbo, we really don’t see the point. Granted, it can take regular fuel and the turbo requires premium. But other than that the performance is very similar. This isn’t a beefy Nissan V6, which it very well may be cross-shopped against. This is a naturally-aspirated, relatively small, H6 with a flat and less-than-interesting torque curve.
Simulated wood accents are a feature of Limited models
There are two things I would personally look for in a 6-cylinder: quieter freeway cruising and/or more power off the line. The Subaru H6 doesn’t deliver either. Granted the luxe interior is certainly worthy of the $26,690 asking price of the H6 premium, but nobody looking for fuel savings is going to be shopping for a 6-banger anyhow. If they are, it will be for the Outback set, not a sport sedan mind.
Why, also, is the 3.6R Limited considered the “Flagship” (Subaru’s words) when it’s priced $2,000 less than the 6MT GT Limited turbo? The delta is even greater when you consider the H6 is only available with an automatic transmission, which is usually valued at $1-2k more on vehicles where it’s a straight option, and the GT only with a 6MT. Considering that the GT Limited is, in fact, the most expensive Legacy offered in the 2010 model, why isn’t it christened as the top-of-the-line model? If the GT is the true flagship, why not adorn it with at least 290-300hp we know the motor is easily capable of, right out of the box? No self-respecting car maker has a flagship sport sedan with less than 300 horsepower these days.
The 3.6-liter H6 takes regular fuel, but lacks punch
The 3.6-liter H6, though significantly better than the old 3.0R motor, continues to be a puzzlement. Sure enough there are buyers out there that buy based on check box requirements, “V6? Check!”, “Rear legroom? Check!” For those buyers Subaru offers a solution in the way of the 3.6R. Though, I personally think Subaru should just offer the turbo with a choice of transmissions and be done with it. Keep the H6 in the rugged Outback and Tribeca where they belong.
Across the board
Though the suspension is slightly modified based on engine weights, tire selection and other considerations, all Legacy models have similar setups. Moving from the CVT to the GT to the 3.6R results in very little difference in overall handling characteristics. Similarities between models doesn’t end with suspension, every model now has a quick-ratio (14.5:1) steering rack, vehicle dynamics control (VDC) and electronic traction control (TCS). The only real options are if you want the voice activated 8-inch navigation unit (includes streaming Bluetooth audio and personal media player USB compatibility,) a moonroof or the all-weather motoring package.
Even the 2.5i has a sharp, modern interior.
If you’re looking for the SI-DRIVE control dial, stop looking. Subaru decided it wasn’t worth the added expense. Instead, it is applying “[tuning] maps that make sense” to each model, based on what the expectations are for each configuration. The GT gets something close to the old S# (pronounced S Sharp) setting full time, which is the most aggressive throttle and power mapping.
All models can be purchased with Base, Premium or Limited trim levels. (With the exception of the GT, which doesn’t have a Base option at this time.) Limited models get the spiffy Harman/Kardon sound system, leather, wood inserts, dual-zone climate control a 10-way power adjustable driver’s and 4-way power adjustable passenger’s heated seats. Premium gets cloth (though you can add the stereo for extra coin), a 10-way adjustable heated driver’s seat and a leather-wrapped wheel. For the extra $2,000 we don’t really know why anyone would seriously consider the Premium over the Limited, other than the Premium sticks you with the woodgrain trim inserts.
Significantly more legroom and cargo capacity
A final word on the interior. It’s really remarkable for a Subaru. The plastics have been seriously upgraded and both fit and finish are top-notch for this class. You have to see it in person to get the full effect. It’s stunning; even on the base trim 2.5i. The brushed metallic center stack is contemporary without being gaudy. The design is practical too, as it hides everyday scratches better – something particularly problematic with the previous Legacy interior design.
Space has been dramatically improved. The car is bigger all around, which results in (finally!) human-sized rear legroom. The front seat also slides back further to accommodate those of us with a longer set of limbs.
Finally, Subaru has a car that is right for the class, and right for the times. It’s bigger, smarter, and isn’t saddled with excuses regarding dimensions or details for the first time since it was the original runaway hit in the 90s. Subaru still hasn’t delivered a true “flagship” Legacy that I know they can build, but there’s always hope for next year. Maybe a Ken Block special edition? This chassis is now just aching to have best-in-class power to truly make it come alive.
(12 votes, average: 4.58 out of 5)
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Greg livingston
14. Jul, 2009
With you I have to disagree, I currently own a 2005 Legacy GT Wagon, with automatic. I have talked with 15 dealers within 200-300 miles of where I live, and they all confirmed that 85-90 % of the Legacy GT sales were automatic transmissions. Not all performance people want manual transmissions. The Legacy was always ment for a the older customer, after they got tired of the WRX type of car. Along with that goes the manual transmission, as you get older, shifting gears in rush hour traffic, is no longer fun !!! In my estimation Subaru has destroyed the Legacy line, in following what they did with the WRX, making it only with the manual transmission, and appealing only to the younger buyer, which most can’t afford a Legacy, and would rather own a WRX anyway.
I really think Toyota, has had to big of say in Subaru’s new models, has anyone noticed the striking similarities between the Toyota Venza, and the Subaru Outback ???? TAKE A CLOSE LOOK !!!!!!
ryan
15. Jul, 2009
I would personally like a 5EAT or CVT (if strong and proven) on a GT for my personal family car (my wife doesn’t drive manual transmissions.) So, I agree that it would be good. However, according to Subaru, the rest of the national doesn’t agree when it comes time to actually make the purchase. And, given that the 3.6R has basically the same power curve, uses regular fuel and is less expensive comparably equipped as the GT, that is a reasonable option.
Josh
14. Jul, 2009
I agree with Greg, taking a look at the 08+ Impreza sedan it has always looked to me like a Corolla. This is somewhat bothersome once you tack on how slowly it seems the Subyota two door is coming along, it seems toyota is having trouble making a good performance car (one could argue the IS-F but..). It’ll be interesting to see how Subaru proceeds, I got worried back when they yanked the manual from the Forester XT (and when the Forester began to look like the competition, specifically the Mitsu Outlander)
Mr_EMan
15. Jul, 2009
My wife’s 2005 Legacy GT wagon is a manual (all 4 of our cars are manuals). I think it’s a great car, and I like the styling of the Legacy wagon much better than the sedan or the Outback. Ever since we’ve gotten this car, I’ve loved wagons.
I’ve been looking at the new Outback as a replacement, but I want the 2.5l turbo with a manual transmission in a wagon. This new Legacy sedan may have to do. Or maybe another 08+ STI.
D. Lorandos
15. Jul, 2009
I have been asking for a six in the Legacy GT for years. Our Outback six cylinder VDC is a great car and feels as if it will last forever. Our 2005 Legacy GT on the other hand, needed three thousand dollars worth of after market fixing to actually make it anything like a “GT”. The 2005 Legacy GT drives like a sofa and unless you re-flash the computer and let the little four cylinder actually breathe, the performance is nothing to get excited about. So finally Subaru brings the Legacy out with a six cylinder. . . . . how long before they actually put those extra cubic centimeters to work? (Turbo?? Intercooler???)
D. Williams
28. Dec, 2009
The Legacy has been available with a V6 for several years (3.0 – referenced in this article). The Legacy GT has been and is still a H4 turbo car. There is very little reason to turbo the H6 when the H4 is lighter and capable of much more power than stock (300hp+ which is also referenced in this article).
brett
15. Jul, 2009
Real performance “drivers” demand a manual transmission.
Performance “people” can have the automatic trannies.
Not debatable.
Jeremy
15. Jul, 2009
I couldn’t agree more!
ATs and CVTs are for people that don’t care about the true driving experience.
DON AMEDO
15. Jul, 2009
No Spec B????
Americans HATE station wagons - Page 3 - Subaru Forester Owners Forum
16. Jul, 2009
[...] the "w" word… ^ Yep. Even in the latest SubieSport review of the ‘10 Legacy (REF: 2010 Legacy: No more excuses|Subiesport Magazine) – [...]
Shawn Makinson
16. Jul, 2009
I’m glad to hear the SI drive is gone I had the new STI for a bit and always had to remember to move it to S# each time. It was rather annoying and surprising when I forgot and tried to pull into traffic. I kinda of want one of these Legacy’s but now is yet not the time for me to buy again.
MB
16. Jul, 2009
It frustrates me that every new body style that comes out with the Subarus nudges it a bit more towards the mainstream. Granted mainstream = more $$ because it appeals to a larger audience, but what about the audience that helped get Subaru where they are today? If you look at the GC/GM/GF Impreza line, it was so unique and distinct, and now as stated above, they look like Toyotas.
I will always love my GC, but I struggle to see myself in a new Subaru when it comes time to get a new car.
Kadafi
26. Jul, 2009
Im will be waiting for the diesel to come out. Until then good luck trying to get my money Subyota.
B32
29. Jul, 2009
I’ve a Legacy stage 2 ,i like my car but the good way for subaru,I thing it’s,3.6R double turbo.The new Ford taurus
SHO output V6 3.5 with two Garret turbo under the hood.
Stopped the production of GT with H4 2.5L and make a new GT able to rivalized with new sports cars grant tourism.
Bohemian_Funk
25. Aug, 2009
It simply astounds me to no end that Subaru would make the 3.6R without a manual transmission. No less astounding is the fact that they would go out of their way to design (i.e. – spend extra money) on a new, probably less durable 6mt instead of just putting in the STi 6 speed, which is what any good performance-minded individual would prefer ANYWAY (especially if we’re talking about the version with DCCD). For that matter, if the 3.6R is supposed to be the “top of the range”, why not give it a fuel map to take advantage of premium fuel? Now, I don’t mind updating the looks on their cars (In fact, I’ve always disliked the GC-chassis Impreza, I’m sorry. I like my cars to look like they came out of a country more technologically advanced than Korea), but why for the love of god not sell the Legacy wagon in the states? Not everybody that wants the practicality of a station wagon wants the boring, heavy looks of a crossover SUV! I’m sure the latest generation Legacy is a fine example of Subaru’s quality and engineering, but they’ve certainly failed to capture the spirit of a truly good mid-sized family car with this one.
Bohemian_Funk
25. Aug, 2009
That “on” was meant to be inside the parenthesis by the way.
Legacy4ever
26. Aug, 2009
Yeah and Fuji is here only to please some people and not to make money, and not to sell more car.
MIke08WRX
02. Sep, 2009
I think you people are nuts, SUBARU IS A BUSINESS, appealing to the masses in a distinctly different way is still something that Subaru is doing. Its broad appeal has allowed for better quality and control, reliability how you like your cupholders or should they still be right above the radio!!??
Listen Subaru is still the same core that you have now in any model, AWD, SAFE, RELIABLE, FUN
SUBARU IS UP 50% from last yr, were doing something right….
G. Livingston
25. Sep, 2009
Well , in talking to 20 dealerships in my area and surrounding states, the Subaru customers have spoken.
The dealerships can’t sell the Legacy GT’s that they ordered, no one wants a STICK !!!!!! That is why they dropped the Spec B, bad sales figures. They hoped they could sell the GT with the stick, not working !!!!!They also can’t sell the 3.6 models either. The only Legacy Model selling is the the 4 cylinder boxer with the CVT. The best thing Subaru can hope for is to develope a CVT, that can withstand the torque and horsepower of their performance models. It seems other car manufacture’s have accomplished this, why not Subaru. For those that state, that all performace cars should have a manual transmission, and only that, well that is your opinion, but it sure is not based on factual information. There are many performance cars that have, automatic/ CVT transmissions, that do very well in the performance area, just look at the Nissan GT-R and Mitsubishi Evo. Their cars do quite well having a CVT transmission, that work very well in the automatic mode !!!!!
J. Little
25. Sep, 2009
I have read all statements, and have a few remarks. Someone mentioned a 6 cylinder set up like the new Ford Taurus, are you willing to pay upwards of $40,000 for that set up. In reading articles, most SHO’s will run about $43,000 dollars, or more. That car is a pig, it weights almost 4400 pounds ! I have owned Subaru’s since 1982, and have remained loyal because of their product individuality, some how Subaru is loosing that. The Legacy is a good car, but should never be placed in the same category as the WRX/ STI. Those cars are true performance cars. Subaru tried with the Legacy Spec B, which was a good car, but sales were lackluster at best. The Legacy was developed for the older Subaru buyer that still wants some performance and the reliability of a Subaru. 95 % of Legacy buyers are not going to take their car to a track, to race in any form, hence that is why 75-80 % of all Legacy GT’s sold in resent years were automatics. There are always going to be a few that want a manual transmission, that is why the WRX and STI, only come that way. So for those that want a manual transmission buy a WRX or STI. It doesn’t make since for Subaru to put a manual transmission in the 6 cylinder Outback / Legacy, when over 95 % will be buying it with the automatic transmission, if they buy the 3.6 at all. I read an article that stated Subaru missed the mark when not offering an automatic transmission for the new Legacy GT. Personally, I don’t really care, because the new Legacy is to big, when placed next to the 09 model, it dwarfs it. Yes the Legacy needed a little more rear leg room, and maybe some head room, but they went to far. Subaru has gone mainstream, some may see that as a good thing, but for those loyal Subaru customers that have stuck with Subaru for many years, I would say most are quite disappointed. I bought Subaru’s because they didn’t look like anything else on the street, when you saw a Subaru, you knew it was a Subaru. Now who can tell, the Forester looks like a cross between the Toyota Highlander and the Mitsubishi Outlander ?? The Impreza looks like any other small compact car on the road, and now the Legacy joins the group, looking like a Camry – Lexus mix, and the Outback looking very much like the Toyota Venza, which are both being built out of the same factory in Lafayette Indiana. Personally Subaru has lost my support, I will be holding on to my current Subaru’s, and if there comes a day I need a new car, unless Subaru makes some changes, I will be looking at other automobiles !!!!!!!
2010 Subaru Legacy GT/3.6R | Driving Sports
18. Nov, 2009
[...] If you prefer to read, instead of watching my review, you can see it over at Subiesport.com [...]
vwwv
07. Dec, 2009
Big-body (ish) awd turbo? It’s pretty amazing when you consider that this awd is legit. Subaru’s limited-slip technology is hard to argue with. I know because I’ve seen Subarus handle uphill ice-covered roads, black ice…the point is that drivetrain tech available in all of these models is absolutely top of the line. Jeep has been using similar technology in their range-toppers but Subarus are optimized for weight–the engine weighs about 300 pounds. It’s only marginally appropriate to compare the car to the 2.0 volkswagen because this car will own everything in terms of awd and even 4wd in dynamic situations. AND the volkswagen in daily commuting. The bigger wheelbase is amazing. And it all weighs about the same as the older models…
vwwv
07. Dec, 2009
BTW, word on the english-language streets is that the CVT is the real deal…It’s the closest any automaker has come to perfecting the dream of the CVT. Anyone who’s looked at the inside of a Subaru transmission and has compared it to the competition…This tranny reaches the level of a toyota or a jeep-the quality and strength is the most important contribution to the durability of a 4 wheel drive transmission. The six-speed may have an inferior shift mechnism to the STI Impreza but suggesting it’s mechanically weak because if this difference is ridiculous.
D. Williams
28. Dec, 2009
It may be a mechanical marvel, but the interior and exterior are examples of incoherent design. None of the shapes flow together very well. They look downright awkward. The 05-09’s have a much more cohesive look to them. And what do we get from these random shapes? A car that’s boring and looks like every other mid-sized sedan. The design studio should be ashamed.
Oregoncarbuyer
13. Jan, 2010
I read all the reports available on the 2010 Subaru Legacies and ended up factory ordering a Legacy Limited 3.6R without the moonroof. Why the 3.6R? It has ample power and the added smoothness of a six cylinder engine, which tends to be less obtrusive during acceleration. Unlike the turbocharged four cylinder engine, I don’t have to worry about letting the engine cool down after exiting a freeway to eat lunch. Using regular fuel is convenient for me, and I prefer the feel of a conventional automatic transmission.