With its standard all-wheel-drive system, the Subaru Legacy handles well, has decent fuel economy, and is overall a good every day driver. However, Subaru is far behind the curve in cabin tech.
Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Subaru gave the Legacy an update for the 2010 model year, increasing the size of the car slightly and offering new transmission options. But the company made no significant improvements in cabin tech.
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The Legacy's design fits in well with other midsize sedans. Its hood and fenders, in particular, resemble those of the Mazda6.
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Among the eight different trim levels for the Legacy are three engine options. The Legacy 2.5i comes with a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine making 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque.
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A high roofline means roomy interior space for five.
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As with all Subarus, the Legacy 2.5i comes standard with all-wheel-drive system. It handles well on slick pavement.
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Faux metal surfaces and plastics cover the cabin, while the seats get cloth upholstery.
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A standard multifunction steering wheel holds buttons for audio and cruise control.
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Befitting the low cabin tech level of the Legacy 2.5i, the display between the analog gauges shows minimal information.
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Subaru fits the new Legacy with an optional continuously variable transmission, which optimizes the drive ratio to produce good fuel economy. It also have six virtual shift points for its manual mode.
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The Legacy 2.5i's stereo is extremely basic and has no optional upgrades available. But the faceplate can be replaced for an aftermarket navigation/stereo system.
