2011 Subaru Legacy
by Jim Prueter -02/2011

Legacy is good, just not great

(This review was originally written in September 2009 about the 2010 Legacy Model.  Since only minor changes have been made, the review was updated to include those for the 2011 model year.)

Subaru tends to be somewhat of a niche nameplate. Because it offers four-wheel drive across the line, it is popular in snowy climates, but is virtually ignored in other regions. Yet, its buyers are fiercely loyal and could scarcely imagine driving anything else.

The Legacy is the brand’s longest-running nameplate, but has long been overshadowed by heavy-hitting competitors like Toyota Camry, Honda Accord and Nissan Altima. For 2010 it received a complete makeover; the first since 2005.  The new model may not launch to the forefront of consumer’s minds, but will please loyalists and turn more heads than the previous model.

The Subaru Legacy stands out in ways the others cannot. It comes well equipped with standard all-wheel drive, offers plenty of power if you skip the base 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, enjoys an excellent reputation for build quality and repair reliability and features handling we’d typically expect to find only in dedicated and much more expensive sport sedans.

A sibling of the Outback wagon, Legacy is only available as a four-door sedan.

Our main complaints with the previous model were a skimpy backseat and trunk space, both of which have been rectified with the redesign last year. Overall interior room has increased to 103 cubic feet, with four inches of additional legroom in the rear seat, and trunk capacity has increased to a class-competitive 14.7 cubic feet.

The exterior was completely restyled, with the focal point being the large upright front grille, squared off at the bottom. Wheel arches are more pronounced and the Legacy is almost coupe-like in appearance. It definitely has a sportier look that makes it stand apart in a crowd more than the previous model.

For 2011 Legacy is available in three models: 2.5i models (available in base, Premium, Limited trims and GT Limited) are powered by an updated 170-horsepower four-cylinder boxer engine and a standard six-speed manual transmission or an available CVT; 3.6R models (in Base, Premium and Limited), powered by a 265-horsepower turbocharged/intercooled Boxer engine, paired only with the six-speed manual; and the new 3.6R models (in base, Premium and Limited trim) are powered by a new 256-horsepower 3.6-liter six-cylinder Boxer engine, exclusively equipped with a five-speed electronic automatic transmission.

The transmission upgrade is a welcome one, as a major complaint of ours with the previous generation Legacy was the dated and ineffectual four-speed automatic on base models.

Following last year's redesign, Legacy receives minor changes for 2011. All models now have standard folding side mirrors. The 2.5 GT Premium model is gone, leaving the 2.5 GT Limited as the lone turbocharged model.

Our test vehicle was the base 2.5i model, well equipped with power accessories, cruise control, keyless entry, tilt and telescoping steering, auxiliary audio jack for an iPod or other music player, and 60/40 split fold down rear seatbacks to increase cargo room. Additional accessories in Premium trim levels include power driver’s seat adjustment, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio switches and 16-inch alloy wheels. Limited trims get standard leather upholstery, dual zone automatic climate control, harman-kardon® audio system, and a four-way power front passenger seat. GPS, backup camera, and Bluetooth compatibility are options in the Limited trim levels.

Inside we found the materials and fit and finish to be excellent. Front seats are comfortable with ample room. The increased interior room adds to passenger comfort, as does the highly adjustable nature of the driver’s seat and a steering wheel that both tilts and telescopes.

Road noise is negligible, and the car is free of squeaks and rattles, even more so than the previous model, due to the replacement of the frameless windows with new framed ones. The base model is a bit underpowered, resulting in some intrusive engine whine under heavy acceleration. Our recommendation would be to upgrade to the GT model for more power and less whine.  

Both stability and traction control are now standard on 2.5i Legacy model; something already standard on six-cylinder and most turbocharged models. All Subaru models feature dual-stage deployment, advanced front airbag systems, front-seat side-impact air bags for thorax-area protection, and side curtain airbags.

Legacy earned the highest five-star rating in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests (front and side). The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety awarded the Legacy its top rating (Good) and named it a Top Safety Pick.

The biggest news for consumers is the significant price drop; particularly in the higher-end models. In the past, sticker prices of GT models put Legacy in the same price neighborhood as luxury brands like Infinity, BMW and Lexus, but without the requisite cache, performance or styling to compete with those nameplates.

All in all, Subaru has addressed all of the complaints we had with the previous Legacy. Increased passenger room and comfort, improved styling and a lower price point make the Legacy more attractive and appealing to a broader consumer base. While it probably won’t overtake Camry, Accord, or Altima as king of the segment, Legacy will appeal to Subaru loyalists and should draw in those who want a competent, all-wheel drive sedan whose style and personality is just a bit off center.