2012 Subaru Legacy Expert Review: New Car Test Drive

• Introduction
• Lineup
• Walkaround
• Interior
• Driving Impression
• Summary
• Model Lineup
• Assembled In
• Options As Tested
• Model Tested

All-wheel drive gives this sedan great all-weather capability.Superb all-weather wagon.

Introduction

All-wheel drive makes the Subaru Legacy an excellent choice for anyone who wants a midsize sedan capable of handling the worst weather. These cars are particularly enjoyable to drive through the mountains where winding roads may be dry, wet, icy or covered with snow. However, responsive handling, respectable performance and handsome styling make the Legacy enjoyable to own even when the sun is shining and the roads are dry. 

All Legacy models are sedans. If you want a wagon, check out the Outback. Among midsize sedans, the Legacy doesn't seem overly large, thanks to relatively short overhangs front and rear and a coupe-like roofline. Distinctive styling helps the Legacy stand apart from other midsize sedans. Aggressive wheel arches are complemented with edged flares. 

The 2012 Legacy offers a choice of three powertrains: Legacy 2.5i comes with a 2.5-liter single-overhead cam four-cylinder, Legacy 2.5GT features a turbocharged double overhead-cam four-cylinder, while the Legacy 3.6R has a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine. All are Subaru's signature horizontally opposed engines, two flat-4s and a flat-6, which keep the center of gravity low for improved handling. 

The Subaru Legacy 2.5i gets good fuel economy and we found it effortless to drive, especially with the optional continuously variable transmission: put it in Drive and go. The Legacy 2.5GT is sporty and fun to drive with its turbocharged engine and manual gearbox. The Legacy 3.6R has strong low-rpm power from its big six-cylinder engine for excellent drivability; it's powerful and luxurious. All of them are enjoyable to drive and offer good handling, the benefits of all-wheel drive, a low center of gravity and nicely tuned suspensions. 

Inside, the Legacy is wonderfully comfortable, with high-quality interior trim. We particularly liked the perforated leather on the Limited models. These aren't luxury cars, but they are premium cars in terms of the quality of materials and the engineering that goes into them. Front- and rear-seat legroom is adequate. Trunk space measures 14.7 cubic feet, average for the segment. 

The 2012 Legacy represents the fifth generation of the model, which was completely redesigned for 2010. Only minor changes have made their way into the lineup since then. Changes for 2012 have consisted almost entirely of new standard equipment and option packages. Among them:

2012 Subaru Legacy models offer a new Alloy Wheel Package that includes fog lights and cold-weather equipment. Audio systems have been upgraded on 2012 Legacy Premium and 2012 Legacy Limited models. Fog lights are now standard on 2012 Legacy Limited models. The Subaru Outback wagon is a superb vehicle on dirt and gravel roads, in the snow, heavy rain, or anything that calls of traction and sure-footedness. Equipped with all-wheel drive, the Outback is ready for active outdoor use. 

Outback was redesigned for the 2010 model year. Changes since then have been modest. 2012 Subaru Outback models offer an Alloy Wheel Package with fog lights and cold-weather equipment. Audio systems have been upgraded on 2012 Outback Premium and 2012 Outback Limited models. 

The Outback suspension, transmission and all-wheel-drive system are geared for control, comfort and stability on gravel roads and in inclement weather. All Subaru models are all-wheel drive, aiming for sure handling and traction in marginal conditions. They are most popular in the New England, Pacific Northwest, and Rocky Mountain states. The engines feature horizontally opposed pistons, the so-called boxer layout that Porsche also uses. This results in strong torque for accelerating up hills while helping maintain a low center of gravity for improved handling. 

We found the Outback to be an exceptionally capable car on unpaved forest roads. Extensive driving on Montana's back roads revealed that its tough, supple suspension could handle rough roads, and its all-wheel drive performed well in all sorts of slippery conditions. Out on the open highway the Outback is smooth and comfortable and feels like a regular car. During a week of nasty Pacific Northwest winter, and it gave us a sense of security like few cars can, confident that with the Outback under us we could breeze through whatever weather we were dealt. 

Two engines are available, balancing efficiency and performance. Best government-rated fuel economy is an EPA-estimated 22/29 mpg City/Highway for the 170-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). For maximum performance, a 256-hp 3.6-liter six-cylinder is available, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Neither engine uses forced induction or turbocharging to achieve its rated output, and both run on regular unleaded fuel. 

Four-wheel independent suspension is standard, with MacPherson struts up front and double wishbones in the rear. The wishbone suspension delivers a smooth ride and enables a larger rear cargo area than would be possible with a strut-type rear suspension. 

The Outback emphasizes cargo carrying, with large doors that swing open wide, and good interior dimensions for cargo room. 

Lineup

The 2012 Subaru Legacy 2.5i ($19,995) is powered by a 170-hp boxer-four engine, paired with 6-speed manual transmission, and riding on 16-inch steel wheels. Standard equipment includes air conditioning; 60/40 split rear seat with armrest; steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons; four-speaker AM/FM stereo with CD player, Radio Data Broadcast System (RDBS), and input jacks; remote entry; and power windows, locks and mirrors. The CVT is optional ($1000). New for 2012 is an Alloy Wheel Package ($995) that includes 16-inch aluminum wheels, fog lights and an All-Weather Package comprising two-stage heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. 

Legacy 2.5i Premium ($21,995) adds a 10-way power driver's seat, alloy wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and other conveniences. New for 2012 is an upgraded six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo that includes Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity with steering-wheel controls and audio streaming, RDBS, iPod control capability, a USB port and 3.5mm auxiliary input jack, and pre-wiring for XM/ Sirius Satellite Radio. CVT is optional ($1000), as is the All Weather Package ($500); or order the All Weather Package combined with a moonroof ($1495). Choose the CVT automatic, and you can also package the all-weather equipment with the Limited-level harman-kardon stereo described below ($1795); or the all-weather package, the harman-kardon stereo, and the moonroof ($2,790). 

Legacy 2.5i Limited ($25,595) comes with leather-trimmed upholstery, a four-way adjustable power passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, 17-inch alloy wheels, the all-weather package and the CVT. The previously standard nine-speaker harman-kardon 440-watt audio system now incorporates all the same connectivity features as the new Premium-level stereo, plus HD radio and a 4.3-inch LCD display. XM Satellite Radio is standard. Fog lights are now standard as well. The only options are the moonroof ($995) and the moonroof plus navigation ($2,995), which includes a rearview camera. 

Legacy 2.5GT Limited ($31,595) is equipped similarly but powered by a 265-hp turbocharged engine with 6-speed manual transmission, larger brakes, and 18-inch alloy wheels with summer tires. The moonroof is standard, as is a hood scoop and unique interior trim. The only transmission offered is a 6-speed manual, and the only option is navigation ($2,000). 

Legacy 3.6R ($25,095) comes with a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine and a 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, along with the larger brakes from the GT model, and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-season tires. Otherwise standard equipment is just slightly more deluxe than on the base 2.5i. No options are available. 

Legacy 3.6R Premium ($26,295) adds 10-way power driver's seat, all-weather package, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and the same new deluxe stereo as the 2.5i Premium. The moonroof is optional, with the harman-kardon stereo ($2,290), or without ($995). 

Legacy 3.6R Limited ($28,595) adds leather, the four-way power passenger seat, dual-zone climate control, and the same upgraded harman-kardon sound system as the 2.5i Limited; with the moonroof ($995), and moonroof plus navigation ($2,995) as the only options. 

Safety equipment on all 2012 Subaru Legacy models includes front and front side airbags with side curtain airbags, ABS with Electronic Brake-force Distribution and Brake Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control with traction control, all-wheel drive, and the federally mandated tire pressure monitor. The optional navigation system includes a rearview camera. The 2012 Subaru Outback is available with a choice of two engines, three transmissions, with Base, Limited or Premium trim levels. 

Outback 2.5i models ($23,295) come with the 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual transmission or CVT ($24,295). Standard equipment for 2.5i includes cloth upholstery, manual air conditioning with air filter, six-way manually adjustable driver seat, four-way manually adjustable passenger seat, 100-watt AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio with four speakers and auxiliary jack, remote keyless entry, power locks, power windows, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, three power outlets, anti-theft alarm, 16-inch steel wheels, and 215/70R16 tires. A new alloy wheel package ($995) also includes fog lights and an All-Weather Package (two-stage heated front seats, heated exterior mirrors and windshield wiper de-icer). 

Outback 3.6R ($28,295) comes with the 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine and 5-speed automatic transmission. Aside from the larger engine and automatic transmission, standard equipment on the 3.6 R is similar. It does come standard with 225/60R17 tires on 17-inch alloy wheels, and a few more interior amenities. No options are offered. 

Premium trim for the Outback 2.5i manual ($24,795), 2.5i CVT ($25,795) and 3.6R ($29,495) upgrades each of them to a 10-way power driver seat, fog lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/60R17 tires and other features. New for 2012 is a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo with Radio Broadcast Data System (RBDS), Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free phone connectivity, iPod control capability, and a USB port in addition to the auxiliary input jack. Options include the All-Weather Package ($500), also available bundled with a moonroof ($1,945). Also available is the new harman/kardon stereo from the Limited (see below), but it must be combined with the All-Weather Package ($1,795), a moonroof ($1,945), or both ($3,240). 

Limited trim for the Outback 2.5i ($28,695) and the 3.6R ($31,695) includes leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, power passenger seat, woodgrain interior trim, Bluetooth, heated mirrors, heated seats, and a windshield wiper de-icer. The CVT becomes standard, too, on the 2.5i. For 2012, the existing 440-watt harman/kardon AM/FM/XM/CD/MP3 audio with nine speakers loses its CD changer (it still plays single CDs) but gains HD radio, RBDS, Bluetooth audio streaming, XM Satellite Radio, a 4.3-inch LCD display, and all the connectivity features of the new Premium-trim system. The moonroof becomes available as a stand-alone ($1,445) or packaged with navigation ($2,995). 

Safety features include anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, quick brake assist, traction control, VDC electronic stability control, all-wheel drive, LATCH child safety locks, rear-door child locks. 

Walkaround

The Subaru Legacy looks sleek with its coupe-like roofline. However, the Legacy looks a bit odd in profile when you study it, slightly platypus-like, with its long rounded nose. Aggressive wheel arches and edged flares are enhanced by handsome alloy wheels. 

In front, Subaru's badge (the Pleiades constellation, a.k.a. the Seven Sisters) is set within a bright flying wing that spans the chrome-outlined grille. Character lines arc from the grille to form power bulges on the hood as they taper upward to the A-pillar. 

There's a short rear deck with squared-off rear valances (smooth and not boxy), part of the standard aero package, giving an impression of size. 

On the Legacy 2.5GT, a prominent hood scoop sucks in air and tunnels it to the turbocharger intercooler. Along with the 18-inch wheels with wide-profile tires and twin-tip exhaust, it's clear that the GT means business. 

The rigid Legacy chassis uses a fully reinforced cage of high-strength steel. Fluid engine mounts help reduce noise. The Subaru Outback is essentially a station wagon version of the midsize Subaru Legacy sedan. The Outback suspension is raised slightly for better ground clearance. Their kinship is evident at the front end, despite different grilles and other distinguishing details. 

The Outback has an alert, bold look, with long, hawk-eye headlamps mounted higher than the upright grille. Functional side cladding and rocker panels are a reminder this Subaru is intended to be at home on gravel roads. (And, indeed, it is.) At the rear, compound tail lamps blend into a broad rear hatch with a large rear window, integrating the design and helping to define the high beltline that keeps the Outback from being visually top-heavy. 

A roof rack is standard. The rack's crossbars are stowed in the roof rails for reduced wind noise, and can be swung into position when needed. The rack, which is designed to fit Subaru's line of roof-rack accessories, adds about two inches of height to the Outback. The optional Power Moonroof subtracts about two inches of front headroom. 

Outback 3.6R models are visually identified by 17-inch wheels and larger, 225/60R17 tires, although four-cylinder Outbacks can be upgraded with the same wheel/tire combination by selecting Limited or Premium trim. 

Interior

The Subaru Legacy cabin is nice, with quality interior materials all around. We found the front bucket seats wonderfully comfortable. The three-spoke steering wheel isn't as handsome as the rest of the interior, although the optional leather wrap is nice. Visibility in all directions is good. 

The rear seats, especially in perforated leather, fit as nicely as the fronts, with a scalloped seatback that gives more knee room. The rear doors allow for easy entry and exit. 

Trunk space measures 14.7 cubic feet, which is large enough for four sets of golf clubs. Gas strut supports, no intrusion into trunk space: quality detail, for such an affordable midsize car. Typical for Subaru. 

The center console offers plenty of space and features a standard electric parking brake, which includes the Hill Holder system that lasts until the car accelerates (not just a couple seconds as in the previous generation). The four-gauge instrument panel is clean and stylish, with a multi-information display standard. The controls on the center stack are all well done. The electronically controlled HVAC system offers powerful and quiet air conditioning and optional dual zone control. The ambient lighting for the console is pleasant. 

Underway, the Legacy is very quiet inside, both four-cylinder and six-cylinder but especially the six-cylinder. That's thanks to a number of things, such as framed door glass and double sealing of all four doors. Outback offers generous headroom, making it a good choice for tall drivers. Despite its obvious kinship with the Legacy, the Outback stands 4.6 inches taller, not counting the roof rack, and this translates into an extra half-inch of headroom in front and nearly 2 more inches in the rear. If that doesn't seem like as much of a difference as it should be, remember that much of the Outback's extra height is taken up by ground clearance. Otherwise the passenger-carrying dimensions of the two vehicles are absolutely identical, which is to say generous. Both surrender the same 2-plus inches of front seat headroom to the optional moonroof. 

The Outback models we drove had Premium trim and the better, 10-way driver's seat. The standard seats might not be as adjustable, but they are well designed and the cabin feels roomy, even after a long day of driving. There is a standard cargo tray, under floor storage, and grocery bag hooks behind the rear seats. 

The dash and cockpit are built around a sporty, four-dial instrument panel and a contemporary upswept center stack. The instrument panel includes a multi-information display that indicates outside temperature, fuel consumption, time, and warning functions for seatbelts and passenger air bags. The transmission gear readout is digital. The steering wheel, a three-spoke design, has four large buttons to control the audio system and cruise control. When equipped with an automatic transmission, paddle shifters are located behind the wheel. Taken as a whole, the interior is clean and contemporary, without being excessively ornate. 

The parking brake is controlled electronically via a button to the left of the steering wheel, and has a Hill Hold feature. 

The new Navigation option for Limited, which integrates with the harman/kardon stereo, includes an 8-in. wide-format display screen, voice command, rear vision camera, and Homelink transceiver. Outbacks with the moonroof also come with a rear-vision camera and Homelink. 

Driving Impression

We've driven all versions. We tested both transmissions in the base Subaru Legacy 2.5i and recommend the optional Continuously Variable Transmission. The CVT makes driving effortless and gets significantly better fuel economy than the standard 6-speed manual gearbox. The CVT works like a regular automatic transmission: Just shift it into Drive and go. It comes with paddle shifters on the steering wheel allowing the driver to shift into different ratios when preferred. Subaru was an early leader in CVT technology and has been making CVTs some 20 years. 

The Legacy 2.5i model uses a 2.5-liter four-cylinder boxer engine rated at 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque, with torque peaking at 4000 rpm. We challenged the engine and CVT during a day of driving in the Pacific Northwest, and only hot rodders will need more acceleration than this 30-mpg sophisticated midsize sedan offers. 

The Legacy 2.5GT comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox. The 265-hp turbocharged engine, with its large turbocharger that sits low and near to the exhaust, is capable of pulling 258 pound-feet of torque, available from 2000 to 5200 rpm. And there's no lag. The Subaru Legacy 2.5GT pulls off a 0-to-60 acceleration time of 5.9 seconds, much better than the 3.6R's pokey 7.1 seconds. The Legacy 2.5GT is good fun and an excellent choice for driving enthusiasts who want all-weather capability in a four-door sedan. 

The Legacy 3.6R feels like a more expensive car, thanks to its smooth power train, lovely perforated leather and the standard nine-speaker, harman-kardon sound system. The 3.6R offers the same 265 horsepower as the hot-rod 2.5GT, delivered more smoothly with a sweet 5-speed automatic transmission, while getting an EPA-estimated 18/25 mpg on regular fuel. But as we mentioned before, it's not going to beat the competition in a drag race. It shines when driving around town or in traffic on the freeway when frequent speed changes are needed. 

All three models have Subaru's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, but they are different systems. The manual transmission uses continuous AWD with a viscous-coupling locking center differential to distribute power 50-50 at all times; the 2.5i with CVT uses Active Torque Split AWD that electronically varies the front-rear distribution; and the 3.6R model uses Variable Torque Distribution which sends more power to the rear wheels but adjusts to the front when it senses the need. Subaru has been a leader in all-wheel drive engineering for a long time and they all work well. 

The chassis features a front subframe with a cradle that allows the engine to sit relatively low. Subarus handle well because of the inherent excellent weight distribution offered by the front-mounted boxer engine. Combined with standard all-wheel drive, there isn't a better design for stability on the road in the midsize sedan segment. 

Other technical features contribute to the Legacy's comfortable driving dynamics, including a suspension system that uses MacPherson struts in front with double wishbones in rear, and a responsive steering ratio that put a smile on our faces, even with the base 2.5i model. The brakes feel good and inspire confidence. We drove the Subaru Outback on highways, back roads and forest service trails in and around Missoula, Montana, for two days, the drove another Outback for a week in the Pacific Northwest. Our Montana route took us along the Blackfoot River and north to the Bob Marshall Wilderness area, and eventually along a series of dirt trails that lead to the Continental Divide, where we could look out over the mountains, hills and valleys of western Montana. We covered more than 200 miles, splitting time between a 2.5i with the CVT and a 3.6R with a 5-speed automatic transmission. 

Most of the time, driving a Subaru Outback feels about the same as driving any other family sedan, but with a slightly taller stance and longer-travel suspension. Because of its low center of gravity and all-wheel-drive system, there is a distinctive rally car quality seldom seen in other crossovers and SUVs. 

It's the suspension that allows the Outback to travel unpaved roads comfortably at higher speeds with excellent control. It cushions the Outback on cracked roadway surfaces, highway bumps, and on dirt and gravel roads. 

The suspension also does a good job in corners thanks partly to stabilizer bars front and rear. It invites spirited driving and rewards playful cornering with sure-footed grip and a nice, steady set in every corner. The suspension tolerates a certain amount of driver error with grace. Enter a corner too fast, or come up on an unforeseen pothole too quickly and there is minimal impact, shudder or rebound. Should a tire drop into a pothole or eroded washout, the tire on the opposite side stays flat and in full contact with the surface. 

The brakes are nicely balanced, with good pedal feel, so a driver falls into rhythm as the Outback squats into corners and rockets outward. 

The Outback is quick in the dirt and has relatively high ground clearance. It is not intended as a low-speed off-road crawler, however, and it does not have a low-range transfer case. Still, especially with the six-cylinder engine, there is a surprising amount of torque at low rpm, and good traction. To underscore the Outback's capability, Subaru arranged an off-road hill climb comparison with two other all-wheel-drive vehicles, a Ford Explorer AWD and a Toyota Venza. While neither of the other two could make it more than halfway up the long steep hill with anyone driving, every Outback was able to steadily churn and grind its way to the top, no matter who was driving. 

Later we drove an Outback 3.6R Limited in an event called Mudfest, at the DirtFish Rally School's 315-acre facility in Snoqualmie, Washington, where the Outback clearly proved the value of its effortless traction, controllability and even ground clearance, in deep slippery mud. 

Back on the highway, the Outback becomes something more like a station wagon than an SUV. It corners more precisely with less body roll, and it rides at least as comfortably as other crossover vehicles we have driven. Compared to utility wagons like the Toyota Venza, the Subaru feels especially solid on the roadway, with perhaps slightly more road noise coming from all-season tires, but remains a restful and relaxing vehicle to drive at legal speeds. The reduced NVH is partly because of the addition of framed glass and better sealing around the doors. Still, to our ear, it is not as quiet as some of the newest light-duty crossover wagons. 

Competent on the road and downright sporty on dirt, the Outback 2.5i with the 2.5-liter engine and CVT feels a tad underpowered on the highway. Climbing mountain highway passes took more throttle, and there is a little more noise from the four-cylinder engine. 

The more powerful 3.6-liter engine allowed for steady acceleration uphill and gave us ready passing power at highway speeds, but gives up fuel economy in the process. Neither drivetrain showed any appreciable tendency to generate torque steer. 

Because of the different types of transmissions, there are three types of all-wheel-drive systems used across the Outback line. Vehicle dynamics and performance would be about the same across the board, but there are subtle differences. 

With the 6-speed manual transmission in the 2.5i, there is a locking center differential that can distribute power evenly from front to rear in a 50/50 ratio. This would likely be the best-traction option in the worst of circumstances, such as an icy road covered with blowing snow. 

The other two AWD systems actively control power distribution in response to driving conditions; they normally bias power toward the rear wheels to reduce torque steer and enhance agility. These systems are best at compensating for ice patches and wet spots on otherwise dry roads. Both systems are augmented by electronic traction control, which as we saw at the hillclimb, does a nice job of balancing power distribution as needed. 

By combining a low-mounted engine with all-wheel-drive, the Outback conveys an unusual sense of security and well-being. It is, in the end, a satisfying machine to operate. We found that the more we drove it, the more we liked it. 

Summary

The Subaru Legacy is a premium product in terms of its engineering. All-wheel drive and a low center of gravity gives the Legacy a unique advantage over the Toyota Camry, Honda Accord, Mazda6, Nissan Altima, and Volkswagen Passat. The Legacy 2.5i offers plenty of power and adequate space, with luxury and comfort exceeding its class, while getting an EPA-rated 26 mpg in Combined city and highway driving with the CVT transmission. The Legacy 2.5GT is an enjoyable sports sedan with all-weather capability. The Legacy 3.6R is a midsize luxury car. Each model has class-leading virtues. 

Sam Moses contributed to this NewCarTestDrive.com report after his test drive of Subaru Legacy models in the Pacific Northwest. The Subaru Outback is a thoughtful, well-balanced all-wheel-drive wagon that has unique character. It provides plenty of utility in a modern package, and the optional flat-six engine adds to its on-road performance. It remains faithful to the character attributes Subaru has always offered, something current owners will appreciate. 

John Stewart contributed to this NewCarTestDrive.com report after his test drive of the Outback near Missoula, Montana; Sam Moses reported after driving the Outback in the Pacific Northwest. 

Model Lineup

Subaru Legacy 2.5i ($19,995), 2.5i Premium ($21,295), 2.5i Limited ($25,595), 2.5GT Limited ($31,595), 3.6R ($25,095), 3.6R Premium ($26,295), 3.6R Limited ($28,595). Subaru Outback 2.5i 6M ($23,295), CVT ($24,295); 2.5i Premium 6M ($24,795), CVT ($25,795); 2.5i Limited ($28,695); 3.6R ($28,295), 3.6R Premium ($29,495), 3.6R Limited ($31,695). 

Assembled In

Lafayette, Indiana. Lafayette, Indiana. 

Options As Tested

none. cargo net ($33). 

Model Tested

Subaru Legacy 2.5i Limited ($25,595). Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited ($31,695).