Overview
Subaru Legacy was completely redesigned for 2010. The 2011 Subaru Legacy, a carryover model from 2010 with minor model line updates, projects a stylistic departure from its predecessors. Its steroidal fender flares, large headlights and slab like front command the attention. Basically it is a five-passenger midsize sedan offered in base 2.5i, 2.5i Premium, 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Premium, 2.5GT Limited, 3.6R, 3.6R Premium and 3.6R Limited trim levels. The Legacy competes with the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Fusion, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima and Toyota Camry.
Powertrain And Performance
Diverse engine choices make the 2011 Subaru Legacy a solid choice in the crowded mid-size sedan category. All wheel drive is standard. The base 2.5-liter horizontally opposed (a.k.a. "boxer") four-cylinder engine churns out 170 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) with manual shift control is optional on these models and standard on the 2.5i Limited.
The 2.5GT models feature a turbocharged version of the 2.5-liter four that pumps out 265 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque on premium fuel. It is available only with a six-speed manual. The 3.6R models are powered by a 3.6-liter horizontally opposed six-cylinder engine good for 256 hp and 247 lb-ft of torque on regular fuel. A five-speed automatic is the only available transmission.
The EPA fuel economy estimates are at their best with the CVT-equipped 2.5i; 23 mpg in city and 31 mpg on highways. With the six-speed manual transmission the mileage comes down to 19/27 mpg. The Legacy 2.5GT and 3.6R both deliver 18/25 mpg rating.
Build And Styling
The Legacy features a longer wheelbase, almost four inches of extra rear seat legroom and a new power train lineup featuring the new Subaru Lineartronic CVT (continuously variable transmission). Legacy 2.5i and 2.5i Premium models feature 16-inch wheels (alloy on Premium); the 2.5GT models are exclusively equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/45R18 tires. The 6-cylinder Legacy 3.6R models have 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/50R17 tires.
The base 2.5i model features standard steering wheel audio and cruise control buttons, a 65/35 split fold-down rear seat, new electronic parking brake, automatic lights-on function, ambient overhead console lighting and an available iPod jack. The all-new electronic Hill Holder System holds the vehicle in place until the driver applies the throttle to pull away from a stop. Previous versions of this system only held the car for a few seconds.
Legacy Premium models get more amenities, including an 8-way power driver?s seat with power lumbar support adjustment and drivers auto up/down window. The Premium models also offer additional comfort and convenience options, including a harman-kardon audio system, a power moonroof, and the All-Weather Package that adds heated front seats and mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer.
The Legacy Limited models come with leather upholstery, dual zone automatic climate control and a 4-way power front passenger seat. The Limited models exclusively offer an available voice-activated GPS navigation system with an 8-in. LCD display and rear-view backup camera, hands-free Bluetooth connectivity and streaming Bluetooth audio. The new- Legacy also offers one of the largest trunks (14.7 cu. ft.) in the segment.
Safety Features
Subaru's Ring-Shaped Reinforcement Frame safety structure, proven over a decade in all Subaru models, again forms the foundation for crash protection and occupant safety in the new-generation 2011 Legacy.
Front seat side impact air bags, side curtain air bags that offer additional head protections for front and rear occupants, Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) which combines stability and traction control capability, 4-wheel disc Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) are standard on all Legacy models. High-strength front seat frames provide enhanced protection against whiplash injury in a rear-end collision. Additionally, Subaru's Brake Assist safety system is available on all models.
