The 2010 Subaru Legacy

While the 20th anniversary of the Subaru Legacy is coming up, Subaru will release a freshly designed 2010 Subaru Legacy in 2009.  Both the sedan and wagon version,  the Outback, will be available as all new fifth generation models. Subaru is renowned for its love-or-loathe approach to designing cars, as seen in the frequent revisions to its Impreza line over the years, but the styling of the new Legacy isn't expected to be as controversial.  The Subaru Legacy is a full-time all-wheel drive vehicle that provides an exciting driving experience. With its sporty looks and increased performance, it is an ideal everyday car with a sports car attitude.

Exterior Design

The new car will still be based upon the lines of the current model. However, it's immediately apparent that shape is a significant departure from the outgoing Legacy. Differences will include a more prominent grille, sharper and more angular headlights, flared fenders and a more chiseled overall appearance. Its designers describe it as being significantly different yet still easily recognizable as a Legacy.  The nose has elements of the Tribeca, specifically the high waistline and the stacked headlights, as well as some inspiration from Audi. If you cut out the full nose area it's very similar to Audi's big mouth design. At a glance, it appears as though Subaru is aiming squarely at the Audi or BMW, but take a look at that ground clearance and it looks like a true Subaru.

2010 Forester Cabin

The 2010 Legacy can seat five people. There's 93.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, which is noticeably smaller than its competition. Every Legacy gets a revised integrated key fob, which has been reduced in size.  All Legacy models include a 60/40-split folding rear seat with a center pass-thru. The trunk on the sedan has 11.4 cubic feet of available cargo room.

Powertrain

The engine range will receive an update, with both the 2.0L and 2.5L four-cylinder engines returning in more powerful iterations. The engines that are being retained will be improved to include a new alloy cylinder block to help reduce weight, lower the engine's center of gravity even further, as well as a longer stroke action to improve torque levels. However, the 3.0L flat-six is expected to be phased out due to emissions and fuel-efficiency issues. The engines will be available in both turbo and naturally aspirated guises. The entry-level 2.0L engine should develop around 200hp, while a turbocharged 2.5L unit will output close to 300hp. There have also been rumors of a new Legacy STI in the works, which could be carrying a turbocharged 3.7L unit pumping out over 430hp.  In order to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency, two notoriously weak areas for Subaru, engineers are working on a continuously variable transmission in addition to the standard five-speed automatic. 

Driving the 2010 Forester

With the all-wheel drive and good safety ratings, the 2010 Subaru Legacy will be an excellent vehicle for any driver that must face slippery or wet roads.  The Legacy delivers a refined drive that's surprisingly agile in a sensibly sized package.  Being a bit smaller than others in the segment actually gives the Legacy an advantage in urban traffic as it feels much smaller and will always fit through a narrow streets.

Safety Features

The 2010 Legacy will likely include standard safety features such as side-impact airbags, side curtain airbags, active front head restraints, daytime running lights, antilock brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, and an electronic stability system.


The Legacy series was first introduced in 1989. Manufactured in Gunma, Japan and Lafayette, Indiana, global production has exceeded 3.6 million units. The U.S. market accounts for 43-percent of the production volume. The 2010 Subaru Legacy takes many styling cues from current and past Legacy sedans, particularly in its overall shape and certain details like the C-pillars and grille.  Other highlights include the company's Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system and low center of gravity. The fifth-generation model promises a more dramatic exterior, plus a number of mechanical improvements over the existing iteration. For more research read a Road and Track Subaru Legacy review.