The previous-generation Legacy was a great drivers’ car, especially within the family-sedan market. Standard all-wheel drive offered all-weather security and the chassis felt lively, but the car suffered from weak fuel economy and a tight backseat. Indeed, the shortcomings made it seem as though Legacy buyers were making a sacrifice simply by purchasing the car, opting to join a secret Subie society instead of purchasing a more sensible, practical model from another manufacturer.
The new fifth-generation Legacy retains Subaru’s now-trademark all-wheel drive—but is larger than its predecessor by every measure of the tape. We won’t bore you with every dimension change, but noteworthy is the 3.2-inch stretch in wheelbase (now 108.3 inches) with only a 1.4-inch bump in overall length (now 186.4).
Surprisingly Good CVT
The same 170-hp flat-four that powered the previous Legacy carries over as the base engine in the 2.5i; in the latest car it couples to either a new six-speed manual or new CVT. While the six-speed’s sloppy shifter disappointed us—blame cable-actuated shift linkages versus the old rod-actuated type, says Subaru—the CVT surprised us. It manages to keep the revs low when cruising and the droning, golf-cart-style acceleration typically associated with a CVT to a minimum. Also, according to the onboard fuel consumption gauge, the CVT delivers on Subaru’s 31-mpg highway claim (the CVT is rated at 23 in the city). The CVT also has a manumatic feature that allows for the selection of dedicated ratios via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. We consider fake “gears” to be a bit hokey, but it is handy when descending a steep grade, as the transmission will do some of the braking for you.
Few will remember, but this is not Subie’s first attempt at a CVT. The 1987 Justy featured one, but it was poorly received by U.S. consumers. Subaru claims this new CVT, dubbed Lineartronic CVT, is extremely durable, and also says that the fluid will never need to be changed over the life of the transmission.
Keep Reading: 2010 Subaru Legacy - First Drive Review
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