Two engines are available on the 2013 Subaru Legacy. The base engine is a 2.5L 4-cylinder horizontally opposed "boxer" that makes 173 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque. The larger, optional engine is a 3.6L V6 boxer engine capable of 256 horsepower and 247 pound-feet of torque, giving the Legacy plenty of grunt.
Legacy models equipped with the 2.5L engine come with a 6-speed manual transmission or an optional Lineartronic continuously variable transmission. The 3.6L engine is offered only with a 5-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Subaru's trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive is standard on all models. MacPherson struts in front and a double-wishbone rear setup provide the Legacy with a sporty, compliant suspension.
Base model Legacys come with plenty of standard features. Air conditioning, automatic headlights, cruise control, a USB charging port, hill assist, steering wheel mounted audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity are included on all Legacys. Premium models add a 10-way power adjustable drivers seat, a CVT transmission, leather wrapped steering wheel and shifter and 17-inch wheels.
Premium Legacys are also available with three option packages. An All-Weather package includes niceties like heated front seats, mirrors and a windshield wiper de-icer. A power moonroof package includes a glass moonroof and an audio package features a nine speaker, 440-watt harman/kardon Display-type premium audio system.
Limited models come standard with the harman/kardon audio package as well as leather seating, a 4-way power front passenger seat, electro-luminescent guages and automatic climate control. Options on the Limited include a voice activated GPS and a rear view camera.
Standard safety equipment includes front seat side impact airbags, side curtain airbags, intelligent dual-stage deploying front air bags, 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, stability and traction control, brake assist, an electronic parking brake with Hill Holder and a tire pressure monitoring system. The Limited trims offer voice-activated GPS with rear-backup camera.
Compelling Design Inside And Out
Plenty Of Power
Ride Comfort
Standard All-wheel Drive
Fine Balance Of Luxury And Performance
The Subaru Legacy has been given numerous tweaks for 2013, resulting in a more complete package. The major mechanical difference is a new generation of 4-cylinder engines, resulting in more power and better fuel economy, but suspension settings have also been revised and the available CVT transmission is improved from last years model. The styling of the car is also changed. New front headlights compliment a new grill and front bumper which combine to give the car a sportier look.
More options are available to buyers, the most important of which is the EyeSight driver assistance system. EyeSight integrates adaptive cruise control, pre-collision braking and vehicle lane departure warning into one package.
Trim levels have been significantly simplified for 2013. Subaru now offers three basic trim models, Base, Premium and Limited, meaning that the 2.5GT is no longer offered in 2013 and that Subaru has cut the turbocharged engine out of the lineup entirely.
Subaru has long been known for its insistence of standard all-wheel drive in all of its models. The Legacy brings Subaru's reputation for safety and reliability to a stylish mid-size sedan capable of surprising performance, with MSRP starting at just under $20,000.
