The 2011 2.5i Legacy is an interesting solution for people who like a comfortable and roomy car without sacrificing fun and good handling.
For a small family like mine (two adults and two small children) that is often off to visit the grandparents, the Legacy has several strong points. The trunk is spacious (14.7 cu. ft.) and the total passenger room is generous (103 cu. ft.). The driver and front passenger can adjust their seats as they like, without worrying about squishing the child seats in the rear. What’s more, if the trunk is filled with baggage, a stroller, toys etc., you’ll still find space around the child seats.
The driver can adjust the seat with the help of 10 electric adjustments, and answer their phone calls while remaining focused on the road, thanks to Bluetooth hands-free technology (standard on the 2.5i Limited, 2.5GT Limited, and 3.6R Limited; optional on the 2.5i Premium and 3.6R Premium). In my opinion, this technology is necessary for cars of this category.
Performance
As far as power goes, for my taste the motor lacked a bit of breath. I do not in any way doubt the quality of this 4-cylinder, 2.5 L Subaru engine, that offers 170 hp at 5,600 rpm, but for a vehicle of this size, I would personally have preferred more “punch.”
There’s always the option of choosing the 2.5GT model which offers a turbocharged motor able to push out 265 hp at 5,600 rpm. A 3.6R model is also offered, equipped with a 6-cylinder 3.6 L engine that outputs 256 hp at 6,000 rpm.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Getting back to the 2.5i, I must point out that the lack of power from the motor was well-compensated by the Lineartronic CVT. In manual mode, this little gem lets you take control like a manual car, using paddle shifters on the steering wheel. Even in automatic mode, you can still use the paddle shifters in order to quickly get more power by downshifting. The transmission is then put into manual mode at the moment one changes speed, and then goes back into automatic mode on its own.
This transmission was able to improve my driving experience in the Legacy with its manual mode, but the automatic mode also offers several advantages. Without getting in to too many technical details, one needs to understand that this type of transmission helps the motor to always be in an optimal operating zone, which allows superior energy efficiency and better performance, thus, improved fuel consumption. The Legacy 2.5i is rated at 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
According to the press kit, Subaru is the first to offer a chain-driven CVT transmission on an all-wheel-drive vehicle, “a CVT longitudinally paired with AWD that uses a chain instead of a belt.”
All-Wheel Drive
A Subaru always comes with quality all-wheel drive—an important contribution, not to be overlooked in a province with a hostile and rigorous climate like Quebec. Who hasn’t been on the Quebec highways during the Christmas holidays, in a snowstorm, and seen someone who has slid off the road?
The airbags and the chassis reinforcement structures are important, but, in terms of prevention, an all-wheel drive will help you ensure good control of your vehicle in the most difficult conditions. The Legacy offers three symmetrical all-wheel-drive systems, depending on the various motors and transmissions.
Design
On the styling side, I’d say that the word “classic” describes the Legacy’s interior and exterior. It’s a beautiful car, but one that in my opinion deserves better exterior detail in order to attract more attention from those who like this type of luxurious car.
Same thing for the interior: They speak of quality materials and nice detailing, but stepping up with more luxury would surely go a long way. Some options on the higher trim levels, such as the VGA touch screen, wood-panel finish, automatic temperature control, etc., certainly sound interesting.
Overall, I find that this car can meet the needs of many families who prefer a spacious, reliable car that will keep their little people safe, or even for people who are often on the go and wish to offer themselves a certain degree of luxury without sacrificing good road handling.
The Legacy is offered starting from $19,995 (base 2.5i). The price can go up to $32,010 (3.6R Limited with the $2,995 Power Moonroof and Navigation System option).
