Redesigned 2010 Subaru Legacy Gains MPGs and Accolades
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For years, the Subaru Legacy was just another average sedan lost in the sea of same-ness that is the mid-size vehicle class. However, the 2010 Subaru Legacy returns with a complete redesign that actually helps it stand out from class leaders like the Honda Accord and Toyota Camry. With dramatically improved fuel efficiency, more powerful engines and look-at-me body styling, the 2010 Subaru Legacy is poised to become a sleeper success for the new model year.
Shopping in the mid-size sedan vehicle class can give drivers a serious case of déjà vu. When it comes to exterior styling, it seems automakers are content with offering the same old, same old. However, Subaru decides to buck this trend with a bold redesign that gives it a refreshing identity completely different from any other vehicle for the year.
Sure, the aggressive styling isn't going to be liked by everyone, but that's not the point. A dozen or so sedan models already have the conservative market cornered. Subaru smartly decides to go in another direction and gamble with a muscular, bulky exterior that incorporates angular, swept back headlights and a wide, agile stance.
If you like the look of the 2010 Subaru Legacy, you're in luck because it only gets better once you get under the sedan's skin. Despite a price tag that starts around $20,000, the Legacy delivers a supremely luxurious feel. While technology features and build quality aren't quite on par with more expensive models, it's safe to say the 2010 Legacy offers a tremendous value.
With 102 cubic feet of interior cabin space, the Legacy is one of the roomiest vehicles in its class. You'll also be hard-pressed to find more comfortable front seats, and adult passengers have plenty of room to spread out in the rear. At 14.7 cubic feet, trunk space stays competitive with the rest of the class.
Previous Legacy models were continually chastised for low gas mileage. Subaru finally remedies these complaints by incorporating a more fuel-efficient engine that keeps the Legacy competitive in the age of high fuel prices. EPA estimates place the new figures at 23 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway. Only smaller, less-spirited sedans and hybrid models beat these figures for the year.
Three engine options are available for the Legacy. The base 2.5-liter four-cylinder makes 170 horsepower, and is plenty quick for the average driver. For those who want to turbocharge their driving experience, a 265-horsepower four-cylinder and 256-horsepower six-cylinder are also available.
Adding to the fun of the Subaru Legacy is the availability of all-wheel drive. Few sedans offer four-wheel propulsion, and the Legacy benefits with buttery cornering and snow-friendly traction.
Safety is another selling point of the new Subaru Legacy. Both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) give the Legacy top marks in every crash test category tested. Standard safety features include stability control, traction control and four-wheel antilock brakes.
So what's not to like about the Subaru Legacy? Well, as mentioned above the polarizing appearance will likely turn off a far amount of drivers. Some drivers may also turn up their noses at the interior design, which some say is curiously laid out.
More affordable options to the Subaru Legacy can be found in class favorites such as the 2010 Honda Accord, 2010 Toyota Camry and 2010 Ford Fusion. With a few add-ons, all of these vehicles can be equipped with similar features for about the same price. The Accord's upper-tier models are particularly luxurious, and worth comparison-shopping against the Legacy.
So, while the 2010 Legacy isn't perfect, Subaru finally has a sedan that makes it a worthy competitor to more popular models. If you're in the market for a mid-size sedan, visit a Subaru dealership and check out the Legacy in person. If you like the styling, you'll love the car.